If you have kids in the Twin Cities area, you have likely heard of The Crayola Experience
. There are Crayola Experiences throughout the country, and we are lucky enough to have one in the Mall of America for easy access.
As a mom of four sweet (and sometimes crazy!) kiddos, I sometimes shy away from events that might be hectic with my family.
The Crayola Experience did not, at all, disappoint. There’s no mistaking that you’ve landed in art and creativity heaven. Before I could even lay out the rules, the older kids were off, and the youngest went to play with some excellent drip crayon art station.
I, surprisingly, found myself alone with nothing to do, so I took a seat, exhaled, and thanked the Crayola gods. I also might have patted myself on the back for letting my kids bully me into going. Not saying I did pat myself on the back, just saying it could have happened. So here’s the thing though- I’m seriously impressed with this attraction, and that’s saying something. I decided you needed a list of why I enjoyed it so much, to see if it’s something you too would enjoy (even with kids in tow).
Without further ado, or further rambling about my lazy parenting style, here are a few reasons you should go to the Crayola Experience. Tip: make sure you get tickets via our special link because they are a great deal at $6 off 365 days a year – go here to purchase them. You can thank me later).
1) You Won’t Lose Your Mind
The Crayola Experience in 60,000 feet of fun for all ages. Seriously. That is larger than a football field. They recommend three to four hours to enjoy it; we stayed for five. If you’re looking for a full day activity that will keep everyone, including mom or dad, happy, look no further.
Plus, the activities are self-guided. You won’t have to plan around tour guides or schedules. Everything is at your own pace.
At the Crayola Experience, it’s not panic-inducing. You can take a herd of kids, all ages, and let them loose. The space they have the attraction in is big and spacious so you can see everyone, and there’s only one way in and out- so you don’t have to worry about the escape artists in the family.
Also, kids are so engulfed in crafts and playing that they are pretty quiet, so if the sound gets to you, worry not my friends. Worry not! There’s plenty to keep their minds busy enough to go a few hours without screaming or squealing.
2) There’s Something for Everyone
From the second you walk in and are handed your guide, your jaw will hit the ground with all that is available. Whatever your kids are into, you will find something to keep them entertained.
The list of available attractions is:
- Wrap it Up–create a customized label for your own crayon.
- Create and Play–an app full of fun.
- Be a Star–star in your own coloring page.
- Colossal Caddy–color a giant caddy with innumerable crayons.
- Cool Moves–through technology, you can dance with crayons.
- Stomp and Play–enjoy this interactive floor.
- Puzzle It–create and cut your own puzzle.
- Silly Selfies–take your selfie game to a new level.
- Modeling Madness–check out this fun and unique fluffy compound.
- Toddler Town–a place just for the youngest Crayola lovers!
- Meltdown–paint with melted crayons.
- Crayon Factory Theatre–see how crayons are made live!
- Activity Studio–an ever-changing creative space.
- Paint Palette–paint the current project, which changes throughout the year.
- Rockin’ Paper–have you ever seen a paper creation move on its own?
- Cafe Show–be entertained.
- Color Playground–two stories of colorful and active play.
- Scribble Scrubbie–color and clean your new washable pet.
- Rainbow Rain–play in virtual wax rain.
- Birthday Rooms–celebrate your birthday in colorful style.
- You Design–design your own colorful outfit and pose in it.
- Color Magic–turn a coloring page into an adventure.
- Drip Art–use melted wax to create a swirled masterpiece.
- Melt and Mold–turn melted crayons into a keepsake.
3) Food
Kids go through food like it’s going out of style. I don’t care how much food I pack and how prepared I am; there’s always some drama when it comes to food. Well, if I’m honest, there is always some drama that food-based bribery will solve. Am I right, Moms? Right.
Well, there’s a cafe with all sorts of fun treats, healthy treats, beverages, and even gluten-free treats. They have salad, kid food, sugar, sugar-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and so much more. Yeah, whoever planned the cafe knew a few things about kids and Moms these days.
The cafe can be a little expensive, so be prepared to spend a little at lunch.
If you want to avoid the extra cost, pack your own lunch. You will have to eat in the mall area, though. We were able to bring snacks and drinks in, and nobody questioned it.
There is a snack vending machine with HEALTHY options. Who knew these even existed? If you forget snacks, or your kids eat them all, you have options.
4) Birthday Parties for the Win!
When I saw they had party rooms, and you get to send the kids out to do their thing, I was more than thrilled and took a mental note for our next party. The room was big enough for kids AND parents. Just say goodbye to crowded rental rooms that smell like stinky feet and old carpet, and hello to fresh, clean, and bright rooms. Finally!
Guests also get in free within seven days of their birthday.
