Mall of America (St. Paul, Burnsville: hotels, university, camp)

[veggggies]

I am taking my daughter to Mall of America in January to celebrate her 13th birthday. We'll be staying Friday evening (late) through Monday (we'll leave in the AM or afternoon). Other then taking her to Mall of America for a shopping spree, what else is there to do for a new teen and her mom in that area?

Thanks!

[Slig]

there's an indoor waterslide park off of 494 very near to the mall of america (just west I believe?) Otherwise it kinda depends what your daughter is into. You could check out one of the zoos or the science museum. Lake Calhoun/Uptown is a fun area to walk around and do some people watching. The gameworks downtown would be cool if she likes arcarde games. If she likes rock music the hard rock cafe across from the Target center is an obvious choice.

[golfgal]

The weather can be iffy in January for outdoor activities like the zoo, etc. The Minnesota Zoo is about 10 minutes south of the MOA and has a lot of indoor exhibits. Downtown St. Paul, again about 10 minutes from MOA, has Minnesota Science Museum that is currently displaying the traveling show "Pomppii". I am not sure how long it will be there but it is an interesting display.

If she is into basketball, take in a game at the University of MN-men's or women's. Does she ski? There is a ski bump south of MOA in Burnsville (Buck Hill).

It would be easier to make recommendations if we knew what she liked to do.

[jenrik2714]

IMO, the Mall of America is just like the mall in your town. The only difference it is bigger. They do have a aquarium and a mini-theme park, other than that, it was alright. Your teenager might like it, but it is just like a regular mall. Some of the hotels in the area do provide shuttles to the mall and back.

[veggggies]

Originally Posted by jenrik2714

IMO, the Mall of America is just like the mall in your town. The only difference it is bigger. They do have a aquarium and a mini-theme park, other than that, it was alright. Your teenager might like it, but it is just like a regular mall. Some of the hotels in the area do provide shuttles to the mall and back.

I figured it wouldn't be so different then the malls I'm used to, but it's really something she wanted to do and it'll be a nice way for us to have some time alone! Plus, she'll be turning 13 and loves to shop! Are the mini-theme park and aquarium in the mall?

[veggggies]

Originally Posted by golfgal

The weather can be iffy in January for outdoor activities like the zoo, etc. The Minnesota Zoo is about 10 minutes south of the MOA and has a lot of indoor exhibits. Downtown St. Paul, again about 10 minutes from MOA, has Minnesota Science Museum that is currently displaying the traveling show "Pomppii". I am not sure how long it will be there but it is an interesting display.

If she is into basketball, take in a game at the University of MN-men's or women's. Does she ski? There is a ski bump south of MOA in Burnsville (Buck Hill).

It would be easier to make recommendations if we knew what she liked to do.

You're right, I should have given more information. She'd love the science museum, so I'll definitely look into that! She's not much into sports other then football. She's more the book type!

Thanks!

[veggggies]

Originally Posted by Slig

there's an indoor waterslide park off of 494 very near to the mall of america (just west I believe?) Otherwise it kinda depends what your daughter is into. You could check out one of the zoos or the science museum. Lake Calhoun/Uptown is a fun area to walk around and do some people watching. The gameworks downtown would be cool if she likes arcarde games. If she likes rock music the hard rock cafe across from the Target center is an obvious choice.

More great ideas! She's always wanted to go to a Hard Rock Cafe and gameworks sounds fun (even for me)! I'll have to look all these places up online and try to fit them all in!

[mrkool]

If you are not from the area, without fail take the Twin Cities bus tour. I think it runs even in winter, but only on weekends. Busses depart from the transit center on the north side of mall, and tickets can be bought/reservations made in a little gift shop right inside the north entrance.
You will see really neat sights, and get alot of info about the area and history from a narrator who rides along (not the driver).
It's about a 2 1/2 hr trip, so easy to make time for.
We love taking this tour, and have done so about 3 times.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by veggggies

I figured it wouldn't be so different then the malls I'm used to, but it's really something she wanted to do and it'll be a nice way for us to have some time alone! Plus, she'll be turning 13 and loves to shop! Are the mini-theme park and aquarium in the mall?

Yes, the aquarium and the theme park (used to be Camp Snoopy, now just the Park at MOA) are right in the mall. Shopping at the MOA is great for teen girls, they have pretty much every store a 13 year old would like in one mall. My DD is 12 1/2 and we will shop there for her almost exclusively because we can do one stop shopping.

Plan at least one FULL day at the mall if you are going to eat there, see the whole mall and do the rides/aquarium. IKEA is also right across the street from MOA and a lot of teens like to shop there for stuff for their rooms.

[veggggies]

Thank you for all the great information! I really appreciate it!

Do you think going on the weekend is a crazy idea or would a Friday be better?