6 Best Shopping & Market Tours In Minneapolis Saint Paul (With Reviews & Prices)

Minneapolis Saint Paul offers a surprisingly rich variety of shopping and market experiences, well beyond just malls and souvenir stores. The region’s vibrant retail scene includes everything from thrilling escape rooms at the Mall of America to exclusive outlet shopping trips.

What makes this area stand out is its combination of family-friendly attractions like Nickelodeon Universe and unique experiences such as the Crayola Experience or miniature golf courses with whimsical themes.

If you’re looking for fun ways to shop, explore, or just soak in some retail excitement, you’ll find plenty of options that suit different tastes and budgets.

For example, the Mall of America, with its diverse attractions, is perfect for families craving a full day of fun, while the private outlet tours offer a quieter, more curated shopping experience.

One of the highlights here is the Escape Game at the Mall of America—a perfect activity for groups wanting a challenge that combines teamwork with a bit of adrenaline. Plus, the Nickelodeon Universe wristband gives you access to endless rides, making it a great choice for thrill-seekers.

Whether you’re into creative activities at the Crayola Experience or prefer a relaxing round of Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, Minneapolis Saint Paul has a shopping or market tour for you.

Quick Overview

Our list features a mix of interactive experiences, theme park fun, and shopping excursions. Highlights include the immersive The Escape Game, which challenges your problem-solving skills, and the Nickelodeon Universe, offering unlimited rides for a day of high-energy fun.

For those looking to get creative, the Crayola Experience offers over 25 hands-on activities. Family-friendly golf, with the Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, combines whimsy with accessibility.

And for a more leisurely, upscale experience, the private shopping tours to Albertville and Twin Cities Outlets provide curated retail therapy.

Now, let’s unpack each of these options to help you decide which best fits your interests, schedule, and budget.

1. The Escape Game: Epic 60-Minute Adventures at the Mall of America

At number 1 on our list, the The Escape Game offers a fun, high-energy challenge just inside the Mall of America. This experience takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and is suitable for groups of up to 8 people. You select from five themed games such as Gold Rush or Prison Break, where your team will race against the clock to solve clues, follow riddles, and work together to “escape” before time runs out.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. It’s ideal for families, friends, or colleagues looking for a break from retail or seeking a memorable group activity.

The game guides are called in for assistance, ensuring the experience stays smooth and engaging. The reviews highlight how challenging yet fun it is, with many mentioning the friendly, helpful staff.

This activity is especially good if you’re looking for something interactive that doesn’t require physical exertion but still gets the adrenaline flowing. The price of about $47 per person offers a solid value considering the lively, memorable experience. Bottom line: if you want to combine the Mall’s shopping with a game that challenges your mind and encourages teamwork, this is a perfect pick.

2. Mall of America®: Nickelodeon Universe® Unlimited Ride Wristband

At number 2, the Nickelodeon Universe is the nation’s largest indoor theme park, covering seven acres of rides, attractions, and entertainment. The Unlimited Ride Wristband grants access to every ride in the park all day long, making it perfect for thrill-seekers or families wanting to maximize their fun.

The park’s attractions include roller coasters, unusual rides, and character meet-and-greets. The experience is designed for all ages, with options to suit little kids and teenagers alike.

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the “lots of fun” and “phenomenal” rides, though noting the challenge of waiting in long lines—something to consider during peak times. The ticket costs $58.80, which offers good value if you plan on riding multiple times.

What makes this experience stand out is the variety of rides and entertainment options packed into one space. It’s ideal for families or groups looking for a full day of adventure in a climate-controlled environment. The downside? It’s an indoor park, so it can get crowded and hot on busy days.

Bottom line: a day at Nickelodeon Universe is a must for families wanting high-energy fun and character meet-and-greets.

3. Mall of America®: Crayola Experience

Coming in at number 3, the Crayola Experience is a colorful, creative stop for kids and the young at heart. Spanning 25+ hands-on activities, this attraction invites visitors to draw, craft, and see the magic of crayon-making firsthand. You can personalize a crayon, turn a coloring page into a 4D experience, and even create Melted Wax Spin-Art.

The experience is flexible, taking around 1 to 3 hours, and is perfect for families or creative groups. What makes it special is its interactive nature—every corner offers a new activity, encouraging imagination and artistic expression. The admission ticket is around $31.36, offering good value for the array of activities involved.

The reviews note that it’s a fun, inspiring environment, although the single review mentions it’s better suited for kids, but adults can also enjoy it.

