When I first suggested a trip to the Museum of Illusions at Mall of America, my teens weren’t exactly thrilled. “A museum?” They weren’t convinced. But the second we stepped inside, everything changed.
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From the moment we walked in, they were completely hooked—calling me over to check things out, snapping photos, and constantly saying, “Whoa! Cool! Mom, look at this!” This isn’t your typical museum where you quietly observe from a distance—it’s an interactive, hands-on funhouse of mind-bending illusions that will have you questioning reality.
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Walk on walls …
…. shrink and grow,
….defy gravity,
… and question reality in mind-tricking rooms.
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Every corner is a new surprise, and trust me—you’ll want (and need) your camera!
Perfect for all ages Great for families, friends, or date nights Absolutely worth the visit!
If you’re looking for something different and seriously FUN at MOA, add the Museum of Illusions to your list. Even the skeptics (like my teens) will leave amazed!
Located at Mall of America
Have you been? Let me know your favorite illusion!
Well, it’s been a while since I’ve shared a family life update, and what better time to do it than now—while I’m camped out in bed with a cold, trying to avoid spreading my germs to the rest of the house. They say moms don’t get sick days, but today I’m calling in “semi-sick-but-still-managing-life-from-my-pillow” mode. So, with a little extra time and a lot of tissues, here’s what’s been going on in our corner of the world.
The Cowboys
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George won’t stop growing up on me and is a JUNIOR in high school. He’s also taking a college class, working part time, and playing rec basketball.
Clark is busy with 9th grade basketball and spending any extra time with friends (he hopes to get to know every single person in his high school).
Paul is in 7th grade and busy with two different basketball teams and travel soccer, any free moments are spent cheering on his friends at THEIR sporting events.
Luke is keeping busy with wrestling and hanging with new neighbor friends and old neighbor friends.
Boys Weekend
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Vikings GameMall of America
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Ted and the boys had an unforgettable weekend together—complete with football, food, and father-son bonding. As an early Christmas gift, Ted took them out for dinner, played games at the Mall of America, and treated them to a hotel stay. The highlight? Sunday’s Vikings football game, which was Paul and George’s first ever! They LOVED it!
Book Launch Party x 2
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Local PartyLakeville Party
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I’m so thankful to the neighbors and friends who came to our Turtle Trouble book launch parties! We had door prizes, a live reading, a hot chocolate bar, plus a visit from the illustrator. She created a custom coloring sheet, so we hosted a coloring contest for prizes too.
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Christmas Day Recap
On Christmas morning, the boys came downstairs to find just four presents under the tree—two of which were for Ted. Paul immediately asked if there were more gifts coming. I smiled and told him he’d find out soon.
After breakfast, I sent the boys on a scavenger hunt to find their gifts. Once all the presents were found, I had another game ready to decide who got to open the first one. We alternated between games and opening gifts, giving us more time to enjoy each other’s company.
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Christmas Scavenger Hunt
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Candy Cane GameReindeer Game
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While the boys weren’t thrilled about the games (or me taking videos), Ted gently reminded them that participating was a gift to me. And though they pretended not to enjoy it, I could tell they did.
Once the games and presents were over, we had lunch, enjoyed the new gifts, and capped the day with ice skating and sledding in the evening.
The rest of Christmas break was low-key, as the flu made its way through the family one by one.
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School Daze
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Lately, I’ve been making the rounds in schools, reading to kids and teaching every grade from K-12. It’s been a blast—though let me tell you, shifting gears from kindergarten chaos to middle school energy keeps me on my toes. Every day is a new adventure!
One highlight? When I was teaching at a middle school recently, I scored an exclusive invite to sit with the cool kids—the middle school boys—at lunch!
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Minneapolis Date
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Ted and I recently managed to escape for a much-needed date—because sometimes you’ve got to remind yourself that you are more than just your kids’ snack supplier and chauffeur. We explored the Minnesota Sculpture Garden, where we tried to interpret what the sculptures were supposed to be: Is it a deep metaphor or just a giant spoon?
We then walked across the bridge to Gai Noi and enjoyed some amazing curry. It was one of those perfect afternoons where we felt like grown-ups again.
