Nickelodeon Universe | Bloomington

Nickelodeon Universe, located at the heart of the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest indoor Nickelodeon-themed amusement park in the United States and one of the premier indoor amusement parks in the world. Spanning seven acres under a vast, climate-controlled glass dome, it provides year-round entertainment regardless of Minnesota’s often harsh weather. Opened originally in 1992 as Knott’s Camp Snoopy and later rebranded in 2008 to Nickelodeon Universe, it has continually expanded and upgraded its offerings, making it a dynamic destination for families, thrill-seekers, and fans of Nickelodeon’s beloved characters.

History and Concept

Nickelodeon Universe was developed to create an immersive amusement experience combining the excitement of a theme park with the convenience of an indoor setting inside a major shopping mall. The park’s theme is based on Nickelodeon’s popular children’s programming, featuring iconic characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, PAW Patrol, Dora the Explorer, and more. The park’s design and attractions reflect the colorful, whimsical worlds of these shows, creating an engaging environment for children and nostalgic appeal for adults.

Size and Layout

Covering approximately seven acres, Nickelodeon Universe is designed with a vibrant layout divided into themed zones inspired by Nickelodeon shows. The park’s architecture and décor utilize bright colors, oversized props, and detailed theming to bring television shows to life in a three-dimensional space. The layout allows easy access to a variety of attractions, restaurants, and retail shops dedicated to Nickelodeon merchandise.

Rides and Attractions

The park features over 25 rides and attractions catering to a broad age range, from toddlers to adrenaline junkies. They are generally categorized into thrill rides, family rides, and junior rides:

Thrill Rides:

TMNT Shellraiser: The signature thrill ride, a launched Euro-Fighter roller coaster featuring the world’s steepest drop at 121.5 degrees and seven inversions. It is one of the most intense indoor coasters globally, attracting thrill-seekers and roller coaster enthusiasts.

SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge: A 74.5-foot-tall steel coaster with a 97-degree vertical drop and multiple inversions, themed around SpongeBob’s underwater adventures.

Avatar Airbender: A pendulum swing ride providing a combination of swinging and spinning motions, offering panoramic views inside the park.

Brain Surge: A spinning thrill ride that tosses riders in unpredictable directions, simulating a dizzying brain experience.

Other rides like the Fairly Odd Coaster and Barnyard Bumper Cars round out the high-energy options.

Family Rides:

Family Carousel: A classic carousel featuring Nickelodeon character-themed mounts.

Crazy Cars: Bumper car-style interactive rides.

Diego’s Rescue Rider: A gentle ride suitable for younger children with a rescue mission theme.

Backyardigans Swing-Along: A swinging ride featuring characters from the Backyardigans show.

Additional family-friendly rides include the Sky Rocket and Timberland Twister.

Junior and Toddler Rides:

Blue’s Skidoo: A ride that immerses children into the world of Blue’s Clues.

Boots’ Banana Swing: A swinging ride themed after Dora the Explorer’s monkey friend Boots.

Bubble Guppies Guppy Bubbler: A water-themed ride suitable for small children.

Big Rigs: Truck-themed ride scaled for young kids.

These rides focus on safety and accessibility for younger visitors.

Entertainment and Experiences

Beyond rides, Nickelodeon Universe offers:

Character Meet-and-Greets: Regular opportunities to meet popular Nickelodeon characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, PAW Patrol, and Dora the Explorer. These experiences allow photo opportunities and interactive moments.

Themed Dining: Several dining options located within or near the park serve Nickelodeon-themed food and beverages, allowing visitors to extend the immersive experience to meals and snacks.

Seasonal Events: The park hosts seasonal celebrations including Halloween events, holiday festivities, and special Nickelodeon-themed parties, featuring unique decorations, shows, and promotions.

Merchandise Shops: Retail stores offer an array of Nickelodeon-branded merchandise, from apparel and toys to collectibles and souvenirs.

Tickets and Pricing

Nickelodeon Universe offers flexible ticketing options tailored to visitor preferences:

Unlimited Ride Wristbands: These wristbands allow unlimited access to all rides during park hours. Prices typically range from $52.49 to $41.99 during deal days. They are the most popular option for families wanting full access.

Point-Based Passes: Visitors can purchase a set number of points to redeem for specific rides, ranging from 3 to 84 points, with each ride requiring a certain number of points. This option suits those wanting to selectively try rides without purchasing unlimited access.

Attraction Bundles: These packages combine the Unlimited Ride Wristband with access to other Mall of America attractions such as SEA LIFE Aquarium and FlyOver America, offering savings for multi-attraction visits.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the park entrance, with discounts occasionally available for groups, locals, and advance bookings.

Accessibility and Practical Information

Nickelodeon Universe is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, with ramps, elevators, and wide pathways. Safety measures and height restrictions are clearly posted for each ride, ensuring appropriate access for all age groups.

The park operates generally from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday and from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. Hours may vary during holidays or for special events.

Location and Transportation

The park is located at 5100 Center Court, Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota, making it easily accessible by car, public transit, or air travel. The Mall of America Transit Station connects visitors via light rail and bus routes, and the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is only minutes away.

Summary

Nickelodeon Universe combines immersive theming, a wide variety of rides, and character-driven experiences within an indoor amusement park setting. Its climate-controlled environment makes it a year-round destination for families and thrill enthusiasts alike. The park’s mix of high-adrenaline coasters, gentle rides for kids, interactive experiences, and character engagement ensures a rich, entertaining visit. Its location within Mall of America allows easy access to additional shopping, dining, and entertainment, creating a comprehensive and memorable destination in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.