Top 10 Rides at Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America is currently the nation’s largest indoor theme park boasting 7 acres of rides and entertainment for adventure seekers of all ages. We spent a full day checking out everything the park had to offer so we could create this top 10 list and help visitors navigate the best of the best.
Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
If you prefer to watch the Top 10 Rides video click here.
There are very few temperature controlled theme parks, so for that reason alone, Nickelodeon Universe ranks high on my list. I’ve had my share of rainy vacation days and some that were so hot and humid it was difficult to have fun. At the Mall of America this simply isn’t a concern. Typically, my favorite time to ride the coasters at a theme park is at dusk when the lights begin to shine and a new vigor hits the air. So, I was thrilled to discover that Nickelodeon Universe is covered by a glass ceiling allowing the natural progression of day to night mimicking the feeling of being outdoors.
Night time lights - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
And, the park is now a certified autism center, meaning the employees are trained in sensory awareness and are happy to help your family find quiet spaces and/or provide noise cancelling headphones as needed.
The park is now a certified autism center, meaning the employees are trained in sensory awareness.
The training also provides insight into motor skills, social skills, communication, environment, and emotional awareness so staff can better serve the individualized needs of all visitors.
#1 Ride at Nickelodeon Universe
The Log Chute
The log chute continually appeared in the top 3 list of everyone I interviewed, kids and adults alike. It combines a peaceful mountain river float with a bit of excitement as guests float past Paul Bunyon (fitted with a Santa Jacket around Christmastime) and his giant ox, a black bear, and more before plummeting down the 40 foot drop.
Prepare to get wet, especially if you are seated near the front.
Prepare to get wet, especially if you are seated near the front. I’ve managed to come out dry every time, using a few tricks regarding weight distribution. (heavier guests should be seated in the back while the littles sit up front)
Log Chute Ride - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
Height Requirements - 47” or 36” with a chaperone (chaperone does not pay to ride)
Pro Tip
The line for the log chute weaves in through the caves so it is difficult to see how long it really is. If you are rushed ask an employee before heading in. Some days we’ve walked right on and others we’ve waited nearly an hour for this ride.
Log Chute Splash - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
#2 Ride at Nickelodeon Universe
The Fairly Odd Coaster
The Fairly Odd Coaster is definitely the theme ride with the most sass. This tiny track provides unbelievable amounts of laughs and excitement. Guests board small carts (4 passengers each) which spin freely while whizzing down the course. My family can not get enough of this zany ride.
Height Requirements - 47” or 43” with a chaperone (chaperone does not pay to ride)
The Fairly Odd Coaster - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
#3 Ride at Nickelodeon Universe
Pepsi Orange Streak
The Orange Streak is a classic coaster ride providing speed and a smooth journey around the entire park and through a few tunnels. This ride does not have loops or excessive drops making it a favorite among the more cautious theme park visitors.
Height Requirements - 47” or 42” with a chaperone (chaperone does not pay to ride)
Pepsi Orange Streak - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
#4 Ride at Nickelodeon Universe
Spongebob Squarepants Rock Bottom Plunge
Thrill seekers look no further than the Rock Bottom Plunge. This coaster begins with a nearly 90 degree climb before plummeting almost straight down into a journey of loops, twists, and turns. Cautious park goers need not apply.
Height Requirements - 48”
Rock Bottom Plunge - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
#5 Ride at Nickelodeon Universe
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shell Shock
Guests who love the feeling of flight (that’s me) will feel right at home on Shell Shock. Visitors select a shell to pilot as they depart from Antonio’s Pizza Rama and glide through the air tilting and twisting as much or as little as desired in flight. Want to be the best pilot? Pay attention to the control instructions while in line.
Height Requirements - 48”
Having way too much fun selecting my turtle shell - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Shell Shock - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
#6 Ride at Nickelodeon Universe
Shredder's Mutant Masher
Guests board the Mutant Masher in a large circle attached to a giant swinging arm. Riders spin round and round while climbing higher and higher until that magical feeling of weightlessness occurs. Seriously, that feeling never gets old!
Height Requirements - 48”
Mutant Masher - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
#7 Ride at Nickelodeon Universe
Backyardigans Swing Along or the Carousel
Backyardigans Swing-Along - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
The Swing Along and Carousel rides are oldies but goodies. Great for photo ops and just classic fun the entire family can enjoy.
Swing Along Height Requirements - 47”
Carousel Height Requirements - 42” unless accompanied by a chaperone (chaperone does not pay to ride)
Carousel - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
Junior Rides
#8 Ride at Nickelodeon Universe
Back at the Barnyard Hayride
The Barnyard Hayride is where little kids get to feel like big kids and experience their first thrill of coaster rides while racing through barnyard animals. Have the camera ready along with plenty of celebratory high fives!
Height Requirements - 42” unless accompanied by a chaperone (chaperone does not pay to ride)
Barnyard Hayride - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
#9 Ride at Nickelodeon Universe
Diego's Rescue Rider
The Rescue Rider is always a kid favorite. Guests climb aboard the rescue rider bus to help Diego along his journey. Enroute, happy riders will swing from side to side while getting higher and higher until doing a full loop on the rescue bus. (This ride does not go upside down. The bus swings on an arm while staying level.)
Height Requirements - 42” unless accompanied by a chaperone (chaperone does not pay to ride)
Diego's Rescue Rider - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
#10 Ride at Nickelodeon Universe
Guppy Bubbler
Guppy Bubbler placed on the list for the photo op alone. Seriously, how adorable is this ride? Kids board their own little bubble shell gondola before floating into the air. (each bubble shell holds 3-4 riders and parents can join their children) The more adventurous riders can take hold of the wheel and spin the bubble as they soar. A perfect ride for the beginning adventurer!
Height Requirements - 42” unless accompanied by a chaperone (chaperone does not pay to ride)
Guppy Bubbler - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
Honorable Mention
Paw Patrol Adventure Bay
Adventure Bay is similar to a typical mall play area, but much larger. It is a new addition to Nickelodeon Universe and I’m told it is one of the most popular attractions among the younger kids. This one is pricey for a junior attraction at 6 tickets, but parents can sit and relax while their youngsters spend hours burning off all that pent up energy. Can you really put a price on that?
Parents can sit and relax while their youngsters spend hours burning off all that pent up energy.
Height Requirements - 42”-52”
Know Before You Go
During non-peak season all Nickelodeon Universe rides are generally open, however only for partial hours. View the non-peak ride schedule here.
Don’t forget to stop by the meet and greet area to say hello to Spongebob, Dora the Explorer, and other well loved Nickelodeon characters!
Character Meet and Greet - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
Rides cost between 3 tickets (for the junior rides) to 6 tickets (for the thrill rides). Peruse the list of rides and height requirements before visiting to decide if an all day wristband is a more economic option.
Peruse the list of rides and height requirements before visiting to decide if an all day wristband is a more economic option.
Wristbands can be purchased in advance and offer a $2 savings when doing so. Check out ticket options and bundle packages here. Nickelodeon Universe also offers season passes, military discounts, twilight savings, and toddler tuesday wristbands.
Each night when the Mall of America closes there is a show behind the Lego Store (in Nickelodeon Universe) with music, lights, fog, and a grand finale confetti blast which is not to be missed!
Nightly Show - Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America
Have you visited Nickelodeon Universe? Which ride is your favorite?
You May Also Like
Top 10 Things to do at the Mall of America
The Best of Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park
