The Parental Escort Policy
The rule, word for word
The mall words it this way: “Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.” One adult may supervise up to ten young people.
The hours and the all-day dates
The policy runs from 3:00 pm to closing every day. It runs during all mall hours on Black Friday, from 26 to 31 December and on other dates the mall announces in advance. The current list of dates is on mallofamerica.com.
Inside the attractions
The rule covers the attractions as well as the corridors. The SEA LIFE listing repeats it from 3 pm; see the aquarium page. It applies in Nickelodeon Universe too. The Escape Game adds its own rules at all hours: under-14s must be accompanied by an adult, and under-18s need an adult to sign the waiver.
What to carry
The escorting adult should carry photo ID, since the rule is an adult aged 21 or over. Young people in a group stay with their adult for the rest of the day.
How it started
The policy began in 1996, for Friday and Saturday evenings only. It has applied every day since 2020. The history page places it among the mall’s other dates.
Planning around 3 pm
Groups of teenagers without an adult have the morning and early afternoon. Opening time is 10 am Monday to Saturday and 11 am on Sunday. The best-time page covers the quieter hours.
A teen group arriving at 10 am has five hours on the rides and in the corridors before the rule starts.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Mall of America rules for minors after 3 pm?
From 3:00 pm to closing, anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older, in the corridors and inside the attractions.
Does the escort policy apply all day on Black Friday?
Yes, and from 26 to 31 December, plus other dates the mall posts in advance. The one-day itinerary builds the rule into the plan.
How many young people can one adult supervise?
Up to ten.
Does the adult need ID?
The adult must be 21 or over, so photo ID is the practical thing to carry. See what to bring.