Malls in New Jersey are a Garden State rite of passage—we’ve got more malls per square mile than any other state, giving us the distinction of being the Mall Mecca of the US. And considering we are host to malls that are ranked as the best in the country (The Mall at Short Hills), having the 2nd largest mall in the US boasting an indoor ski slope (American Dream), and one that has the distinction as being the first indoor shopping center on the East Coast (Cherry Hill Mall), we’ve got a lot to show off. Likewise, NJ malls are one-stop destinations, thanks to gourmet restaurants, fast casual food, entertainment, and events, where the whole family can find fun beyond shopping. Scroll down for malls in New Jersey where you can indulge in some retail therapy with or without the kids. (featured image credit: @mallatshorthills)
American Dream
You won’t find anything like American Dream anywhere in the state—with entertainment, an amusement park, an indoor water park, and even a ski mountain (the only one in North America) under one roof, it’s a place to come for and stay for hours. And the shopping? It’s got loads of options from all the store favorites, including an extensive Zara and huge Toys ‘R Us, along with The Avenue, a luxury space anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue (the sole NJ location), and high-end designer brands. There is also valet parking and a weekly roster of shopping events.
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Bridgewater Commons
With over 150 stores and restaurants, including Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Apple Store, Macy’s, and Bloomingdales, this is a classic NJ mall where you can shop and make a pit stop for lunch or dinner. Kids can find plenty in the food court, or if you want to sit down, stop by Redstone Grill for steaks or The Cheesecake Factory for their hearty salads. Or better yet, have dinner served seatside while watching a movie at the AMC Dine-In Theatre.
400 Commons Way, Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807
Cherry Hill Mall
This Mall in New Jersey opened in 1961 and is reported as being the first indoor, climate-controlled shopping center east of the Mississippi River. Today, it’s a popular South Jersey spot for browsing the racks and finding the latest styles at trendy spots like Aldo, American Eagle, J.Crew, and Armani Exchange. Stop for a meal when you need to refuel for more shopping, or stay and attend one of the many events at the mall.
Suite 514, 2000 Route 38, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Deptford Mall
Not far from both Philadelphia and Atlantic City, you can spend time shopping and eating at the food court. With stores ranging from staples like Sephora to teen favorites like Garage and kid stores like The Children’s Place, you can hit it all at this mall. Check out their events, where they host monthly shows in the Kid’s Mini Theater, where characters like Daniel Tiger, Blue’s Clues, and Maisy the Mouse come to life.
1750 Deptford Center Road, Deptford, NJ 08096
Freehold Raceway Mall
This mall in Central New Jersey has something for everyone in your family. Stop into Brio Italian Grill for wood-fired flatbreads and homemade pasta, and then shop whatever your budget and style at the 237 stores located in the mall, including Apple, LL Bean, Express, and Lululemon. Kids can create their own plushie at the Build a Bear Workshop and then take a ride on the Carousel located on Level 2.
3710 US-9, Freehold, NJ 07728
Menlo Park Mall
This two-level mall in Edison is home to fashion-forward retailers like Hollister, Michael Kors, and Nordstrom. Beyond the shopping, kids can be entertained at Color Me Mine, a paint-your-own pottery studio, the Disney Junior Play Zone, an interactive play space with Disney friends, and the Slime Factory, where kids can get slimy and create slick stuff in a “lab.” If you work up an appetite, stop by #NJMOM favorite Bang Cookies for a delicious treat.
55 Parsonage Road, Edison, NJ 08837
Quaker Bridge Mall
Boasting well-known brands, including Coach, Michael Kors, and Sephora, this two-level supermall has over 90 stores, including Macy’s and JCPenney. The best part? Stop at the Old York Cellars Wine Bar & Gift Shop to taste some of their delicious wines. Download their family perks to receive deals in stores and free samples from retailers.
3320 US-1, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
The Mall at Short Hills
One of the top malls in the country, The Mall at Short Hills, is like having Fifth Avenue on this side of the Hudson (and you don’t have to pay tax on shoes or clothing). With exclusive designer boutiques (many with the only NJ location) like YSL, Tiffany, Cartier, Ferragamo, Gucci, and Chanel, among others, and the most sought-after retailers like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom all in one place, you’ll feel luxurious shopping the day away in the bright, marble, posh surroundings. Make dinner plans at Ruth Chris Steakhouse or Legal Seafood and relax after shopping. Coming soon is the first NJ outpost of Eataly, the famed Italian marketplace, eaterie, and cooking school from NYC.
1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ 07078
The Mills at Jersey Gardens
Want a spot to scope out some of the best deals? Head to New Jersey’s largest outlet destination, where you will find a mix of brand factory stores and discounted retailers for everyone’s taste, including Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, and Saks Off Fifth. Catch a movie or stay for an event when you are all shopped out.
651 Kapkowski Road, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Westfield Garden State Plaza
With convenient valet parking and luxury stores like Versace, MCM, Burberry, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus, this is a premier shopping destination in Bergen County. Beyond the designer boutiques, you’ll find plenty of mall favorites like Adidas, Gap, and J.Crew. Once you are done filling your arms with bags from the 300 stores, have a bite to eat at notable eateries like Grand Lux Cafe and Capital Grille or get a blowout at Drybar. And don’t miss their monthly events, including DIY workshops, shows, and a Sunday Farmer’s Market.
One Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ 07652
Willowbrook
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, take a trip to Willowbrook and shop ’till you drop. Look for trendy fashion spots like Zara, H&M, Mango, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s to the standbys like Bath and Body Works, Old Navy, and Gap, as well as unique places like Japanese retailer Uniqlo—you can shop for the whole family here. Ready for a bite? Their food court offers sushi, pizza, cheesesteaks, and cajun, or sit down at Buffalo Wild Wings, Fogo De Chao, or PF Changs.
1400 Willowbrook, Wayne, NJ 07470
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
