It’s freezing and drab, the kids are bored, and it’s just the kind of day for an amusement park— say what? Luckily, Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream is the biggest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere and just happens to be in East Rutherford, New Jersey, making it the best day ever for family fun. With rides that go from steep and tall rollercoasters to kiddie rides for the less adventurous, it’s the place for making memories and having a blast. Read on for more to know about visiting this amusement park, and to keep the indoor fun going, check out all the indoor entertainment in NJ. (featured photo credit: American Dream)
Nickelodeon Universe
Nickelodeon Universe: So much fun under one roof
Got kids (and adults) who are Nick fans? Nickelodeon Universe is an awe-inspiring 8.5-acre park jam-packed with thrilling rides and attractions inspired by classic Nickelodeon TV shows and characters. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a world of adventure as those fave cartoon characters (hello, Sponge Bob) appear in almost every corner. Parents will get a kick out of the nostalgia with rides that remind them of the shows they grew up with, and kids will be eager to pose for selfies with the plushy characters who stroll around the park.
Pick your ride—thrills, gentle, or something in between
If you’re a family of thrill seekers, you’ll want to prioritize the rides (we recommend one pay all-day pass, but you can do a pay-per-ride option if you’ve got littles in your crew). There are more than 30 rides to choose from, including three record-breaking roller coasters—TMNT Shellraiser with a steep 122-foot drop; Shredder, the tallest and longest free-spinning coaster; and Skyline Scream as the tallest indoor spinning drop tower. For younger and less adventurous people, hop on Blue’s Skiddo, a soaring ride that lets you be in control, or hop on Blaze’s Monster Truck Rally, where trucks go around a circular track. Be sure to also get on Dora’s Sky Railway, which offers scenic views of the park and is a great spot for taking a mini-break between rides. Kids will also want to make a pit stop at the Paw Patrol Hero Academy to slide and climb.
Characters, climbs, and more at Nickelodeon Universe
Off the rides, kids and adults will find plenty to keep the fun vibe going. Snap photos and get autographs from favorite Nickelodeon characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And if your kids are into slime, they’ll love the Slime Time events and activities where they can get slimed — a classic Nickelodeon tradition (even parents who grew up with Nickelodeon can appreciate this one). There’s also a daily calendar of live shows on the stage, where Dora, Blue, Spongebob, and others dance, encouraging littles to sing along and join the party. For the more daredevil members of your family, the Legends of the Hidden Temple Ropes Course Challenge will put their skills to the test with the record-breaking 9-level adventure ropes course. And if you’re looking for fun in virtual reality, head to the In The Game Arcade.
Nickelodeon Universe in American Dream is the place to go for indoor amusement. Photo Credit: American Dream
What to know before you go
This action-packed universe is open daily and year-round. We recommend you buy tickets online to skip long lines at the entrance and take advantage of their online discounts ($10 off per ticket). The All Access Pass prices start at $59 for non-peak days, $69 on peak days, $45-$55 for twilight tickets, and children 2 years old and younger are free. You can add a Nick QuickPass, starting at $40, which allows you to skip the lines an unlimited number of times at 10 rides. Don’t have much time? Opt for a Points Pass, which assigns points to each ride, giving you flexibility and only charging you for rides you go on (starting at $6.99 for 3 points). For older kids, you may want to do Twilight Admission to experience the last two hours of the day and ride on roller coasters that glow, intertwine, and give gorgeous views of the New York City skyline. There are height and age restrictions for rides, and keep in mind that weekend days and holidays tend to get crowded. American Dream offers parking and valet parking, both at an additional cost.
For more information, visit the Nickelodeon Universe website and Facebook page.
American Dream
1 American Dream Way
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
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