Mall of America to Open New SpongeBob Attraction

The new Dutchman's Deck play area arrives at Nickelodeon Universe in March 2027.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Theme Parks

Bold vector editorial illustration of a multi-level indoor playground structure with tunnels and platforms, representing a new family attraction.
Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America plans to debut the new Dutchman's Deck play area in March 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America is set to debut a new SpongeBob-themed attraction called Dutchman's Deck in March 2027. This multi-level structure will replace the park's former ropes course.

Why it matters

The new facility aims to enhance the guest experience within the indoor theme park by offering an interactive space inspired by The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. It provides updated entertainment options for visitors and families at the shopping center.

The 55-foot-tall structure includes five towers, seven bridges, and two slides, with four dedicated birthday party rooms for visitors. Access to the attraction will be included within the standard theme park wristband pricing.

The players

Nickelodeon Universe

An indoor theme park located within the Mall of America that features various rides and attractions based on popular media properties.

Mall of America

A massive retail and entertainment complex in Bloomington that serves as a major tourist destination.

The details

Located across from the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge roller coaster, the area incorporates games and tunnels designed for park guests. The project occupies the footprint previously held by the original Dutchman's Deck Ropes Course.

Timeline

  1. March 2027: Opening of the Dutchman's Deck attraction.

  2. September 19, 2027: Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Travel Outlook

The expansion reflects a broader trend of integrating cinematic intellectual property into physical theme park infrastructure to drive seasonal tourism. This attraction updates the park's landscape by replacing aging equipment with themed installations inspired by The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.

Families visiting in 2027 will find the new facility accessible through standard park admission wristbands without additional fees. Guests can prepare for the opening by planning visits around the park's peak hours and seasonal events like Talk Like a Pirate Day.

The takeaway

Visitors planning future trips to the mall should note the addition of these interactive towers and bridges to their itinerary. The new play area offers a consolidated space for parties and youth activities within the park.

Further reading

Explore more visitor information on the Theme Parks page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Bring Me The News.

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