What to Do At American Dream

There’s tons of  family-friendly activities, unique experiences, and extraordinary entertainment, all in one convenient location.

UPDATED FOR 2024

Waterpark, ice rinks, game rooms, thrill rides. American Dream has enough activities to do for a few days and you may have to visit countless times, just to experience it all. Plus, there are new attractions opening all the time. Beyond just a mall, it’s a 3 million square foot destination full of parks, attractions, shopping, dining, and more.

The most major attractions are Big Snow for indoor skiing and snowboarding, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, and Dreamworks Water Park. We also love the other attractions, ranging from Angry Birds and Blacklight mini golf, to a full sized ice rink, an aquarium, a 7D ride, a viewing wheel with a view of New York City, but that’s just for starters. There’s electric Riding Animals you can coast on, a gigantic food court, and fun character sights.

During busy times such as during holidays and vacations it is especially advisable to book your activities in advance online.

Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Approximate Distance from Brooklyn Bridge: 25 minutes
Approximate Distance from Lakewood: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Approximate Distance from Monsey: 35 minutes

Big SNOW

“We’re going skiing and it’s raining,” my daughter pointed out as we drove to Big SNOW. Everyone had a good laugh and appreciated the irony of it.

Big SNOW is North America’s first indoor real-snow ski and snowboard park, located right inside of American Dream. 

When we arrived the professional staff pulled up our reservation and helped us check in. We were introduced to Big, the Big Snow Mascot and were explained the way Big Snow works in one of the orientation “gondolas.”

We were surprised to be told that snow gear such as snow pants and jackets were included with our ski rentals. This is extremely practical for anyone who wants to spend the rest of the day in the mall. You don’t need to lug around your snow gear. Once everyone bundled up and stored our belongings in the lockers provided, we headed to pick up our skis. The staff helps put on and fit the boots—it made putting on the boots so much easier. Once our skis were fitted we headed “outdoors.” Our two hour slot only began once we went out, not at our arrival time.

They could have fooled me. If I wouldn’t have seen the roof and walls I would’ve believed that we were outdoors. The 180,000 square-foot outdoors where the snowy slopes are located are kept at a steady controlled 28 degrees—a comfortable cold. The good thing is that it is never windy so it never feels really freezing. The walls facing the slopes are designed to look like a lodge. There were instructors available to help guide anyone that needed help. My kids only skied for the first time last season and were nervous to head to the slopes before practicing. They practiced with the instructors for a few minutes until they were comfortable with trying the smaller hill.

The Lil’ Dipper is the smaller hill with two magic carpets taking beginners up the hill. The hill has lots of twists and turns dug out to help improve the skills needed to tackle the more difficult Switchback and very difficult Northern Lights slopes. Skiers can get up the slopes either with the Big Express Quad chair lift or standing with the Poma Lift. I didn’t dare try the difficult slopes but it was fascinating to watch all the skiers and snowboarders have a time of their lives going up and back down.

Down at the bottom of the hill there are some chairs where you can sit in the snow and watch the goings on all around.  Big SNOW also sells observation tickets for anyone escorting skiers but are not actually skiing or snowboarding.

We had such an incredible time skiing that when we left we were trying to think when would be a good time to return. One thing is for sure, the weather forecast will not play a factor in our plans.

Mall Location: Level 2-Court A
Phone Number: (973) 864-6600
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Price: It is recommended to buy tickets online since it guarantees a slot and there is a discount for tickets purchased online.
Single snow Day Package: $99.99 plus tax
3-Day Package: $199.99 plus tax
3 Visit Card is valid for 1 guest to use on 3 separate visits. Valid for only 1 admission use per time slot.
Observation tickets are available onsite for parents and escorts at a rate of $14.99
Website: bigsnowamericandream.com

Nickelodeon Universe

The roller coasters, all four of them, were definitely our favorite part of Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. When we arrived we were amazed to see the site of a full–sized amusement park, just like the outdoor ones, under a roof; we were so excited that we were actually able to go to an amusement park in the winter.

There are more than 35 rides at Nickelodeon Universe with rides catering to all ages and stages. Thrill rides, kiddie rides, kiddie play areas, family rides and everything in between.

