Crayola Experience | Bloomington

Crayola Experience at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is an immersive, vibrant, and interactive attraction dedicated to inspiring creativity and imagination, especially among children and families. It offers a dynamic blend of hands-on art activities, educational exhibits, and playful experiences designed to engage young visitors in the world of color and artistic expression. Opened in 2016, the Crayola Experience has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking for a unique, creative indoor outing that combines fun with learning.

Concept and Mission

The Crayola Experience is centered on celebrating creativity, encouraging artistic exploration, and promoting learning through play. The attraction is themed around the iconic Crayola brand, known worldwide for its crayons, markers, and art supplies. It aims to provide an environment where kids can experiment with colors, shapes, and textures, unlocking their creative potential while developing fine motor skills and imagination.

Location and Layout

Situated on the third level of the Mall of America, the Crayola Experience occupies a spacious and brightly colored area spanning approximately 40,000 square feet. The space is thoughtfully designed with vibrant decor, interactive stations, and open play areas. It features multiple activity zones where children can move freely between different artistic challenges and experiences.

Visitors enter through a colorful gateway that immediately sets a playful tone. The layout includes designated areas for various art projects, interactive technology, and imaginative play, all facilitated by trained staff who encourage and assist young artists.

Interactive Attractions and Activities

Crayola Experience features over 20 engaging, hands-on activities tailored for children of various ages and artistic interests. Each station offers unique ways to explore color, art, and creativity:

Melt & Mold: Visitors can recycle used crayons by melting and molding them into new shapes, combining art with environmental awareness and recycling education.

Color Magic: Using digital technology, kids can create drawings on paper, then scan them to see their art come alive on large screens as animated characters or in virtual environments.

Crayon Factory Show: A live demonstration simulates the crayon-making process, offering an educational glimpse into how Crayola crayons are manufactured.

Scribble Scrubbies: Children customize small, washable pet toys using washable markers, allowing for repeated creativity without waste.

Activity Studio: An open crafting area where kids can create projects using various Crayola art supplies, including coloring, stamping, and paper crafts.

Color Playground: An indoor play structure with climbing walls, slides, and tunnels, all decorated with bright colors and themes that stimulate active play and coordination.

Doodle in the Dark: This unique experience allows children to draw with special markers on glowing surfaces in a darkened room, producing luminous artwork.

Drip Art: A station where children spin wax on a turntable to create colorful, abstract drip art pieces.

Modeling Madness: Using modeling clay, visitors can sculpt and form three-dimensional art, encouraging tactile creativity.

Other Stations: Additional features include digital coloring walls, interactive photo booths, and collaborative mural painting areas.

The design ensures a seamless flow, allowing families to spend hours moving through different zones, engaging with creative challenges that develop both artistic skills and cognitive abilities.

Educational and Developmental Focus

While being highly entertaining, the Crayola Experience places significant emphasis on education. Many activities are designed to teach color theory, environmental responsibility, and the creative process. Staff members provide guidance and encouragement, fostering an atmosphere where children feel safe to experiment and express themselves.

The experience also supports developmental milestones such as fine motor coordination, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving, making it valuable for early childhood growth.

Admission and Pricing

Admission is ticketed, with several pricing options to accommodate different visitor needs:

General Admission: Typically around $30.99 per person, providing access to all exhibits and activities throughout the day.

Annual Pass: Available for about $44.99, this pass allows unlimited visits for one year, ideal for families living locally or frequent visitors. It often includes additional benefits like discounts on food and merchandise.

Combo Tickets: For guests wanting to visit multiple attractions within the Mall of America, combo packages include access to Crayola Experience plus SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, usually at a bundled rate around $38.99.

Late Admission Tickets: Priced approximately $20.99, these allow entry during the last two hours before closing, offering a budget-friendly option for shorter visits.

Free Admission: Children under the age of two are admitted free of charge.

Discounts and special rates are sometimes available for groups, teachers, military personnel, and first responders.

Hours of Operation and Accessibility

The Crayola Experience generally operates with the following schedule:

Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays or special events, and visitors are encouraged to check ahead.

The venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, with ramps and wide spaces ensuring that families of all abilities can participate comfortably.

Additional Amenities and Visitor Services

Gift Shop: A retail area offers a wide range of Crayola products, souvenirs, art supplies, and unique gifts related to creativity and art.

Birthday Parties and Group Events: The Crayola Experience provides party packages with private event spaces and personalized activities, making it a popular venue for children’s celebrations and school field trips.

Food and Beverage: While there is no dedicated café inside the Crayola Experience, the Mall of America offers numerous dining options nearby for families to enjoy meals before or after their visit.

Special Events and Seasonal Programs

Throughout the year, Crayola Experience hosts special themed events and seasonal celebrations such as holiday crafts, summer art camps, and interactive workshops. These programs often feature limited-time activities and exclusive projects that enhance repeat visits.

Location and Access

Crayola Experience is located on Level 3 of the Mall of America at 300 South Avenue, Bloomington, MN 55425. The East Parking Ramp, Level P4 (Florida), provides the closest access, connecting directly to the third floor via an enclosed skyway, making entry seamless and convenient.

The Mall of America is well served by public transportation, including the METRO Blue Line light rail, bus routes, and is just minutes from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.

Summary

The Crayola Experience at Mall of America is a colorful, interactive destination that blends creative expression with hands-on fun and educational value. Its diverse array of activities encourages children to explore the artistic process in playful and innovative ways, making it a standout family attraction. By combining art, technology, and imagination under one roof, it offers a unique environment where visitors can unleash their creativity, learn new skills, and create lasting memories.