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Wrigley’s Goes to Jail
Wrigley is doing great… aside from one minor run-in with the law.
It all started when I let him outside. Normally, he never leaves our yard, but of course, this one time, he decided to explore—I should add that he wasn’t wearing his collar. Thankfully, a kind neighbor one street over, found our adventurous (and overly friendly) dog. Not knowing where he belonged, she kindly escorted him to the local police station.
Apparently, Wrigley’s charm didn’t stop with our family; he sweet-talked the officers into taking his mug shot and posting it online to see if anyone recognized him. When I got a text from our neighbor asking, “Is this Wrigley?” I ran to check outside. No Wrigley. I asked the boys—no one had seen him. Sure enough, the fugitive in question was our Wrigley… chilling at the police station.
The reunion was equal parts embarrassing and sweet. Wrigley wagged his tail and jumped up to give me a hug, and I gave him a lecture he clearly tuned out.
He’s home safe now, keeping my reading spot warm and probably dreaming about his next “adventure.”
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Turtle Trouble Book Love
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Thanks to each of you who have purchased a copy of Turtle Trouble! I appreciate the love and support. It’s not too late to get a copy for a school, hospital, library, or child in your life! Click here to buy one, or send me a message for signed copies.
If you have a copy of the book – would you please leave an Amazon review (by clicking here)! Every review helps promote the book! Thank you in advance.
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And that’s the latest from our little corner of the world—complete with kids, chaos, and one (now) law-abiding goldendoodle. Life is not always be picture-perfect, but it’s full of stories that keep us laughing, learning, and sometimes stopping by the police station.
Thanks for catching up with us! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to refill my tea, grab a book, and see if Wrigley left me any room in my reading spot.
Until next time—stay well, stay warm, and maybe keep an eye out for any furry escape artists!
Have you ever reached into a mystery box without knowing what’s inside? The mix of excitement, a little fear, and a whole lot of fun? That’s how the Turtle Trouble book begins—a true story of curiosity and teamwork, featuring the four Egly brothers.
Turtle Trouble brings to life one of our family’s unforgettable adventures, where a fun-filled “What’s in the Box?” game takes an unexpected turn. What started as a simple challenge spiraled into something wilder. When a frog and a turtle join the game, the boys can’t wait to put their bravery to the test!
But, of course, adventure always comes with a twist: soon after a turtle appears, it mysteriously disappears! What follows is a fast-paced family search that has everyone wondering—where could the curious creature have gone? Will the boys be able to solve the mystery before it’s too late?
Writing this book was a joy! With four energetic boys, our family’s life is often filled with adventures, unexpected detours, and moments that make us laugh (or scramble!). The “What’s in the Box?” game was a favorite in our house, where each turn promises something new and exciting. But when real creatures entered the game, we were in for a story that would go down in Egly family history.
Turtle Trouble is a story of teamwork, curiosity, and a family’s determination to solve a problem together. Just like our last book, it’s about celebrating kindness, cooperation, and the fun of family life. Our boys had so much fun creating this memory that I knew I had to ‘re-create it’ into a book that we could share with other families.
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Here is actual footage of the day this story was created:
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Where to Find Turtle Trouble
If you’re looking for a story to make your little ones laugh, gasp, and cheer along with the Egly brothers, you can find Turtle Trouble on Amazon! It’s a perfect read for kids who love animals, mystery, and a dash of family fun.
Signed copies will be available in December and would make a wonderful Christmas gift for any child up to age 12.
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How to Win a Signed Copy:
Share this blog post or this link on instagram, Facebook or any of your socials and TAG ME! Every place you share gets you entered to win a signed copy!
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Thank you for supporting Turtle Trouble—we hope it brings as much joy to your family as it has to ours!
When we moved to Minnesota I didn’t understand why people would go “up north” for vacation. Wouldn’t they want to go SOUTH and find sunshine and warm weather. Well, when I finally went “up north,” it all made sense. It’s magnificent.
As fall break approached, we thought about indulging in more of that ‘up north’ beauty. But instead, we decided to stay home, check out some local spots, and take a breather before sports and the holiday busy-ness have us running.
