Tips for a great day at Nickelodeon Universe in the MOA
One thing that’s great about living near the Mall of America is getting to visit some of the great attractions. My favorite go-to attraction is always Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park.
The rides give just enough thrill, but not too much. Its climate controlled and a perfect place to have younger kids ease into some of the bigger kids rides.
Located in the Twin Cities in Bloomington MN. It’s just a short drive from the Airport and across the street from the Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark.
How do Points and Tickets work at Nickelodeon Universe at the mall of America?
Nickelodeon Universe rides all work off of a point system. Based on its’ thrill level and demand. Little kids rides are around 3 points each. The bigger rides are around 8 points each. You buy point backages and often save a few dollars, allowing the entire family to get one points package.
Alternatively you can buy an unlimited ride wristband. This is per person, and allows the rider to go on as many time as they want in a single day.
What kind of Kids and Toddler Rides at Nickelodeon Universe?
Kid’s rides start at 3 points and generally stay that price. The only time they are not is when they are ‘Family’ ride like the Paul Bunyan Log Chute ride.
There are 11 rides in total for kids, 16 if you include the family rides.
During the day, kids rid are not all running. They’ll have schedules posted with the times the ride will be running. The ride attendants alternate every 15-30 minutes between rides, so you’ll get the chance to get on them all.
If you plan for it, you’ll be able to take full advantage of your time.
Are kids Free at Nickelodeon Universe?
No If your kids don’t meet the height requirement and a parent needs to go with, they are free. But all riders, need a ticket.
What are The Big Kid Rides at Nickelodeon Universe?
Thrill Rides run about 8 points each. Except for Brain Surge and Splat-O-Sphere, they are all roller coasters. From my own personal experience, these rides pack a punch.
They have you flipping, dropping and swirling around. If you need any more convincing, just listen to the screams of the riders.
How is Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America Different than other Amusement parks?
The rides at Nickelodeon Universe are designed for an indoor setting. In some ways that’s great. The water rides were designed not to get you soaked, unlike outdoor parks.
Being in a confined space means, they have to get creative on the ride’s. This space constraint means there are no big dropping roller coasters like Valleyfair. That’s why I think this park is perfect for a younger audience.
The staff genuinely wants your family to have a great time. My daughter went on the Pepsi Orange Streak roller coaster, and when they went to check her lap bar, she started freaking out, thinking it would be scary.
Instead of getting her out, the ride attendant took the time to ask her what was wrong and went through what might be considered scary about it. I am so thankful for that operator patients because my daughter wasn’t believing me when I said the same thing.
After the ride was done, she was running back to go on it again. It’s the little things that make all the difference in the world.
What other attractions are at the MOA?
The specialty attractions and rides are throughout the mall. Some are inside the park, while others are near the food court on the west side. None of the attractions are included with the unlimited ride wristband.
These are something you should try out when you are just heading to the mall for a fun night, and not planning on doing all the other rides.
Dutchman Deck Adventure
What I love about Nickelodeon Universe is that they are always trying to change it up and add in more thrills. One of the newer things that I’ve been dying to try is the Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course and Zipline.
Unfortunately, whenever I go, I’m with the kids and I don’t want to make them sit back and watch me.
Flyover America
Fly Over America is technically not part of Nickelodeon Universe Rides but is still inside the park. This is a motion simulation ride that has you flying over some famous landmarks. I’ve been told it’s really cool, but it’s still on my list of things to do.
Mini Golf
Moose Mount Adventure Golf & Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf are both outside the park near the food court on the third floor. Moose Mountain Golf is an Outdoors North Woods-inspired Miniature Golf experience.
The Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf is perfect for you to bring your hot color and reflective clothing too. Both are fun experiences.
Are you planning on exploring the Mall of America? Some of the best restaurants and shopping is just outside of Nickelodeon Universe. Check out: The Mall of America is More Than Just a Shopping Destination
What Games are at Nickelodeon Universe?
All of the games are located close by the Main Rotunda and American Girl Doll Store. They have an arcade and carnival style games. But don’t think you’re going to go home with an oversized stuffed animal anytime soon.
The games are a side note, and most of them are all luck based having you throwing ping pong balls and stuff like that.
When is the Best Time to go to Nickelodeon Universe?
If you want to avoid crowds, it is best to visit Nickelodeon Universe during off-peak times. Weekdays, especially during the school year, tend to be less crowded than weekends and holidays. Also, try to avoid the spring break and winter break, as these are the busiest times of the year.
If you do what to visit on the weekend, pick a day where people want to be outside. If it’s raining, snowy, abnormally cold, it’s going to be crazy. If it’s beautiful outside, or a blizzard, you’ll be able to walk right on any ride.
I’ve also had luck right when they open and after 7pm.
Where to get Discount Tickets and Coupons for Nickelodeon Universe?
There are multiple ways to get rides tickets at Nickelodeon Universe. You can pay per point, or you can get an unlimited ride wristband.
If I’m at the mall and only want to go on a couple rides, I just buy a small point’s package at the kiosks. Otherwise, an unlimited ride wristband is more cost effective.
But for a family, they can get pricey. Here are the tricks to save some money:
Bundles
Bundling is another option. You can bundle your Nickelodeon Universe Wristband purchase with a Sealife Aquarium, Flyover America or the Crayola Experience tickets. Their promotions page will let you know what’s current.
Military Discounts
This one is kind of cool. It gives the military member $10 off a wristband and four of their family members it too. Just find Guest Services on the North side of the Nickelodeon Universe to get the discount.
Toddler Tuesdays
This deal will give you a wristband that is only available for 5 hours on any Tuesday on designated toddler rides. This wristband has many restrictions, but for $12.99, it’s a great deal for younger kids.
Twilight Savings
The most popular savings option is the Twilight Saving. It’s unlimited for $27.99 after 5pm. The park is usually only open until 9, so you’ll have 4 hours to play. The only downside to it is the first two hours the park is still busy.
Going to Nickelodeon Universe should be all about fun, so don’t stress out. Come prepared, and you’ll have a great time on your trip to the Mall Of America and Nickelodeon Universe.
Guarantee your tickets, by buying online. I like to book my tickets through Get Your Guide. They offer free cancelation, incase your travel plans change. Plus you save about $5 per ticket.
What are some free activities at the Nickelodeon Universe in the mall of America?
Unlike other theme parks, Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America doesn’t charge admission. You can walk through and enjoy all the entertainment for free. Or use it as a shortcut through the Mall, if you know your way around the park.
This is your chance to meet and take pictures with your favorite Nickelodeon characters. Like the teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Blue’s Clues, Paw Patrol, Avatar Airbender, Fairly Oddparents and more.
Is Nickelodeon Universe the Largest Indoor Theme Park in the world?
Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America used to be the Largest Indoor Theme Park in North America. The new title goes to Nickelodeon Universe American Dream in Rutheford New Jersey.