Things to Do at Nickelodeon Universe
Things to Do at Nickelodeon Universe
By Jake Juliot
One corner of Mall of America beckons thrill seekers, families and casual riders alike: Nickelodeon Universe, a completely indoor theme park boasting 27 bold attractions, including three roller coasters, a zip line and the legendary Log Chute. Check out all there is to do at this wildly entertaining amusement park below.
The SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge ride at Nickelodeon Universe / Mall of America
ROLLER COASTERS & THRILL RIDES
Get ready for twists and turns, jolts and bolts, and lots of screams as Nickelodeon Universe delivers a wide range of thrill rides. Take a spin on the Avatar Airbender as you rock back and forth and reach heights as high as 70 feet in the air. Control your own vehicle on the Brain Surge, an interactive, circular ride that lets guests manipulate their own movements. And take to the skies as you soar through the air on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock, flipping, twisting and flying at your own speed.
Nickelodeon Universe keeps the screams coming with chaotic roller coasters as well. While SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge provides ultimate thrills with intense loops and 90-degree turns, The Fairly Odd Coastercombines a spinning car ride with hairpin turns, speeding tracks and plummeting spirals that’ll put you in a tailspin.
The Blue's Skidoo ride at Nickelodeon Universe / Mall of America
KID-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS
Nickelodeon Universe isn’t just for thrill-seeking adults and teens. It also offers kid-friendly rides for all ages. For the little ones under 36 inches, rides like Wonderpet’s Fly Boat and Blue’s Skidoo are perfect for providing some high-flying fun. Rides like Big Rigs and La Adventura de Azul are great for a quaint ride on the ground.
For those who are a little older and taller, Back at the Barnyard Hayride offers a fantastic coaster experience. Paw Patrol Adventure Bay puts the kids right into the action, too, with Chase, Marshall and all their friends at this interactive play area.
The Log Chute ride at Nickelodeon Universe / Mall of America
A COUPLE ICONS
We can’t talk about Nickelodeon Universe without mentioning the infamous Log Chute. This water ride was built in 1992 and unveiled at Mall of America’s opening. It takes you on a journey through a cavernous mountain where you ultimately meet up with Minnesota legends Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. The ride features two drops, including one 40-foot drop at the end. It’s the perfect Minnesota-themed ride for local and out-of-state visitors alike.
The PEPSI® ORANGE STREAK has been taking riders on whirlwind trips since opening day. The track twists and turns throughout the park giving riders plenty to scream about before the train arrives back at the loading station. This coaster has seen several paint jobs and name changes throughout the years, but the fun has never stopped.
Ride the Barnacle Blast zip line at Nickelodeon Universe, Mall of America
MINI-GOLF & ZIP LINES
In addition to all the rides at Nickelodeon Universe, there are several attractions that can be added onto your ticket for an additional fee. The Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course is a rope-led route with a zip line that extends the length of the park. Anyone looking to escape without a zip line can take a lit-up tube slide once they conquer the ropes course.
If you’re looking to take a break from rides, Mall of America also offers two miniature golf courses, Rock of Ages Blacklight Minigolf and Mouse Mountain Adventure Golf. Both offer fun for the whole family as you putt your way through 18 holes.
Jake Juliot is a PR and communications specialist for Explore Minnesota. He loves attending shows at Minnesota's wonderful theaters and seeking out the latest and greatest craft cocktails and Minnesota beers.