Have you ever heard of a mall where you can shop, ski, and ride rollercoasters all in one place? Well, that’s the American Dream Mall for you.
After over a decade of anticipation, American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey, opened its doors in four phases between 2019 and 2020.
And it’s safe to say this place isn’t your average mall; it’s a $5 billion entertainment complex that’s unlike anything else out there.
So, without further ado, here’s a deep dive into everything this New Jersey mall offers.
Overview of American Dream
Occupying 3 million square feet within the Meadowlands Sports Complex, American Dream is the biggest mall in New Jersey and one of the largest shopping and entertainment hubs in the United States.
Developed by the Triple Five Group, the same real estate developers behind Minnesota’s Mall of America, American Dream was created with everyone in mind.
However, its sheer size and scope set the mall apart. It’s much more than a place to shop—over half of the complex is dedicated to entertainment.
So, whether you’re into fashion, food, or fun, you’ll have no trouble finding it here.
Shopping at American Dream
With over 450 retail stores, American Dream is truly a shopper’s paradise.
As you can expect, this New Jersey mall features luxury brands and popular favorites.
The Collection, its luxury shopping zone, spans two floors and includes high-end retailers like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Moncler, and Saint Laurent, as well as an 8,000-square-foot, two-level Hermès store.
Beyond the luxury options, you’ll also find a variety of affordable fashion at stores like H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo.
And if you’re looking for something different, stores like Åland offer unique fashion pieces from emerging South Korean designers.
Entertainment and Attractions
Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show—entertainment. We’re talking 18 acres of pure fun—rides, attractions, the whole shebang.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect, shall we?
- Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park: As the world’s largest indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe offers 35 rides, including thrilling roller coasters and attractions themed around popular Nickelodeon characters.
It’s a place where both kids and adults can enjoy live-character entertainment, so it’s great for a family outing.
- DreamWorks Water Park: This indoor water park is set under an 8-acre glass dome and offers 40 water slides, a 1.5-acre wave pool, and themed areas inspired by DreamWorks movies like Madagascar and Shrek.
What’s great is that the park maintains a warm 81°F climate year-round, making it an ideal escape from the freezing New Jersey winter.
- Big Snow: This is North America’s only indoor, year-round ski and snow resort.
It’s a one-of-a-kind attraction that offers skiing and snowboarding experiences for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, without the need to travel to the mountains.
- The Rink: This NHL regulation-size ice rink is perfect for open skating, figure skating, and hockey tournaments.
It’s also home to the Metropolitan Riveters, a local professional women’s ice hockey team, so fans have a chance to catch a game or even meet the players.
- Sea Life Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center: These attractions are perfect for younger visitors. The Sea Life Aquarium features 10 large exhibits with over 1,000 creatures, including an ocean tunnel that provides a close-up view of marine life.
LEGOLAND, designed for kids aged 3-10, offers interactive rides, play zones, and a 4D cinema.
Other notable attractions include Angry Birds Mini Golf, Blacklight Mini Golf, the Dream Wheel, which offers stunning views of Manhattan, and the Mirror Maze, which challenges visitors with its neon-lit, twisting corridors.
Dining Options at the Mall of America New Jersey
After a day of shopping and exploring, you’re bound to be hungry. Luckily, American Dream’s got your back with over 100 dining options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.
So, if you’re looking for a quick meal, the Coca-Cola Eats Food Hall is your best bet—it’s a great place to sample a variety of international cuisines in one spot.
For those seeking kosher options, the Kosher Food Hall has a delicious selection of traditional and modern dishes.
Although, if you’re in the mood for an intimate meal, Carpaccio is a popular choice for its upscale Italian cuisine. Or, you can try The Local for a modern twist on classic American comfort food.
And let’s not forget dessert! Indulge your sweet tooth at Haagen-Dazs or Cinnabon—a perfect way to end a fun-filled day, don’t you think?
Unique Experiences at American Dream New Jersey
Interestingly, the American Dream Mall focuses on creating experiences that truly connect with people.
Ken Downing, the former Neiman Marcus fashion director, now serves as the chief creative officer of Triple Five Group and is spearheading many of these initiatives.
One of the standout features is the Koi Court, where a 60-foot fountain transforms into a fashion runway for events.
Downing also works closely with the CFDA, Parsons School of Design, and the Fashion Institute of Technology to showcase young fashion talent within the mall.
At The Collection, you’ll find a shopping experience like no other. Imagine relaxing in one of the eight to twelve stylish sitting salons, where you can sip on a glass of champagne while browsing the latest styles.
Not to mention, the mall features six uniquely designed atriums, including one with tree-like sculptures adorned with 75,000 LED lights synchronized to music.
Plus, art lovers will appreciate the museum-scale installations showcasing work from emerging New York and New Jersey artists.
On top of that, the mall has launched a community-centric art project with En Masse, featuring a 60,000-square-foot mural created from local workshops and submissions.
Getting to the American Dream Mall in New Jersey
Located just a short drive from Jersey City, American Dream is super easy to get to—the mall is accessible via Route 3, the New Jersey Turnpike, and Route 120.
For those who prefer public transportation, NJ Transit buses conveniently offer direct service to the mall.
Although, if you’re driving, traffic can get heavy on busy days, with up to 150,000 visitors expected. On a positive note, parking is available on-site, with the first 30 minutes free and a $5 fee afterward.
That being said, public transportation remains a great option to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Where to Stay Nearby
Let’s face it: you’ll probably want to spend more than just a day exploring everything the American Dream Mall offers.
So, to make things easier, we’ve listed several hotels nearby that offer comfortable accommodations:
- Best Western Premier NYC Gateway Hotel: Known for its modern, spacious rooms and proximity to the American Dream Mall, this hotel is a top choice for visitors.
- The Renaissance Meadowlands Hotel: Offers stylish rooms and a prime location near the mall.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott East Rutherford: Ideal for families, with large rooms that can accommodate up to six people within walking distance of MetLife Stadium.
- W Hoboken: Located along the Hudson River, this hotel offers stunning views of Manhattan and easy access to the city and the mall.
- Fairfield Inn by Marriott East Rutherford Meadowlands: An affordable option with breakfast, making it an excellent value for your stay.
Bonus: If you’re staying in or around Hoboken, check out our list of the best things to do there!
Don’t Miss New Jersey’s Biggest Mall
Forget everything you thought you knew about malls. As we’ve discussed, the American Dream Mall is a whole new level of entertainment and shopping, to say the least.
With shops for every budget, thrilling theme parks, an indoor ski slope, and endless entertainment options, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Honestly, you could spend days here and still discover new things.
So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in New Jersey, this place should be on your list!
