The largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere opened for business in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and with another advanced preview opening on the horizon, kids may very well lose their minds. American Dream’s Nickelodeon Universe and The Rink — an NHL-regulation-sized ice skating and hockey rink — boasts more than 35 rides and attractions.
Opening to a crowd of more than 2,500 guests, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dora the Explorer and the Clifton Mustang Marching Band all paraded through, greeting children of all ages with SpongeBob Square Pants leading the pack. The preview opening of the highly anticipated venue kicked off the opening with flair, fun and tons of excitement — a trend families can expect to continue.
Guests can hop on daring rollercoasters, character-clad rides and enjoy dozens of attractions, all within the epic indoor playground of Nickelodeon Universe.
As if being one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks wasn’t enough, thrill-seeking guests will also enjoy the chance to ride the world’s steepest roller coaster, Shellraiser.
With a healthy blend of hair-raising thrills and kid-friendly rides, Nickelodeon Universe offers kids (and kids at heart) a fun and interactive way to enjoy the imaginary world of their favorite characters.
Dora the Explorer fans can ride Dora’s Sky, a hot air balloon around the clouds with Azul to get a better view of the park, or opt for Aang’s Air Gliders to fly like an Airbender.
For the motorheads in your crew, kids head to Blaze’s Monster Truck Rally for a race in the Monster Dome, or let out inner skater-boys at Timmy’s Half Pipe Havoc (Fairly Odd Parents).
Nineties kids will know, Nickelodeon is synonymous with slime and this ride does not disappoint: Nickelodeon Slime Streak is the perfect rollercoaster for 90s nostalgia without the mess.
There’s truly a ride for all ages and every fan. With Blue’s Skidoo and PAW Patrol Adventure Bay for the little ones and Fairly OddAirways; Invader Zim’s Flip & Spin; Jimmy Neutron’s Atom Smasher; Legends of the Hidden Temple Challenge; Nickelodeon Skyline Scream; Pup Pup & Away Ferris wheel; Ren & Stimpy’s Space Madness; Rugrats Reptar Go-Round; Shimmer & Shine Jumping Genies; SpongeBob’s Jellyfish Jam; Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express; Sandy’s Blasting Bronco; Kraang Prime Pandemonium!; and The Shredder for everyone else, this Universe is a whole lot of park.
Pack up the kids and head to New Jersey for the indoor park’s seasonal events, including Make a Splash: DreamWorks Water Park opening Nov. 27; Every Day is a Snow Day, Dec. 5; and In Grand Style coming in March, bringing more than 450 retail shops, restaurants and entertainment options to the already impressive property.
Special preview tickets are available here through Nov. 7, ranging $40–50 for general access and all access, respectively. The littlest guests, children 2 and younger, are admitted for free.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedNorth America
Oct 8, 2026Holiday Fun Awaits Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge
Take advantage of the festive offerings this year at Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge, the boutique hotel along Oregon’s Rogue River in Gold Beach.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Destinations / North America
Oct 8, 20267 U.S. Ghost Towns to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these ghost towns with us.
Destinations / North America
Oct 8, 2026Step into Spooky Season at LEGOLAND California
Spooky season just got a lot better at LEGOLAND California Resort as Wacky Witch, Mummy, Scarecrow, Spider Lady and Wolf Guy officially move on to Brick or Treat Street.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Destinations / North America
Oct 8, 2026Learn About America’s Independence on Battle Road Trail
Step into one of the most significant hours in America’s history with a hike or bicycle trip along Battle Road Trail in Lexington, Massachusetts. The pathway follows the route of the Minute Men, who gathered in Lexington to stop the advancing British troops intent on capturing the Patriot’s stockpile of weapons and munitions in Concord.
ShareThis