This Massive Amusement Park In The Midwest Is A Hidden Gem Full Of Family-Friendly Fun

The U.S. is full of spectacular amusement parks. From Florida's Busch Gardens and Universal Studios Epic Universe to Disneyland California and SeaWorld California, some of the most popular and exciting theme parks can be found in the United States. And for any roller coaster fans, an amusement park vacation makes for a fantastic bucket list adventure. 

But while most people choose to visit the biggest and most famous names, some of the best amusement parks in the U.S. are the ones you've never heard of. Places like the Enchanted Forest in Oregon or Gatorland in Florida might not have the same global recognition as Epcot or the Magic Kingdom, but they offer under-the-radar charm and family-friendly thrills without the crowds. One spot that is surprisingly underrated, particularly for families with younger kids, is Nickelodeon Universe in Bloomington, Minnesota. 

Nickelodeon Universe is a fully indoor amusement park, housed in the center of the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. The Mall of America is around a 15-minute drive from downtown Minneapolis, making this an extremely accessible destination. It is also just outside Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), and there is a direct light rail connection from the terminal to the mall, so it is a great option for families visiting Minneapolis.

As you might imagine from one of the most popular kids' television networks, Nickelodeon Universe is a smash hit with the little ones. There are plenty of rides to delight and captivate visitors of all ages, from the smallest to the tallest. And, best of all, it is completely indoors, so you never have to worry about the weather ruining the fun!

The tiniest thrill-seekers will love rides like Wonder Pets' Flyboat and Blue's Skidoo, which take toddlers under 36 inches soaring high in the sky, just like on the bigger coasters. Paw Patrol Adventure Bay is another hugely popular ride with the little ones, while Shredder's Mutant Masher, Big Rigs, and the iconic Log Chute are great for kids who are a little older and taller. 

There's plenty to enjoy for older kids, and even parents, as well, which is part of what makes Nickelodeon Universe such a family-friendly gem. While some kid-themed parks don't offer much in the way of thrills for adults, there are plenty of wild rides here. Avatar Airbender is one of the most popular, with a wave of air spinning and throwing riders back and forth like a pendulum. Brain Surge lets you direct the fun, making each ride a new experience, while the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge turns you upside down with scream-inducing loops, dizzying corkscrews, and sharp 90-degree turns.

Nickelodeon Universe is a fantastic day out with kids, not just because the theme park itself is extremely family-friendly, but because the Mall of America is filled with a fabulous array of entertainment options, giving you a huge range of things to see and do. Alongside at least 500 stores, there are some brilliant attractions for adults and kids of all ages, making it an ideal destination for a family day out.

Younger kids will love the hands-on excitement of the Crayola Experience, where they can enjoy more than 20 arts and crafts-themed activities, including naming and wrapping their own crayon, designing a coloring book page featuring themselves, and creating 4D artwork. Sea Life Minnesota is also a fantastic choice for little ones, as this vibrant aquarium lets them explore the world under the ocean waves and get up close and personal with sharks, sawfish, stingrays, and turtles in a 300-foot underwater tunnel.

The Mall of America offers plenty of fun for older kids and parents too. The Fair on 4 brings all the fun of the carnival inside, with multi-level go-kart racing, axe throwing, and loads of fair-inspired food including corn dogs and cotton candy. The Mall of America also boasts two adventure golf courses, including the neon joys of Rock of Ages Blacklight Minigolf and Moose Mountain's challenging 18 holes!