Life’s an adventure! I love a quick outing that blends all my soul-fillers: good food, big thrills and of course a little family time. So when I find a free day to reconnect with my loved ones — like over Spring Break — I like to host them at Mall of America for a little fun, Jordan-style. Here’s how we roll:
Good Mmmmmmmorning
This might be controversial, but I am a firm believer that breakfast can be your top-level meal of the day. Case in point: I start my Mall of America expeditions at Sugar Factory Express. There’s no shame in having one of their signature sweet treats for breakfast, plus it’s a great place to snap Instagram-worthy shots.
All about unique. All about fun.
Then we’re off and running! A dream day at MOA always starts with the big hits, and the biggest of them all is SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium. I love losing myself in the mesmerizing company of sharks, stingrays and jellyfish.
Pro tip: Make sure you build in time for the Pacific Northwest Rockpool — you can touch sea cucumbers and anemones. For real!
My other geek-out destination: LEGO Discovery Center. Seeing the inventive creations — some of them towering so high overhead! — gets my wheels turning about what to build at home. Plus I live for the pick-a-brick wall, choosing the pieces for my next project on the spot.
Of course, these are just two of a crazy number of one-of-a-kind MOA experiences: When I have time, I also squeeze in a few rides at Nickelodeon Universe (I'll never outgrow the swings) and take little ones to Crayola Experience just to watch them lose their minds over all the fun projects. My special treat for myself: the unforgettable immersion of FlyOver America. There just aren’t words that describe the sensation of soaring over some of the most beautiful, remote scenery on this planet.
Lunch and a Show
You know you’re in for a good time when you get what I like to call a courtside seat at Benihana. Knife skills done with flair get me every time, and it’s an easy stop between a morning of excitement and an afternoon indulging in stylish shopping.
Lace up Your Shopping Shoes
Ready for my shopping list? Some of the best brands in the country have stores under MOA’s sunny roof.
My picks:
- SKIMS because if it isn’t comfy, I’m not wearing it, and their underlayers are sublime
- Arabian Oud for the next phase of my signature fragrance search
- Pandora to pre-shop for Mother’s Day — and check out a little something for me
- POP MART because is there anything more fun than a blind box win? And on that same theme, Ebisu is always my next stop for checking out the latest trends from Asia.
- Samsung Experience Store is where I land, because I need every extra minute to play with all the latest tech (the experts there know me on sight!)
Pro tip: When I want a particularly pulled-together look, I take full advantage of Lululemon’s in-store pant hemming. Nothing like getting that made-for-you feeling, and I appreciate the just-right length every time I pull on my tailored Lulu trousers.
Turn Down the Volume
At the end of the day, I like to keep things low-key before I head into an evening movie or maybe a round of axe-throwing. My go-to is Capital One Café for a roasted turkey club sandwich: actually awesome, and leaves room for a nice big bag of popcorn.