American Dream Meadowlands
A colossal indoor entertainment and retail complex featuring theme parks, water parks, ski slopes, and hundreds of shops.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
American Dream Meadowlands
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal indoor entertainment and retail complex featuring theme parks, water parks, ski slopes, and hundreds of shops.
"This mall was absolutely way more than I thought it was going to be. There was so much to see and do."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
This place is HUGE! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort.
🗺️ Grab a Directory
With hundreds of stores and attractions, it's easy to get lost. Use the directories to navigate.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park
Indoor Theme Park
Experience thrilling rides like the Shredder and SpongeBob's Jellyfish Jam in this vibrant indoor amusement park.
DreamWorks Water Park
Indoor Water Park
Dive into a tropical paradise with slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, all under a massive glass dome.
Big SNOW American Dream
Indoor Ski Slope
Hit the slopes year-round at America's first indoor real-snow ski and snowboard park.
The Rink at American Dream
Ice Skating Rink
Lace up your skates for a public session or enjoy themed events at this impressive indoor ice rink.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Marathon of Fun
Beyond the Shops: Entertainment Galore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
This place is HUGE! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort.
🗺️ Grab a Directory
With hundreds of stores and attractions, it's easy to get lost. Use the directories to navigate.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets for attractions like the water park or theme park in advance.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be a challenge. Arrive early or consider parking further out and walking.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
This place is HUGE! You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort.
🗺️ Grab a Directory
With hundreds of stores and attractions, it's easy to get lost. Use the directories to navigate.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets for attractions like the water park or theme park in advance.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be a challenge. Arrive early or consider parking further out and walking.
🍽️ Diverse Dining Options
From food courts to sit-down restaurants, there's food for every taste and budget.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer scale and variety of attractions at American Dream Meadowlands, calling it a 'very impressive mall' with 'everything from luxury to kids' playgrounds.' The architecture, cleanliness, and extensive dining options are frequently praised. However, some note the presence of empty storefronts and the immense amount of walking required.
"When we heard that this is actually the second largest mall in the country, we wanted to check it out. It really is a very impressive mall. We were particularly impressed by how nice everything was and many of the high end finishes in the mall. There are fountains in many parts of the mall, something you don't see all that often anymore, and some of the fountains even have koi fish in them, which is a very unique touch. There are also statues, unique seating, and creative construction features everywhere you look. There are about 450 stores that really provide a tremendous variety of shops for everyone. We did notice that there are quite a few empty storefronts, many that they were actively working on, so it looks like they'll be adding even more shops. I did notice that there is strangely very few shops in the housewares space, so hopefully they'll be adding some of those. There's even a two story Toys R Us, one of only two currently open across the country, which is very cool. There are also a ton of great dining options throughout the mall that provide a great variety of dining options. Aside from stores and restaurants, there is also a giant ferris wheel with views of the NYC skyline, an ice skating rink, and a skiing mountain... A very cool mall that I definitely recommend checking out!"
Matthew Lyons
"If you are looking for a place to quickly, run in and purchase something or to spend the entire day, you are at the right place.
Regardless, if your niche is luxury, kids' playground or good food, American Dream has it all.
The food court and the restaurants have a variety of delicious bites all throughout the mall.
Place is clean and airy. It does get very busy from time to time. But the mall is very large enough to fit them all. There's everything from an area to host events and small concerts to escape room, mini golf, water park to say the least about things to do. Many of the high-end fashion to everyday favorite brands are all here too. To finish off the day stop by H Mart for your groceries or grab a quick korean snack in the H Mart food court."
SY YU
"This mall is huge. It was beautiful, decorated for Christmas and another section with a winter wonderland type theme. I didnt plan for this visit but I definitely intend to return as there is so much to see. I want to visit the NJ hall of fame on my next visit. Definitely come prepared to do a lot of walking. So many food options. Would recommend."
Lakeisha Tricoche
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
American Dream is located in East Rutherford, NJ. You can drive and park (expect fees), or use public transportation. NJ Transit buses run to the mall, and it's a short ride from nearby train stations. Some visitors stay at hotels adjacent to the mall for easy access.
