Indoor Skiing, Amusements, Shopping And More At American Dream

Imagine skiing or snowboarding all year round in a climate controlled environment, choosing fun-filled activities from more than 25 attractions at the country’s largest indoor playground, having your choice of shopping at over 250 stores and dining at delectable eateries. Such a “dream come true” scenario is possible at American Dream.

Big SNOW

Located in East Rutherford, NJ, just outside of New York City, American Dream is home to Big SNOW. As the only indoor ski area in North America, and one of only 30 or so worldwide, Big SNOW Ski Hill attracts both the experienced skier and boarder along with beginners who wish to learn the basics. It’s an awesome, unique way to enjoy the winter indoors.

“Each year about 55% of our guests are new to the sport,” explains Hugh Reynolds, chief marketing officer at Big SNOW. “During the winter that equates to about 70% of new skiers and is reversed in the summer when the more experienced skiers and boarders use our facility. We’re all about accessibility and lowering the barriers of entry for many people who can’t get to a mountain, especially those within 30 minutes of our location. We think of ourselves as the gym of skiing or boarding.” Big SNOW makes it easy for people to participate by offering lessons, ski or snowboard equipment rentals along with clothing accessories. Just bring along your own gloves and you’re set to go.

Big SNOW features two full trails with about 160 feet of vertical along with a learning hill and small tubing area, terrain park and snow playground for the little ones. Temperature is set at 28 degrees and snowmaking results in consistent conditions void of any icy areas. “A lot of people come here expecting spring-skiing-like conditions and are surprised with the high quality of the snow,” Reynolds says. As an added source of fun Big SNOW offers SNO-GO bike rentals which are an easy, fun way to try something new.

Attractions

The enormous American Dream itself is a construction masterpiece. Not a traditional mall, the three million square-foot retail, entertainment and dining destination is comprised of 50% attractions and 50% retail with over 250 retail stores, 65 eateries and 25 attractions on property including: Nickelodeon Universe; DreamWorks Water Park (largest indoor water park in the Western Hemisphere); LEGOLAND Discovery Center; Sesame Street Learn And Play; The GAMEROOM Powered by Hasbro and New Jersey Hall of Fame.

Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in Western Hemisphere, is a “must see” family attraction. An endless array of fun-filled rides for all ages include Air Gliders, Monster Truck Rally and Dora’s Sky Railway. Watch the smiles on kids’ faces as they enjoy a Character Dance featuring Sponge Bob Square Pants and friends. Additionally, Nickelodeon Universe has added the very popular Paw Patrol Hero Academy, and DreamWorks water park will soon be adding Gabby’s Splashpad.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey boasts amazing feats of architecture all scaled down to model size via thousands and thousands of Legos, according to master model builder Anthony Snyder. Five new interactive zones are ready to spark creativity in guests of all ages, from tiny tots to adults. At LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey there are no age limits.

Mike Taylor, General Manager, says, “Excitement is in the air at every corner. Youngsters are thrilled as they discover DUPLO Park, where toddlers can explore and play in a colorful space designed just for them. The NINJAGO soft play area brings energy and adventure to little ones, offering endless fun. Meanwhile, kids of all ages are kept on the edge of their seats, racing their creations down the Build Adventure car ramps, testing their skills in the Laser Maze, and taking a thrilling ride on the Imagination Express. It’s a place where creativity and playfulness collide, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter their age.”

To make the most of your experience, visitors should be prepared for some hands-on experiences. Start by exploring the amazing LEGO creations, including some of the iconic landmarks of the NYC and NJ skyline. For those looking to unleash their inner builder, the Creative Club is the perfect place to test their skills, while the Creative Workshop offers expert tips and tricks to take their building game to the next level.

Shopping and Dining

Upscale shoppers head to The Avenue, aka Luxury wing, for such retailers as Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermès, Balenciaga (two-floor flagship), Gucci (largest in NJ), BAPE (flagship) Tiffany & Co., TimeVallèe, Watches of Switzerland and more. Diners can enjoy cuisines from around the world, including Italian, Chinese, American, Korean and Peruvian at over 65 dining options, including 11 full-service restaurants. Fine dining options are highlighted by Carpaccio, Jarana and Marcus Live! and Mr. Beast Burger restaurant. Recent openings include H Mart Food Hall, their largest food hall in the northeast with 11 unique dining options.

Events, Community

The complex host over 500 events annually including: USA Curling National Championships; Harlem Globetrotters 10-day residency (world’s first-ever sports residency); National Basketball Player Association’s The Throne – High School Basketball Championship; USA Fencing; The Arena Football League Championship Game (ArenaBowl 33).

American Dream is community-minded and contributes to over 450 local civic organizations and non-profit groups annually and donates thousands of free attractions tickets to members of the community. It partners on events with local cultural and religious organizations, attracting thousands of people from all religions, races and backgrounds.

With so much to see and do at American Dream, it’s impossible to squeeze everything into a single day. As such, a return trip or two, perhaps even an overnight stay at one of the nearby hotels, should be on everyone’s agenda.

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