Ultimate Guide to American Dream Mall

The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is one of the largest retail and entertainment complexes in the United States. Combining shopping, dining, and world-class attractions, it offers a unique destination for visitors of all ages. Here’s an ultimate guide to experiencing all that the American Dream Mall has to offer:

Shopping

With over 3 million square feet of space, American Dream is a shopper’s paradise. From high-end luxury brands to budget-friendly retailers, the mall has something for everyone.

• Luxury Wing: Stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermès, Dolce & Gabbana, and Saint Laurent cater to high-end shoppers.
• Department Stores: Popular stores include Saks Off Fifth, Primark, Zara, and H&M.
• Designer Outlets: For discount shoppers, American Dream includes outlets from popular brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Aritzia.

American Dream Mall Entertainment and Attractions

The mall is unique for its wide array of entertainment options, making it much more than just a shopping destination. Here are the must-see attractions:

• Nickelodeon Universe: The largest indoor theme park in North America, with rides themed around popular Nickelodeon shows. Highlights include The Shredder, the world’s tallest and longest spinning coaster, and Shellraiser, one of the steepest roller coasters.
• DreamWorks Water Park: An indoor water park with wave pools, water slides, and themed areas based on DreamWorks movies like Shrek, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda. It boasts the largest indoor wave pool and a tropical climate all year round.
• Big Snow American Dream: North America’s first indoor real-snow ski and snowboard park, offering year-round skiing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, this is a unique experience with lessons available.
• The Rink: An NHL-sized indoor ice-skating rink open year-round, perfect for public skating sessions or hockey games.
• SEA LIFE Aquarium: A 25,000-square-foot aquarium with more than 3,000 sea creatures, offering interactive exhibits and underwater tunnels for a close-up view of marine life.
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center: A fun destination for kids, with LEGO-themed play zones, interactive rides, a 4D cinema, and the iconic Miniland, featuring LEGO-built landmarks of New York City and New Jersey.
• Mirror Maze & Mini Golf: There are two 18-hole mini-golf courses—Blacklight Mini Golf and the Mirror Maze, each offering a whimsical and fun experience for families.
• Angry Birds Mini Golf: Another themed mini-golf course featuring characters from the Angry Birds franchise in a bright and fun setting.

Dining

American Dream Mall features a variety of dining options, from casual eats to fine dining experiences.

• Court A Dining Pavilion: Offering a food court with familiar fast-food options such as Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A, and Carlo’s Bakery.
• Fine Dining: Some higher-end dining spots include House of ‘Que, an Austin BBQ joint, and Carpaccio, an upscale Italian restaurant.
• Kosher and Global Eats: Kosher options are available, as well as a diverse selection of cuisines ranging from Japanese and Mediterranean to Mexican and American.
• Food Festivals and Pop-Ups: Regular events include special food festivals or temporary pop-ups featuring local and global cuisines.

The Shops at the American Dream

The mall also features themed shopping districts that make the shopping experience more immersive:

• The Avenue: A luxury area featuring designer brands and luxury boutiques.
• Grand Court: A central hub for flagship stores and major retailers.

American Dream Mall Events and Experiences

American Dream often hosts events, such as:

• Live Performances: Concerts, celebrity meet-and-greets, and special performances in the central areas.
• Holiday Celebrations: Seasonal decorations and events, especially around Christmas and Halloween, which include special themed experiences like Santa’s Village or spooky walkthroughs.
• Family-Friendly Events: Year-round family fun, including meet-and-greets with cartoon characters from Nickelodeon and DreamWorks.

How to Get There

• Location: American Dream is located at 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ, near the Meadowlands Sports Complex, close to MetLife Stadium.
• Transportation:
  • Car: Accessible via the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), Route 3, and Route 120. On-site parking is available with ample spaces.
  • Public Transit: NJ Transit buses and trains provide easy access to the mall. There’s also a shuttle service from the Secaucus Junction train station.
  • From New York City: The mall is about a 15-minute drive from Manhattan. Several bus routes run from Port Authority Bus Terminal, or you can take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction and switch to a shuttle.

American Dream Mall Hours and Admission

• Mall Hours: Generally open 10 AM to 9 PM, but attractions may have specific hours. It’s a good idea to check the website for up-to-date information.
• Admission Fees: Entry to the mall is free, but the attractions (like Nickelodeon Universe, DreamWorks Water Park, and Big Snow) require separate admission fees. Combo tickets and family packages are often available.

Pro Tips for Visitors

• Book Tickets in Advance: If you plan to visit the theme parks, aquarium, or ski park, it’s best to book tickets ahead of time, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Plan for a Full Day: With so many attractions and shops, it’s easy to spend an entire day (or more) at American Dream. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to explore.
• Parking: Parking is free for the first 30 minutes, and then there is a small fee based on how long you stay. Expect busier times to have more crowded lots, especially during holidays.
• Check for Special Offers: The mall frequently runs special deals and discount packages, especially for combined attractions or group visits.

American Dream Mall Nearby Attractions

If you want to explore beyond the mall:

• MetLife Stadium: Home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, it’s right next to the mall.
• Meadowlands Racetrack: A harness racing venue that hosts events and simulcasts races.
• New York City: Just a short drive or bus ride away, you can easily add a day trip to Manhattan during your visit.

The American Dream Mall is not just a shopping destination but a full-fledged entertainment experience. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, a luxury shopping spree, or an indoor adventure, there’s something for everyone at this massive complex.