If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, enjoy some family-friendly thrills, or just escape into a colorful, imaginative water world, the Dreamworks Indoor Water Park inside the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford offers an appealing option. For $69 per person, you get a full day of fun exploring the largest indoor water park in North America, with plenty of attractions suited for all ages.
We love that this experience combines the excitement of record-breaking rides like the world’s longest hydromagnetic water coaster with the charm of your favorite Dreamworks characters. The climate-controlled environment means you’ll stay comfortable regardless of the weather outside, and the location just a short drive from New York City makes it easily accessible for weekend getaways or day trips.
A potential drawback? The water park is a busy place on weekends and school holidays, so it may get crowded – planning your visit on a weekday could help you enjoy shorter lines and more relaxed exploration. This experience suits families with kids of all ages, especially those who love water slides, wave pools, and themed play areas. It’s ideal if you’re after a fun, safe, and immersive water adventure that caters to both little ones and thrill-seekers alike.
Key Points
- Largest Indoor Water Park: North America’s biggest, packed with record-breaking rides and attractions.
- Family Friendly: Rides for all ages, from kiddie zones to adrenaline-pumping slides for thrill-seekers.
- Year-Round Comfort: An 81°F tropical climate ensures fun regardless of the season outside.
- Location Advantage: Just 4 miles from NYC, perfect for a day trip or weekend outing.
- All-Inclusive Ticket: Entry price covers unlimited access to slides, pools, and themed areas.
- Additional Costs: Food, lockers, lifejackets, and parking are extra, so budget accordingly.
An In-Depth Look at the Dreamworks Indoor Water Park Experience
Planning more time in East Rutherford? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Location and Getting There
Situated inside American Dream, a sprawling 3-million-square-foot entertainment and shopping complex, the water park benefits from an unbeatable location just 4 miles outside Manhattan. Whether you’re coming from NYC or the surrounding region, access is straightforward. Park in Parking Deck B or C, or opt for a Lyft or Uber drop-off at Parking Deck A. The proximity means you can combine shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one trip.
Ticket and Pricing
At $69 per person, the ticket offers unlimited access for a full day. This makes it a good value considering the park’s size and variety of rides. When you compare the cost to the variety of attractions—record-breaking slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and kids’ zones—it seems like a reasonable investment for a day of entertainment.
What’s Included and What’s Not
Your ticket grants entry to the entire water park. You don’t need to worry about individual rides; once inside, you can explore as much as you like. However, keep in mind that food and drinks are not included and need to be purchased on-site, with some reviews noting that prices can be high. Plus, lockers and lifejackets are available for rent, and parking costs an extra $5 per day.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Attractions
This water park is designed to thrill, entertain, and accommodate families at every stage of their water adventure. Here’s a breakdown:
Kiddie Rides: Designed for the little ones, these include the Kungfu Panda Temple of Awesomeness, with a multi-level play structure featuring dump cups and geysers. The Penguins Frozen Fun Zone offers six miniature slides, perfect for toddlers. Guests under 36 inches can enjoy the Lazy River and wave pool, making it a safe spot for the youngest visitors.
Family-Friendly Slides: For kids and parents alike, attractions like Dragon Racers, a race through dark tunnels, and Soakin’ Surfari, a 40-foot surf simulator, provide fun without too much fear. Reviewers highlight that the lazy river is “the world’s longest indoor lazy river”, and many enjoy floating through its gentle currents.
Thrilling Rides: For those craving adrenaline, the park does not disappoint. Rides like Thrillagascar & Jungle Jammer—the world’s tallest trapdoor capsule slides—and Shrek’s Sinkhole Slammer offer high-speed plunges. The Skudin Surf sessions allow private surf experience, which, while extra, could be a unique highlight for water lovers.
Atmosphere and Climate
One of the most appreciated aspects, noted in reviews, is the year-round tropical climate maintained at 81°F. This consistent warmth and the massive skylight overhead ensure that even on gloomy days, you’ll feel like you’re in a sunny paradise. The vibrant colors and Dreamworks themes—from Shrek to Kung Fu Panda—bring a playful, fairy-tale ambiance that delights kids and adults alike.
