For many families, the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex is just a short car ride away. Whether packing the family into the minivan or hitting the road with a few best friends, Mall of America® inspires the revival of the classic family road trip. Here are a few tips for making the most of a Mall of America vacation:

1. Make room in the minivan: Mall of America has something for everyone, so don't forget to save a spot for grandma in the backseat. While the kids tackle the 7-acres of rides and attractions in Nickelodeon Universe, grandma can lace up her sneakers and walk laps with the Mall Stars walking program.
2. Don't forget the phone charger: Be sure to charge up that smartphone before arriving. Mall of America has Digital Guest Service Representatives available to answer questions via text and social media 24-hours a day.
3. Stay where you play: Radisson Blu Mall of America is attached to the Mall by skyway, allowing guests to breeze back and forth to their hotel as easily as walking along the beach. Plus there are more than 35 additional hotels within a few miles of the Mall.
4. Leave hats and scarves in the car: Mall of America is a consistent 72 degrees all year long.
5. Make a Grub Gameplan: With more than 50 restaurants to choose from, it's a good thing calories don't count on vacation. Hungry guests won't want to miss out on a chocolate malt at Johnny Rockets or cheese curds at Twin City Grill.
6. Wear your sunglasses inside: Eight acres of skylights throughout the Mall let guests bask in the sunshine while shopping, dining and playing.
7. Stay hydrated: Whether maxing out the roller coasters or shopping 'till you drop, staying hydrated is important and easy with ten coffee shops and many other refreshment options.
8. Bring walking shoes: In addition to having miles and miles to walk and explore, many of the 25 rides and attractions (including the longest indoor zip line in North America) require lace-up shoes to ride.
9. Go off the beaten path: Just below the bustling hallways is a deep, dark, peaceful tank of sharks. No really, SEA LIFE Minnesota has sharks and other sea creatures in a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium.
10. Before heading home: Stop by Northwoods Candy Emporium or one of two Nestle Tollhouse locations to load up on snacks for the ride home.

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ABOUT MALL OF AMERICA

Mall of America is the nation's largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.87 million square feet, the Mall is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe, the nation's largest indoor family theme park; EMS Entertainment Exhibit Center; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Hard Rock Café; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America, a 14-screen movie theater with digital projection including 4K, digital sound and 3D capabilities; Radisson Blu Mall of America, a 500-room hotel connected by skyway to Mall of America The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Mall is currently undergoing an expansion project on all three levels on the north side. The expansion will include a 342-room JW Marriott hotel, office tower, high-end retailers, new dining options, a tourist welcome center and large event space. Follow Mall of America on Facebook and Twitter or visit our blog.