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Spring Break Ideas For Kids: CSI At The Mall Of America

Gallery: CSI at the Mall of America

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- All this week, we're checking out cool stuff to check out over spring break.

You don't need to leave Minnesota to find excitement, especially when CSI comes to Mall of America. It's a new entertainment feature where you can use the tools they provide to uncover a murder mystery.

Officials said 175 actual, real-life detective scientists got together to come up with the idea for the exhibit, which involve about 3,500 hours or research. They wanted to make it as lifelike as possible for kids as they head t to the Mall of America for spring break.

One of the most popular new things is to put on the detective hat and be a crime scene investigator, just like the actors on the CBS show.

"There's so much interest behind forensic science right now," said Jennifer Lauerman, one of the masterminds behind the exhibit. "It's really quite interesting. It's something we all watch on TV, but to get into nitty-gritty and crack the case yourself is really interesting to people."

Lauerman said the exhibit combines having fun with learning. It's for kids who are about 12 years old and up with a series of clues to help you solve the criminal mystery. It includes everything from finger-printing to finding out a person's blood alcohol level. And it's not just for kids as adults are encouraged to go through the exhibit also.

The CSI Experience at the Mall of America runs Monday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $9.99 for kids ages 5 to 12 and it's $16.99 for adults.

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