Before we even started this cross-country road trip Justin and I knew that we would need to take a few breaks to make the journey more manageable for the kids and for us. The Mall of America wasn't a must-stop on our list but the fact that I have a cousin nearby seemed like a perfect reason to stop here. After hours of driving into the day, the kids were itching for something fun, and I was looking forward to stretching my legs and catching up with family. This would be the first time that Justin had the opportunity to meet my cousin Eben and I was definitely excited about that. I realized that my kids and Justin haven't had many opportunities to meet relatives from my dad's side of the family outside of a grad party we attended a few years ago.
The traffic to get to the mall wasn't terrible and parking was surprisingly easy to maneuver as well. The mall itself was likely the busiest mall I have ever seen. There were several floors to look up to and large displays of rides, legos, and stores everywhere. Ava didn't care much for the rides but the younger three absolutely did. We didn’t go all out on the rides, but we made sure to try one: the Banana Swing. The kids were so excited about it, and even though it was just one quick ride, it was the perfect way to burn off some of that energy from being cooped up in the car. Watching them laugh and hold on tight as the swing went back and forth was a highlight for me. I smiled so big watching them. Even though the driving part of this trip has not been anyone's jam, experiencing new adventures is something we all enjoy as a family.
As fun as the mall was, the real highlight for me was reconnecting with my cousin. It had been over 10 years since we last saw each other, and I was finally meeting his wife for the first time. We decided to grab lunch at a spot near the mall and our hotel called Hazelwood, which was perfect for catching up. It felt like no time had passed between us. We shared stories, laughed, and reflected on the last decade of our lives. It was a reminder of how much can happen in just a few years, and I felt so grateful for the chance to reconnect. Even though we only spent a short time at the Mall of America, it was exactly what we needed. A fun ride for the kids, a meaningful family reunion, and a much-needed pause before getting back on the road.
If you’re ever on a road trip through the area, stopping at the Mall of America is a fun stop for sure. Whether you’re looking for fun, food, or just a break from the drive, it’s definitely worth it, even if only once. For us, it was the perfect mix of family time and fun, and I’m so glad we made the stop.
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