The best indoor amusement parks in America

Everything's bigger in Bloomington, including America’s largest indoor theme park, the 7-acre Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America. Here, your family can enjoy 27 rides that range from the great-for-tots Wonder Pet’s Flyboat to the thrilling big kids-only Avatar Airbender. Make sure there’s room on your camera for pictures—your kids are going to want to remember meeting their favorite cartoon characters, including SpongeBob, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Bubble Guppies. Mall of America, 5000 Center Court, Bloomington, MN. Pay-per-ride tickets $3.45-$67.77; all-day wristbands $34.99 for one day, $48.99 for two day

Though iPlay America is a full half-hour drive from the Jersey Shore, visitors can enjoy that breezy fun feel of the beach year-round at this boardwalk themed park. The indoor 115,000 square feet include family-friendly rides like a carousel, happy swing and dizzy dragons. Get behind the wheel of go-karts and bumper cars and really lose sense of where you are in the 4D Theater. Classic boardwalk games like whack-a-mole and balloon darts will make you feel nostalgic for summer days while arcade staples like skee-ball and air hockey will keep you feeling competitive. Stick around for dinner on Saturdays and you’ll also enjoy free live music. 110 Schanck Rd, Freehold, NJ; Pay-per-ride ticket deals $10-$75; all day wristband packages $22.99-$29.99

Nestled in the waterpark capital on the world, Wisconsin Dells, is this added bonus to the already fantastic Kalahari Waterpark and Resort. The resort chain’s African motif is on display with the carousel, while the 6-story Ferris wheel is all about the thrills. Enjoy hours of fun on the ropes course, climbing wall, go-karts, bowling and laser tag. There’s also a sports bar on the premise, in case the parents want to grab a beer while the kids rack up points at the arcade. If you think you’ll want to come back a couple of times during your vacation, consider staying at the resort itself and enjoy discounts on entrance fees. 1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI, Wristbands for Kalahari Resort guests, good for the length of their stay, $12.99 for guests under 42”, $29.99 for guests over 42”; One-day wristbands for outside guests $14.99 for guests under 42”, $34.99 for guests over 42”

Another stop in Wisconsin Dells is Mt. Olympus, a paradise for little ones. With gentle rides perfect for tots—including mini hot air balloons, bi-planes, tea cups and a trolley—your kiddo will be delighted. The alien ball pit is a must-visit and your older elementary school aged children will amuse themselves on the climbing wall, bumper cars and the arcade, which includes mini bowling. Open only during the colder months, admission free with stay in the resort. 1701 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI. During special deals stays can start at just $16.66 per night.

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Though most visitors to Spooky Nook, the country’s largest indoor sports center, are certainly interested in taking advantage of the huge array of fields and courts, there’s plenty of sporty fun to be had. The big pay-as-you-go arcade alone is enough to keep guests occupied for hours, with over 60 games including classic carnival selections and prizes to be won. The Clip n’ Climb climbing walls ($13 for one hour, $8 for half hour) will have kids want to return again and again. 75 Champ Blvd. Manheim PA 17545