This attraction is ideal if you’re looking to add some hands-on fun to your visit beyond shopping. It’s best suited for younger children or families seeking a break from retail. Bottom line: the Crayola Experience provides a vibrant, creative escape with plenty of opportunities to make memorable keepsakes.

4. Moose Mountain Adventure Golf in Mall of America

At number 4, the Moose Mountain Adventure Golf offers a whimsical, family-friendly mini-golf course with an old Northwoods theme. Featuring life-size moose, horses, cartoon logging trucks, and steam locomotives, this 18-hole course presents a charming adventure for all ages. The design emphasizes accessibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the game.

While there are no reviews listed, the course is known for its creative, fun layout that appeals to kids and adults alike. The price is around $16.79 per person, which makes it a budget-friendly activity with plenty of entertainment value. The course’s unique theme and accessible design provide an engaging experience, especially if you’re in the mall with kids or want a relaxing break from shopping.

This mini-golf is a great addition if you’re after something light-hearted and visually entertaining. The course’s fully accessible nature also makes it suitable for visitors with mobility concerns. Bottom line: Moose Mountain is a whimsical, accessible mini-golf option that adds a bit of Northwoods charm to your mall visit.

5. Private Shopping Tour from Minneapolis to Albertville Outlets

At number 5, the Private Shopping Tour to Albertville Premium Outlets offers a tailored shopping experience. Starting from your hotel, a private driver takes you about 30 minutes north to this upscale outlet mall, home to luxury boutiques and stores selling everything from designer clothes to home goods. The tour lasts about 5 hours, giving you ample time to browse and buy.

The outlets feature collections from prestigious local and international designers at discounted prices, making it an excellent choice for serious shoppers or those hunting for deals. The tour includes free hotel pickup and drop-off, and the stores are open for four hours of dedicated shopping. The cost is $364.64 per person, reflecting a private, high-end experience with personalized attention.

The reviews aren’t listed, but the value here lies in the convenience, comfort, and access to premier outlet shopping without the hassle of driving or navigating alone. It’s best suited for travelers with a budget willing to splurge on convenience and exclusive shopping. Bottom line: this private tour is perfect for those seeking a curated, luxury shopping day with minimal hassle.

6. Private Shopping Tour from Minneapolis to Twin Cities Outlets

Rounding out our list is the Twin Cities Outlets tour, which offers a 4- to 5-hour private trip to a Premiere outlet featuring over 85 stores, including Nike, Coach, Ralph Lauren, and Under Armour. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel, whisk you to the outlet, and then return you comfortably afterward.

This tour costs about $328.43 per person and is designed for shoppers who want to maximize their time at a major outlet center. The stores are well-known for their discounts on both local and international brands, making it an excellent choice for fashion lovers or bargain hunters. Reviews aren’t available, but the itinerary’s flexibility and access to flagship outlets make this a reliable option.

This tour is ideal if you want a focused shopping trip with a private guide to manage travel logistics. It’s suited for travelers with a specific shopping list or those who prefer a more private, curated experience. Bottom line: a practical, efficient way to visit one of the region’s prime outlet centers in comfort.

How to Choose

Picking the right shopping or market tour in Minneapolis Saint Paul depends on your interests, budget, and how much you want to shop or explore. If you’re traveling with kids or your group enjoys interactive fun, the Escape Game or Nickelodeon Universe are excellent options.

For a creative break, the Crayola Experience is perfect, especially for families with young children. For a relaxing, scenic activity, consider the Moose Mountain Adventure Golf.

Serious shoppers seeking discounted designer brands should look into the private outlet tours to Albertville or Twin Cities Outlets. These provide convenience and access to high-end stores at savings. Budget travelers or families on a tight schedule might prefer the mini-golf or escape room, while those wanting a full retail experience might opt for the private shopping tours.

Booking early is advised, especially for private tours or during peak seasons like summer and holidays. Check the individual tour websites for the latest availability and consider combining experiences—for example, pairing a mall visit with a mini-golf game or a creative activity.

Final Thoughts

Minneapolis Saint Paul offers a surprising range of shopping and market experiences that cater to all interests—from adrenaline-pumping rides at Nickelodeon Universe to creative activities at the Crayola Experience.

For families, the Mall of America is a no-brainer, while serious shoppers will appreciate the convenience of private outlet tours. The escape room adds a fun twist, perfect for groups seeking a challenge.

No matter what your travel style, you’ll find options that fit your schedule and budget. Planning ahead and booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these engaging, practical tours. Happy shopping and exploring in the Twin Cities!