American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ is the largest entertainment and retail destination in the Western Hemisphere — a sprawling 5.2-million-square-foot complex that completely redefines what a shopping mall can be. With 450+ stores, the world’s largest indoor water park, Nickelodeon Universe theme park, an indoor real-snow ski slope, a full-size ice rink, and an aquarium, no two visits will ever feel the same. Located just minutes from New York City along the New Jersey Turnpike, American Dream is New Jersey’s crown jewel of shopping — and so much more.
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Visitor Information
American Dream sits at the heart of the Meadowlands sports and entertainment complex in Bergen County, NJ — super easy to reach from New York City, the tri-state area, and beyond.
Address: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Official Website: www.americandream.com
You can easily reach the mall by car via I-95, Route 3, and Route 120. Free parking’s available in multiple garages throughout the complex. Plus, NJ Transit bus routes serve the Meadowlands area, and seasonal shuttle services run from select Manhattan hotels if you want to skip driving.
Hours
American Dream’s open daily — but here’s the catch. Due to Bergen County’s blue laws, most retail stores shut down on Sundays. However, the entertainment attractions (Nickelodeon Universe, DreamWorks Water Park, Big SNOW, the ice rink, SEA LIFE Aquarium) and restaurants stay open seven days a week. That means Sundays are perfect for rides and dining; weekdays or Saturdays are your best bet for shopping.
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | RETAIL CLOSED |
For the latest hours including holiday schedules, check the official American Dream hours page.
Directions & Location
American Dream’s in the Meadowlands sports and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, Bergen County. From New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel, take NJ-3 West and follow signs for Route 120 North. From the NJ Turnpike (I-95), take Exit 16E toward Route 3 East, then follow Route 120 North. From the Garden State Parkway, take Exit 153A for I-95 East, then follow Route 120 North. Free parking in multiple garages. Heads up: Bergen County Blue Laws close retail stores on Sundays, so plan shopping for Mon–Sat and save entertainment and dining for Sundays.
American Dream Mall Stores
With 450+ stores, American Dream is seriously one of the most diverse retail destinations in the US. You’ll find everything from ultra-luxury flagships to popular everyday brands — plus tons of exclusive retailers with their only New Jersey location right here.
- Luxury & Designer — Saks Fifth Avenue (anchor), Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Prada, Versace, Bulgari, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana
- Fashion & Apparel — H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, Banana Republic, Gap, PacSun, Forever 21, and dozens more options
- Specialty & Lifestyle — American Girl, LEGO Store, MLB Shop, NBA Store, NHL Experience
- Tech & Electronics — Apple Store, Samsung, major carrier stores
- Beauty — Sephora, MAC Cosmetics, and more to explore
Pro tip: New Jersey charges zero sales tax on clothing and footwear — so you’re already saving money on every apparel purchase compared to shopping across the river in NYC.
Entertainment: What Makes American Dream Unique
No other mall in North America can touch the entertainment lineup American Dream offers under one roof. Each attraction is a legitimate destination in its own right:
- Nickelodeon Universe — The world’s largest indoor theme park with 35+ rides and attractions including roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and family rides themed around SpongeBob, Dora, and other Nickelodeon characters
- DreamWorks Water Park — The world’s largest indoor water park with 40+ water slides, surf simulators, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Open year-round, so weather doesn’t matter
- Big SNOW — America’s first and only indoor real-snow ski and snowboard slope, open 365 days a year. Includes ski school, equipment rentals, and snow tubing
- SEA LIFE Aquarium — A walk-through aquarium featuring sharks, rays, sea turtles, and thousands of sea creatures in immersive ocean tunnel exhibits
- Observation Wheel — A 300-foot indoor Ferris wheel with panoramic views across the Meadowlands and the Manhattan skyline
- Ice Rink — NHL-regulation ice rink with public skating sessions, lessons, and hockey events
Most attractions require separate tickets. We’ve found that booking in advance at americandream.com saves you time — especially on weekends and during school holidays when lines for Nickelodeon Universe and the Water Park can get pretty long.
Dining at American Dream Mall
The dining scene here goes way beyond your typical mall food court. You’ve got dozens of restaurants, fast-casual spots, and a dedicated food hall to choose from:
- Angry Crab — Cajun seafood boils in a lively, hands-on setting
- Sugar Factory — Over-the-top desserts, massive goblet cocktails, and shareable plates
- Earl of Sandwich — Quality, made-to-order sandwiches for a quick refuel
- Korean BBQ, sushi, pizza, and international food hall options round out the mix for every appetite and budget
Tips Before You Visit
- Remember the blue law — Retail closes Sundays. Hit the mall Saturday or a weekday to shop; save Sundays for entertainment and dining
- Book attraction tickets ahead — Especially for Nickelodeon Universe, DreamWorks Water Park, and Big SNOW on busy weekends and school holidays
- Free parking throughout the complex — multiple garages with no charge
- Plan for a full day — Between shopping, attractions, and dining, you’ll easily spend 6+ hours here
- No sales tax on clothing in NJ — built-in savings on every apparel purchase versus shopping in New York
More NJ Mall Guides
Exploring more of New Jersey’s best shopping destinations? Check out our guides to Garden State Plaza, The Shops at Riverside, The Mall at Short Hills, and the best outlet malls in New Jersey.