Similar to its sister property Mall of America in Minnesota, American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey, 20 miles from Manhattan, is an entertainment complex to travel to for shopping and family fun. However, where Mall of America dedicates 45 percent of its square footage to entertainment and 55 percent to retail, American Dream flips those figures.
More than half of American Dream is designed to cater to families with attractions while the 400-plus stores opening here will each feature an out-of-the-box, experiential component.
Here’s why your family may want to plan a visit:
Big Snow
The first indoor ski facility in North America, Big Snow boasts a 1,000-foot slope of real snow, divided into blue and black runs for skiing and snowboarding. Purchase a ticket online before you leave home or at the ticket counter once you arrive.
Tickets start at $30 each for two hours on the slope. Day passes, lessons and gear rental are also available. Kids aged 6 and under ski free with an accompanying adult, although you will need to rent equipment if they do not have their own.
Winter sports fans can also skate at the separate NHL-sized ice skating rink at the mall. Skate rentals are available, helmets are free.
Nickelodeon Universe
Opened Oct. 25, Nickelodeon Universe features the tallest and longest free spinning coaster, the steepest roller coaster and tallest indoor spinning drop tower. But it’s not all thrill rides. While one-third of the indoor park is dedicated to thrill seekers, one-third is for tots and the other third for families.
Kids must be accompanied by an adult in the park although there is a wristband option allowing access to the park, but not the rides. Be on hand to snap a few photos of your kids with favorites like SpongeBob and Dora the Explorer characters.
DreamWorks Water Park
The largest indoor water park in North America, DreamWorks Water Park is expected to open soon following a postponement of its original debut. When it does, guests can experience more than 40 slides and attractions, including the world’s largest indoor wave pool, largest hydromagnetic coaster and the world’s tallest indoor body slide.
The temperature will be a constant 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and you’ll still be able to get a tan even though its indoors — the roof allows natural light to come in but doesn’t block UV rays.
More Fun
When completely open in March, American Dream will also feature a CMX Luxury Movie Theater, SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 300-foot-tall observation wheel, two 18-hole mini golf courses and a KidZania family entertainment center. The mall is also planning an aviary, koi pond and grassy area with live bunnies.
Thinking of spending a few days seeing everything the mall has to offer? American Dream is already zoned for a 3,500-room hotel that should begin construction soon.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 27, 2024Book the Ultimate Mother-In-Law Suite in New York City’s West Village
Family travel can be hard after welcoming a newborn. Some families want their in-laws or parents close to help and soak up all the time with the newborn. For families traveling to or living in New York City, Maison Hudson, a collection of new luxury residences in the city with hotel-like amenities, has an option perfect for grandparents or visiting family.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations
Mar 27, 2024Outdoor Family Adventures on Offer with Four Seasons
Four Seasons Resorts offer outdoor experiences perfect for family travelers this spring. Check out some of what awaits your traveling brood:
Destinations / North America
Mar 27, 20243 Family-Friendly Hotels in Baltimore
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is surrounded by activities and attractions to keep families busy for several days, and for those who travel to get there, a trio of nearby hotels welcome children with amenities such as swimming pools, kid-sized bathrobes and bunk beds.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Spring Festivals in New Orleans
Spring has sprung in New Orleans, Louisiana, for family travelers! Bring your crew to the Big Easy this season for a variety of family-friendly festivals, events and attractions.
ShareThis