A third of the rides are thriller rides, but not just regular thrill rides, each has a unique distinction. The Shellraiser, famous as the world’s steepest roller coaster, is popular for its almost straight drop. The shrieking and laughter accompanying the ride reflects the riders’ moods perfectly. The Shredder is famous as the world’s tallest and longest spinning roller coaster. The Skyline Scream is the world’s tallest indoor spinning drop tower with views of Nickelodeon Universe and the Manhattan Cityscape. Timmy’s Half Pipe Havoc is a giant skateboard that zooms up, down and then up again in skateboard fashion. These are just some of the thriller rides for the adventurous.

If you don’t care for thriller rides, no worries. A third of the park is populated by family friendly rides-rides suitable for all ages. Some examples are The Slime Streak roller coaster which is tamer than the others. It’s perfect for people who want to ride a roller coaster but are afraid to ride the tallest or spinning roller coasters. Spongebob’s Jellyfish Jam is a great swing ride, the two level merry-go-round is also enjoyable. The world’s tallest ropes course is also a popular family attraction at Nickelodeon Universe.

If you have toddlers in your party, the last third of the park is geared to them. The Paw Patrol Adventure Bay has climbing structures and slides for the little ones under 52”. The Dora Sky Railway allows the children a ride on a train with a view from above. There’s a smaller ferris wheel, a truck ride and an airplane ride that the young ones enjoy.

It is smart to come early on weekends to beat the long lines. I would also suggest counting on spending a whole day there, even though it is located within the mall and you may be tempted to go elsewhere. 

All guests need a ticket to enter any attraction.

Mall Location: Level 1-Parks Court
Phone Number: (833) 263-7326
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Price: Detailed pricing for Peak and Non-Peak Day is displayed after specific date is chosen. Valid ID and Credit Card used for purchase may be requested when you check in. Nickelodeon Universe ticket for guests: Non-Peak Days: Starting at $59  |  Peak Days: Starting at $79
Children 2 years and younger have free access to the park.
Website: americandream.com/venue/nickelodeon-universe/tickets

Dreamworks Waterpark

First, Dreamworks is huge! It’s the largest indoor waterpark in North America. At first glance, when entering the park it is not so obvious that there are more than 20 different types of water activities, in addition to the enormous wave pool with 1.6 million gallons of water in it alone. The park is designed with recognizable Dreamworks characters all around. We really enjoyed experiencing the 81 degree summer weather while it was snowing outdoors.

Across the entrance there is a tangle of many different types of slides that extends through the back of the park. Some slides are ridden on tubes or mats while others are ridden without tubes. My favorite ride, the Toothless’ Trickling Torpedo is the world’s longest hydromagnetic rocket coaster that circled the park up on top. Up to four people are able to ride together on the boat-like tube. We were tipped off by someone that visited before us to go there first, because it is one of the more popular rides, and the lines can sometimes get long.  

There were some of the most unusual and thrilling slides I have ever seen. The Thrillagasger and Jungle Jammer are slides with a 14 story high drop. Every now and then we’d look up to see a quick swish of water without being able to actually see the person swish down the slides. 

At the far end of the park there are three different multi person funnel and bowl slides. Near those slides are the Penguins Frozen Fun Zone, 6 slides designed especially for toddlers. Across from the Penguin area is the Kungfu Panda Temple of Awesomeness, a multilevel play structure for all ages to play on. The lazy river circles this whole area-around all the play areas and slides at the far end of the park.

There are so many slides with different twists and unusual turns, I’m not even sure I got to see them all. As we were leaving, we all agreed that we definitely need to go back to try the ones we still had not explored, and of course, to try again many of the thrilling water rides.\

Mall Location: Parks Court
Phone Number: (833) 263-7326
Hours: There are often private special men’s and women’s events. For additional questions email events@americandream.com. For updates on separate waterpark hours and all Jewish or Kosher information and events follow @lchaimamericandream on Instagram.
Price: Varies for private events
Website: americandream.com

The Rink

Just down the hallway from Nickelodeon Universe, and alongside the Dreamworks Waterpark, which is adjacent to Court C on Level 1, you’ll find The Rink. The NHL size ice rink beckons visitors to come and skate on the ice. The Rink and the area of the skate rentals are meticulously well kept and clean. No food and drink are allowed in the rink area (that includes the area just outside the rink near by the entrance).

