Where can you surf, ski, shop, or ride a roller coaster under one roof? If this seems like a riddle, it’s not—just off the Jersey Turnpike stands the dazzling American Dream, a mall and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, that’s filled with over 3 million square feet (equivalent to 45 football fields–yup, you read that right) of fun. While it’s only slightly smaller than its sister property, Mall of America in Minnesota, this space is the ultimate entertainment complex in the Northeast, with a chance to ski indoors at Big Snow (the only indoor ski slope in the Western Hemisphere), get lost in the labyrinth of the Mirror Maze, or ride a roller coaster even in freezing temps at Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. If that’s not enough, they have the largest indoor water park in the US, the world’s best views on the Dream Wheel, and the world’s largest candy store with over 10,000 types of candy. Oh, and did we mention the shopping, including luxury stores, mall favorites, and the only Saks Fifth Avenue location in NJ? American Dream has no shortage of noteworthy records and excitement for any age, which is why it’s on our list of Best of Things To Do in New Jersey. and we couldn’t leave it off of our list of Unique Things To Do In NJ. Scroll down for what to do to make the most of your visit—whether it’s your first time or your 20th. (featured image credit: American Dream)

American Dream, Not Your Typical Mall

Big Attractions At American Dream

American Dream DreamWorks Water Park
It’s the largest indoor water park in the United States and always a balmy 81 degrees. With thrilling slides,  splash-tastic lazy rivers, and awesome wave pools, you can get wet any time of the year. Book one of the poolside cabanas for up to five guests and get comfortable hanging out for the day (or night during twilight hours), or make it a staycation with a Sky Box Suite, which offers luxury amenities like designer décor, flat-screen television, a private changing room, and Coca-Cola beverages.

Dream Wheel
Want spectacular and thrilling views of the NYC skyline? There is no better place to get them than at American Dream. Get comfy in a temperature-controlled gondola as you go through the 30-minute rotation, seeing iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building on the horizon. And to keep with the carnival theme, stop at Deep Fried Love after you get off the wheel for some treats like deep-fried Oreos and funnel cake—yum.

New Jersey Hall of Fame
Dive into the rich history and achievements of New Jersey legends from sports, entertainment, science, and politics at these exhibits and interactive displays. There are a few different displays to choose from, including Hometown Tour, where you can embark on a virtual reality journey with some of the inductees; Edison’s Model T—Fly Me to the Moon, which allows you to step into a high-tech simulation of this legendary car; and Everyday Heroes, which immerses you in inspiring testimonials and videos.

Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park
Nickelodeon Universe is the biggest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere and has some of the world’s steepest, tallest, and longest rides in New Jersey, making it the Best Day Ever for family fun. But the thrills aren’t all daring—littles will want to hop on Blue’s Skidoo or the Guppy Bubbler, and the whole family will have a ball on the Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express. Thrill seekers can ride on The Shredder or Aang’s Air Gliders. And kids can scout out the beloved characters in the park, like Blue’s Clues, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and SpongeBob Squarepants, to snap photos for your feed and collect autographs. 

For kids only at American Dream 

Geoffrey’s Train Ride 
All Aboard! Ride the rails on the colorful Geoffrey’s Train Ride, a mini-train ride through American Dream. With a Toys “R Us theme featuring Geoffrey the Giraffe and friends, kids will have a blast scoping out the entire mall. Buy your tickets (kids under 2 are free) and board by either Toys” R Us or It’s Sugar. Take a big loop around, and make sure to snap photos for your feed. 

Legoland Discovery Center
Littles can get lost in play at the Legoland Discovery Center, which features play zones, a 4D cinema, an interactive ride, and creative spots to build. And if that’s not enough, they can meet Legoland characters, buy their favorite LEGO sets, or see a LEGO recreation of New Jersey and New York in the 1.5 million-brick Miniland. 

Paw Patrol Hero Academy
Have a little who loves Paw Patrol? Become a hero-in-training with Chase, Skye, Marshall, and Rubble on adventures that will put their skills to the test. In this obstacle course, kids can navigate through different obstacles, solve puzzles, and endure challenges to both their minds and body. 

Sesame Street Learn & Play 
This educational play center is the first in the US and is a place where kids can enjoy hands-on, immersive experiences alongside their favorite Sesame Street characters. Stop in Elmo’s World to enjoy a rainforest adventure with Elmo, “shop” for their favorite characters and check out at Hooper’s Store, stay awhile at the Sesame Street Theatre, and get the wiggles out on the Sesame Street Playground.

Museums and other fun at American Dream

Sea Life Aquarium
Go under the sea with over 3,000 sharks, anemones, tropical fish, and other sea life swimming against the backdrop of New York City. There are ten aquatic exhibits, including the awe-inspiring underwater tunnel with NYC landmarks featuring over 1,000 creatures swimming above you as you walk through. 

TiLT Museum
Optical illusions are everywhere at this topsy-turvy attraction. At the TiLT Museum, you’re not just there to look at the art—you become part of the colorful, mind-bending exhibits. Urban artist Tracy Lee Stum designed this immersive, selfie-worthy experience where you can star in your own video game, fly through the city on a hot dog, or climb the Statue of Liberty amid dynamic backdrops that will tilt your whole perspective. Expect new exhibits, too, where you can see work from emerging artists.