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Here are some highlights:
Clark and Paul found recipes on TikTok. While I was working at the Artisan Home tour, they road their bikes to Aldi, bought groceries with their own money, and cooked chicken and pasta for the family! I could not have been more proud.
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I took my first painting class and I loved it! I got to learn new techniques and meet some wonderful people
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Screenshot
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We made a trip to the Mall of America, where we explored the new Museum of Illusions—such a fun and mind-bending experience.
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First college visit for George! We got a tour of the University of Minnesota. What a BEAUTIFUL campus.
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The U of M has one of the largest campus bookstores in the county.
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Beautiful historic buildings on the U of M campus!
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We went to a Minnesota Timberwolves preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, AntMan was not playing, but it was still a fun game to watch.
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Our first “family” basketball game.The 2 legends behind Luke were in attendance, but not playing.
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Clark was back on the court. He is playing on a ‘pre-seaon’ team before his first ‘high school’ try out. Here’s a quick video highlight:
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Luke had one additional day off so we spent the day together playing pickle ball and going to The Wild Robot. It was a cute movie, but we like the book better.
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We are loving this unusually warm fall in Minnesota. The tree outside my house is bringing me absolute delight!
While most families flock to Florida or Mexico for a warm beach escape during spring break, our family of six heads north. With four boys who don’t need a break from the cold and love to ski, we find it both fun and budget-friendly to pack up our gear and head to Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore.
We packed out car to the brim with six pairs of skis, ski boots, snow boots, helmets, gloves, winter clothes, and enough food to feed an army. Our first stop was in Two Harbors for a delicious lunch and some coastal exploration. The boys enjoyed exploring, despite the chilly winds whipping off Lake Superior.
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Though we didn’t make time for it on this trip, I highly recommend exploring Gooseberry Falls state park while in (or passing through) Two Harbors, MN!
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Next up, we visited the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse and State Park. Last year, the boys spent over an hour just skipping rocks, but this year, the wind and waves kept us from spending much time there, so we made our way to our cozy cabin in the Lutsen woods. It’s not fancy, but the boys love the ski-in/ski-out setup, and I appreciate the full kitchen and two bathrooms.
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Once settled in, we took a winter walk though the woods, played some silly snowball games, and capped off the night watching basketball.
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The next morning, we were up early and off to Lutsen Ski Hill. The slopes were quiet due to a mild winter in Minnesota. The boys sped down every run – from green to black, leaving me to navigate the icy slopes with all the muscle power I could muster. My youngest, Luke, already skis better than me at age nine.
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We gathered for lunch in the lodge, then I decided to stay there and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Superior, while the boys and Ted continued skiing.
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After a fun-filled day of skiing, the boys skied their way to the cabin. I love that they can navigate this by themselves. Ted and I drive ourselves and our gear back to the cabin. We ordered pizza for the boys, who were, believe it or not, worn out and ready to relax in the condo. Ted and I snuck away to enjoy live music at a local winery.
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We also made a memorable visit to Grand Marais, taking a trek to the lighthouse. Though the famous donut shop was closed, it just gives us another reason to return and explore this charming town further at another time.
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On our way home we stopped in Duluth. This is a great place eat, explore, and watch the ships come in an out of the harbor. (For a full Duluth itinerary, click here)
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In just three days, we packed in a lot of fun and relaxation. Our North Shore ski trips are always filled with adventure, laughter, and cherished memories. Until next time, keep exploring!
Are you in Minnesota and looking for something fun to do with your family? Do you have guests coming to town and want to try something new and unique? Well, I’ve got you!
Here are 24 family-friendly places for fun around Twin Cities:
This museum in downtown St. Paul features hands-on exhibits, an Omnitheater, and interactive activities that are both educational and entertaining for kids. My boys and I LOVED it!
Inside the Mall of America in Bloomington, Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor theme park in the United States, offering rides for all ages. I love that you can PAY PER RIDE – or get an all-day pass.