When we entered the rink area we were greeted by the friendly professional staff. Once we had our online reservations scanned we were given skates to use during our hour long session. Skates are available on a first come basis as well as helmets.  There are staff members out and about to help at all times including on the ice. The Rink area is not very cold like many other ice rinks are.  We really enjoyed our time on the ice. It was refreshing and fun. Only skaters are allowed into the rink area but there are many seating areas, some with tables and some just with chairs surrounding the rink where you can see the skaters even if you are not actually on the rink.

There are really cute seal–shaped skating aids for children to hold onto as they learn to get steadier on the ice. We also watched a father push a child that was sitting on the seal. The minimum age requirement for skating is 3 years of age. Children 14 years of age and under must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Children 5 years of age and under must be accompanied by a supervising companion on the ice.

Just this summer, The Rink has been transformed into a roller skating rink, so there’s a new way to let the good times roll. It’s a nice change of place now that summer is in full swing and you can roller skate up to September 8th. After that, it will be transformed back into an ice rink– which is a pretty cool feature if you ask me. The Rink has also hosted many events from dance and volleyball competitions to the Harlem Globetrotters experience. Check out the site to find out about their upcoming events. 

Mall Location: Level 1-Between the Parks Court and Court C
Phone Number: (833) 263-7326
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Price: All online ticket purchases for The Rink include skate rentals. Tickets include entry into The Rink for one (1) hour of skating. Detailed pricing for Peak and Non-Peak Day is displayed after specific date is chosen. Valid ID and Credit Card used for purchase may be requested when you check in. Check the website for the most updated prices. 
Roller skating: $25 for one hour of skatingIce skating: starts at $25
Website: americandream.com/venue/the-rink

Dream Wheel

The viewing wheel at the American Dream facing Manhattan is just that, a dream. Access to the 300-foot Dream Wheel is actually from the inside of the mall. Once tickets are purchased visitors head out to the deck which is right below the wheel. The Dream Wheel has 27 glass enclosed and climate controlled gondolas. Each Gondola has a low table in the center where up to 16 visitors can enjoy a snack or meal while on the 20-30 minute ride.

The Wheel makes its way around slowly enough to enjoy the panoramic views of NY without feeling the crush of the City, rushed to get a glimpse or nauseous from the ride. No one is left dangling mid air when people board. The Wheel moves continuously and it is slow enough for people to get on comfortably while it is moving. There are also upgraded options of enjoying the ride on the Dream Wheel with extra comfort. The VIP Cabins have leather seats and upgraded amenities.

The ride on the Wheel is both relaxing and intriguing. The views all around are spectacular! In addition to the NYC Skyline, the Hudson River and the local New Jersey scenery, we got a view of the nearby Metlife Stadium with its full parking lot. We got to see the beginning of sunset and the sun’s reflections on the Dream Wheel.

Mall Location: Coca Cola Eats-Court C, Level 3
Phone Number: (301) 455-8899
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Price:Tickets valid for Dream Wheel only. Tickets are not transferable between attractions and should be purchased separately for each park attraction.
Guests ages 12+: Only at $24.48
Guests ages 5 to 11: Only at $18.67Children 4 years and under have free access to Dream Wheel (rider restrictions apply).
Website: dreamwheelnj.com

Out of this World Mini Golf

I love all the fun elements found on mini golf courses. With different 3D sculptures and scenes from outer space the entire 18 hole mini golf course is other worldly. It is completely dark with everything glowing including the print on the carpet. The scenes on the walls glow, and the structures and sculptures are all outer space themed in neon colors glowing bright. The balls glow as do the golf clubs. Even the pencil and scorecard glow. This all adds to the excitement of the game.

We had lots of fun trying our skill at getting the ball into the hole through all the interesting obstacles. Each station was more interesting than the other one. I enjoyed the theme of outer space-no dinosaurs or monsters.

There are posts by each station with the number and a spot to put the score card.

Mini Golf is great for all ages, it is an enjoyable activity to do when taking a break from shopping and is even worth coming to the mall specifically to play.

