Mall of America®: Crayola Experience

If you’re traveling through Minneapolis-Saint Paul and looking for a fun, family-friendly activity that sparks creativity, the Crayola Experience at Mall of America offers a delightful break from shopping and sightseeing. Though it’s not a full-day affair, this attraction packs in enough colorful fun to entertain kids and adults alike for about 1 to 3 hours. It’s a chance to get hands-on with art, craft, and imagination, all within the vibrant setting of one of America’s biggest malls.

What we like most about this experience is its interactive nature – you don’t just watch, you create. Plus, the opportunity to see how crayons are made is a neat educational touch. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this attraction is geared more toward families with children — if you’re traveling solo or as a couple without kids, it might feel a bit limited. Still, for families, young artists, or anyone who loves color, this is a worthwhile stop. It’s especially good if you want a low-cost, fun break from the typical mall experience with a focus on creativity.

Key Points

• Hands-on activities: Over 25 interactive art stations designed to inspire creativity.
• Family-friendly: Perfect for children and parents wanting a playful experience.
• Educational elements: See how crayons are made, plus personalized projects.
• Flexible duration: Spend between 1 to 3 hours exploring the attractions.
• Affordable price: At just over $31 per person, it offers good value for a creative outing.
• Convenient location: Easily accessible within Mall of America, near public transport.

A Closer Look at the Crayola Experience at Mall of America

The Crayola Experience at Mall of America is a bright, welcoming space that celebrates all things colorful. Since it’s centrally located within the mall, you can combine your visit with shopping, dining, or other attractions. The ticket price of $31.36 per person is reasonable considering the variety of activities included. It’s a mobile ticket entry, making it easy to plan your visit without fuss.

The Itinerary and Attractions

Once inside, you’re encouraged to “color outside the lines,” which perfectly captures the spirit of this lively attraction. Your journey begins with drawing inspiration from over 25 hands-on attractions that are designed to keep kids engaged and adults feeling equally creative.

One of the standout activities is creating and naming your own Crayola crayon. Watching how these iconic wax sticks are made offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse that adds an educational edge. Many visitors appreciate this feature, as it transforms a simple craft into a mini-lesson about manufacturing.

Next, you can star in your own coloring page, which can then be transformed into a 4D adventure. This combines traditional art with modern technology, creating a memorable keepsake. Several reviews mention the appeal of this activity, especially for kids who love seeing their artwork come alive in a multi-sensory format.

Other attractions include melted wax spin-art, silly selfies, and designing Scribble Scrubbie — a fun, washable toy that kids can customize. These activities are designed to be interactive and engaging, often leading to giggles and proud displays of finished work.

The Experience and Environment

The environment is vibrant and playful, with plenty of colorful displays and stations to explore. The space encourages free expression, so there’s no rigid structure—just a lot of opportunities to create. As one reviewer notes, “Immediately inside the store; candy was the trigger for my kids,” highlighting how even minor details can make this a fun experience for children, especially with treats involved.

Practical Details

The opening hours are generous, running from 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Thursday. The location’s proximity to public transportation makes it accessible for visitors without a car, which is a plus when navigating a busy mall.

The entire experience is designed to be flexible—lasting anywhere from an hour to three hours—so you can tailor your visit based on your schedule and interests. The ticket includes admission, and the process to book ahead or cancel is straightforward, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

While there’s only one review in the data, it offers some insight into the casual, family-oriented nature of the experience. The reviewer mentions how candy was a highlight for their kids, which underscores that this attraction is very much geared toward children and family fun, rather than adult-only entertainment.

The review also hints at the importance of clothing sizes—a humorous aside about inclusivity — but overall, it confirms that fun and engagement are the main goals here.

Value and Suitability

At just over $31, the Crayola Experience offers a good value for families or groups seeking a creative outlet rather than a costly amusement park ride. Considering the variety of interactive activities, the educational aspect of seeing how crayons are made, and the chance to take home personalized crafts, this ticket provides a lot of bang for your buck.

This experience is best suited for families with children, especially those who love art and colorful activities. It’s also ideal for anyone looking to add some playful, hands-on fun into a day of shopping or sightseeing at Mall of America. If you’re traveling with young kids or want a break from more conventional attractions, it’s a lively, friendly environment where everyone can let their imaginations run wild.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Book in advance if possible, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
• Allow 1 to 3 hours for a relaxed experience—less if your kids are eager to move on.
• Take advantage of the nearby public transportation options to reach the mall easily.
• Consider visiting during weekday hours for a quieter experience.
• Bring a camera or smartphone for silly selfies and documenting your creations.
• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for art activities—things might get a little messy, especially with wax or paint.
• Don’t forget to check the opening hours ahead of your visit, as they are Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

FAQs

Is the Crayola Experience suitable for all ages?
It’s primarily geared toward children and families, but anyone who enjoys hands-on creative activities will find something fun here.

How long does the experience last?
Most visitors spend about 1 to 3 hours exploring the attractions, depending on their interest level.

Is the ticket price of $31.36 worth it?
Considering the numerous interactive stations, educational aspects, and take-home crafts, many would say yes—especially for a family outing.

Can I cancel my booking if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your scheduled visit for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted at the Crayola Experience.

Is it easy to get to the attraction?
Yes, it is located inside Mall of America and is near public transportation options, making it accessible for most visitors.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for art activities is recommended, as some stations might involve wax, paint, or other messy materials.

Does the experience include educational elements?
Yes, you’ll learn how crayons are made and see the production process, adding an educational component to the fun.

The Crayola Experience at Mall of America offers a colorful, interactive break perfect for families, kids, and the young at heart. Its variety of hands-on activities makes it a worthwhile addition to a day of shopping or sightseeing, providing value and memorable moments without breaking the bank. While it’s most appealing for those with children, even adults with a playful side will find joy in the creative chaos. If you’re in Minneapolis and looking for a joyful, engaging activity that emphasizes fun and imagination, this attraction deserves a spot on your itinerary.

If you value a lively, interactive environment that encourages artistic expression, and you’re traveling with family or children, this is a smart choice. Just remember to book your tickets ahead, plan enough time to enjoy the stations, and come ready to get a little messy and a lot creative.