From charming local markets to lazy days on a lake or at one of the many parks throughout the region, my family loves spending time in the Midwestern United States during the summer months. While visiting family in Minnesota, we are always on the go, exploring historic parks or walking around Minneapolis' famed urban chain of lakes.
However, from time to time we need to find something to do indoors. Whether taking cover on a rainy day or finding respite from the heat and humidity, a visit to Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America is always a winner.
If you're looking for a fun way to spend the day indoors, Nickelodeon Universe and the Dutchman's Deck zipline and adventure course at the Mall of America are some of the best things to do in Minneapolis with kids.
About the Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe
The Mall of America is located in Bloomington, a suburb of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. One of the largest malls in the world, over 7 Yankee Stadiums could fit inside the walls of the Mall of America.
There is plenty of free parking on site, and access to the mall is straightforward from any direction. Nickelodeon Universe is a theme park located in the center of the mall. This theme park contains several rides ranging in suitability from toddlers through adults.
When to Check out the Zipline at the Mall of America
Nickelodeon Universe is open every day of the week from 10am to 9:30pm (with slightly shorter hours on Sundays.) Every Tuesday the theme park hosts "Toddler Tuesday," where you can purchase a discounted ride pass valid on all the rides suitable for young children.
While this is an excellent value, if your kids aren't going to be riding the toddler rides, consider avoiding Tuesday mornings as it does get extremely crowded.
How to Experience the Zipine at the Mall of America
Located in one corner of the park area, the ropes course and zipline are a stand-alone experience that older kids will love.
You can purchase tickets or an unlimited wrist band for rides at Nickelodeon Universe, however the zipline and ropes course, called Dutchman's Deck Adventure Course, requires separate admission. If you're looking for a fun way to pass an hour or so, and don't want to do all the roller coasters, this standalone Dutchman's Deck experience offers plenty of entertainment.
First, kids will be fitted into a safety harness. If they are wearing flip-flops, they will be given a pair of loner crocs. This is to ensure their shoes don't fall on people below them while ziplining over the amusement park.
Kids then walk up to the beginning platform for the zipline. This is a quick walk, and they are met by an attendant at the first station.
As I watched from below, I was impressed with the safety measures in place. A series of hand signals ensured the attendant on the platform across the park was ready to receive the incoming zipline.
Then the real fun begins. This is in fact the longest indoor zipline in the United States. Kids love hanging high above the crowds below, zipping past roller coasters, the ferris wheel and mini golf.
Once at the far end of the zipline, they get to come back to the main ropes course area. This experience was a definite highlight, and over all to quickly.
For the next hour or so, my daughter loved climbing around the ropes course and sliding down the 4 story slides, over and over and over!
What else to do at Nickelodeon Universe
Of course the zipline is only one adventure to be had. There are several rides, including a handful of roller coasters older kids and adults will love. The log plume is always a family favorite too!
Have you spent time in Minneapolis with kids? What are your favorite things to do there?