Mall of America®: Crayola Experience

Exploring the Crayola Experience at Mall of America: A Colorful Family Adventure

Looking for a lively, family-friendly stop in Minneapolis that sparks creativity and offers plenty of hands-on fun? The Crayola Experience at Mall of America is a vibrant attraction designed with children and the young at heart in mind. While it might not be the most expansive theme park, it offers enough interactive activities to keep your little artists engaged for a few hours.

What we love most about this experience is the opportunity to get creative with no pressure and see how crayons are made — a fascinating peek behind the scenes. Plus, the chance to personalize your own Crayola crayon and turn drawings into immersive 4D adventures makes for memorable moments.

One potential drawback? If your kids are very young or easily overwhelmed, the multitude of activities might feel a bit chaotic. It’s best suited for families looking for a quick, engaging escape from mall shopping rather than a full-day theme park experience. Overall, it’s perfect for those wanting a playful, creative outing that’s easy to access in the heart of Minneapolis.

Key Points

• Highly interactive with over 25 hands-on activities tailored for all ages.
• Creative customization options like naming your own crayon and making personalized art.
• Educational insights into how crayons are made, adding an extra layer of interest.
• Family-friendly environment with options for silly selfies and art projects.
• Close to public transportation for easy access within Mall of America.
• Affordable price point at $31.36 per person offers good value for a few hours of fun.

What You Can Expect at the Crayola Experience Mall of America

An Introduction to a World of Color and Creativity

This attraction is all about allowing your imagination to run wild. Located inside the massive Mall of America, the Crayola Experience offers a welcoming environment where kids and adults alike can indulge in creative pursuits. The experience is designed to be interactive and engaging, with a variety of activities that encourage you to get your hands dirty (or colorful, at least).

The admission ticket, priced at about $31.36 per person, grants access to all the activities, making it a cost-effective way to spend around 1 to 3 hours immersed in fun. Considering the variety of attractions, we find this to be a reasonable price for the value received.

The Itinerary in Detail: What Are the Highlights?

First Stop: Crayola’s Manufacturing and Personalization Station

We loved the way the tour begins with a peek into how crayons are made. Seeing the waxy sticks transforming from raw materials to vibrant crayons gives a satisfying behind-the-scenes look that most kids find surprisingly fascinating. The chance to wrap and name your own Crayola crayon is a unique feature that adds a personal touch to your visit, making it memorable for children and collectors alike.

Interactive Art Stations Galore

Next, the experience opens up into more than 25 interactive stations. You can star in your own coloring page and see it transformed into a 4D adventure, which combines your art with simulated effects that make the scene pop out of the page — a fun and immersive twist that appeals to tech-savvy kids.

Crafting melt-wax spin-art is another engaging activity that allows visitors to create their own unique patterns, while silly selfies with vibrant backgrounds provide playful photo opportunities. The Scribble Scrubbie station offers the chance to decorate and clean foam animals, which is surprisingly satisfying and entertaining.

Additional Activities: Creativity on a Larger Canvas

For those who enjoy more tactile projects, the melted wax spin-art is a favorite for many visitors, providing a chance to create colorful, swirling designs. The selfie stations add a modern twist, letting visitors capture their creative moments in fun, colorful settings.

You also have the opportunity to design your own Scribble Scrubbie, which involves decorating a foam animal with washable markers, then cleaning it off to do it all over again. This endless cycle of decorating and cleaning keeps kids busy and entertained.

The Overall Experience: What’s the Atmosphere Like?

The environment is bright, colorful, and lively. Expect a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of space for children to move around and explore. The staff generally keeps things organized, but with so many activities, some visitors might find the space a tad crowded during peak hours.

The location inside Mall of America means you can easily combine your visit with shopping or other attractions nearby. The mall’s public transportation options make it accessible without needing a car, which is a big plus if you’re traveling with a group.

Authentic Insights from Visitors

While there are only a few reviews available, they paint a generally positive picture. One reviewer pointed out that candy was the trigger for kids, which is understandable in a mall setting, but also mentioned that the kids had been so well-behaved all day that it wasn’t a big issue. The reviewer also suggested that clothing options should include bigger sizes, referencing a humorous comment on clothing sizes—highlighting that the attraction is more focused on the fun than the finer details.

Another review, which unfortunately lacks a direct rating, describes the experience as “okay” but emphasizes the importance of pacing your visit, especially if you want to maximize the activities without feeling rushed.

What Does the Price Get You?

At just over $31 per person, the Crayola Experience offers good value considering the range of activities included in the ticket. There are no extra charges for the individual stations, so you can freely explore everything. For families with children who love arts and crafts, this is a cost-effective way to enjoy a few hours of creative fun without breaking the bank.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Plan your visit during off-peak hours (early mornings or weekdays) if possible, to avoid crowds.
• Allocate 2-3 hours to comfortably enjoy all activities without rushing.
• Consider the age of your children — while most activities are suitable for all, very young children may need more assistance or supervision.
• Bring a camera — many stations are selfie-friendly, and capturing your child’s joy is part of the experience.
• Check the mall’s public transportation options to ensure smooth access; the experience is near transit stops.

The Sum Up

The Crayola Experience at Mall of America delivers a colorful, child-focused environment packed with creative activities that appeal to a wide age range. It’s a great choice if you’re seeking an easy, fun-filled break from shopping or sightseeing. The interactive art stations, crayon-making insights, and personalized crafts make this more than just a play area—it’s a place where your kids can really express themselves.

While it might not be large enough to occupy an entire day, the experience offers good value for a few hours of entertainment. It suits families with young children, art-loving visitors, or anyone looking to add a splash of color to their Minneapolis trip.

If your kids are ready to color outside the lines and enjoy a creative adventure, the Crayola Experience makes for a memorable stop—just be prepared for a lively, vibrant scene full of imagination and fun.

FAQ

Is the Crayola Experience inside Mall of America?
Yes, it is located within the Mall of America, making it easy to combine with other shopping and entertainment options.

How long does the experience last?
Most visitors spend between 1 to 3 hours exploring all the activities.

What is the price of admission?
The ticket costs around $31.36 per person, which provides access to more than 25 activities.

Are there any discounts or special offers?
The information provided doesn’t specify discounts, but the price seems to be a flat rate. Check the official website for any current promotions.

Is the experience suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, especially children, but very young kids and those requiring extra assistance should be supervised.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed at the Crayola Experience.

What are the opening hours?
It’s open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with longer hours during certain periods. Always check ahead before your visit.

This colorful stop at Mall of America’s Crayola Experience offers a delightful blend of education, creativity, and fun—perfect for families wanting to add some bright moments to their Minneapolis adventure.