Minneapolis stands out as a city where shopping and entertainment blend seamlessly. Its Mall of America isn’t just a shopping hub but also a place for unique experiences, like the 1-hour escape room adventure. Plus, the city offers destinations like the Crayola Experience, which turns creative play into a colorful outing suitable for families. Whether you’re looking for a quick adrenaline rush or a day of interactive fun with the kids, Minneapolis has options worth exploring.
In this guide, we’ll look at two standout tours that provide different kinds of shopping and market-style experiences. From high-energy escape missions to hands-on art adventures, these tours are designed to give you a memorable taste of what Minneapolis has to offer.
Quick Overview
This list features two distinctive tours: the Minneapolis Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure, which combines teamwork with puzzle-solving in immersive game worlds, and the Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket, a colorful and interactive destination for families and kids. Each offers a different way to enjoy shopping and entertainment under one roof.
1. Minneapolis: Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure
For around $46 per person, this escape room adventure at the Mall of America is a fantastic way to add some excitement to your shopping day. You get to work as a team for 1 hour in one of 7 immersive worlds, each with its own story—whether that’s finding hidden gold or breaking out of prison. It’s a perfect option if you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy puzzles and problem-solving.
What makes this experience unique is the variety of rooms available, each offering a different challenge. The unlimited hints are a thoughtful touch, allowing players to ask for clues without penalty—though the puzzles are designed to keep you thinking. The emphasis on teamwork makes it engaging for a wide range of ages, and the fact that it’s only an hour long means it can fit into a busy schedule. Guests consistently rate this activity a high 4.8 out of 5, praising the immersive environments and friendly game guides.
A typical review highlights the fun of working together: “We loved how each room felt like a different adventure, and the hints kept us moving without frustration.” It’s a smart choice for those wanting a quick, memorable experience that complements a day of shopping.
Bottom Line: This escape room offers a fun break from retail therapy with engaging puzzles in a lively setting. It’s ideal for groups looking for a quick dose of adventure during their Mall of America visit.
2. Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket
Priced at about $31 per person, the Crayola Experience is a colorful, family-friendly attraction designed to ignite creativity. Spanning 60,000 square feet, this attraction transforms the magic of Crayola into hands-on activities that appeal to kids and kids-at-heart alike. The flexible ticket allows you to visit anytime within a day, giving you flexibility to plan your visit around other Minneapolis attractions.
The experience features 26 one-of-a-kind attractions, including making your own Crayola crayon, spinning art projects, and even wrapping your creation as a keepsake. One standout is the live show explaining how Crayola crayons are made, which is surprisingly fascinating for all ages. Visitors can also participate in melt crayon charms and watch their artwork come to life on personalized coloring pages. The emphasis on interaction makes it a hit for families seeking creative, mess-free fun.
Reviewers praise the colorful environment, with one noting, “My kids loved designing their own crayons and watching the live show. It’s like stepping into a giant box of crayons.” The ticket’s flexibility means you’re not rushed, making it a great choice for a relaxed family afternoon or a dedicated creative outing during your trip.
Bottom Line: The Crayola Experience offers a vibrant, engaging experience that combines art, play, and education—perfect if you want a break from shopping but still want to stay within the Mall of America complex.
How to Choose
When selecting between these options, consider your interests and travel style. The Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure is best if you want a quick, energetic activity that tests your puzzle-solving skills and teamwork. It suits groups of friends or families who enjoy interactive challenges. Meanwhile, the Crayola Experience is ideal for families with children or creative types seeking hands-on art fun. Its flexible ticket policy makes it convenient for fitting in alongside other activities.
Budget-wise, both tours are reasonable, but the escape room’s higher price reflects its immersive, team-based experience. If time is limited, the escape room’s one-hour format is perfect. For a full day of creative exploration, the Crayola Experience provides enough attractions to keep everyone entertained for hours.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak weekends or school holidays, to secure your preferred time slots. Both experiences are located within the Mall of America, making them easy to combine with shopping or dining.
Final Thoughts
Minneapolis offers a surprising variety of shopping and interactive experiences. For a quick thrill, the escape room provides a memorable challenge that energizes your visit. For a colorful, family-friendly outing, the Crayola Experience delivers hands-on fun with artistic flair.
If you’re traveling with kids, the Crayola Experience is a top pick for its engaging activities and flexible scheduling. For groups seeking a quick dose of adrenaline and puzzle-solving, the escape room hits the mark perfectly. Either way, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these popular attractions. No matter your choice, Minneapolis’s Mall of America continues to be a hub of shopping and entertainment worth exploring.