Yes, there is ample parking, but it can get busy, especially on weekends. Be prepared for parking fees and consider arriving early or parking in less congested areas.
Yes, you can take NJ Transit buses directly to the mall from various points in NYC. It's also accessible by car, though traffic can be a factor.
The mall is designed for walking. Wear comfortable shoes! Directories are available throughout the mall to help you find your way. +1
Yes, several hotels are located very close to American Dream, making it convenient for a multi-day visit. Some offer shuttle services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the mall itself is free. However, individual attractions like the theme park, water park, and ski slope require separate tickets.
Tickets for attractions can be purchased online through the official American Dream website or at the individual attraction's ticket booths. Booking online in advance is often recommended.
Mall hours vary, but attractions often have extended hours. It's best to check the official American Dream website for the most up-to-date hours for both the mall and specific attractions.
Keep an eye on the official American Dream website and social media for potential deals and promotions, especially for attractions.
Absolutely! You can explore the shops, dine at the restaurants, and enjoy the mall's atmosphere without purchasing tickets for specific attractions.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
American Dream boasts Nickelodeon Universe theme park, DreamWorks Water Park, Big SNOW indoor ski slope, The Rink ice skating, and a large Ferris wheel, alongside hundreds of shops and restaurants. +2
Yes, it's a fantastic destination for families with a wide range of activities catering to all ages, from theme park rides to water slides and entertainment.
A significant amount! The mall is very large, and you can easily walk several miles exploring its various sections and attractions.
It features a vast selection of stores, from luxury brands and popular retailers to unique shops like a two-story Toys R Us.
Yes, the Ferris wheel offers panoramic views that include the New York City skyline on clear days.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
American Dream offers a huge variety of dining, from fast-casual food courts with diverse cuisines to sit-down restaurants and cafes.
Yes, there are many restaurants suitable for dates, offering different ambiances and cuisines. Consider exploring options in the dining areas or looking for specific recommendations based on your preferred cuisine.
Absolutely! You can find a wide array of international cuisines, including Asian food at H Mart's food court, which is a popular spot.
Yes, there are multiple food court areas offering a wide selection of quick bites and diverse culinary options.
Beyond standard restaurants, explore themed dining, H Mart's extensive food court, and various snack vendors throughout the mall.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for the decorative fountains, unique architectural elements, themed areas within attractions, and the views from the Ferris wheel.
Generally, yes, but always be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules posted by the attractions. Some rides may have restrictions.
The Ferris wheel offers the best chance for skyline photos, especially on a clear day.
Daytime offers natural light, especially in the water park and theme park areas. Evening can offer a different ambiance with the mall's lighting.
The main atrium, the themed sections of Nickelodeon Universe, and the entrance to Big SNOW often make for great shots. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The two-story Toys R Us is a nostalgic and exciting stop for kids.👫 Couples and Date Nights
🏂 Adventure Seekers
The Nickelodeon Universe theme park boasts a variety of roller coasters and rides for adrenaline junkies. For a different kind of thrill, the DreamWorks Water Park offers exciting slides and wave pools.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Entertainment Hub
Adjacent to it is the DreamWorks Water Park, a massive indoor water park featuring slides, wave pools, and a lazy river, perfect for escaping the heat or cold. For winter sports enthusiasts, Big SNOW American Dream provides an unparalleled opportunity to ski and snowboard on real snow year-round. The Rink at American Dream offers public ice skating sessions and events, making it a versatile spot for active fun.Beyond these major attractions, the mall also features an observation wheel offering views of the NYC skyline, an aquarium, and various other entertainment options like mini-golf and escape rooms. The sheer scale of these attractions means you can easily spend an entire day, or even a weekend, exploring them. It's advisable to check the operating hours and book tickets in advance, especially for the water park and theme park, to maximize your time and avoid disappointment.
Shopping and Dining Delights
The dining scene at American Dream is equally diverse. The mall features numerous food courts offering a global culinary tour, from Asian delights at H Mart to various international fast-casual options.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit