Experience Out-of-This-World Mini Golf in New York City
If you’re looking for a unique indoor activity in New York, the American Dream Black Light Indoor Mini Golf might catch your eye. Priced at about $26.67 per person for roughly an hour of 18-hole space-themed fun, it offers a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. Located inside the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this attraction is perfect for groups wanting a casual, visually vibrant game of mini golf. Imagine putting your way through alien planets, spacecraft, and vibrant sculptures all under blacklights and neon lighting—a real visual treat.
What we really like about this experience is the themed environment that makes it more than just a round of mini golf. The neon lights and 3D sculptures create a lively, photo-worthy backdrop that appeals to families, friends, or anyone looking to add some fun to a rainy day. Also, the skip-the-line ticket means you can head straight onto the course, making your time more enjoyable rather than waiting at the entrance.
On the flip side, one of the notable drawbacks is the mixed reviews on organization and staff friendliness. A reviewer lamented that the reception was unfriendly and that the experience was over too quickly—finishing in just ten minutes. So, if you’re expecting a highly polished, professional experience, you might find this mini golf a bit underwhelming.
This activity suits families with kids, groups of friends, or couples who want a relaxed, playful exchange with a sci-fi twist. If you’re on a budget and want a straightforward, fun outing without complicated logistics, this could fit your plans well.
Key Points

- Themed Environment: Space-inspired neon lights and sculptures create a vibrant, photo-friendly setting.
- Convenient Access: Ticket allows you to skip lines and head directly to the course.
- Suitable for All Ages: Fun for kids, teens, and adults alike.
- Limited Duration & Organization: Some travelers report the game ends quickly and with less staff support than expected.
- Cost-Effective: At about $27, it offers a decent value for a unique indoor activity.
- Comfort & Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and children under 2 play for free.
A Closer Look at the Mini Golf Experience

When considering the American Dream Black Light Mini Golf, it’s worth exploring what makes it an interesting stop—and what might give you pause. Starting with the location, East Rutherford’s American Dream mall is a sprawling indoor complex known for entertainment, shopping, and dining. The mini golf course is one of many attractions, making it convenient if you’re already planning to visit the mall.
The course itself offers 18 holes set against a space-themed backdrop. Expect to navigate through alien landscapes, spacecraft, and planets, all glowing under blacklights. The effects are designed to create an immersive cosmic atmosphere that’s both fun and perfect for taking memorable photos. We loved the way the neon sculptures pop visually, adding a vibrant, almost surreal dimension to the game.
Playing the game is straightforward—just grab your pre-purchased ticket and head straight in. This is especially handy if you’re visiting during peak times or want to avoid long lines. The duration of around one hour makes it a quick but engaging activity, ideal as a break from more intense sightseeing or as a casual outing.
However, some reviews reveal the experience can be brief—with one reviewer mentioning they finished in just ten minutes. This suggests the course’s design might prioritize quick play, which is great if you have a limited schedule but less ideal if you’re looking for a more extensive mini golf experience.
Staff and organization appear to be inconsistent, with some visitors noting a lack of staff support inside the course and less-than-friendly reception staff. While this doesn’t necessarily ruin the fun, it does diminish the overall professionalism and smoothness of the experience.
Price-wise, at around $27 for a single round, it’s a reasonable option for a casual outing. Keep in mind, parking costs $5 per day, and food and drinks are available for purchase, so plan your visit accordingly if you’re hungry or want to extend your stay.
While in New York City, here are other experiences we've covered
What to Expect During Your Visit
Starting at the meeting point, you’ll pass through what should be a lively, visually stunning environment. As you step onto the course, the neon glow under the blacklights will immediately catch your eye. The 18-hole layout is designed to be accessible for all ages, with simple yet engaging obstacles suitable for young children and adults alike.
The course’s thematic zones—alien planets, spaceships, and cosmic landscapes—are the highlight. Expect to take fun photos amid glowing sculptures and vibrant lighting. If you’re a fan of sci-fi or neon art, you’ll appreciate the effort put into creating this atmosphere.
You may also encounter the quick pace of the game, which some reviews say ends in about ten minutes. For some, this might feel like a short thrill; for others, it could be a disappointment if you’re expecting a longer, more leisurely round.
Post-game, you can stay for additional photos or purchase snacks and beverages nearby. Since this is a private activity for your group, you can enjoy it without worrying about competing with strangers, which adds a layer of exclusivity.
Practical Tips for Visiting