This is a GIANT store in Jordan, MN that not only sells every kind of candy you can imagine, but popcorn, pie, soda, meat and cheese! There is so much to see inside this store, your family will love it. Come for the candy store, or make it a day of adventure.
The Remains of the inside of the General Mills Factory
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Learn about the history of Minneapolis and its flour milling industry at the Mill City Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and a chance to explore the ruins of a historic flour mill.
Located in downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota Children’s Museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage children’s curiosity and creativity. All four of my kids enjoyed visiting this museum and want to go back.
Enjoy the outdoors by visiting Minnehaha Falls – you’ll find a scenic waterfall, a hiking trail, swimming spots, and lots of space for exploring. Bring extra clothes or wear some that can get wet or muddy.
This museum in Minneapolis focuses on electricity and magnetism, offering hands-on exhibits and demonstrations that are both fun and educational for kids.
Explore nature and history at Fort Snelling State Park, where you can hike, bike, picnic, and learn about the military history of the area. Here’s a peek into our visit to the Fort.
This museum, located in St. Paul, explores the history and culture of Minnesota through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. It’s a great place to learn about our state’s past. My kids and I loved our time in this museum and leaned so much in the ‘hands on’ exhibits!
Founded in 1907, the Wildflower Garden is the oldest public native plant garden in the United States. This area has a beautiful walking path through the grounds.
Bursting with more than 20 hands-on activities, this one-of-a-kind family attraction is where color, chemistry and technology combine to create a colorful adventure for a child’s imagination. Name and wrap your own crayon, create a coloring page with YOU in it, bring your art to life in 4-D and so much more! Perfect for a day of family fun.
Located in St. Paul, Bell Museum is a place kids can explore science, nature and history. You will find a geology exploration area, solar station, and an area with snakeskins, animal pelts, and bones, rocks and fossils. They have a planetarium and really cool life-size dioramas.
. The Museum of Illusions, located just below the food court in the Mall of America, is a must-visit! My kids and I were captivated by the hands-on, mind-bending exhibits—perfect for amazing photos and endless laughs. It’s a fun, educational experience for all ages. Even the gift shop is stocked with interactive toys and reasonably priced products.
The magnificent fireplace inside the entrance to the home. Anyone else have a foyer fireplace like this one?
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This museum celebrates Swedish-American culture through art, exhibits, and programming. It’s housed in a stunning, historic mansion and includes a cafe serving Nordic cuisine. Click here to read about my visit.
In St. Paul, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free to enter and features a zoo with animals from around the world, as well as a conservatory with beautiful gardens.
This place is just across the Wisconsin border, but deserves to be on the list! It’s an amazing park where deer and other animals roam free for you to pet and feed. Make a day of it and stop by the Franconia Sculpture Garden and Taylor Falls.
My kids weren’t super excited about a visit to the Arboretum, but I wanted to go, so I created a challenge for them. “Whoever can capture the BEST picture will win $1.” My boys are always up for a contest and it PAID OFF (no pun intended). They enjoyed trying to capture the BEST picture and I enjoyed the BEAUTY all around.
New this year: educational and fun Discovery Booths, featuring a different theme each month. Drop in between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, May 2 through Oct. 27, for a variety of hands-on activities.
When a neighbor mentioned that he needed some help with a Parade of Home’s Artisan Home Tour, I thought, “Why not? It’s a chance to see some stunning houses and meet new people in the process!”
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You can see these dreamy homes (and 18 others!) today through Sunday. Visit one house for $5 or all of them for $25 (with promo code HOLIDAY). All the details are just a click away, so check out more info by tapping right here.
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Here’s the scoop on two fabulous homes I played host to over on the west side of Minneapolis.
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Which one of these jaw-dropping homes could you see yourself living in?
A 3400-square-foot modern masterpiece out in Medina, MN. It sits on 7 forested acres (yet is still close to restaurants and shopping).
Or, maybe you’re more into the 6700-square-foot, 3 story beauty (with an elevator) on Lake Minnetonka.
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House #1 in Medina, MN built by City Homes
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I was crazy about this blue porcelain shower.
