Twelve Oaks Mall is one of the largest mall properties in the metro area and with 1.5 million square feet of shopping and common space, you can be sure to keep the kids entertained with some free and low-cost activities.
1. Play Around – Little ones can jump, tumble and let their imaginations take over in the Healthy Park Adventure Play Area outside Sears. With 1,800 square feet of soft-foam fun, it’s the perfect spot for kids 6 and under to burn energy and parents to take a breather. If you’re lucky, you might even get a free gift! The mall management team randomly stops by with gifts for children, such as coloring sets, crafts, and stickers. 
2. Grab Some Grub & Go For a Ride – There are 11 different eateries in the Lifestyle Café Food Court when it’s time for a quick bite to eat. After lunch, stroll over to the kiddie rides and drive a backhoe with Bob the Builder or try the iReality Simulator. There are six coin-operated rides from 75 cents to $2. 
3. Treat Yourself – With over 30 food specialty stores, you can find a special treat for everyone in the family. Let kids pick out their favorite Jelly Belly flavors at the Sweet Factory. Splurge with a Chocolate Stuffed cupcake at Just Baked. Go with a root beer float from A&W. The possibilities are endless.
4. Walk It Off – Who says mall walking is just for seniors? If the weather outside is frightful, sneak in a power-walk. Twelve Oaks has a mall-walking program which allows registered walkers entrance at 8 a.m. A full loop of the upper & lower levels is 1.78 miles.
6. Multi-task– Keeping the kids entertained while crossing items off your To Do List is a win-win! The Apple Store has a kids’ section; eight iPads are loaded with kid-friendly content. Cool Cuts 4 Kids has a train table while you’re waiting for a hair cut. Gymboree has TVs in the back of the store with programming for little ones. 
7. Peek at Some Pets – Petland, at the entrance between Macy’s and Sears, has some adorable puppies and kittens that kids will love to watch.
Seasonal
8. Summer Fun Thursdays – Each Thursday in August, Twelve Oaks Mall hosts family-friendly free entertainment in the Center Court. Registration begins at 12 p.m. with gifts for the first 100 children. Performers, including Children’s Theatre of Michigan; Scheer Genius; Cirque Amongus; and Baffling Bill the Magician, take the spotlight at 1 p.m.
9. The Ice Palace – The Ice Palace takes the traditional Santa visit to a new realm by transporting visitors to a winter wonderland. Falling snow and a light show inside the 22-foot Ice Dome will awe kids waiting to visit Santa. There is a fee for photo packages, but the experience itself is free.
10. Bunnyville – A sure sign of spring is the arrival of the Easter Bunny. Those on the bunny trail will find him settled in Bunnyville, a charming, three-dimensional bunny town in Twelve Oaks’ Center Court. The last stop in Bunnyville is a professional photo with the Easter Bunny in front of his Bunny House. All children receive a small gift from the Bunny just for visiting!
Twelve Oaks Mall
27500 Novi Rd.
Novi, MI