- Book in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment, especially since most travelers book about five days ahead.
- Arrive early to get the most out of your hour, as some travelers report the game can be quite quick.
- Bring a camera or smartphone to take advantage of the neon glow and sculptures—this is a photo opportunity not to miss.
- Factor in parking costs and potential food expenses if planning a full day at the mall.
- Children under 2 can play for free, making it a cost-effective activity for families with young kids.
- Service animals are permitted, so if you’re traveling with a pet, this activity is accessible.
Is It Worth It? Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Black Light Indoor Mini Golf is a playful, visually engaging activity that offers a fun, budget-friendly way to take a break from walking around New York or New Jersey. Its themed environment makes it especially appealing for families or groups wanting to capture some memorable photos. However, the mixed reviews on organization mean you should temper expectations—if you’re craving a long, challenging game or a smoothly-run operation, you might walk away feeling underwhelmed.
It’s ideal for those with flexible schedules who want a casual activity, are interested in neon art and sci-fi themes, or need a rainy-day fallback. If you’re traveling with kids or teenagers, they’ll likely enjoy the bright lights and simple gameplay. Just keep in mind, some visitors have found the experience too brief or felt that the staff support could be better.
The Sum Up

The American Dream Black Light Indoor Mini Golf offers a bright and quirky way to enjoy a few relaxing minutes of fun in a highly themed environment. It’s a cost-effective activity with eye-catching visuals, perfect for families and groups who enjoy light-hearted, casual competitions. However, if you’re looking for a longer, more polished experience, or prefer highly organized activities, you might find this mini golf a bit lacking.
Despite some organizational quirks, the environment itself is a major draw. The neon-lit, alien landscapes create a memorable atmosphere that can turn a simple game into a fun photo session. This activity works best as a quick, playful stop rather than a full day’s adventure, especially if you’re aware of its brief duration and potential for less staff support.
Ultimately, this mini golf provides a fun, informal outing that can add some sparkle to your visit—particularly if you’re already in the American Dream mall, or if your group loves neon and sci-fi themes. Just set your expectations accordingly, and you’re likely to enjoy some intergalactic fun.
FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for all ages. Children under 2 can play for free, making it a good choice for families.
Can I skip the lines with this ticket?
Yes, purchasing the ticket in advance allows you to head straight to the course and avoid waiting in line.
How long does the game last?
Most reviews mention the game can be completed in about ten minutes, though the official duration is about an hour. Be prepared for a quick round.
Are there additional costs?
Parking costs around $5 per day. Food and drinks are available for purchase, but are not included in the ticket price.
Is the environment photogenic?
Absolutely. The neon lighting and sculptures create excellent photo opportunities, especially for social media.
What are the main drawbacks?
Some visitors noted a lack of staff support and that the experience can be very brief, leaving some feeling it’s not as organized or long-lasting as hoped.
Is this experience worth the price?
If you’re looking for a fun, quick, visually stimulating activity, it offers decent value. But if you want a longer, more elaborate mini golf experience, you might want to explore other options.
This review aims to give you honest insights into what to expect from the American Dream Black Light Indoor Mini Golf. It’s a lively, family-friendly activity with a space-age twist—perfect for a short, memorable escape from the city’s busy streets.
More Tickets in New York City
More Tour Reviews in New York City
More New York City experiences we've covered
- Private New York Guided Tour with Private Transfers
- Niagara Falls Tour from New York City
- New York: Times Square Photoshoot
- NYC: Spanish tour through narrow, authentic streets
- New York Nightlife: The Essential NYC Nightlife Experience
- Say It Loud Black History Month Specialty Tour
- Grand Central Terminal & Skyscrapers Walking Tour
- Skip the Line Ellis Island & American Immigration Tour Ticket
- Travel-Inspired Ice Cream Workshop in Brooklyn
- NYC: 1 Day Tour Through Thousand Island & Erie Canal Museum
- Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer in New York
- Turkish Coffee Fortune Ceremony