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Here’s an inside tour:
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House #2 in Orono, MN on Lake Minnetonka built by Lecy Brothers
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This property has been in the family for over half a century, but the house itself is brand new. The top level is an ’apartment’ for the grandparents who bought this property in the 60s. The elevator takes them to every level where the next two generations live.
Gorgeous kitchen with a maple island
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The main living area with an art TV and lake view
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Which is your favorite? Drop your thoughts in the comment section by giving that little box next to the post title a gentle click.
And if you’re on the hunt for more design inspiration, follow my sister at Krista Lynn Designs. She’s an interior designer with phenomenal taste! .
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On Sunday we introduced “The Great Lake Rescue” to our community by hosting an Ice Cream Book Launch party. The event took place at our local park. Our invitations were sent to array of friends, classmates, and the esteemed illustrator.
Here’s what happened:
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Ice Cream Sundaes, Root Beer Floats and Popsicles
Meet the Author and Illustrator
Opportunity to Purchase and Obtain Autographed Copies of the Book
Children’s Drawing Contest with Exciting Giveaways
Coloring Station, featuring custom sheets crafted by the illustrator
4:00
Meet the Four Main Characters – the Egly boys
Live Book Reading
Q and A with the Author and Main Characters
4:40
Giveaways Announced and Prizes Given
4:45
Final Opportunity to Purchase and Obtain Autographed Copies of the Book
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Even with the rain, over 100 people came! The boys, the book, and I felt incredibly loved. One thing that really stands out to me about Minnesotans is how they don’t let the weather bother them. Rain, heat, or freezing cold, they still go out and enjoy life without hesitation.
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I forgot to ask someone to take photos of the event so I didn’t get pictures of everything and everyone, including the illustrator, Alyssa Whetstone. However, here are a few that others snapped and sent to me:
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The Fox FamilyThe Jean FamilyLive readingGeorge and Evie – the best ice cream scoopers!Paul and Jordan- with one of the Giveaways!
I’m excited to give you a sneak peek into my next children’s book, “The Great Lake Rescue!”
This entertaining tale, inspired by a true story, will be hitting the shelves this summer, bringing the adventures of the fantastic four to life, and reinforcing the message of kindness and helping others.
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When I began my search for an illustrator for this book, I found Alyssa Whetstone. I knew she was a talented Minnesota water color artist, but didn’t know where in this large state she lived. When she agreed to meet with me, I discovered that we teach in the SAME SCHOOL DISTRICT! I’ve loved working with her, and if you are interested, you can find her art here: alyssawhetstoneart.com.
I’m not usually a mall fan. I’m one of those rare females that doesn’t love to shop. However, I do enjoy going to the Mall of America. Mostly because there is so much more than shopping. You never know what you will see or experience when you visit MOA.
Donuts, cookies, chicken, mexican food, cream puffs, ice cream, sushi, steak, burritos, cupcakes, burgers and SO much more. If there’s a food you are craving, MOA will have it!
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5. Have a min-bending experience at Museum of Illusions
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6. People watch
Sit and enjoy watching all the people who visit.
Did you know more people visit Mall of America than Disney World?
Photographs of Fair on 4 in Bloomington, MN. All images by The Restaurant Project Copyright 2022
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9. Have a problem-solving adventure in an Escape room
Mall of America has the BEST Escape rooms around! My 15-year-old tried one for his birthday and absolutely LOVED IT! He did the Gold Rush but can’t wait to go back for the Prison Escape or another challenge.
Join their free rewards program and you will have access to:
Treat Yourself Tuesday ($5.00 Tickets) and FREE small box of popcorn with the purchase of a movie ticket with the opportunity to upgrade to larger sizes for a discounted fee! Subject to any applicable premium upcharges and tax. Blackout dates apply
FREE same day refills on large popcorns and sodas
FREE #1 combo coupon on your birthday and more!
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12. Attend one of the 400 free events every year
Celebrity meet-and-greet, fashion shows, and concerts around the mall.
This is one of our FAVORITE experiences at the mall – whether you are 6 or 60 – you will have so much fun ‘flying over’ the US and experiencing it in an entirely new way! Click here to read our story!
Perfect for all ages
Located at Mall of America
