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Best Things To Do at American Dream Mall

1. The Rink at American Dream Mall

Grab your skates or rent a pair and hit the ice at The Rink, an NHL-sized ice skating paradise. Little ones can cruise the ice with seal-shaped balance buddies. Special events happen frequently, and the rink is home to a New Jersey Devil's Learn to Play hockey program, too.

2. Angry Birds Mini Golf

More than just your regular mini-golf course, Angry Birds Mini Golf brings the popular video game and movie characters onto the links with you. If your kids are totally crazy for the crew, there is a store outside the course selling plenty of authentic merchandise. Stop and take your photo with Red even if you're not hitting the course.

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Spend the day making a splash at DreamWorks Water Park.

4. DreamWorks Water Park

DreamWorks Water Park is the largest indoor water park in North America. It features the world's largest indoor wave pool, as well as 15 water slides, a multi-level play structure, and a surf simulator. Families with kids of all ages can get in on the splashy fun. To top it off, the park theme revolves around favorite kid characters from movies like Shrek, Madagascar, and How to Train Your Dragon. Water park fans will not want to miss this, and the fun here runs year-round.

4. Nickelodeon Universe Amusement Park

Nickelodeon Universe is home to 35 indoor rides, including thrilling coasters, kiddie rides, and multiple playgrounds. Little ones love seeing their favorite characters in person, like those from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Paw Patrol. Rides pay homage to popular Nickelodeon TV shows, adding extra fun. it also offers birthday party packages.

5. Legends of the Hidden Temple Ropes Course

Located inside Nickelodeon Universe is the world's tallest indoor ropes course. There are 9 exciting and challenging levels of adventure. This is requires a separate ticket, and is not included with admission to Nickelodeon Universe, however discounted tickets are available to those who purchase the all-day pass to the theme park. The course only operates on Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays. 

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Check out the underwater city and its residents at Sea Life Aquarium. Photo by Jody Mercier

6. Sea Life Aquarium

The Sea Life Aquarium pays homage to NYC, bringing the city's bright lights and trademark architecture into its exhibits. A 186,000-gallon tank houses sharks, fish, and an octopus. There is also a touch tank to get up close to some small sea creatures.

Build and play your way through the Legoland Discovery Center. Photo by Jody Mercier

7. Legoland Discovery Center

The Legoland Discovery Center is a perfect indoor play space for future Lego masters. Geared toward ages 2-10, its interactive stations include a test track for building speedy racers and a shaking table to test the strength of your building. Kids can even take a class from a certified Master Builder.

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Get silly with the illusions at TiLT Museum. Photo by Ally Noel

8. TiLT Museum

Urban artist Tracy Lee Stum's TiLT Museum features epic optical illusions made for you to get in on the fun. Take photos amongst the illusions to play visual tricks on viewers.

9. Dream Riders

Dream Riders are motorized animals you can ride around part of the mall in. This is a must-do during your visit and a real hidden gem. These furry friends go surprisingly fast and are reasonably priced. There is a height and weight limit, so little ones must ride with an adult.

IT'SUGAR is an eye-popping, multi-level candy land within American Dream Mall. Photo by Jody Mercier

10. IT'SUGAR

IT'SUGAR is a multi-floor candy store—conveniently located right outside the Nickelodeon theme park. There are so many sweets to choose from, including rock candy, sour gummies, gum, and chocolate. Even grown-ups will find nostalgic sweets to tickle their sweet tooth.

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Treat the family to one of the many desserts at The Oreo Cafe.

11. The Oreo Cafe

Located on the third floor of IT'SUGAR, you'll find The Oreo Cafe, which serves the iconic sandwich cookie in a variety of ways. From milkshakes to sundaes and ice-cream sandwiches, have your Oreo anyway you like it. This spot is a cookies and cream dream come true.

12. Mirror Maze

Remember those mirror mazes at the local carnival? American Dream Mall's Mirror Maze is a super-sized version. Feel and sneak your way through the trick mirrors to escape.

