Make a Day out of Mall of America®
If you have a full day at Mall of America, you’re in the sweet spot. You’ll have time to shop, play, eat, and still leave knowing there’s more to come back for. The best strategy is to pace yourself. Start with lighter exploration in the morning, build toward attractions in the afternoon, and finish with a great meal to celebrate the day.
Morning: Ease Into the Day
Start with coffee at the Capital One Café, Caribou, or Starbucks. Nothing like a cup of Joe to start the day! It’ll give you a chance to plan your route before your energy ramps up.
From there, dive into some experiential shopping, the kind you can’t do just anywhere. The LEGO Store offers the chance to build your own mini-figure. It’s fun whether you’re traveling with kids or just embracing creativity. If you’re ready for practical upgrades, consider getting professionally fitted for sneakers at New Balance. waterdrop® offers customizable bottles and delicious assortment of Microdrink cubes. And for effortless style, Aritzia is a favorite for building a capsule wardrobe with high-quality basics.
By late morning, you’ll have worked up an appetite, which makes lunch at Rainforest Cafe a perfect choice for families. It’s nostalgic, immersive, and uniquely memorable, one of those classic experiences people associate with visiting MOA®.
Fun Fact: Mall of America is home to the very first Rainforest Café! Other favorites include Twin City Grill, Crave, and Cantina Laredo.
Afternoon: Play and Explore
After lunch, it’s time to shift into fun mode. Spend the afternoon exploring attractions like Nickelodeon Universe, where you can ride roller coasters or simply soak in the energy of the park at the center of the Mall. If you’re looking for something more active and competitive, Activate delivers fast-paced interactive challenges that are perfect for groups. And don’t skip Old Time Photos…it might feel a little cheesy going in, but those pictures often become some of the most treasured souvenirs from the trip.
Pro Tip: If you plan to visit multiple attractions, look into bundled tickets. You can save significantly, sometimes up to 40% compared to individual pricing.
Sweet Break + Shopping Round Two
By mid-afternoon, a treat break is well deserved. Treats Boba and Cereal Bar is colorful, playful, and Instagram-worthy, while Beard Papa's is famous for its fresh cream puffs that people travel specifically to get.
Then it’s time for a second shopping round. Stores like Alo Yoga, SITKA Gear, and Mavi offer great variety, from athleisure to outdoor performance to premium denim, making it easy to find something that fits your lifestyle.
Evening: Wind Down and Celebrate
End your day with a relaxed dinner at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, known for its bold flavors and comfortable atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, reflect on the day, and maybe plan what you’ll do on your next visit. Can’t Miss: Try the fresh popovers with apple butter, Minnesota Wild Rice soup, and the Blackened Walleye. Now you can call yourself a Minnesotan!
Pro Tip: Dining before 6 p.m. often gives you access to happy hour specials at many Mall restaurants, which is a great way to enjoy more while spending less.
A full day here goes quickly, but it’s incredibly satisfying. You’ll leave with shopping bags, photos, stories, and probably a short list of things you want to come back for…which is exactly how a great Mall of America visit should end.