Mall Location: Level 1-Merlin Court near Court A
Phone Number: (833) 263-7326
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Price: Valid ID and Credit Card used for purchase must be presented at check in.
General Admission: $20.00 Valid for one round of mini-golf (18 holes). Groups are limited to four people.
Children 2 years and younger have free access to Out of This World Blacklight Mini Golf (restrictions apply).
Out of this World Pass: Blacklight Mini Golf and Mirror Maze bundle only $25
Website: americandream.com

American Dream Riders

In one of the hallways on Level 1 near the Secret Garden there are the American Dream Riders. You can rent these electric powered animals to ride and zip around on these plushy creatures.

They charge $10 for 10 minutes; $15 for 15 minutes and $20 for 20 minutes.

Legoland Discovery Center

Interactive is the one word that most describes Legoland Discovery Center in the American Dream. Every Lego exhibit and station has something for visitors to do and see.

The Imagination Express ride takes visitors on a train ride. Every rider is given a magic wand with zapping power and every rider competes to see who gets the most targets and points.

I absolutely loved Miniland, a series of models of New York City and New Jersey landmarks made of more than 1.5 million lego bricks! Even this was interactive. Take on the challenge to find Minifigures hiding in Miniland. There are also stations with buttons that can be pressed to activate some parts of the model such as activating and amusement park ride or activating a construction worker to start drilling a hole in the concrete. I laughed heartily when I saw some of the names given to some of the famous places such as the “GetLife Stadium” instead of the MetLife Stadium. There was a billboard at the stadium advertising “Burpie” instead of Pepsi. Every little while it got dark in Miniland and all the lights in the city twinkled as in real life.

There are Lego figures and a large car displayed throughout Legoland. There are many major lego scenes professionally made that anyone can add their own creations to. It is a common sight to see adults building with the Legos and enjoying just as much, if not more, than the children. The Creative Workshop offers instructions on how to use your imagination and create Lego stuff through a Master Model Builder. In one area I watched some boys with their father work on putting together a Lego car which later could be used on the race track. An area with a small slide and a wall area made of a Lego board can be enjoyed by the very young children. The Lego Ninjago Softplay can be enjoyed by both older and younger children (socks are required). 

The 4D Lego Cinema kept us entertained with a movie that we felt like we were a part of when we wore the special glasses we were provided with. When the wind blew or when it rained we needed to remind ourselves that we weren’t actually in the movie.

Legoland is owned by the same company as SEA Life and is located right next door. Discounted combination tickets can be purchased for visiting both attractions.

Mall Location: Suite A, Court A
Phone Number: (551) 234-6381
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Price: Starting at $26.99
Website: legolanddiscoverycenter.com

New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium 

I’ve been to many aquariums and have seen many styles. What sets SEA LIFE apart from other aquariums is the design. The design of the aquarium is striking and brilliant. 

There are areas designed as parts of New York and New Jersey, with street signs, bridges and some displays even look like windows of a subway and the large glass tunnel at the end has all sorts of New York icons as the backdrop for the fish. You can spot the fish swimming around the Statue of Liberty, The Empire State Building and “The Babbling Brook Bridge” (Play on the Brooklyn Bridge) are just some of the landmarks we spotted. 

SEA LIFE has all sorts of fish and sea animals for visitors to enjoy including sharks, sea horses, jellyfish, stingrays, clownfish and a variety of many other types of fish. 

Visitors can learn about and touch eight different species in the interactive touch pool. The touch pool educators are there to answer any questions and offer information on the sea creatures. I love seeing the face of stingrays. We got to see and enjoy the faces of the stingrays as they swam on the sides of the large glass pool.

The ocean tunnel is immense and fascinating to walk through. We spotted many types of fish, sharks and sea creatures. Upon leaving the Ocean Tunnel the little ones got to enjoy themselves on a climbing structure made for children up until 4’10. Socks are required for climbing (Socks are sold for $1 a pair in the adjoining gift shop).

SEA LIFE is located right near Legoland and combination tickets can be purchased at a discounted price.Mall Location: Suite A, Court A
Phone Number: (551) 234-6382
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Price:
Tickets start at $26.99
Website: visitsealife.com

Mirror Maze

The Mirror Maze is the perfect attraction to visit if you have a limited amount of time but still want to do something fun and not very costly. 

