Every Tuesday is Toddler Tuesday
Every Tuesday at Mall of America, between 10 a.m. and noon, is Toddler Tuesday. Depending upon the event, Toddler Tuesdays draw hundreds of toddlers and their caretakers. Most of the adult attendees are moms, but dads, grandparents, and nannies attend too. The theme and events change from week to week but often include arts and crafts, story time, movies, character meet-and-greets, and giveaways. Warning: Get there early for character appearances because the wait can be very long and tedious. While the scheduled hours end at noon, the toddler-friendly joy continues well into the afternoon with terrific discounts and special offers.
Nickelodeon Universe joins in on the Toddler Tuesday fun by offering the Nickelodeon Universe Toddler Tuesday Rides Deal: a five-hour toddler wristband for $11.95 + plus tax. The toddler wristband is valid for unlimited age-appropriate rides. Unlike the unlimited bracelets that can be pre-bought, these may be used only on the day of purchase. Rides include Back at the Barnyard Hayride, Backyardigans Swing-Along, Big Rigs, Blue’s Skidoo, Carousel, Crazy Cars, Diego’s Rescue Rider, El Circulo del Cielo, Ghost Blasters, La Aventura de Azul, Log Chute, Pineapple Poppers, Rugrats, Reptarmobiles, Swiper’s Sweeper, Wonder Pets Flyboat, and the new Bubble Guppies Guppy Bubbler. Parents ride for free if a chaperone is required.
One note: Sometimes there are meet-and-greets with famous cartoon characters – most recently we’ve “met” Dora and Cat in the Hat. These sessions usually start at 10 a.m. If the character is a must-see for your child, plan to arrive at 9:30 a.m., grab a cup of coffee from Starbucks, and then get in line. Warning: You may see some moms running late, doing the out-of-my-way elbow jab as they aim to secure their place in line. The MOA employees working the event will set up queues; if you miss the cutoff, you may be waiting a while (about a half-hour) as the character takes a break. Normally, Toddler Tuesday is held in the Rotunda; however, if there is another event being set up, the event may move down to the Sears Court.
Between the free entertainment and socializing time for parents, these special days are the ideal way to spend a morning with your tot. Toddler Tuesday brochures are available online and at any main entrance Guest Services desk on Level 1.
In her upcoming book The Unofficial Guide to Mall of America, Beth Blair shares more information on weekly family-themed events and all things important to parents visiting Mall of America. Pre-order your copy now!
About the author: Beth Blair knows Mall of America inside and out. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, co-owner of the award-winning TheVacationGals.com, and lives in Lakeville, Minnesota.
