The giant Mall of America, in Bloomington MN, has always had plenty of fun for families, including an indoor theme park called Park at MOA. Now this theme park has been re-branded, as they say, and expanded: Nickelodeon Universe is getting five new rides, and will be the largest indoor amusement park in the US; meanwhile old rides have been Nick-themed.

Nickelodeon Universe

Even in its past incarnation, the Park at MOA (Mall of America) was a pretty big deal as an indoor amusement park, with seven acres and more than 30 rides and attractions.

But it surely has a much bigger profile with new branding as "Nickelodeon Universe" -- the first theme park with Nickelodeon theming.

(By the way -- Nickelodeon does have a themed fun place for families already: the popular Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, in Orlando, with two waterparks and games and entertainment by Nickelodeon.)

Nickelodeon Universe is getting five new rides: three of the new rides are thrill rides, and two are children's rides. Also, existing rides have been re-themed after Nickelodeon tv shows and characters.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge coaster has loops and spirals and caverns and Bikini Bottom scenes, and is one of the thrill rides, (with a height requirement of 48”, just so you know.)

This one's also a thrill ride: The Fairly Odd Coaster.

And there's plenty of non-thrill as well:  Family Rides, such as the El Circulo del Cielo ferris wheel with Dora the Explorer and Boots, Log Chute water ride, and lots more. The younger set has a bunch of Kiddie Rides, such as  Rugrats Reptarmobiles.

Finally: is this a new trend? Dining marketplace "Eats" offers "healthy, gourmet options" for kids and adults.
 
Read more about Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America web site.

^{Photos courtesy of Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe}