How to Spend the Perfect Day at AmericA’s #1 Mall!
Spending the day at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, can feel like hopping between entirely different worlds—all without leaving the building. With everything from indoor skiing and amusement rides to aquariums, arcades, shopping, and solid food options, the space is essentially a mini city built for entertainment. If you're planning a full-day visit and want to hit the highlights without feeling overwhelmed, here’s a laid-back guide to help you make the most of it—organized by activity type to keep things flexible.
ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
If you’re starting early, the best way to jump into the day is with a visit to DreamWorks Water Park. It’s massive, bright, and warm year-round, and has just about every type of water ride you could want—from towering slides to a huge wave pool and lazy river. For those who like to ease into the day, cabana rentals offer a nice place to sit back and relax while kids or friends roam free. The park opens around 11 a.m., and getting there right as it opens helps avoid peak crowds.
Later in the day, switch gears and head to Nickelodeon Universe, the indoor theme park located just a short walk away inside the mall. It’s full of wild rides—like the TMNT Shellraiser coaster with its vertical drop—and gentler options, too. Character meet-and-greets and carnival-style games give it an old-school fun fair vibe, which is great for kids but not bad for grown-ups either.
Tubing at BIG SNOW!
And then there’s Big SNOW, an actual indoor ski slope with real snow. It’s surreal to ski or snowboard inside a mall, but once you’re geared up, it’s surprisingly fun. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to practice turns out of season, it’s worth checking out at least once.
SHOPS & STROLLING
Even if shopping isn’t the main reason for your visit, it’s hard not to get pulled into a few of the mall’s corners. The Avenue, the high-end section of American Dream, is designed more like a gallery than a shopping mall. It’s lined with designer boutiques and dotted with plant installations, art pieces, and places to sit and people-watch. You can check out the directory here!
Elsewhere in the mall, you’ll find more familiar retailers like Uniqlo, H\&M, Sephora, and Zara. If you're with kids (or just curious), it’s worth popping into the massive IT’SUGAR candy store—it's hard to miss, with sculptures made entirely out of candy and entire walls of gummies and retro sweets.
As the afternoon winds down, take a ride on The Dream Wheel, the mall’s indoor observation wheel. At 300 feet tall, it offers unexpectedly good views of Manhattan and the surrounding Meadowlands—especially if you catch it during golden hour.
The Dream Wheel
FOOD & BREAKS
First ever Mr. Beast Burger Restaurant opened at American Dream.
You won’t go hungry here, but not all dining spots are created equal. For a casual lunch, 1st RND serves solid burgers, sandwiches, and plenty of shareables, and its sports bar vibe makes it easy to hang out without rushing. If you're craving something quick and flavorful, Vanessa’s Dumplings is a great stop for noodles and dumplings that don’t cost a fortune.
For dinner or a more relaxed sit-down meal, Carpaccio offers classic Italian dishes in a spacious, nicely designed space. It’s a good spot if you want to take your time—pastas, salads, and a glass of wine go down easy after a day on your feet. For something sweet afterward, Lady M Confections is known for its delicate Mille Crêpe cakes and quiet corner cafe vibe—ideal for a wind-down coffee or dessert.
First ever Mr. Beast Burger Restaurant opened at American Dream Mall!
EVENING FUN
After dinner, you still have options. Blacklight Mini Golf is a quirky, neon-lit 18-hole course with just the right mix of challenge and silliness. Next door, the Mirror Maze adds to the fun with glowing lights and optical illusions that feel like a low-stakes carnival trip. If you're still full of energy, the indoor skating rink stays open late and sometimes features themed music nights or open skates.
Additional mentions for fun activities with friends and family include The Escape room, Great Big Game Show, Activate, and their giant arcade space!
Spending the whole day at American Dream works best if you let go of the idea of seeing it all. It’s big, but not impossible—pick two or three “main” activities (like the water park and skiing), leave time for spontaneous detours, and expect a fair amount of walking. Bring a change of clothes if you're doing anything wet or snowy, and definitely book attraction tickets in advance to skip the lines.
Whether you're going for the rides, the retail therapy, or just curious about what it’s like to spend the day inside a mall with a ski slope, American Dream offers a bit of everything!
