Minneapolis isn’t just a city for arts and sports — it’s a surprisingly great destination for shopping and market tours that combine fun, unique experiences, and family-friendly attractions. One standout is the Mall of America, which offers more than just shopping; it also features engaging activities like the Minneapolis: Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure.
Here, you can challenge yourself in immersive worlds, solving puzzles and completing missions, making it an appealing option for travelers looking for something active and different.
The Crayola Experience inside the mall adds a splash of color and creativity, offering interactive exhibits perfect for kids and families alike.
While exploring Minneapolis, these two tours showcase the city’s versatility — from high-energy escape rooms to colorful craft adventures. Whether you’re after a quick thrill or a full day of creative fun, Minneapolis’s shopping and market-friendly vibe won’t disappoint.
1. Minneapolis: Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure
At number 1, we have the Mall of America 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure. This experience is perfect for anyone who enjoys puzzles, teamwork, and a bit of adrenaline. You and your group will enter one of seven immersive worlds — breaking out of prison, finding hidden gold, or saving the day, among others. The game lasts around an hour, making it an easy add-on to your mall visit or a standalone activity.
What makes this escape room stand out is the variety of multiple rooms within each game, allowing for different themes and challenges. Reviewers rate it highly, with a 4.8 out of 5 based on 28 reviews, praising the interactive nature and the fact that unlimited hints are available from the Game Guides — so you won’t get stuck in frustration.
The games are designed to be accessible to all ages, making it a perfect family outing or fun challenge for friends. The $47 per person price provides a quick but memorable experience.
This adventure is ideal for travelers who want a unique, hands-on activity that breaks away from traditional shopping. It’s especially good if you’re visiting the Mall of America and want something more than just retail therapy. The only potential downside is the limited duration — if you’re looking for a full day of entertainment, you’ll need to combine it with other mall attractions.
Bottom line: The escape room is a fun, engaging way to test your puzzle-solving skills and enjoy some competitive fun with loved ones.
2. Mall of America: Crayola Experience Flexible Date Ticket
Ranking second, the Crayola Experience inside the Mall of America offers a colorful, interactive experience that’s perfect for families, kids, or anyone looking to unleash their creativity.
Covering 60,000 square feet, this attraction is loaded with 26 unique activities designed to bring the magic of Crayola to life. You can name and wrap your own Crayola crayon, create spin art, or melt crayons into charms — all hands-on fun.
One of the highlights is the live show explaining how Crayola crayons are made, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the process. The flexible ticket system allows you to spend an entire day immersed in these colorful activities, which makes it easy to plan around your schedule.
At $31 per person, it offers good value, especially considering the variety of attractions included. It’s rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 19 reviews, with many families praising the interactive, creative environment.
This tour is ideal for families traveling with children or anyone wanting a break from typical sightseeing. The main drawback might be that it’s primarily aimed at kids or the young at heart, so if you’re looking for more adult-oriented activities, you might prefer other options. Still, with so many attractions, everyone leaves with a colorful souvenir and a smile.
Bottom line: The Crayola Experience combines creative fun and educational entertainment, making it a top pick for family travelers and those with a playful streak.
How to Choose the Best Shopping & Market Tour in Minneapolis
Choosing between these two exciting options depends on your interests and travel style. If you’re after a quick, high-energy challenge, the escape room inside the mall is perfect. It’s a great way to break the ice or add some excitement to a day of shopping.
Conversely, if you’re traveling with children or want a colorful, interactive activity that lasts longer, the Crayola Experience offers a full day of creative fun.
Consider your budget, too — the escape room costs $47 for a one-hour session, while the Crayola Experience offers a full day for just $31. Think about whether your group enjoys puzzles and teamwork or prefers hands-on crafts and art. Both experiences are centrally located inside the Mall of America, making them easy to combine with shopping or other attractions.
Booking tips: For the escape room, check availability in advance, especially during peak times. For the Crayola Experience, buying flexible tickets online can save time and sometimes money. The best times to visit are weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds.
Minneapolis offers diverse shopping experiences — from the fast-paced thrill of escape rooms to the colorful world of Crayola. If you want a quick, fun challenge, the Mall of America Escape Room is a solid choice. For a longer, creative family outing, the Crayola Experience offers plenty of hands-on activities to keep everyone entertained.
Both are worth considering for your trip, so plan ahead and book early to make the most of these unique Minneapolis attractions.