What is a Mall Theme Park?
A mall theme park is a retail space with a collection of unique attractions, entertainment options + dining choices. Guests purchase a pass to gain access and enjoy the different attractions throughout a designated time period.
For example – the American Dream mall in Rutherford, New Jersey includes an indoor theme park (Nickelodeon Universe) & a large indoor waterpark. Kids can ride roller coasters & meet mall theme park their favorite Nickelodeon characters like Dora, SpongeBob, PAW Patrol and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Nickelodeon Universe
Located at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor theme park in the western hemisphere. This 8.5 acre park features rides, roller coasters, and attractions themed after popular Nickelodeon shows like SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, PAW Patrol, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Rugrats. In addition to the rides, visitors can meet larger-than-life versions of their favorite Nickelodeon characters throughout the park and experience entertainment on the Nickelodeon Slime Stage.
The ride selection at Nickelodeon Universe includes Thrill Rides, Family-Friendly Rides, and Just for Tots Rides. The park also has several unique attractions, including the Barnacle Blast Zip Line, which takes you on a zip line ride 55 feet above the park! Other attractions include the TMNT Shellraiser, which holds the record for the world’s steepest roller coaster drop.
In addition to the rides, there are also numerous shopping and dining options at Nickelodeon Universe. The park is a part of the American Dream complex, which also includes the DreamWorks Water Park and Big SNOW, an indoor ski and snowboard center.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the park, and are valid for any day of the week that the park is open. Visitors can also purchase Attraction Bundles, which allow them to select one Tier A and one Tier B attraction.
Mall of America
Besides being the largest mall in America, Minnesota’s Mall of America is also a thriving destination for thrills and fun. Thrill seekers can go for rides at Nickelodeon Universe, which features their favorite cartoon characters and includes the world’s longest indoor zip line. Others can try out a flight simulator, mini-golf course or escape room, or visit one of the country’s biggest haunted attractions.
There are plenty of things to do at Mall of America, which also boasts a variety of restaurants from fast-food options to celebrity-inspired eateries. You can also catch a show at the Mall’s theater complex, enjoy a movie at B&B Theatres or try out a local brewery or winery.
The Mall hosts all sorts of special events, from book signings and concerts to toddler and boomer movement classes and fashion shows. You can also learn about the region’s history, culture or natural environment at the various museums and exhibits on the premises.
If you want to shop, the Mall Indoor Playground Equipment is home to a mix of well-known national chains and independent boutiques. It also features a selection of restaurants, including a few that are geared toward families with young kids. There are also a few hotels linked directly to the mall, making it easy for visitors to stay overnight without worrying about bad weather.
American Dream Mall
Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, American Dream Mall (formerly known as Xanadu Meadowlands) opened last October with a mission to prove naysayers wrong. The mall-and-park complex boasts the largest indoor theme park in North America plus ski, skating and golf as well as a curated selection of premier retailers and restaurants.
Shoppers will find brands like H&M, PRIMARK, Lululemon and Aritzia while nippers can test their skills at the Legoland Discovery Center. Urban artist Tracy Lee Stum’s TiLT Museum has epic optical illusions that are perfect for Instagram-worthy shots. Meanwhile, the DreamWorks Water Park floats at a comfortable 81° and includes surf lessons, the largest indoor wave pool, and record-breaking water slides.
Other one-of-a-kind attractions include a Beef Jerky Experience where visitors can sample cured meats from around the world including kangaroo and alligator as well as vegan options. If you’ve got a little gambler in the family, the Snatched claw game machines are sure to entertain.
For something a bit more adrenaline-pumping, take your pick of the Rink, Out of This World Blacklight Mini Golf Club and the Angry Birds Not So Mini Golf Club as well as the Thrill Rides and Blast 7D virtual reality roller coaster. A fully immersive movie theater is coming soon, and a full calendar of events makes it easy to keep the family entertained.
