Things to Do at American Dream Mall – Your 2024 Guide

Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, American Dream Mall Attractions is a one-stop-shop for all the indoor fun you can possibly dream up.

The gigantic mall is situated in Meadowlands Sports Complex, which also includes MetLife Stadium — home to two NFL teams: the New York Giants and New York Jets.

The American Dream megamall was developed by Triple Five Group and is one of the largest malls in, not only the United States, but North America. It’s no wonder it’s generating so much buzz, grabbing the attention of media outlets as reputable as the New York Times.

The best part about American Dream is that it’s far more than just a shopping mall. There are more American Dream Mall activities for everyone! A dizzying swirl of stores in Dream Mall, restaurants, and attractions make it a full-on entertainment experience that caters to both young and old alike. Find out more of the best things to do at American Dream Mall!

Don’t get lost in the dazzling shopping center overwhelm. Follow our handy guide to help you navigate the barrel of fun contained within the mall corridors. We’re talking tips, tricks, and tickets so you can dream away! Here are the best things to do in American Dream Mall!

Interior view of the American Dream Mall with lots of people and landscaping on the bottom floor in Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
photo credit: Jose Galego via Facebook

Why You Should Go

There are three categories of people that American Dream Mall Attractions will draw in like a magnet: shopaholics find the best stores in American Dream Mall, foodies discover new finds, and adrenaline junkies enjoy the exciting American Dream activities. We’re willing to bet you belong to at least one (if not all!) of these groups. 

Keep reading for a lowdown of all the can’t-miss stops and activities at American Dream Shopping Mall, the all-in-one entertainment complex.

Shopping at American Dream Mall Attractions

Looking for “things to do American Dream Mall”? Hit the stores at American Dream Mall to land in the lap of luxury. American Dream Mall shops include the Department store Saks Fifth Avenue, which is one of the stars of the show! The mall’s main shopping area is tagged The Avenue and boasts world-class brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. Shops in American Dream Mall speak luxury!

Find a vast variety of other American Dream stores, too! We’re talking everything from Armani Exchange to American Eagle Outfitters, Bath & Body Works to Lush Cosmetics, and The Children’s Place to Toys “R” Us. There’s truly something for everyone at this dream shopping destination! Shopping spree, anyone?

Best Attractions at American Dream

This part is for the kids (and kids at heart!). If you’d rather not shop til you drop, there are plenty of alternatives.

Catch an adrenaline rush at the theme park, catch some waves at the water park, or enjoy some friendly competition at one of the mini golf courses located inside the mall instead! 

Pro Tip: Book your tickets for these attractions with Tripster to bundle and save some dough!

Wide shot overlooking the rides and other activities with the orange blimp overhead at Nickelodeon Universe in Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
photo credit: Tandra Fit via Facebook

Nickelodeon Universe

Make your way to the Nickelodeon Universe theme park to experience the largest indoor theme park (complete with roller coasters) in the western hemisphere and in America.

Enjoy fun on a grand scale with all your favorite characters, like Dora, the Rugrats, and SpongeBob!

View of a sculpture with different DreamWorks characters riding waves hanging from the ceiling with a sign for DreamWorks Water Park next to it in Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
photo credit: Derich Bausher via Facebook

DreamWorks Water Park

There is more animated fun to be had at American Dream Mall Attractions! The DreamWorks Water Park features the largest indoor water park in the world.

Even when it’s chilly outside, it’s always a balmy 81 degrees inside the water park, so you can dive right in any time of the year. Keep an eye out for Shrek and Kungfu Panda!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

The kiddos can let their imagination soar at this vibrantly colorful attraction.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center fosters creativity with a 4D cinema, themed train ride, and interactive areas that allow kids to play with the beloved building blocks.

Group of friends, two men two women, playing mini golf at Angry Birds Mini Golf in the American Dream Mall in Rutherford, New Jersey, USAAngry Birds Mini Golf

Challenge the family to a game of Angry Birds Mini Golf for some good old-fashioned competition.

It’s all fun and games, so don’t get angry if you don’t win! Get it?

Tracy Lee Strum standing in front of one of her paintings of blue and green paint and large paint tubes at the TiLT Museum in Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
photo credit: TiLT Museum via Facebook

TiLT Museum

The TiLT Museum is an art museum with a twist! Ooh and ah at 3D street chalk and optical illusions by artist Tracy Lee Stum.

Photo Alert: There’s no shortage of impressive backdrops at this museum. Choose your favorite and strike a pose for the ‘gram!