Athletic adventures

Big Snow
Who needs a snow day to ski? Not at American Dream. Yup, you can be on the only slope this side of the planet that’s got real snow blowing all year. Bundle up with gear, then take a chair lift to the top (there are even trees and a lodge facade to give it an outdoor feel) and ski, board, or sno-bike down. First-timers can take a lesson, or kids can learn to snowboard through the Camp BIG program before the (outdoor) ski season starts. And this year, kids can climb, slide, and sled on real snow at the all-new SNOW Play and Tubing area (rentals for outwear are available if you don’t have yours). 

Skudinsurf
Looking to learn to surf but can’t make it to the shore? Inside American Dream’s indoor wave pool, you can surf whenever you want. Learn from professional surfers whether you are a beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert (when the waves can reach 3-4 feet!). Private lessons are available too.

The Rink
Skate onto an NHL regulation-sized ice rink with opportunities for open skating, figure skating, and hockey tournaments. They even have roller skating available on select days in the summer. Skate rentals are even included in the price of admission, and ice skating supports are available for novice skaters. You can even host a private event at The Rink—play like a pro with your own game that features penalty boxes and locker rooms for the full experience. 

Challenges

Angry Birds Mini Golf
Golf is not for the birds at this 18-hole 3D mini-golf spot, and if you love the Angry Birds game and movies, this course will make them come alive. There is even a built-in “birdhouse” that you can book for parties.

Blacklight Mini Golf
Get a hole-in-one at this vibrant mini golf course with alien territories, uncharted planets, and spaceships. Take a swing while music plays under cool neon lighting effects. Don’t miss taking an Insta-worthy photo with their glowing murals while you work towards that hole-in-one.

Legends of the Hidden Temple Challenge
Did you know that the world’s tallest ropes course is in American Dream? The Legends of the Hidden Temple Ropes Course has 9 levels, and each is record-breaking, so push past your limits to scale the course.  

Hi-Tech Games
Experience the first fully interactive and immersive Blast 7D ride. The ride combines a virtual reality experience and the thrills of a roller coaster and a multi-player role-playing game. Ages 5-105 can immerse themselves into five different ride modes and ride to the top of the competition. Feel like you are diving, flying, or falling through other worlds. Or gather your crew to play the hi-tech game of Activate and test your team’s mental and physical agility through real-life challenges. Hundreds of game combinations are available, from the Mega Grid to Hoops.

Mirror Maze
Step into a real-life kaleidoscope at this American Dream attraction. Get lost in a labyrinth of neon lights, electric beats, twists and turns, and your reflection at every corner. Check out their admission packages, including an Out-of-this-World pass for the Mirror Maze and Blacklight Mini Golf to top off an intergalactic experience.

Shopping, eating, and events at American Dream

Restaurants for all tastes
From classics like Cinnabon and Five Guys to sit-down gourmet restaurants, American Dream has so many options when you need a quick bite or a relaxing meal. There are also unique spots you won’t find in your typical mall that cover every palate—Peruvian food, falafel, Austin Barbeque, bubble tea, Ramen, Italian, and much more. When it comes time to satisfy your family’s sweet tooth, stop at It’s Sugar, with thousands of candy choices, and the Candy Land Shake Bar, filled with milkshake masterpieces. Sit down to enjoy the delicious dishes featuring Modern Italian cuisine at Carpaccio from Bal Harbour in Florida—a must for a sophisticated cocktail and meal. Other favorites unique to American Dream are Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, with its unusual ingredients for frozen treats, and Oreo Cafe, where you can find yummy concoctions made with—you guessed it—the iconic sandwich cookies. 

Shop American Dream
While entertainment is a big draw, American Dream is also the place to practice retail therapy. From Aldo to Zara, American Dream has the mall favorites everyone loves (including some stores with the most square footage in NJ). Find trendy favorites like H&M and American Eagle, mall stalwarts like Old Navy, Sephora, and Armani Exchange, and shops for kids, including everyone’s beloved Toys R US (the only stand-alone in NJ) and Build-A-Bear. And for the ultimate in luxury, shop the posh corridor of The Avenue, a curated collection of designer stores, including Tiffany & Co, Hermes, Saint Laurent, Jonathan Adler, Louis Vuitton, and the only New Jersey location of Saks Fifth Avenue. 

What to know before you go to American Dream

Many attractions have different hours from one another, so make sure to check ahead for times. Parking is free for 15 minutes and $5 afterward; valet parking and a Supercharger site for electric vehicles are also available. There are nursing stations, ATMs, baby changing stations, family restrooms, smart strollers, free WiFi, and a lounge area with charging stations available throughout the mall. There is even a Behind-The-Scenes Tour and VIP Experiences to elevate your visit. Want to spend the night? You can check in at one of the many hotel options nearby. American Dream is open year-round and has a calendar of events like character visits, mini-golf activities, and tons of family-friendly events all year round.

For more information, visit American Dream on their website, Instagram and Facebook. 

American Dream
1 American Dream Way
East Rutherford, NJ 07073

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