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Toys 'R' Us made a splash last holiday season with its retail comeback by opening a flagship shop at American Dream Mall.

13. Toys 'R' Us Store

Relive your childhood and visit Toys 'R' Us. The well-known toy retailer returned to its brick-and-mortar roots by opening this multi-level store at American Dream. Here, you'll find toys are neatly organized and labeled in sections, with popular brands like Playmobil, Lego, Barbie, Schleich, Squishimallows, and more all represented. There is often a vendor doing a cool toy demo, as well as plenty of interactive features where kids can play for FREE—though good luck convincing them to leave empty-handed.

Kids go crazy for these light-up balloons.

14. Light-Up Balloons

Similar to Disney World and other theme parks, American Dream has kiosks selling cool light-up balloons children go crazy for. Across from the ice rink, there is also a helium balloon-animal shop where you can purchase a balloon that walks alongside you on a leash.

15. Big SNOW

You don't have to watch the thermometer to get your chance to do some skiing thanks to this all-season indoor ski and snowboard park. The first resort of its kind in North America, visitors can ski, sled, board, or just sling snowballs in this winter wonderland. Lessons and camps are offered. 

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16. Dream Wheel by Skyviews

The Dream Wheel takes visitors in a gondola-style pod for a 30-minute observation wheel experience, whisking them up 300 feet into the sky for sweeping 360-degree views, including a stunning new vantage point for gazing at the New York City skyline. Lending a carnival-style feel to the new attraction, guests can nab eats like deep-fried Oreos, Nutella funnel cakes, and fried Twinkies from the concession stand before boarding.

17. iMuseum 

iMuseum is an immersive art experience that uses art, technology and science to foster self discovery through each of its installations. 

18. Activate

Activate transports you into life-size video games reminiscent of mini-games you'd find on some of your favorite consoles. There is grid, which features a floor full of light up tiles. Different game modes see you leaping from tile to tile to avoid certain colors. Hide has two, giant glowing eyes players must dodge and hide from. Strike, hoops, climb and mega grid round out the other rooms. Each room has multiple modes and difficulty levels.

19. The Paradox Museum

Families can play and explore through the different interactive exhibits that lwill eave you questioning reality. Optical illusions and tricks make for fantastic photo ops at The Paradox Museum.

20. Shop 'Til You Drop

After all the excitement, save some time (and money) to do some shopping. At 3 million square feet, there are plenty of stores to peruse, from well-known brand names to unique shops and luxury destinations.

Where to Eat at American Dream Mall

There are plenty of excellent dining options at American Dream Mall. For quick service, try Wetzel's Pretzels, Best Pizza, Five Guys, and more fast-casual spots. Sit-down restaurants abound, too, and include House of 'Cue, Yard House, and Carpaccio.

Parking at American Dream Mall

There are four parking decks at American Dream Mall, and visitors should consult the parking map before visiting to ensure you're parking closest to the attraction you want to visit. Most of the family-friendly attractions are near Parking Decks A, B, and C. Parking is FREE for the first hour, and thereafter costs $4 for the duration of your visit.

If you're traveling from New York City, American Dream Mall offers several public transportation options. We've also taken the train to Secaucus Junction and enjoyed an easy 10-minute cab ride to American Dream Mall from there.

Hotels Near American Dream Mall

Hilton Meadowlands

American Dream Mall is just a mile away from Hilton Meadowlands. There is an on-site restaurant as well as a fitness center. They have regular guest rooms as well as suites. Rates vary based on the time of year, but generally range from $110 - $275 for a standard guest room.

Extended Stay America Meadowlands

Extended Stay America offers free breakfast as well as an in-room refrigerator, stove top and microwave. Rates vary, but hover between $100 and $150.

Springhill Suites by Marriot East Rutherford

Springhill Suites is updated and modern, with possibly the best amenity for families, an indoor pool. Prices start at around $130 a night.  

Unless noted, photos by the author