Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket

Traveling with kids or simply craving a burst of color and creativity? The Crayola Experience at Mall of America offers a vibrant, family-friendly adventure that’s perfect for a broad age range. With 60,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, this attraction turns the simple act of coloring into a full-day, sensory-filled experience. Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging activities for your children or an adult nostalgic for arts and crafts, this colorful stop offers more than just crayons; it promises a day packed with fun, learning, and personalized souvenirs.

What really makes this experience stand out is its hands-on approach. From turning yourself into a star on a coloring page to melting crayons into custom shapes, each activity invites participation. Plus, the live show on how Crayola crayons are made adds an educational twist that keeps both kids and adults captivated. That said, one thing to keep in mind is the cost—$31 per person—which feels reasonable given the variety and quality of activities, but it’s still worth considering if you’re planning a full day at the mall.

This tour suits families with children, creative groups, or anyone eager to spend a few hours in a colorful, engaging environment. It’s a fantastic way to break up a day of mall shopping or sightseeing with a playful experience that sparks imagination and allows for plenty of personalization.

Key Points

• Interactive Fun: 26 attractions focused on creativity and coloring.
• Educational Element: Live Crayola manufacturing show enriches the experience.
• Flexible Ticket: Valid for one day within 14 days of purchase, offering flexibility.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for kids aged 3-12, but enjoyable for all ages.
• Included Souvenirs: Custom crayons, Model Magic clay, and Scribble Scrubbie pet.
• Food Options: Available inside, but not included in the ticket price.

A Deep Dive Into the Crayola Experience

What Exactly Is the Crayola Experience?

This attraction transforms the simple act of coloring into a full-scale adventure. Covering 26 hands-on activities, it provides plenty of opportunities for kids and adults alike to get involved. We loved the way the experience combines entertainment with education—think live demonstrations and interactive workshops that make art feel accessible and fun.

How Is the Day Structured?

While the experience is self-guided, the layout is straightforward and designed to keep visitors engaged throughout a typical visit of 3 to 4 hours. Upon entry, you’re immediately greeted by the vibrant displays and colorful stations, prompting exploration. Starting at the Crayola manufacturing show, you’ll see how crayons are made, which surprises many visitors who hadn’t realized the complexity behind their everyday tools.

From there, you can move through various zones, each offering a different activity. For example, at the Activity Studio, families can craft with vibrant materials, while the Melt & Mold station provides the chance to turn old crayons into new shapes—a surprisingly popular activity, especially among reviewers who appreciated the creativity it sparked.

The Highlights You Cannot Miss

The photo-booth activity is a crowd favorite, allowing kids (and adults) to see themselves transformed into a coloring page star. Many reviews mention how much fun they had creating silly selfies and then projecting them on a large screen with animated effects. It’s a small detail, but one that adds a lot of giggles and memorable moments.

Another standout is the Create & Play App, offering digital creative outlets, and the Scribble Scrubbies—washable, fuzzy pets that kids can color, wash, and re-color. This new addition in 2021 expands the experience beyond traditional arts and crafts, making it suitable for tech-savvy youngsters.

Value for Money

While $31 per person might initially seem steep for a single attraction, the value comes from the variety of activities included. You’re not just paying for admission—you’re getting access to 26 hands-on activities, a custom crayon, a Model Magic clay packet, and a free Scribble Scrubbie pet. Given that most activities are designed to keep children entertained and involved, many families find that it’s a worthwhile investment, especially considering the included souvenirs.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and the tickets are valid for any one day within 14 days—a plus for flexible planning. Securing a wristband before leaving is essential if you plan to re-enter later that day. The attraction is located on the 3rd floor of Mall of America, in the southeast corner, making it easy to find amidst the mall’s bustling corridors.

What About Food and Parking?

Food and beverages are not included, but there are Café Crayola and Snack Shack inside the attraction. Keep in mind that the food court outside the attraction was noted as closed during some visits, so you might want to plan for snacks or lunch ahead of time. Parking is free at Mall of America, removing one logistical concern.

What Could Be Better?

One potential downside is the closeness of the activities, which can sometimes lead to wait times during peak periods. Also, the food options inside might be limited, especially if the food court is closed, so packing a snack or two could improve your experience. Some reviews mentioned the closed food court as a disappointment, so planning ahead helps.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Insights

Reviewers consistently mention knowledgeable guides and staff who are available to assist, which makes a notable difference in the overall experience. For instance, a visitor commented on the Crayonologist—the guide who explains how crayons are made—being both informative and engaging, adding value beyond just the activities.

Many found the activities appealing for all ages, with one reviewer, aged 38, noting that the experience isn’t just for kids, but “for all ages,” thanks to the variety of creative options and interactive features. This broad appeal makes it a flexible choice for families, grandparents, or even groups of friends looking for a playful outing.

Authentic Touch: The reviews also give helpful tips—like wearing play clothes because of the potential for mess, or bringing only essentials in clear bags to streamline security checks. This attention to detail can make or break a visit, especially during busy times.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If your family or group loves arts, crafts, and anything colorful, the Crayola Experience offers a vibrant, engaging environment that’s worth the ticket price. The variety of activities ensures that boredom is kept at bay, and the chance to create personalized souvenirs adds a memorable touch to your visit.

It’s best suited for children aged 3-12, but many adults find it just as enjoyable, especially when joining in craft projects or reliving childhood memories. The knowledgeable staff and interactive exhibits elevate the experience, making it more than just a typical theme park attraction.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Families with young children seeking a safe, creative outing
• Groups looking for a fun, educational activity
• Art lovers of all ages wanting to explore creativity in a playful setting
• Visitors who want a flexible, single-day ticket to enjoy at their own pace

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ticket valid for multiple days?
No, the ticket is valid for one day but can be used on any day within 14 days after purchase.

Are there age restrictions for the activities?
Children aged 3-12 are generally the primary audience, but many activities are suitable for all ages, and reviews suggest the experience is enjoyable for adults as well.

Does the experience include food?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are food options inside the attraction. Keep in mind that the food court may be closed during some visits, so bringing snacks is recommended.

Is the Crayola Experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the attraction is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

Can I re-enter the attraction on the same day?
Yes, if you get a wristband, you can re-enter the Crayola Experience later the same day, which is useful if you want to take breaks or explore other parts of Mall of America.

What do I need to bring?
Bring only essentials in clear bags for security, and wear comfortable clothes suitable for potential messes, especially if you plan to engage in craft activities.

Taking everything into account, the Crayola Experience at Mall of America offers a well-rounded, colorful day of fun and creativity. Whether you’re seeking a memorable family outing or simply an enjoyable escape from routine, this attraction delivers plenty of opportunities to get creative, learn, and take home some unique souvenirs. Just plan ahead for food and security, wear your artsy clothes, and prepare for a day filled with color, laughter, and a little Mess!