If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure that combines creativity, hands-on fun, and a dash of educational charm, the Crayola Experience at Mall of America is worth a closer look. While I haven’t personally been through its colorful corridors, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear this attraction is designed to keep little hands busy and imaginations fired up.
What we love about it? First, the variety of interactive activities—there are 26 different attractions that cater to a range of ages and interests. Second, the flexible ticket policy means you can plan your visit with less worry about strict date commitments. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that it’s a self-guided experience, which might mean less structured guidance for some visitors. This setup suits families who enjoy exploring at their own pace rather than following a scheduled tour.
This experience seems best suited for families with children aged 3 to 12 who love arts and crafts and are eager to get messy with colorful creations. It’s also ideal for those who want a flexible, engaging activity during their time at Mall of America, especially on a day when you’re craving a break from shopping or rides.
- Creative diversity: 26 hands-on attractions keep everyone entertained.
- Flexible planning: The ticket is valid for 14 days after purchase, allowing for spontaneous visits.
- All ages welcome: From little kids to adults, there’s fun for everyone.
- Educational element: Live shows and demonstrations add value beyond mere play.
- Included extras: Personalized crayons and modeling clay give extra creative outlets.
- Convenient location: On the third floor of the mall with plenty of parking nearby.
When you step into the Crayola Experience, you’re entering a realm designed for playful learning and artistic exploration. The entire space, roughly 60,000 square feet, is filled with engaging activities that bring the magic of crayons and colors to life. Families typically spend 3-4 hours exploring, making it a substantial but manageable outing.
Interactive Attractions: Each of the 26 attractions offers a different way to make or learn something. For instance, kids and adults alike will enjoy turning themselves into the star of a coloring page at the photo-booth. The process is simple but fun—imagine standing in front of a camera, striking your best pose, then seeing yourself pop up on a giant screen ready to be colored in later.
Creative Crafts: The Activity Studio invites kids to craft colorful projects, from painting to creating with Model Magic clay. This area is perfect for those who want to take home a handmade souvenir or just enjoy some messier, more tactile activities.
The Making of Crayola: A highlight is the live show demonstrating how Crayola crayons are made. It’s not just a marketing ploy; knowledgeable guides walk visitors through the process, explaining what makes Crayola’s products stand out. According to reviews, the guides are well-informed and add a layer of authenticity to the experience. One reviewer noted, “The resident Crayonologist showed us how crayons are made and what makes them a cut above the rest.”
Colorful Impressions: Fun selfies are encouraged, and the option to animate your photos on a big screen adds a high-tech twist to the artistic play. Meanwhile, the Melt & Mold station lets you turn your old crayons into new shapes, encouraging recycling and creativity at the same time.
New Additions: Since 2021, the Scribble Scrubbies—washable, fuzzy pets—have added a new dimension of creativity. Kids can color, wash, and care for their Scribble Scrubbies, and the free Create & Play App offers endless digital fun with games and activities that connect to the physical toys.
The $31 ticket includes access to all these attractions for a full day, which is quite reasonable considering the variety of activities and the quality of the experience. The fact that your ticket is valid for 14 days offers flexibility, especially if you’re in Minnesota for a longer stay or want to break up your visit over multiple days.
Included extras—a custom crayon, a washable Scribble Scrubbie pet, and modeling clay—add to the value, giving kids a tangible takeaway from their visit. If you want more, additional tokens are available for purchase, but the main attractions are well-covered in the base fee.
Food and beverages are not included, but there are café options inside—Café Crayola and Snack Shack—that provide lunch and snacks. Parking at Mall of America is plentiful and free, which simplifies logistics.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, and all personal belongings must be stored in clear bags for security. This may bother those who prefer bringing larger bags but ensures a quick security process.
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially the Crayola experts who demonstrate the manufacturing process. One reviewer shared, “The live manufacturing theatre show and Crayonologist made it feel like a real behind-the-scenes look.”
Many comment on the appeal for all ages: “I’m 38 and I loved it,” said a reviewer who thought it was perfect for families and adults alike. Kids love the chance to turn into cartoon stars, make melted crayon art, and have fun with washable pets.
A common theme is the abundance of materials and friendly staff—families felt well-supported and free to experiment without feeling rushed. The only downside noted was that the food court was sometimes closed, so bringing snacks might be wise if you prefer to avoid waiting or extra purchases.
The Crayola Experience at Mall of America offers a colorful, creative escape that provides good value for families wanting to add a splash of fun to their Minnesota visit. It’s especially suited for children aged 3-12, but the engaging activities and friendly guides make it enjoyable for adults too.
If you’re seeking a flexible, hands-on experience that balances education and entertainment, this attraction delivers. The wide range of activities ensures that everyone in the family finds something to love, whether it’s creating personalized crayons, watching crayons being made, or simply snapping fun selfies.
While it might be less appealing for travelers who prefer outdoor adventures or structured tours, those with a curiosity for arts and crafts will find themselves happily busy here. The included extras and the ability to visit over a two-week window make it easy to plan around your other activities.
In summary, the Crayola Experience is a solid choice for families, especially those seeking a playful, memorable day in the heart of Minnesota’s biggest mall. It’s a vibrant, well-supported attraction that offers more than just coloring—it’s a full-spectrum creative playground.
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 of purchase.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the experience suitable for all ages?
Yes, children aged 3-12 will enjoy it most, but adults and older kids find plenty to do and appreciate the guides’ demonstrations.
Are food and drinks included?
No, but there are inside options, including Café Crayola and Snack Shack, where you can purchase lunch and snacks.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Crayola Experience Mall of America is wheelchair accessible.
Are personal belongings allowed inside?
All items must be in clear bags for security checks; opaque bags are not permitted.
What should I wear?
Since the experience involves a lot of creative activities, wearing comfortable, play-friendly clothes is recommended.
Exploring the Crayola Experience offers a delightful way for families to connect over art, learn how crayons are made, and leave with colorful memories—and possibly some new favorite crayons.
Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket
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