Bloomington, Minnesota, is much more than just a suburb; it’s a hub for unique shopping experiences and fun family outings. While the Mall of America often steals the spotlight with its enormous retail space, it also offers some standout tours that go beyond typical shopping. We love how these experiences give visitors a chance to explore the mall’s hidden corners, see incredible marine life, or enjoy interactive mini-golf—all within one giant complex. Whether you’re traveling with kids, a lover of quirky attractions, or just looking for a memorable way to spend a day, Bloomington has something to offer.
One of the highlights is the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, where you can walk through a 300-foot long Ocean Tunnel surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and rays—an awe-inspiring experience that turns a mall visit into an underwater adventure. For a more playful vibe, the Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf and Moose Mountain Adventure Golf offer interactive mini-golf courses with glow-in-the-dark themes and Northwoods charm, respectively. Lastly, if you want to peek behind the curtain, the Mall of America Behind the Scenes Walking Tour reveals secret spots and fun facts about this shopping colossal.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you decide which one matches your interests and travel style.
1. Mall of America: Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium Entry Ticket
The Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium offers a vibrant and engaging way to spend part of your day at the Mall of America. It features 1.3 million gallons of aquatic displays hosting sea animals from around the world, including giant sharks, sea turtles, sawfish, stingrays, and jellyfish. This tour is perfect for families or anyone fascinated by marine life. Walking through the 300-foot Ocean Tunnel surrounded by thousands of sea creatures is the highlight, providing an immersive experience that feels like strolling under the sea.
What makes this aquarium stand out is the guided Behind-the-Scenes tour and the chance to go above Shark Cove to learn what it takes to create an ocean environment in Minnesota. Visitors can feed stingrays at the Ray Lagoon, get close to 9-foot sharks, and see a variety of mesmerizing marine species up close. The combination of educational content and interactive encounters makes this a highly memorable outing.
At $29 per person, this ticket offers a full day of discovery—worthwhile if you love creatures of the sea or want a break from shopping. Many visitors praise the aquarium for its scale and the variety of sea animals. “It’s a wave of underwater fun that keeps kids and adults engaged,” says one reviewer.
Bottom Line: For a family-friendly, educational adventure that turns shopping into a marine exploration, the Sea Life Aquarium is hard to beat.
2. Mall of America: Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf Ticket
For around $11, you can challenge your friends or family on the Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf course inside the mall. This 18-hole, music-themed mini-golf course features ultraviolet blacklight effects, making the glowing equipment and walls pop in an atmospheric sci-fi setting. The course’s soundtrack spans musical eras from the ’50s to today, making it a fun, energetic environment perfect for all ages.
What makes this mini-golf special is the interactive obstacles that include music cues and glowing features, creating an immersive experience that feels like a concert. The course is designed for casual play and is ideal for a quick, engaging activity during a busy shopping day. The glow-in-the-dark equipment and the lively soundscape make it stand out from typical mini-golf options.
This experience is especially suited for families with kids or groups looking for a casual, entertaining activity. The reviews note the course’s fun atmosphere and the novelty of playing in blacklight. One reviewer wrote, “It’s a great way to break up the shopping with some active fun that the kids loved.”
Bottom Line: If you’re seeking a lively, musical twist on mini-golf, this indoor course offers high entertainment value for a low price.
3. Mall of America: Moose Mountain Adventure Golf Ticket
For just $11, the Moose Mountain Adventure Golf course offers a classic miniature golf experience with a Northwoods theme. This 18-hole course combines fun, family-friendly design with whimsical features like life-sized moose, a logging truck, steam train, and a bi-plane. Its rustic charm reflects Minnesota’s outdoor spirit, making it a charming outing for kids and adults alike.
What sets Moose Mountain apart is its accessible design, ensuring everyone can enjoy it, no matter their age or mobility. The course’s playful layout and Northwoods feel make it a relaxing addition to a day at the mall. It’s a straightforward, fun activity that doesn’t take too long but leaves plenty of room for laughter and friendly competition.
Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained course and the imaginative decor. “It’s like stepping into a storybook of mountain life,” one fan notes. Because it’s compact but charming, it’s a great chill-out activity after a few hours of shopping or other attractions.
Bottom Line: For a simple, enjoyable mini-golf experience with a Northwoods theme, Moose Mountain offers solid value and family fun.
4. Bloomington: Mall of America Behind the Scenes Walking Tour
Taking a behind-the-scenes walking tour offers a rare look at how the Mall of America operates from the inside. For $25, this 1.5-hour tour takes you through hidden parts of the mall, with insider stories about its history and operation. You’ll visit secret spots like the Log Chute at Nickelodeon Universe, see the Met Stadium Homeplate, and peek into Santa’s private office and the Candy Cane Institute.
The tour is an excellent choice for curious travelers interested in the inner workings of one of the world’s largest malls. Many reviews highlight the fun of getting private photo ops and stories that make the mall’s size more understandable. “Our guide Greg made the tour lively and full of interesting facts,” one traveler says.
The tour’s main appeal is the exclusive access it grants, but some reviews mention they would have appreciated even more behind-the-scenes glimpses. Still, it offers a unique perspective that turns a shopping trip into a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: For those fascinated by retail logistics and hidden stories, this tour offers an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the Mall of America.
How to Choose
When deciding among these tours, consider your interests and travel style. If marine life excites you, the Sea Life Aquarium provides a full-day underwater adventure. For a quick, interactive activity, the blacklight mini golf or Northwoods mini golf are perfect for families or groups wanting some laid-back fun. If you’re more curious about the mall itself, the behind-the-scenes tour offers a rare insider’s perspective.
Budget, time, and energy levels matter, too. The aquarium is the most expensive but offers a comprehensive experience; the mini-golf options are affordable and quick, making them ideal for a casual break. The behind-the-scenes tour is a little longer and more in-depth, suited for those genuinely interested in how this shopping behemoth runs.
Booking early is advisable, especially during weekends or holidays, as these popular experiences fill quickly. Check the specific tour’s availability and consider combining a couple for a full day of diverse activities.
Final Thoughts
Bloomington’s shopping and entertainment tours are surprisingly varied, from immersive aquatic adventures to behind-the-scenes mall insights. For families, the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium and Moose Mountain Adventure Golf stand out, while those interested in the mall’s inner workings will enjoy the behind-the-scenes tour.
If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the aquarium offers a memorable experience, whereas groups of friends might prefer the lively mini-golf courses. Whichever you choose, booking early guarantees you’ll get a spot—and make your visit to Bloomington truly special.