Two young women in ice skates posing for a photo with their arms out in costumes at The Rink in the American Dream Mall in Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
photo credit: America Dream via Facebook

The Rink

Wondering what to do in American Dream Mall? No matter what time of year it is, you can hit the ice rink at this NHL regulation size ice skating rink!

The Rink is a nonstop winter wonderland.

Woman looking into a mirror and her reflection along with her friends behind her and their reflections in the Mirror Maze at the American Dream Mall in Rutherford, New Jersey, USAMirror Maze

The Mirror Maze is the ultimate boredom buster. We challenge you to not get lost! See if you can beat your friends in a race to navigate the twists and turns.

Electrifying light and sound effects heighten this thrilling experience.

Group of friends playing mini golf in a galaxy themed room at Black Light Mini Golf in the American Dream Mall in Rutherford, New Jersey, USABlacklight Mini Golf

Mini golf… but make it glow-in-the-dark. Blacklight Mini Golf is a fun take on the classic game that features a space theme and plenty of colorful, glowing amusement.

Pro Tip: Pair your Blacklight Mini Golf tickets with Mirror Maze tickets to keep the fun going for a steal!

The Ocean View tunnel with signs that look similar to the one in NYC as part of the City Under the Sea at SEA LIFE Aquarium in Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
photo credit: SEA LIFE Aquarium (New Jersey) via Facebook

Other Attractions

There’s still more to do at American Dream Mall Attractions! Whether you prefer swimming in the sea, skiing in the snow, or soaring high on the Dream Wheel, there’s something for you!

Check out these other fan-favorite attractions: 

Where to Eat at American Dream Mall Attractions

The classic mall food court with endless options at American Dream Mall Attractions is a foodie’s paradise. 

These choices only scratch the surface:

  • Satisfy your all-American cravings at Five Guys with a burger, fries, and milkshake.
  • Flock to Grisini Pizza for a tasty slice (or two… or three).
  • Grab a flavorful, protein-packed snack at Beef Jerky Experience.
  • Take a cue from your sweet tooth and head to A’jar Sweet Cream Factory.
  • Oreo Café is a haven for sweet dreams perfect for dessert lovers.
  • And many more!

As much as we love some greasy, sugary comfort food goodness from time to time, American Dream takes its dining options beyond the food court. If junk food isn’t your thing, no worries!

Carpaccio offers a classy fine dining experience, in the middle of the mall! Take a seat at one of the contemporary-chic spots and get ready to enjoy a relaxing, slow meal. The restaurant serves up modern Italian cuisine created with only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. 

View of the outdoor dining area at Carpaccio at sunset with string lights over head in Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
photo credit: Carpaccio Restaurant via Facebook

Tickets

Book your trip to the Garden State with Tripster to save! We offer tickets to American Dream Mall Attractions at the best rates so you can plan your visit with ease.

Save your dough for your shopping spree. You can pinch yourself, penny pinchers, because this isn’t a dream!

When to Go

Worried about wrangling the family’s schedule to make your trip happen? Relax!

One of the best parts about the American Dream megamall is that all the fun happens indoors.

This means you have all the flexibility in the world when planning which time of year to go. Rain or shine, you can forget checking the weather. The fun will go on no matter what!

General mall hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but this can vary from attraction to attraction and depends on the time of year. Check the mall’s schedule once you’re ready to plan these details!

Transportation and Parking

If you’re heading to your dream megamall experience from the Big Apple, the NY Waterway is one of the best ways to get there! It has a convenient shuttle that travels straight to American Dream, and so does the NJ transit. Spare yourself the hassle of parking!

If you opt to take a car, there are various places to park at the mall. The first hour is free and every hour after that only costs $3. 

To live the American Dream, a trip to American Dream Mall Attractions is a must. Jam-packed with entertainment at every turn, the whole family will have something to do. 

Shopaholics, foodies, and adrenaline junkies… have you decided which crew to claim as your own? Now that you know about everything this exciting New Jersey destination has to offer, our money’s on all three. 

To start planning a trip to American Dream Mall Attractions beyond your wildest dreams, visit Tripster today!

Have You Been to the American Dream Mall?

What was your favorite store or experience? Leave us a comment below!


Avatar photo

Written by Michaela Satterfield

Michaela is a journalist who views every story she writes as an adventure, leading her to explore new places and meet new people....


Have something to add? Post it here:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Are you a Tripster?

Create an account to get access to exclusive pricing and rewards.

Tagged in this post

New York City Insider Guides