Family time: Done right, it actually can be rejuvenating. For real! Here’s my sure-fire recipe for when we need a little bonding time that’s still a treat for the grownups: A day at Mall of America. Especially if you’re on spring break, but not ON spring break someplace lounging by an ocean like you richly deserve. True fact though, with my awesome itinerary, you’ll be like, who needs a beach? Check it out:
Start with Calm Before the Sensory Storm
I love planning a day of fun almost as much as the day itself. So the first thing we do as a family at Mall of America is pick a coffeeshop destination. We grab Dillion something legit (cold brew, energy drink situation), and Olive a pastry. Go-to's:
- Caribou Coffee for the local vibe
- Nordstrom eBar to feel fancy
- Capital One Café for the chill decor
All in One Crowd Pleasers
First stop is letting Olive fully experience the Build-a-Bear Workshop process: the heart ceremony, the naming moment, the outfit styling — it’s all bliss.
Pro tip: Got a 16-year-old along for the ride? We let Dillion help Olive press the stuffing pedal and pick out an accessory. Built-in bonding.
One more kid-pleaser that even a teen is down for: friendship bracelets at Little Words Project. Olive and I pick out bracelets for each other, and Dillion can pick a low-key word (ironic and/or funny encouraged).
Pro tip: If you’re looking for more high-energy options for the morning, check out the Amazing Mirror Maze (everyone loves getting lost in there!). FlyOver America gets bonus points for serving up all-ages wow factor.
Lunch with a Twist
If you haven’t seen how the chefs at Mogouyan Hand-Pulled Noodle pull, whirl, flip and twist dough into a crazy variety of noodle shapes and sizes, I envy you. Nothing beats the first time you watch this magic act — except for how delicious the final product is. It’s fun for everyone, plus elevated enough that Dillion doesn’t feel like it’s a total kiddie day (he gets to pick the spice level). We share a few bowls, plus try a new appetizer or two.
Other family favorites: Shake Shack, Wahlburgers or CRAVE. So long as hubby Jake gets a full meal, everyone wins.
Split Strategy
There’s some math that happens when you go to Nickelodeon Universe with a younger kid and a teen, but it can be done. Here’s our divide-and-conquer strategy:
Option A:
- Falen + Olive → kid-friendly rides
- Jake + Dillion → thrill rides
Option B:
Everyone rides 2 together, then we regroup by swapping kids so everyone gets their ride itch scratched.
For those interested, these are the teen-approved picks:
- SpongeBob Rock Bottom Plunge
- TMNT Shell Shock
- Pepsi Orange Streak
Sugar Intermission
If the kids are starting to snipe at each other a bit, cream puffs = universal peace treaty. Time for Beard Papa’s. There are rules:
- Olive picks her own
- Dillion gets one solo (no sharing)
- Save half for later meltdown prevention
Pro tip: While Olive is lingering over her cream puff, I like to release the teen for some just-for-him shopping: All Star ELITE, Third Degree Heat and Nike all suit him just fine.
Afternoon Action, Redux
Refueled, it’s time for the afternoon challenge. An energy outlay for those who partake, and a little reset before the evening stretch for individuals who need a breather. It all happens at ClimbZone.
- Olive climbs for fun
- Dillion races or challenges himself
- Jake spectates and rests
Next up, super hilarious for every age and our favorite for pure chaos potential: Double Dare Human Crane. It’s ridiculous in the best way. Here’s how we do:
- Let Dillion go first (teen pride)
- Olive cheers wildly
- I capture the moment
Whew! Wind-down Time
Because this isn’t my first rodeo, and I want to enjoy an entire nice dinner with no meltdowns, 5:30 means we catch a movie at B&B Theatres. It’s the perfect reset before dinner, and prevents 7 p.m. emotional collapse. Options:
- Family movie
- Let Dillion pick something age-appropriate
- Honestly: popcorn + recliners is a win no matter what’s onscreen
Low-drama Dinner Picks
Then, we offer up what’s teen-friendly and fun! Secret to success: Let Dillion choose between two options so he feels included. Wins have been:
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Rainforest Café (Olive loves it too)
- CRAVE if you want elevated