Practical Tips
- Timing: To avoid the crowds, consider visiting on weekdays. Many reviews mention enjoying the rides with fewer people around.
- What to Bring: Pack swimwear and towels. You may want to bring your own snacks, especially if you’re budget-conscious, since food prices are often called out as expensive.
- Age and Height Restrictions: The park thoughtfully labels ride suitability based on height, helping parents decide which attractions are safe for their children. Children under 2 enter free, and guests under 36 inches can access the kiddie zones.
- Re-entry: Re-entry is not allowed, so plan your day accordingly.
The Experience from Visitors’ Perspectives
Reviews paint a picture of a park that’s both fun and well-organized. Elizabeth from Puerto Rico loved “everything in the park,” citing the price and attractions as highlights. A family from the Netherlands called it “a paradise” for kids, praising the bright colors and fairy-tale atmosphere.
Many appreciate the short lines and friendly staff, especially on weekdays. Others mention that food can be pricey and that the smell of chlorine might be strong, which is typical in such environments. Still, these minor inconveniences are outweighed by the variety of rides and the cleanliness of the facility.
Additional Considerations
While the water park is undeniably a fun destination, it’s worth noting that all rides and attractions are subject to maintenance closures. Planning ahead and checking availability can help you avoid disappointment. Also, re-entry isn’t permitted, so if you want to explore the mall or grab a meal elsewhere, plan for that in advance.
Who Should Consider Visiting?
This indoor water park is best suited for families with children of all ages, especially those who enjoy water slides, wave pools, and themed play zones. It’s an excellent pick for weekend getaways, birthday parties, or just a rainy day activity near NYC. If you’re a thrill-seeker craving extreme rides, you’ll find plenty of adrenaline-pumping options but should be prepared for the energetic and sometimes crowded environment.
The Sum Up
The Dreamworks Indoor Water Park inside American Dream offers a lively, colorful, and well-equipped environment for a full day of water fun. Its combination of record-breaking slides, family-friendly zones, and a tropical climate makes it a standout in the realm of indoor water parks. The price point is reasonable considering the variety and size of the park, and the nearby location makes it an appealing option for New York City visitors or those staying in northern New Jersey.
This experience shines brightest for families looking for a safe, engaging, and memorable water adventure. While it can get busy, especially on weekends, the overall atmosphere, variety of attractions, and positive reviews suggest it’s worth planning your visit carefully to maximize enjoyment.
FAQs
Is there a way to cancel my ticket?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund through the booking platform.
Can I buy food inside the water park?
Yes, food and drinks are available for purchase, but many find them to be expensive. Bringing snacks might be a good idea if you’re on a budget.
Are lockers available?
Yes, lockers are available to rent onsite to keep your belongings safe while enjoying the rides.
What should I wear?
Swimwear is required, and don’t forget a towel. You might want to bring a change of clothes for after your water day.
Are there age restrictions for rides?
Yes. The park provides height-based guidelines, ensuring safety for all ages. Children under 36 inches can enjoy certain attractions like the Lazy River and wave pool.
Is re-entry allowed?
No, re-entry after leaving the park is not permitted, so plan your visits accordingly.
Can I rent a lifejacket?
Yes, lifejackets are available for rent if needed, which can be helpful for younger or less confident swimmers.
Is the park accessible for guests with disabilities?
Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible, making it possible for most visitors to enjoy the attractions.
How crowded does it get?
Weekday visits tend to be less busy, as noted in reviews. Weekends and holidays are likely to be more crowded, so plan accordingly.
What is the best age group for this water park?
It’s suitable for children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, and even adult thrill-seekers. The diversity of rides means everyone can find something to enjoy.
This indoor water park at American Dream combines the thrill of record-breaking slides with the charm of Dreamworks characters, all in a climate-controlled environment. Whether you’re after a fun day with the kids or a solo thrill-seeker looking for the tallest indoor slides, this place offers a solid combination of excitement and comfort—making it a worthwhile addition to your New York City adventure plans.
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