Experience · Minneapolis

Family Morning at Mall of America Aquarium

Start your family's morning with an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE at Mall of America, exploring vibrant marine ecosystems. Afterward, refuel with a fun, interactive stop at Crayola Experience, perfect for creative young minds.

A 3.5-hour South Loop District morning plan for families — SEA LIFE at Mall of America, Crayola Experience Mall of America, RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Minneapolis.

Duration
3h 30m
Cost
$50–$100
Stops
3 stops
Area
South Loop District
Walking
Light walking · Total 4.7-mile driving route
Best time
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ideal for
Families · Kids · Friends
Start Plan
Customize
Family Morning at Mall of America Aquarium

The plan

The plan

  1. 1SEA LIFE at Mall of America(1 hr 30 min)→
  2. 2Crayola Experience Mall of America(1 hr 30 min)→
  3. 3RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Minneapolis(30 min)

Why this plan works

Every stop sits in South Loop District, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. SEA LIFE at Mall of America is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Minneapolis — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, and friends who want a planned Minneapolis outing without improvising between stops.

The story

Overview

Start your family's morning with an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE at Mall of America, exploring vibrant marine ecosystems. Afterward, refuel with a fun, interactive stop at Crayola Experience, perfect for creative young minds.

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

  1. SEA LIFE at Mall of America1
    1h 30m
    SEA LIFE at Mall of America

    Family · South Loop District

    Family-friendly exhibits with a variety of sea creatures (most offer play areas & group packages).

    What to do — Arrive shortly after opening to enjoy the aquarium with fewer crowds. Take your time exploring the different zones, including the interactive touch pools and the 360-degree ocean tunnel.

    Scout Side Quest

    Find the sea creature with the grumpiest face and take turns guessing what ruined its morning.

    Book it · SEA LIFE at Mall of America

    0.1 mi · 3 min walk or 3 min drive

    Then Walk a short distance within the Mall of America to your next destination.

  2. Crayola Experience Mall of America2
    1h 30m
    Crayola Experience Mall of America

    Arts & Culture · South Loop District

    Modeling & coloring stations & high-tech play zones at a crayon company-sponsored kids' attraction.

    What to do — Let the kids unleash their creativity at the various stations, designing their own crayons and bringing their drawings to life.

    Scout Side Quest

    Take turns inventing the absolute worst name for a new crayon color.

    Book it · Crayola Experience Mall of America

    4.6 mi · 13 min drive

    Then Short hop over to RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Minneapolis.

  3. RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Minneapolis3
    Optional 30 min
    RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Minneapolis

    Food & Drink

    Brunch, dinner & wine in a design studio's chic, glass-walled rooftop area with trees & chandeliers.

    What to do — Swing through RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Minneapolis for fruit, bread or something fun for breakfast.

Scout Stories

People who did this

Be the first to leave a Moment.

Did this outing? Hit "We Did This" up top and share a photo.

The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Minneapolis itinerary for families?
Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, and friends and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at SEA LIFE at Mall of America.
How long does this outing take?
Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Minneapolis itinerary cost?
Roughly $50–$100 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?
Not entirely. The stops cover about 4.7 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?
No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

Keep exploring

More ways to spend time in Minneapolis

Different moods, same city.

  • Stone Arch Bridge Views & Mill District Eats
    Date Night
    Minneapolis
    Stone Arch Bridge Views & Mill District Eats

    Explore Minneapolis's historic heart with a walk across the iconic Stone Arch Bridge, offering unparalleled views of the city skyline and St. Anthony Falls. Fuel up before or after with modern indigenous cuisine nearby, and finish with a relaxing stroll through the adjacent park.

    Duration
    3 hrs
    Cost
    $25–$75
    Ideal for
    Couples · Friends
    View the plan
  • Garden Stroll & Casual Bites Morning
    Outdoors
    Minneapolis
    Garden Stroll & Casual Bites Morning

    Embrace a budget-friendly morning exploring the serene Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, a true natural gem. Afterward, grab an affordable and tasty coffee and pastry at a charming local spot, completing your relaxed and economical outing.

    Duration
    2h 30m
    Cost
    $10–$25
    Ideal for
    Solo · Friends
    View the plan
  • Afternoon Swedish Charm in Phillips West
    Date Night
    Minneapolis
    Afternoon Swedish Charm in Phillips West

    Dive into Swedish culture and history with an afternoon visit to the American Swedish Institute, exploring its unique exhibits and stately architecture. Afterwards, enjoy a satisfying American meal at a nearby restaurant, before concluding with a delightful coffee and pastry break.

    Duration
    4 hrs
    Cost
    $35–$75
    Ideal for
    Couples · Friends
    View the plan
  • Russian Art & Elegant Dinner Date
    Date Night
    Minneapolis
    Russian Art & Elegant Dinner Date

    Indulge in a culturally rich afternoon by exploring the unique exhibits at The Museum of Russian Art. Afterward, transition to an elegant dining experience with sophisticated contemporary cuisine, perfect for a memorable date night.

    Duration
    3h 30m
    Cost
    $100–$200
    Ideal for
    Couples · Friends
    View the plan
  • Sculpture Garden & Downtown East Afternoon
    Date Night
    Minneapolis
    Sculpture Garden & Downtown East Afternoon

    Spend an artful and budget-friendly afternoon starting at the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, admiring the modern art installations. Afterwards, grab an affordable and satisfying lunch at a local cafe. Conclude your day with a peaceful walk through The Commons park, taking in the downtown atmosphere.

    Duration
    2h 30m
    Cost
    $15–$25
    Ideal for
    Solo · Friends
    View the plan
  • Mill District History, Food & Live Music
    Date Night
    Minneapolis
    Mill District History, Food & Live Music

    Start your budget-friendly evening with a walk across the historic Stone Arch Bridge, offering stunning views of the Mississippi River and St. Anthony Falls. Then, enjoy a unique and affordable meal at a restaurant specializing in indigenous cuisine. Conclude your night with live music at a vibrant local venue, making for an enriching and economical outing.

    Duration
    3h 45m
    Cost
    $25–$50
    Ideal for
    Friends · Solo
    View the plan