After donning the plastic gloves we received (They don’t want fingerprints so that it won’t be obvious which is a reflection and which is a real person.)  we entered the actual maze. We really had a hard time differentiating between the glass and our reflections. We just walked with our hand outstretched as we tapped in front of us to ascertain if we were crashing into a dead end. The colored lights kept changing colors to add the fun vibe.

Once we completed the main section we found ourselves in a maze of clear pillars that were lit with strands of lights. It almost felt like a maze of lights. Once we managed to navigate the light pillars we found our way out of the maze.Mall Location: Court A near Backlight Mini Golf
Phone Number: (833) 263-7326
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Price: Valid ID and Credit Card used for purchase must be presented when you check in.
General Admission: $10.00 per person
Children 2 years and younger have free access to Mirror Maze (restrictions apply)
Website: americandream.com

The Escape Game New Jersey

All seven of us in our group enjoyed the experience at the Escape Room at American Dream. There are 6 different room options with varying degrees of difficulty at The Escape Game New Jersey. We chose The Playground Room. It is not too difficult, the theme is not intense. The atmosphere was all around light and fun. The room can accommodate up to 12 people while the other rooms can have up to 8. The theme is appropriate for all ages, not just for adults.

The object of the room is to complete assignments in eight different subjects before the end of the school day in order to be able to enjoy the school break. The room starts in a classroom setting and continues in the adjoining playground. It was very satisfying that with each task that was completed it was checked off on a big screen listing the tasks. We enjoyed the many unique things we had to solve and the variety of elements found in the colorful yet realistic looking classroom. I can’t enumerate any of the fun surprises and clues we encountered since I do not want to ruin the fun for anyone who still wants to try it. 

There is no limit to the amount of hints allowed in this room. The staff was following along on a screen outside and would post  hints from time to time when we hit a dead end. The game was lots of fun. I’d highly recommend it.

Mall Location: Parks Court, Level 3
Phone Number: (201) 514-5699
Hours: Check online for game availability
Price: $42.99 per person
Website: theescapegame.com

TILT Museum

The TILT Museum at American Dream is like no other place I’ve been to before. On the one hand I’d describe it as an art museum since it features the most amazing mural paintings by Tracy Stum, world-renowned urban art master. But really it is so much more than an art museum!

The museum features paintings that are huge murals which create optical illusions. The scenes are so creative and so realistic looking. When you walk in, you see many paintings that extend from the floor up onto the wall. Often you need to take a picture to get the full brilliance of the scene.

Not only are visitors allowed to touch and go onto the painted scenes they are encouraged to do so. There are spots marked on the floor near each painting which points out where to stand in order to get the very best shot. There are also sample ideas in small near each scene showing some cool ideas of poses. But really there is no wrong and right, use your imagination and take really awesome and creative pictures.

Some of the scenes are sideways such as the Statue of Liberty’s head. In order to make it possible to get a shot which seems as if you are climbing to the top, you take the picture sideways and when you rotate it, this creates an incredible effect. The same is with the space scene. If you rotate it after taking the picture it seems as if you are suspended in space.

The TILT Rooms create an effect where the floor is not straight and the illusion it creates is that on one side of the room the person looks a lot larger than the person at the other corner. It was fascinating to see identical twins at the two sides, one looking much larger than the other one.

The TILT Museum plans on featuring new pieces periodically from emerging artists in a residency program to keep it fresh and exciting.

Mall Location: Garden Court
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
General Admission: $15.00 per person (Buy now to save! Purchase online to save $2 per ticket)Children 2 years and younger have free access to Tilt Museum (restrictions apply).
Website: tiltmuseums.com

Angry Birds Mini Golf

You do not need to be an Angry Birds aficionado to enjoy Angry Birds mini golf. The Angry Birds mini golf is adorably designed with lots of fun and cute elements, starting with a huge volcano in the center of the room and then crossing over a “stream” to the next element. There are so many different scenes displaying Angry Birds characters to play on (and of course take pictures with). 

The 18-hole-course ends with walking into a hollowed-out model of an airplane and doing the last hole inside the airplane.

Although Angry Birds is an indoor course it is not stuffy, it’s actually bright and cheerful. The course is open all the way to a sun roof with sunlight pouring in. Visitors to the mall are able to view the course from the hallways on the second and third floors since there is nothing covering the course.

