Mall of America®: Crayola Experience

This experience made our article of 6 Best Shopping & Market Tours In Minneapolis Saint Paul (With Reviews & Prices).

Introduction

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Our review of the Crayola Experience at Mall of America offers a look at one of the most engaging attractions for families and creative minds visiting Minneapolis-Saint Paul. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed overview and reviews suggest it’s a colorful, interactive experience that sparks imagination and keeps kids happily busy for a few hours.

Two things we love about this experience are the variety of hands-on activities—there are over 25 different ways to get creative—and the personalized Crayola crayons that you can make and name yourself, adding a keepsake element to the visit. On the flip side, one potential consideration is that the experience clocks in at around 1 to 3 hours, so it’s not a full-day activity, which might matter if you’re planning a tight schedule or visiting with very young children.

This tour seems perfect for families with kids who love art, coloring, and bright, interactive fun. If you’re seeking a lively, creative break from shopping or sightseeing, the Crayola Experience offers genuine value and memorable moments.

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Key Points

• Interactive Creativity: Over 25 hands-on activities make this a highly engaging experience for kids and families alike.
• Personalized Keepsake: Crafting your own Crayola crayon with your name adds a special touch.
• Educational Element: See how crayons are made and learn about the production process.
• Flexible Duration: Expect to spend roughly 1 to 3 hours, fitting easily into a day at Mall of America.
• Inclusive and Convenient: Most travelers can participate, and service animals are welcome.
• Value for Price: At around $31.36 per person, it offers a fun, memorable experience without breaking the bank.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Location and Accessibility

The Crayola Experience is located inside the Mall of America in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, a major shopping and entertainment hub. The attraction is close to public transportation, making it easy to access without a car. The hours are generous, running from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday, giving visitors plenty of flexibility to plan their visit around other activities.

What to Expect Upon Arrival

Once inside, you’re immediately greeted with an explosion of color and creativity. The environment is vibrant and inviting, tailored to stimulate young imaginations while remaining welcoming for all ages. The layout encourages moving from one activity to the next seamlessly, with clear signs and staff available for assistance.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Crayola Experience Mall of America

This central hub is where the magic begins. It’s designed to encourage you to “color outside the lines”, literally. The attraction boasts more than 25 interactive stations, each offering a different creative outlet.

Some highlights include:

• Create a Crayola Crayon with Your Name: This feature allows you to take home a personalized wax crayon, a fun souvenir and a reminder of your visit. The process is straightforward and adds a personal touch to your experience.
• See How Crayons Are Made: A fascinating look at the manufacturing process that turns raw wax into colorful pencils. Kids and adults alike are often surprised by how much effort and craftsmanship go into each crayon.
• Star in Your Own Coloring Page: Using kiosks or art stations, you can become part of a custom coloring scene. Many reviews mention how kids loved “star[ring] in their own coloring page,” making it a memorable part of the visit.
• 4D Coloring Adventure: Transform your coloring page into a multi-sensory experience—these immersive, short films add an extra layer of fun.
• Melted Wax Spin-Art and Scribble Scrubbie Design: For more tactile fun, you can create swirling wax art or design your own miniature, washable animals.

Authentic Experiences and Feedback

According to a reviewer, the immediate appeal was the candy inside the mall, but the interactive art stations held the kids’ attention better. They appreciated the variety, noting that it’s a place where “creativity flows,” and everyone can find their favorite activity.

While the experience is largely for children, the interactive and educational components mean adults can enjoy watching or participating, especially if they’re art enthusiasts. The environment is lively but not overcrowded, making for a relaxed visit.

Duration and Price

Spending 1 to 3 hours here allows ample time to explore most, if not all, activities without feeling rushed. The ticket price of $31.36 per person offers quite reasonable value considering the variety and hands-on nature of the attractions. It’s a good deal for a memorable, educational, and engaging outing, especially for families with kids aged 3 and up.

Practical Tips

• Plan your timing: Aim to visit earlier in the day, especially during weekends or holidays, to avoid peak crowds.
• Bring socks: Some activities might require socks for safety or comfort.
• Allow enough time for souvenirs: Personal creations like your custom crayon or spin-art can serve as keepsakes.
• Accessibility: Service animals are permitted, and the location’s proximity to public transportation makes it convenient for most travelers.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

If you’re traveling with young children or teenagers who love coloring and arts and crafts, this is a perfect activity. The interactive stations and personalized projects keep kids entertained and foster creativity in a relaxed setting. It’s also suitable for families looking for a fun, educational break within a busy day of shopping or sightseeing.

However, if you’re after a highly structured or theme-park-like experience, you might find this a bit more laid-back. Adults or art lovers who enjoy observing or participating in creative activities will also find this worthwhile, especially considering the opportunity to see how crayons are made.

Final Thoughts

The Crayola Experience at Mall of America offers a colorful, hands-on escape into the world of art and imagination. The variety of activities ensures that every visit feels fresh, while the personalized crafts create lasting memories. It provides solid value for the price, especially considering how quickly kids can burn through a couple of hours of lively fun.

This attraction is ideal for families, school groups, or anyone who appreciates creative play. It’s an excellent way to take a break from shopping or sightseeing, adding a splash of color and a dash of imagination to your day.

While it may not be a full-day destination, what you get is quality, engaging fun with an educational twist—definitely worth considering for your trip to Minneapolis-Saint Paul.

FAQ

Is the Crayola Experience inside Mall of America?
Yes, it is located within the Mall of America, making it easy to combine with shopping or other attractions in the mall.

How long does the experience last?
You should plan for about 1 to 3 hours, depending on how many activities you want to try and how busy the day is.

What is the price of admission?
The ticket costs approximately $31.36 per person, which is fairly reasonable given the number of hands-on activities included.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s especially suited for kids and families. The environment is lively but accessible for most age groups.

Can I cancel my ticket?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Is the experience accessible to people with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the activities.

What should I bring or prepare?
Comfortable clothing and socks are recommended; be prepared for some creative messes, but the activities are designed to be safe and fun.

Are there any additional costs?
Most activities are included in the ticket price, but you might want to budget for souvenirs or extra crafts you wish to take home.