By Lorraine Sanders
To certain travelers, visiting the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN will sound like the vacation from hell (practically every U.S. retail chain in one location and amusement park rides packed with thrill-seeking, sugar-crazed preteens). But drawing over 40 million visitors a year does say something about a place. For families with school-aged kids, a trip to the Mall of America might very well be the answer to everyone's prayers (precisely because it's got practically every U.S. retail chain in one location and amusement park rides packed with thrill-seeking, sugar-crazed preteens). After all, how many teens do you know who relish spending a week trapped in a beach house or cabin with their parents?
For those who still need convincing (like mom and dad), we've put together 10 reasons to visit the Mall of America.
1. No sales tax on clothing purchases. International and domestic travelers alike save big when they buy apparel in Minnesota. If ever there were a one-stop shopping destination, this is it. And to top it all off, there's even an IKEA across the street.
2. Exercise. A walk around just one level of the mall covers .57 miles. The mall opens everyday at 7 am to "mall walkers" in the Walk Sport program. When temperatures are extreme outside, the 70-degree mall environment certainly starts to sound a little better than an outdoor run. And on top of that, free window shopping is included with your workout.
3. Toddler Tuesdays. At the Mall of America, Tuesdays are all about toddlers. Beginning at 9am, Stroller Strides leads parents and stroller-aged kids through a 50-minute power-walking and body-sculpting exercise class complete with songs and activities that keep kids occupied while parents sweat. Free entertainment aimed at the toddler set runs from 10am-12pm. Afterwards parents can take advantage of the Kids Eat Free program offered by mall eateries like Tony Roma's and Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Meals for kids six and under are free with adult meal purchases.
4. LEGO. The mall's LEGO Imagination Center houses four stories of LEGO madness, including over 90 full-size creations. We're talking dinosaurs, astronauts, a giant blimp made from 135,000 bricks - the works. The first U.S. retail space for the iconic toymaker, this LEGO location hosts building demonstrations and competitions almost every week of the year. Contact the store directly for the schedule.
5. Moose Mountain. Set to open in July, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf is a new attraction that kids and adults can enjoy together. The 18-hole mini golf course takes players through a wooded forest inhabited by life-size wildlife replicas, logging trucks, a bi-plane and a steam engine.
6. Flight simulation. You can test run your Goose, Maverick and Ice Man impersonations in A.C.E.S. flight simulators that replicate the experience of flying the US Navy's F-18 Hornet jet fighter and the WWII P-51 Mustang. Think you're good? Try landing your plane on an aircraft carrier.
7. Sharks. Certified SCUBA divers can swim with the sharks at the Underwater Adventures Aquarium on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Fees range from $160-$186. Not so brave? Try sleeping with them instead (outside the tank, of course) on one of the aquarium's family overnights. Reservations are required.
8. Wine. Every Thursday evening, the mall's California Cafe offers a ½ price deal on wine bottles less than $40. For $65 a head, the restaurant's chef will prepare a special five-course dinner with wine pairings served at the chef's counter with views of the kitchen. He'll also answer questions about cooking techniques and ingredients as part of the deal.
9. Hotel deals. Local hotels offer discounted package deals designed for mall visitors. One to try: the Hilton Minneapolis St. Paul Airport Hotel's Mall of America Package. Starting at $149/night, the deal includes overnight accommodations for two, breakfast for two, a Mall of America coupon book and a $20 Mall of America gift card. The hotel is also located close to the Light Rail, which offers transportation to the airport, mall and downtown Minneapolis.
10. The sheer numbers. Did you think we'd leave all this good stuff out? Four levels, 520 stores, 50 dining destinations, 14 movie screens, four department stores, 30 amusement park rides, 12,550 parking spaces, four Caribou Coffee shops, 11,000 employees, 40 escalators, one wedding chapel and 15 elevators.
