ClimbZone is a recent addition to the Mall of America, and it offers plenty of fun for kids and adults alike! Minnesota always offers a reason to play indoors – the relief of air conditioning during those blistering hot summer months or the negative 15 degree temps with a high probability of frostbite on your toes – whatever your reason for not wanting to go outside, there’s always somewhere fun to adventure inside.
Our recent win for the kiddos was ClimbZone at the Mall of America in Bloomington. This is such an awesome addition to the huge mall for so many reasons. Much like Crayola Experience or Nickelodeon Universe, ClimbZone is an adventure in and of itself. What I mean by this is, you can go to the MOA and feel like you can come for ClimbZone, do ClimbZone, and leave after ClimbZone – no need to spend 12 hours at the mall. It’s a one-and-done stop because when the kids are done climbing, they’ll be so tired they won’t have energy for walking the mall, riding rollercoasters, or visiting the aquarium. Well, that’s the hope at least.
What is ClimbZone?
ClimbZone is an indoor wall climbing experience that provides a challenge while building self-esteem and confidence in kids (and hey, adults too, why not?). The Mall of America ClimbZone offers more than 40 walls to climb, each with a unique and entertaining theme – from Mount Rushmore to lighthouses to hockey players to Rapunzel’s tower. They vary in difficulty level but they are all a total blast! If you can get up the skateboard ramp, you are a true hero in my book.
ClimbZone is a really ideal location for ALL ages. This means, if you have a family with varying ages of children, they will all find something to climb here. That’s not always an easy feat. And with automated hydraulic belays, it’s simple, safe, and quick to get on and off the individual walls. (Speaking of belaying, that is the best part but some kids might have a hard time trusting the whole “just let go” concept. I promise you though, once they figure it out, they will love it.)
How expensive is it, you ask?
Regular price is $20.99 for a 30 minute climb and $24.99 for 60 minutes. 30 minutes flew by but by 60, my kids were wiped so that was the perfect amount (and only $5 more).
IMPORTANT MONEY-SAVING TIP:
If you do the 60 minute climb, Bloomington.org offers a 25% off coupon, which brings the price of the hour climb down to $18.75 (cheaper than the half hour!). Use that coupon here. And ALWAYS check Groupon before you go (sometimes it gets down to $15 per 60 minute climb).
Keep reading for more tips and tricks for an ideal and stress-free ClimbZone experience. Videos are available at the bottom so you can see a couple climbs first-hand.
What do you need to know about ClimbZone?
- Wear close-toed shoes. That is a requirement. Also, I would advise comfortable workout clothes, no hoodies (you’ll get sweaty too), and avoid the dresses or skirts (for obvious reasons).
- You can save money by using a coupon from Bloomington.org or checking Groupon. There is no charge for spectators and admission rates for climbers start at $20 for 30 minutes (but those savings are great so click the links above).
- Any age can do it. If a kid can walk and hold on to things and their legs can do stairs, there will be a wall they can climb. But obviously for the full effect, I’d say age 6 and up is a safe minimum. There are some walls that were very challenging for my pre-teen so it really is a great variety of options for a great variety of ages. Kids under 12 need an adult present on-site during their climb time.
- You will need to sign a waiver before climbing. Safety first.
- When you first arrive you will get harnessed in (no helmets required) and one of the employees will give you a short tutorial of how it works. If you zone out, don’t worry – after one or two climbs, you’ll have it down pat.
- The ground is soft. The walls are soft. The area is fenced in so you can’t escape into the Mall of America. Really overall, a very safe experience.
- Reservations are recommended by ClimbZone, especially on weekends. You can reserve online, but honestly, every time I’ve looked, they have tons of times and spots open for walk-ins.
- You can bring in your own food and drink but you can also purchase small snacks, drinks, and ice cream from the ClimbZone Cafe. There are a limited number of tables to dine at right inside the entryway.
- Lockers, cubbies, and benches are available for your use. Because the area is pretty secure from the general public, I was ok just keeping my items under a bench nearby.
- ClimbZone offers memberships and birthday party options as well if you plan on being a frequent customer. Parties start at $249 and more info can be found online.
- Need a gift idea? Gift cards are available online as well.
ClimbZone hours are:
Monday: 10am – 9pm
Tuesday: 10am – 9pm
Wednesday: 10am – 9pm
Thursday: 10am – 9pm
Friday: 10am – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Location and Parking
252 N Garden, Mall of America
Bloomington MN 55425
For closest parking, park in the North ramp and head to the second level
