The Escape Game at Mall of America is one of the best-reviewed paid activities in Bloomington, and it gives the mall a team-based, puzzle-driven option that works in any weather. Players are locked into a themed room and have a time limit to solve clues and escape, choosing from several adventures, including Gold Rush and Prison Break. The product title promises a sixty-minute adventure, although the page shows a total duration of about an hour and a quarter once check-in is counted, so plan for slightly longer than the game itself. Free cancellation is available, and prices start from a modest per-person figure. The game suits groups of friends, families with older children, couples on a date and corporate or team outings, and it is an easy fit around a mall visit because it sits among the other attractions on the property. Because the rooms are small and themed, the game can be booked in advance for a specific time slot, which is wise on weekends and holidays when the mall is busy.
Planning
Book a time slot in advance, especially on weekends, school holidays and the Black Friday period, when the mall is crowded and sessions fill. Arrive a little early to check in, and allow for the briefing, since the total duration on the booking page is longer than the sixty minutes in the title. The game is inside the mall, so you can reach it by light rail from downtown Minneapolis or the airport and walk straight in, without having to deal with the weather outside.
What to expect
You play as a team, so the best groups are those that talk and divide tasks well. The adventures have different themes, so ask the staff which suits your group’s experience level if you are new to escape games, and note that the product page promotes five different games, so you can come back for another theme. Younger children can take part when accompanied by adults, but the puzzles reward patience and reading, so the sweet spot is usually ages ten and up.
Making the most of it
Combine the game with the other attractions inside the mall, for example SEA LIFE Minnesota or Nickelodeon Universe, to build a full day, and eat in the food court afterwards. If you would rather play outdoors, the Downtown East outdoor escape room is the city-streets alternative.
For families, an escape room is a good way to break up a day of rides, and for groups of adults it makes a fun evening activity when combined with dinner. Because the game is part of the mall complex, it is an easy backup plan for a snowy day when outdoor plans are impractical.
What to expect
The experience
A themed indoor escape room at Mall of America with several adventures and a one-hour time limit.
Best time
Pre-booked slots on weekdays, or any time on a cold or snowy day.
How long
About an hour and a quarter in total.
Tips
Book ahead, arrive early to check in and choose a theme to suit your group.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Groups of friends and families with older children.
- Families
- Best for ages around ten and up, with adults.
- Couples
- A fun indoor date activity that fits around the mall.
- Pair with
- SEA LIFE Minnesota or Nickelodeon Universe.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a quarter.
Good questions
How long does The Escape Game take?+
The game has a sixty-minute limit, and the booking page shows about an hour and a quarter in total.
Which adventures are available?+
Several themes, such as Gold Rush and Prison Break. The booking page promotes five different games.
Can I cancel?+
Yes. Free cancellation is shown on the booking page.
Is it suitable for children?+
Best for older children and teenagers playing with adults, since the puzzles need patience and reading.
Where is it?+
Inside Mall of America in Bloomington, reachable by light rail from downtown Minneapolis and the airport.
