Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America

Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota opened March 2008. As a back-to-school treat, we decided to check it out. We had visited Knott's Camp Snoopy, which is what the theme park was before its transformation to Nickelodeon Universe. Nickelodeon Universe is a visual wonder. It is centered inside the Mall of America and is lit by huge clear skylights above. It almost feels like you are outside because of all the natural light streaming in. The park is full of huge Nick Jr. toons characters emblazoned on walls, inflatable's, and on the rides themselves. It is guaranteed to make your kids drool like SpongeBob's friend Patrick.

There are tropical plants, trees, and the SpongeBob Ride is designed to look like SpongeBob's Bikini Bottom, complete with real plants, sand, and shells. It is an ideal destination in the middle of a Minnesota winter, but is fun no matter what time of the year you go. There are cute shows daily, as well as photo opportunities with SpongeBob and other characters. One former ride that remains is the Log Chute, which looks like a Minnesota Northwood's ride, complete with a giant animatronics moose.

Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America Discount Tickets

We were unable to score discounted tickets, as the $5 discount from Burger King had just ended on August 15. The admission price is $29.95 for an Unlimited Ride Wristband. There is a Twilight Savings Unlimited Ride Wristband for $15.95 if you enter after 5:00 pm. The park was open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Entrance to the park is free, so if you are a parent, either wishing to save some money, or do not want to ride, you don't need to pay anything to get in. This is a nice option, because the other large theme park in the Twin Cities, Valleyfair Amusement Park, charges an admission fee for adults, even if you will not go on any rides. Another option is just buying "points" if you just want to enjoy a few of the rides.

If you are visiting the Twin Cities you may want to check out The Big Ticket Package marketed by the City of Bloomington. If you want to plunk down $44.00 for a Child pass (ages 2-12), or Adult pass ($57.00), you can visit up to five Twin Cities attractions, including Nickelodeon Universe, Underwater Adventures at the Mall of America, The Minnesota Zoo, and the Minnesota Science Museum. If you visit all of the attractions, you will save about 30% on your total gate admissions. The catch is that the card expires 3 days from the first use. The card is available at the Mall of America North Gift Store #N128.

You can buy a coupon book at the Guest Services Booth for $3 off if you have a AAA card. This contains many discount coupons to retail and eating establishments at the Mall, including a $3 off one Unlimited Wristband. Annual passes are also available from $220 - $250.

Mall of America Built on the Old Met Stadium Site

You may not know that the Mall of America was built on the former site of the Metropolitan Stadium. The Mall has a metal home plate placed at the exact site of the home plate back when it was the Met Stadium. You will also enjoy seeing a single, red bleacher chair that sits way up above the Log Chute. The Red Chair is the one where Harmon Killebrew blasted the longest home run ever hit at Met Stadium. That was back in the good ol' days when you could watch the Twins, the MN Kicks, and others outside on a summer day. It's nice that they left a couple of mementos from the past.

Rides Lineup

There are eight "Thrill Rides" including my kids' favorite "Avatar Airbender" and their second favorite, SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge. There are 5 "Family Rides" including the Log Chute, and there are 11 Junior Rides, including "Pineapple Poppers".

Check out other Freebies or Special Events Happening at the Mall of America

When we visited, there was a large Wii Fit Family Challenge exhibit. The kids were able to try out the Wii Fit Balance Board and several balancing games. The Wii demonstrators passed out free Wii Fit socks.

There is always something going on at Mall of America.