Mall Location: Floor 1
Phone Number: (833) 263-7326
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Price: Valid ID and Credit Card used for purchase must be presented at check in
General Admission: $20.00 per person. Valid for one round of mini-golf (18 holes). Applicable taxes may be applied at checkout.
Children 2 years and younger have free access to Angry Birds mini golf (restrictions apply).
Website:americandream.com

Blast 7D

Blast 7D is a fully immersive interactive 7D motion ride with an added twist of a video game. Visitors can choose from 5 unique scenarios with each one offering its own thrilling experience. Once you choose which scene you will play you are given special 7-D glasses to transport you along with the help of the lights, sounds, wind effects and full motion seats that move at 400 motions per second, “into” the scene.

Each player has a laser blaster by their seat and while experiencing the ride, players compete in blasting the evil villains in their respective scene. Each player tries to earn the most points.

Los Banditos, the most popular family friendly ride, takes riders back to the 1800’s Wild West where “Robot Cowboys” want to take over town and you have to protect it. Another popular scene is the Gigamon ride where Godzilla tries attacking NYC and the players need to fight back. When on the ride you feel every sort of thrill such as flying, diving, jumping, falling, driving and speeding along without lifting your feet off the ground.

Blast 7-D is the first ride of its kind in the world and many of the visitors come back again and again to try out other scenes or to repeat the ones they enjoy. Each ride just takes 6-7 minutes so lots of people stop by between shopping or visiting other attractions in the mall.

Address: Floor 1, right next to Angry Birds mini golf
Phone Number: (551) 248-4943
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Price: $15 per ride
2 Ride Combo: From $27.00
3 Ride Combo: From $36.00
Website: blast7d.com

Toys R Us

Toys R Us always had an exciting and fun vibe. The huge two story toy store at American Dream even has a tube slide from the second to the first floor. If you choose to go through the stairs you can’t help but notice how the steps are designed in a fun way. There are separate sections within the store for particular types of toys such as a Playmobil section, Lego section and more.

When we visited there was a woman demonstrating the wonders of Squirmies and another time we saw a demonstration on magic tricks with the possibility of purchasing a kit that demonstrates how to do the tricks.

What’s a toy store without a good dessert? Toys R Us now offers the Geoffrey Café with Chalav Yisrael ice cream, slush and milkshakes (Lakewood Hashgacha). We enjoyed a delicious Mehadrin ice cream that really rounded off our visit and gave it a sweet ending.

Mall Location: Parks Court, Levels 1 & 2
Phone Number: (551) 600-8697
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Website: americandream.com

THE ADDRESS 

The Address is a unique department store. They developed a unique concept of a department store featuring popular brands of modest clothing all in one store. The Address is the only modest brand department store around featuring men’s, women’s, children’s and baby clothing and accessories.

The Address has a relaxing upper-class vibe with brands for all budgets.

The Address includes brands such as Apparalel, Point, Daniella Faye, Udel, Luna Mae, The Shell Station, Lil Legs, Petit Clair and so many more brands that I can’t list them all.

In true department store fashion, the Address does not only have clothing and accessories for sale. Gifts by Waterdale, as well as Artscroll seforim and books are also sold there.

The Family Lounge at The Address is set up with many couches, bean bags and some activities for children. The mini café has kosher coffee and pastries for sale and is a great place for non-shoppers in the family to hang out (every family has those:)

The Address is an experience, not just a practical place to visit!For the latest information, follow @theaddress_americandream on Instagram.

It’s Sugar

Some stores offer unique experiences and are attractions in their own right. On our way out of Nickelodeon Universe Amusement Park at American Dream, we couldn’t miss the unique 22,000 square foot candy department store. The Statue of Liberty replica holding a very large lollipop instead of the torch is covered in jelly beans. When I walked in, I thought the store itself would just be a very large candy store. I was mistaken. There is an amazing garden made of all sorts of candy and a merry go round horse made of jelly beans in a garden of lollipops and other candy. There are the longest candy necklaces and a framed Harry Potter picture made of jelly beans in the Harry Potter section. There are many sections featuring specific types of candy. If you don’t find what you are looking for, you can always head up to the second floor for some more candy. They sell many favorite types of candy in giant sizes. It’s really fascinating to see what can be made of candy even if you don’t taste it all!

