American Dream Mall (Photo by: Jibreel23 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=119770958)
When I was a kid, going to the mall meant shopping for clothing. There weren't any entertainment options in the mall and certainly no kosher food in the food court. You could maybe find some kosher ice cream but that was about it. Times have certainly changed. The American Dream Mall is not like any mall that existed when I was growing up. It’s part retail shopping and part indoor entertainment center. If that weren’t enough, there are more than 10 kosher food options, including pizza, chicken, ice cream, smoothies and a dairy cafe.
The American Dream Mall is located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, NJ. It’s only about a half an hour car ride from NYC. If you don’t have a car, the mall is easily accessible by public transportation. There are many parks and entertainment options for a fun family day at the mall. It is best to plan your activities in advance by buying tickets online and avoiding the lines.
Kosher Food Options at the American Dream Mall
The American Dream Mall opened in October 2019. We have already seen some kosher restaurants open and close. The kosher restaurant situation in the mall is always changing with new restaurants opening and unfortunately, some restaurants closing. Get the latest information about kosher restaurants at The American Dream Mall.
This is the kosher restaurant list as of September 2023:
- Bravo Pizza: Pizza, pasta and other Italian dishes
- Chickies: Fast food restaurant that serves chicken fingers, fries and other fast food items
- Cinnabon: Serves cinnamon rolls, coffee and other baked goods
- Candy Land Shake Bar: Milkshakes, ice cream and dessert shop
- Dunkin’ Donuts: Kosher branch of the chain serving coffee, donuts and other breakfast items
- Geoffrey’s Cafe: Cholov Yisroel cafe serving soft-serve ice cream and other treats
- Häagen-Dazs: Two locations in the mall are not kosher certified but all the ice cream is certified OU-D
- Mrs. Fields: Cookies, brownies and other baked goods
- OREO Cafe: Dairy Oreo themed cafe serving waffles, milkshakes, ice cream and more sweet treats
- Red Mango: Frozen yogurt, smoothies, juices and acai bowls
Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park at American Dream Mall (Photo by: Dough4872 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133721882)
Entertainment & Activities at the American Dream Mall
The American Dream Mall has become a popular indoor entertainment destination. It might be better known for its theme parks and activities than for its retail shopping. This is a mall that you can take your kids to, they’ll have a great time and ask to come back for more. There are too many attractions to list them all so check the American Dreams website for the full list of entertainment options.
Here is a list of some of the top entertainment and activities as of September 2023:
- Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park: America's largest indoor theme park with more than 35 rides, attractions, and entertainment options available
- DreamWorks Water Park:Indoor water park with many water slides, wave pools, luxury cabanas, a lazy river and a toddler play area
- Legoland Discovery Center: A Lego-themed indoor playground featuring rides, LEGO build and play zones, 4D cinema and more
- Big SNOW American Dream: An indoor ski slope with real snow that is open all year round for play, skiing and snowboarding
- The Rink: Indoor ice skating rink for skating enthusiasts offering open skating sessions, skating lessons, hockey tournaments, figure skating competitions and private events
- Angry Birds Mini Golf: 18-hole mini-golf course with an Angry Birds theme
- Blacklight Mini Golf: A mini-golf course with a blacklight theme
- Mirror Maze: A mind-bending maze with mirrors, neon lights and loud music
- SEA LIFE Aquarium: Indoor aquarium features exhibits inspired by New York landmarks, exhibits featuring a variety of sea creatures, including sharks, rays, sea turtles and an underwater tunnel
- Activate: High-tech gaming venue that combines physical activity and digital gaming
Big SNOW American Dream (Photo by: By Shemtov613 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87219886)
Conclusion
The American Dream Mall is more than just a place to shop. It boasts a diverse mix of stores, from high-end brands to everyday favorites. Beyond shopping, the mall stands out with its variety of entertainment choices and kosher dining options. If you're thinking about visiting, whether you're eager to browse the stores, indulge in a kosher treat, or try out some fun activities, there's something for everyone. A tip for potential visitors: planning ahead can help you make the most of your day. It's a destination that promises a unique experience for all.