Last weekend our family ventured to American Dream in East Rutherford, NJ to preview the new Nickelodeon Universe, complete with an overnight stay at Hilton Meadowlands. The easy all-highway drive is about 2 and 1/2 hours (3 if your son forgot to wear shoes and you have to stop to buy a pair-KIDS). The American Dream is a huge new complex in the Meadowlands of East Rutherford, NJ and is unlike anything I've ever seen. The huge complex houses Nickelodeon Universe, and indoor amusement park with over 35 rides including full rollercoasters. I'm not going to lie, I had no idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. The park is clean, has multiple bathrooms, is open and filled with light. The rides were amazing and they definitely thought of all ages when planning their entertainment. For all ages, there is a Nickelodeon themed merry-go-round and small Paw Patrol themed Ferris wheel, a Dora train that goes around over the park and other rides for kids and adults of all ages. Our 18-month-old was able to participate with us on enough rides to keep her happy, and our 5-year-old had rides that he felt were fun and "big kid" enough for him.
I made my 8-year-old test out the "TMT Shellraiser" (only for over 48 inches) to see how serious an indoor rollercoaster could be. It was the most thrilling ride I've ever been on with upside curves and holds, high plummets and fast speeds. I'm a pretty brave and bold rollercoaster rider and this one gave me butterflies! It was so much fun (for those who like that sort of thing!) and there are even more fun and fast rides for children and adults over 48 inches. While visiting, there were places to sit at every turn (important with little ones) and snack options throughout the park. Adding to the fun are characters that visit around the park. We met Raphel from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sandy from Spongebob. The kids were surprised and excited.
A few tips: You are allowed to bring water and snacks in and there are refillable water fountains, however, there are plenty of places to purchase food and beverages too. We were able to bring in our stroller for our 18-month-old and also had to make sure to get her a bracelet for "2 and under." At each ride, the bracelet is scanned so make sure your kids keep them on! Also-parking is FREE. In all, it was a super fun day and the kids are ready to go back (more on that later)!
We drove literally around a bend to the Hilton Meadowlands, the top hotel to stay in when visiting American Dream. We knew that with a day filled with a car ride and excitement, a hotel night would be necessary and a treat for the kids and we were right! We chose this hotel because of its close proximity, its rave reviews and the great price. As soon as we entered we were greeted in the beautiful lobby by helpful employees. We took the elevator to our room (which only works with your room key-love security when traveling with kids!) and the kids squealed as our room overlooked American Dream and found a home on the comfy beds. There is both a restaurant and Starbucks in the hotel, as well as a well-stocked convenience store, so you have everything you need right there if you don't want to travel around the city. The next morning, we grabbed an amazing buffet breakfast and the kids actually ATE! Like 3 plates each. Everything from fruit, cereal and pancakes for the kids to eggs, breakfast meats and more. There were plenty of options and everything was fresh. We struck up a conversation with two of the nicest employees in the restaurants about our families and they told stories about their kids to our boys which had them smiling and entertained throughout the meal. When we do return, I know where we will be staying again. An added perk, the Hilton Meadowlands offers a shuttle to the American Dream, making this hotel even more convenient.
As I mentioned, American Dream is still growing. Currently, there is also "Big Snow," an indoor ski and snowboard slope with black diamond and learning slopes as well as lesson opportunities. There is also an indoor ice rink located in American Dream and an indoor Dreamworks waterpark is coming soon. There is plenty to do to make this a fun trip for your family. As you can imagine, American Dream is quickly going to become a spot for all ages during all seasons. How great will it be to ski in June or go to a water park in the winter?! Like I said, with the short trip that is all highway, we will definitely be making this a regular family trip.
I can't recommend American Dream enough for a different family entertainment experience and if you go, be sure to try out a night at Hilton Meadowlands. If you have any questions about my trip or help planning yours in the future, feel free to reach out at stephaniekevan@macaronikid.com.