There’s also an area that contains all kosher candy with the kof-k hechsher.Mall Location: Level 1-Right near Nickelodeon Universe
Phone Number: (551) 213-3744
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Price: Pay for what you purchase
Website: itsugar.com

Kosher Food Court 

Come hungry! As part of the kosher food court, Chickies has ready made food and sells their famous sandwiches and chicken dishes right at American Dream. There are ample tables to sit and dine in, after you pick up your order. There’s a really nice washing station and bathrooms are also right nearby.  

We tasted some of their amazing dishes. Rena’s Sweet and Spicy Poppers were our favorites. I also really enjoyed the Cap’n Munch fried chicken sandwich. The sandwiches are huge—half was more than enough. We also enjoyed the chicken fingers with the famous Chickies sauces.  

We really enjoyed the different foods we tasted from Chickies. 

There is also Bravo Pizza, where you can get delicious New York-style slices with toppings ranging from veggies to extra cheese. There are also salads that you can top with healthy favorites like quinoa, tuna, and egg salad and sandwiches that are made to order. Creamy pasta and soup is on the menu and there’s a full fountain of soda options to enjoy. 

What’s most fitting for this first ever kosher food court outside of Israel, is that you can order some of your favorites right here at  Falafel and Chips. Bite into a soft pita with crunchy falafel, order some meat cigars, and don’t forget to try their french fries that are the perfect combination of salty and crunchy.  

These are all under the kosher certification of CRC.Mall Location: Level 2, Kosher Food Court
Phone Number: (763) 265-6700
Hours: Check online for the current hours
Website: americandream.com

The Paradox Museum

When I visited the Paradox Museum at American Dream Mall, I was pleasantly surprised that it was not just a place for shooting cool pictures (although it is that too!). It is a fun interactive museum with many exhibits playing with optical illusions and making visitors question what is real and what is not.

We had so much fun trying and posing by the different exhibits. There were exhibits playing with shadows, others playing with mirrors, and still others playing with perspective. The photo pointers posted near each exhibit helps figure out the best ways to pose and take cool pictures. The floor by each exhibit is also marked to show the best place to stand to shoot the picture.

The exhibits are original and creative. A few pieces of wood placed in the right places makes it look like a giant chair, mirrors strategically placed in one exhibit make a kaleidoscope of your face, in a different exhibit the mirror makes you seem like you are flying or jumping.

We loved the Paradox Diner where there is a scene of tables, chairs, a serving counter and décor of a diner. The whole scene is on the floor and when the picture is flipped it gives the effect of hanging off the counter, tables and walls. We also enjoyed the room where one side makes the person look bigger while the other side makes the person look smaller. The short one in our group finally had her chance to feel tall. A replica of Mount Rushmore shows the presidents with eyes that seem to focus on you.There are so many interesting ideas of altering reality with optical illusions and exhibits that are just set up in brilliant ways to make it unusual and fun.

Phone Number: 551-733-6081
Hours: Monday-Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Price: $19-$25. Save by booking online.
Website: newjersey.paradoxexperience.com

THE GAMEROOM powered by Hasbro

The Gameroom feels like a nostalgic journey into your childhood, but with a modern twist. You’re surrounded by a surprising collection of arcade games that blend beloved favorites with innovative designs on the theme of your favorite Hasbro brands—TRANSFORMERS, CANDY LAND, BATTLESHIP, and MONOPOLY. Kosher snacks and desserts are also available here.

Full review coming soon! For more details: americandream.com/venue/the-gameroom

NJ Hall of Fame 

Just a short stroll from Nickelodeon Universe on Level 3, Court G, is the new New Jersey Hall of Fame, including the simulated space ride, “Fly Me to the Moon,” where you can embark on a journey through the cosmos. Full review coming soon! 

General Admission:
Non-New Jersey residents: tickets starting at $20.99-$24.99
New Jersey residents: tickets starting at $15.99-$19.99
Learn more now: njhalloffame.org/entertainment-learning-center/

Activate

The world’s first active gaming facility–run, jump, and climb to play and conquer each challenge. Full review coming soon!
For more information: playactivate.com/americandream