Round1 Bowling & Entertainment opened on March 1, 2025 at The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, NJ — bringing bowling lanes, arcades, karaoke, and billiard tables to New Jersey’s most accessible outlet mall. It’s a significant addition that transforms Jersey Gardens from a pure shopping destination into a full-day entertainment hub, especially for families and younger visitors.
What Is Round1?
Round1 is a Japanese entertainment chain that combines a broad range of activities under one roof. A typical Round1 location includes bowling lanes, hundreds of arcade and redemption games, karaoke rooms, billiard tables, ping pong, and darts. The concept originally launched in Japan and has expanded aggressively across the US over the past decade.
The brand is particularly popular with families and groups in the 15–35 age range. Its mix of competitive (bowling, billiards) and social (karaoke, arcade) activities makes it flexible for birthday parties, corporate outings, and casual weeknight visits alike. Additionally, Round1 locations typically stay open late — which means you can extend your Jersey Gardens visit well into the evening.
Why This Matters for Jersey Gardens Shoppers
Jersey Gardens already had a strong proposition before this opening. With 200+ outlet stores — including Nike Factory, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Levi’s — it offered one of the strongest brand lineups of any outlet complex near New York. However, entertainment options were limited once you’d finished shopping.
Round1 changes that calculation significantly. Now a trip to Jersey Gardens can be structured as a full day: outlet shopping in the morning and early afternoon, then entertainment after. For families with teenagers in particular, this removes the friction of “I’m done shopping” — there’s a clear answer for what to do next.
Furthermore, the complex benefits from its proximity to Newark Airport. The free shuttle from Newark Airport Terminal B runs every 30 minutes to Jersey Gardens — making the outlet reachable in under 15 minutes for international travelers with a layover or an early arrival. Round1 makes that stopover even more worthwhile.
Part of a Broader Trend in Outlet Retail
Round1’s arrival fits a wider shift happening across American outlet centers and malls. Pure-retail destinations are increasingly supplementing their store lineups with experiences that keep visitors on-site longer — movie theaters, fitness studios, food halls, and entertainment venues like Round1. The logic is straightforward: the longer you stay, the more you spend.
Jersey Gardens is smart to lean into this trend. The complex competes with nearby American Dream (which has far more entertainment) and with outlet centers across the region. Adding a Round1 location helps it hold its own on the experience front, not just the retail front.
Pro tip: We recommend visiting Jersey Gardens on a weekday if possible — parking is easier, queues are shorter, and the Round1 arcade is significantly less crowded on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons than on weekends. And don’t forget: there’s zero sales tax on clothing and footwear in New Jersey. See our full guide to the best outlet malls in NJ.
Source: NJ.com — Round1 Jersey Gardens opening, March 2025.
