Many places have put New Jersey on the map, but if you ever imagined an indoor waterpark is one of them, you are right. DreamWorks Waterpark at American Dream in East Rutherford is the largest indoor waterpark in North America, punching in at a whopping 8.5 acres in size, making it an only-in-NJ kind of place. With record-breaking slides and themes featuring favorite vintage and current Dreamworks characters (hello, Madagascar Penguins), it’s a must for a family daycation. Inside, the temperature is always a balmy 81 degrees, and there are lots of splash areas for all ages—from a dump and climb kids zone to a surfers paradise to a lazy river all under a giant Shrek—there’s plenty to do to keep you coming back for more. Read on to make a trip to DreamWorks Water Park, the best pool day any time of year. (featured photo credit: American Dream Waterpark)

DreamWorks Water Park

Slide down the record-breaking water rides

Walking into DreamWorks Water Park, your kids will be in complete awe at the size of the slides and rides that fill the building. One of the best parts about the water park is that no matter how young or old the members of your crew are, there’s an attraction just waiting for them to hop onto. Toddlers and the under 6 set will want to hang out at the Kungfu Panda Temple of Awesomeness, which is a multi-level play structure full of dump cups, geysers, and six slides designed for size before moving onto The Penguins Frozen Fun Zone where toddlers can go down kid-friendly slides just like their favorite penguins from Madagascar. Then, if you have someone in your family who likes to move but not too high or fast, hop onto the DreamWorks Dream Runner, the world’s longest hydromagnetic rocket coaster. Or take a ride on Dragon and Dronkey’s Flight, which has a high-speed four-person tube with sudden drops and zero gravity moments. For the total pros and thrill seekers, take a plunge on Mad Flush, where you will ride into a high-speed body spiral slide that drops you into deep water or start in an enclosed capsule with a trapdoor before making your way down a speed slide on the Surfari Slider. And hit the waves in the Far Far A Bay Wave Pool, where you can wade through the water (a balmy 80+ degrees) until the horn sounds and the waves swell. Get ready to jump, swim, and feel the waves crash into you. 

Float down the lazy river

After having your fill on all the water rides and slides, take the family and have a relaxing time as you float down the lazy river. But this isn’t your average lazy river. With a name like The Bubbly Lazy River, you can expect there to be fun even as you put your feet up, sit in an inner tube, and ride down the river. While you lounge lazily down the way, watch for some of your favorite DreamWorks characters who will shoot, spray, and drop water from features above your head. And the whole family can get in on the action, with two-person rafts so younger kids won’t have to go alone. 

Relax in a private suite or cabana

If you plan on spending the day, you can elevate your experience and reserve a private SkyBox Suite. Each suite has a unique vacay theme ranging from the gorgeous island of Capri or the laid-back spirit of Tulum to the tropical vibes of Bali, and are located above all the action so your family can bask and bliss out when they’ve had enough of the thrills. Suites are outfitted with luxe touches like plush seating, food and beverage service, an interactive TV, and a mini-fridge stocked with drinks. Want to be closer to the water? Opt for a poolside cabana in a semi-private setting with tropical-inspired loveseats to hang back and watch the kids. 

Stop for a bite to eat

With so much fun and thrills to experience at DreamWorks Water Park, stopping for a bite to eat is essential for a little break during the day. And luckily, you don’t have to go far to get anything you want. For bigger bites, choose from burgers, chicken sandwiches, nachos, fries, and cold drinks at the Burger Shack. Feeling like something sweet? Stop by Trolls Ice Sing Cream to enjoy ice cream, funnel cakes, churro sundaes, and other delicious treats to cool off. If pizza is on your mind, Beach Haven Pizza has delicious pizzas to fuel up with, along with subs and salads. 

Meet your favorite characters

Have a little one who loves Shrek, Madagascar, or other DreamWorks movie characters? While you spend time at the water park, make sure they keep their eyes open for sightings of characters who are walking around and ready to snap selfies or say hi. During the day, there are spontaneous dance breaks where kids can move and shake with the characters and make one-of-a-kind memories. You never know when you might spot one of these characters so be on the lookout for them to appear in all different parts of the water park.

Host your next birthday party

If you want somewhere unique to host your kid’s next birthday party, consider celebrating at DreamWorks Water Park. When you book your party at the water park, you will receive admission for up to 10 guests with the option to add more, a semi-private party area for three hours within the water park, and a dedicated host who will help out and allow you to enjoy the party instead of being bogged down by all the details. With each party, your little one can choose the DreamWorks theme, and the decorations will be provided along with cutlery and paper products. What could be better than spending your big day riding down over 40 slides, rides, and attractions? 

What to know before you go

Located within American Dream Mall, there are a few ways you can enjoy the day, including an All Access Pass, which is valid for one full day of fun, a Dream Pass so you can experience the water park, as well as Nickelodeon Universe for one price, or a One Day, Fun Day Pass which includes the water park, and other American Dream attractions like GI Joe Battle Station, Mirror Maze, and Blacklight Mini Golf. You can also grab a DreamWorks Water Park Season Splash Pass for $179, which gives you access to everything in the water park at any time you want to visit. Since some of the rides and slides are tall or end in a deep pool, there are height requirements for those rides, and only strong swimmers should brave those larger attractions. Parking is available at the mall, and you can walk to the water park from where you are parked. The water park is open 7 days a week, but the times are different depending on the day, so check the website before heading to the water park. 

To learn more about the DreamWorks Water Park, visit their website.

DreamWorks Water Park 
1 American Dream Way
East Rutherford, NJ 07073

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