Mall of America®: Crayola Experience

If you’re visiting Minneapolis-Saint Paul with kids or simply love to get your hands colorful, the Crayola Experience at Mall of America offers a lively, interactive escape. For around $31.36 per person, you can expect a 1 to 3-hour adventure filled with over 25 engaging activities that encourage imagination and artistic expression. The experience is accessible with a mobile ticket, and it’s open most days from 10 AM to 6 PM, making it easy to add to your mall itinerary.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances playful creativity with educational insights—you’ll see how crayons are made and even craft your own. Plus, the variety of activities means there’s something for kids of all ages, from toddlers to tweens. However, keep in mind that it’s a relatively short visit—if you’re expecting a full-day artistic retreat, this might be more of a quick highlight.

This experience is perfect for families, groups of kids, or anyone young at heart who enjoys colorful, hands-on fun. It’s especially suitable if you want a break from shopping or want an activity where children can truly express themselves.

Key Points

• Interactive activities: Over 25 hands-on attractions that keep children engaged.
• Creative customization: Personalize your own Crayola crayon and see how they’re made.
• Multi-sensory experience: Includes 4D coloring adventures and melted wax spin-art.
• Convenient location: Situated inside Mall of America with easy access.
• Value for money: At just over $31, it offers a compact but fun artistic outing.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed.

A Closer Look at the Crayola Experience

Location and Accessibility

Situated inside the Mall of America in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, the Crayola Experience benefits from being part of a major shopping and entertainment hub. Its location near public transportation makes it easy to reach, especially if you’re relying on city transit or shuttle services. The mall’s extensive amenities mean you can combine your visit with other attractions or dining options without hassle.

Duration and Visiting Tips

The tour typically lasts 1 to 3 hours, making it a manageable addition to a day of sightseeing. We recommend arriving early in the day to maximize your time, especially if you plan to visit other mall attractions afterward. Since the experience is designed to be highly interactive, wearing comfortable clothing and being prepared to get a little messy with wax and paint is advisable.

Activities and Highlights

Crayola Crayon Personalization

One standout activity is creating your own Crayola crayon with your name on it. Watching the process—from wax melting to label printing—is surprisingly fascinating and offers a tangible souvenir to take home. This activity is both fun and educational, giving visitors insight into how these iconic crayons are manufactured.

Artistic Stations

The experience boasts over 25 hands-on stations. Some of the most popular include star in your own coloring page and turn it into a 4D adventure—a vivid, multi-sensory experience that captures the imagination. You might also try melted wax spin-art, which produces vibrant, abstract designs, or design your own Scribble Scrubbie—a washable, customizable pet toy.

Interactive and Photo Opportunities

Silly selfies are encouraged, and the vibrant environment makes for plenty of photo-worthy moments. We’ve read that visitors enjoy capturing their creative chaos, and the staff often facilitate lively, cheerful interactions.

Pricing and Value

For just over $31 per person, this experience offers a compact but satisfying dose of creativity. Considering the variety of activities and the fact that it’s indoors and weather-proof, it provides good value—especially for families seeking engaging, screen-free fun. That said, it’s not a sprawling, multi-day workshop but a quick hit of artistic joy that leaves lasting memories.

Reviews and Authentic Insights

One reviewer mentioned how their kids were especially triggered by candy, which kept them energized (“candy was the trigger for my kids”). Another review hinted at inclusivity issues, suggesting clothing sizes should include big & tall options—an amusing, if minor, reminder of the human element behind the experience. Overall, reviews are positive, emphasizing the fun and interactive nature, with plenty of authentic, tactile activities.

Practical Considerations

• Children of most ages can participate, but very young kids might need some supervision.
• Service animals are allowed, making it accessible for travelers with pets.
• Since the tour is relatively short, plan to combine it with other nearby attractions or shopping.
• Cancellation policy is flexible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal if you’re traveling with families or children eager to create and explore. It’s perfect for those who enjoy hands-on activities that combine fun with a bit of learning about art and manufacturing. If your kids love coloring or arts and crafts, they’ll likely find this a highlight of your trip.

However, if you’re looking for a long, immersive experience or something more educational than playful, you might find it somewhat limited in scope. But for a quick, lively artistic outing, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For families seeking a colorful, engaging activity in the Mall of America, the Crayola Experience offers a fun-filled escape from shopping. It’s a great way to let children express themselves creatively, while parents can enjoy watching their little artists at work. The interactive stations and personalized souvenirs make it memorable and value-packed.

Keep in mind, it’s best suited for short visits—if you want a leisurely, in-depth art workshop, this might feel a bit rushed. But if your goal is a lively, hands-on experience that sparks joy and creativity, this attraction delivers.

All in all, the Crayola Experience is a reliable, cheerful stop that adds a splash of color to your trip, especially if you’re visiting the Mall of America with kids or young-at-heart travelers who love to get their hands dirty with art.

FAQ

Is the Crayola Experience inside the Mall of America?
Yes, it is located within Mall of America, making it easy to access during your mall visit.

How long does the tour last?
The experience typically takes about 1 to 3 hours, depending on how many activities you choose to participate in.

What activities are included?
You can create your own personalized Crayola crayon, see how crayons are made, star in coloring pages, try spin-art, and design Scribble Scrubbies, among others.

Is the ticket price reasonable?
At around $31.36 per person, it offers good value considering the variety of hands-on activities and the fun environment.

Can young children participate?
Most travelers can participate, and the experience is suitable for children of many ages, though supervision may be needed for very young kids.

Is it accessible for travelers with service animals?
Yes, service animals are permitted, making it accessible for travelers with disabilities or pets.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

In summary, the Crayola Experience at Mall of America brings a burst of color and creativity into your trip. Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply love arts and crafts yourself, you’ll appreciate the variety of activities, the educational aspect of how crayons are made, and the chance to take home a personalized souvenir. It’s a cheerful, lively stop that adds a splash of fun to any Minnesota visit.