CCM Family Travel: American Dream Mall

At CCM Magazine, we’ve always been about music that inspires, encourages, and connects. But lately, Amanda and I have been talking a lot about how our readers are also families looking for more than just interviews and concert recaps. Many of you are parents like us, juggling schedules, chasing kids, and searching for meaningful experiences Read More

At CCM Magazine, we’ve always been about music that inspires, encourages, and connects. But lately, Amanda and I have been talking a lot about how our readers are also families looking for more than just interviews and concert recaps. Many of you are parents like us, juggling schedules, chasing kids, and searching for meaningful experiences you can enjoy together. That’s why we want CCM to also become a resource for family-oriented entertainment and travel.

So, when we had the chance to spend a weekend at American Dream Mall, just across from MetLife Stadium outside of New York City, we jumped at it. This place is part mall, part theme park, part fever dream, and it turned into a very unforgettable family travel day.

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Nickelodeon Universe – Indoor Theme Park

First things first: a big thank you to the team at American Dream Mall for hosting us at Nickelodeon Universe. I worked at Nickelodeon in back in 2003 and 2004 and walking into Nickelodeon Universe was like being transported straight back to that slime-dripped era.

You know that feeling when you hear an old theme song and suddenly, you’re a kid again? That’s what this park does. There are rides themed to Rugrats, Ren & Stimpy, and our friend Butch Hartman’s The Fairly OddParents. I even caught them playing the Chip Skylark hit My Shiny Teeth and Me (IYKYK). A long with deep cuts your family will love everything from pre-school favorites like Paw Patrol and Blue’s Clues to Nickelodeon mainstays of SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

And then there are the photo ops. Endless. Who doesn’t want a selfie with Olmec from Legends of the Hidden Temple? Though I’ll admit, I was happy to let the kids take on that ropes course while I stayed firmly on the ground.

The Shredder roller coaster ended up being my favorite ride. It’s a spinning coaster that seats you face-to-face with your friends and family. Half the fun isn’t even the drops and spins; it’s locking eyes with your kids while you’re all being whipped around like rag dolls. Pure chaos, pure joy.

If I had one word of caution, it’s this: not every ride is super friendly for taller or larger adults. Some seats are a squeeze, and you may find yourself sitting out. But the highlight as a parent was watching my kids be hoisted on a crane inside a Double Dare-themed human claw machine. Yes, it’s an upcharge. And yes, it’s worth it for the photos alone. Seeing them dive for prizes was priceless.

Shopping and Dining Experiences:

The great thing about American Dream Mall is that it’s more than just one attraction. After a day of rides, we wandered through the shops—everything from standard mall stores to luxury brands to quirky spots you won’t find anywhere else. My kids begged for a stop at Pop Mart to see if Labubus were in stock, and we also made a nostalgic pilgrimage to one of the only remaining Toys “R” Us locations, reimagined for this mall.

While every classic and elevated food court option was available, we opted for dinner at Little Sheep Hot Pot, and this place is a hidden gem. When you’ve had your fill of cheeseburgers and ICEEs – this was a much-needed fresh favorite. We’re big hot pot people, and our server told us this is the only location outside of China. Yes, we ate a China owned and operated restaurant inside the American Dream Mall and it was so worth it. Hands down, it was the best hot pot we’ve ever had. It was a major unexpected mall dining win.

DreamWorks Water Park

We also carved out time for the DreamWorks Water Park, which feels like stepping into a cartoon sauna with a view of the New York City skyline. My kids ran themselves ragged on the slides while I snuck off to catch some football—it was a Saturday in the fall, after all—before joining them for Trolls Rainbow Racers. Pro tip: being a larger adult definitely gives you the edge in a water slide race. My victory was decisive.

That said, the water park is hot, humid, and loud. Perfect for kids with boundless energy, but after a few hours, I was wiped. I retreated, sweaty and happy back to the mall. I even popped into the only MrBeast Burger for a soda.

Final Thoughts: A Suburban Dream

If you’re visiting New York, it’s easy to stick to Manhattan. But just across the river, American Dream Mall offers something totally different, it’s a break from the city that still delivers big thrills. It’s suburbia on steroids, and I mean that in the best possible way.

My advice? Don’t try to do it all. Pick one major park for the day—Nickelodeon Universe or DreamWorks Water Park—and leave time to explore the mall itself. Between the rides, the food, the shopping, and the unexpected little gems, there’s more than enough to fill a day.

For me, it was a trip that checked all the boxes: nostalgia for the 90s kid in me, thrills for my kids, and food experiences my whole family could enjoy together. And that’s exactly why CCM Magazine wants to keep sharing these kinds of stories. Because family entertainment isn’t just about what’s playing on your speakers—it’s about the moments you make when you step away, explore, and laugh together.