Hey mamas! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for fun family adventures—especially ones that don’t depend on the weather. That’s why I was super excited (and a little nervous!) to check out Nickelodeon Universe at theAmerican Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. We recently spent the day there with our three kiddos, and I’m here to give you the real scoop—what’s great, what’s not-so-great, and whether or not it’s worth the price.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know before planning your visit!
So, What Is Nickelodeon Universe?
Nickelodeon Universe is an indoor theme park completely decked out in everything Nickelodeon—from SpongeBob to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to PAW Patrol. It’s located inside American Dream, the massive (and still growing!) entertainment and shopping complex just across the river from New York City.
This park is actually one of only two Nickelodeon Universe parks in the U.S. The original is in the Mall of America in Minnesota, and there’s a third one being built in China. But here in NJ, we’ve got the biggest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere right in our backyard—how cool is that?
How Many Rides Are at Nickelodeon Universe NJ?
The park has over 20 rides and attractions, and I’ll be honest—there really is something for every age group.
If you have littles (like my 5-year-old who’s obsessed with Skye from PAW Patrol), they’ll go crazy for the kiddie rides and character-themed zones. My daughter rode the Blue’s Clues ride at least three times and waved at every character like it was her personal fan club.
For older kids and teens, there are some pretty serious thrill rides. And when I say thrill rides, I mean real roller coasters that are not for the faint of heart. My husband and our oldest braved the TMNT Shellraiser, which has the steepest drop of any indoor roller coaster in the world. I opted out (you know, someone has to hold the bags and snacks, right?) but they came off breathless and thrilled.
Some of the other standout rides include:
- Sandy’s Blasting Bronco – a coaster that launches you both forward and backward (yep, backward!)
- Shredder – a spinning coaster that gives you a serious adrenaline rush
- Nickelodeon Slime Streak – a smoother, family-friendly coaster that’s great for that middle age group
And then there’s a whole section of the park devoted to gentle rides, mini ferris wheels, swings, and more for toddlers and preschoolers.
Is Nickelodeon Universe Good for Adults?
Okay, real talk: If you’re coming without kids, you’ll probably enjoy it if you’re into roller coasters or grew up on 90s Nickelodeon. The thrill rides are no joke, and they were designed with teens and adults in mind. Plus, seeing characters like Rugrats or SpongeBob might bring back a little childhood nostalgia.
But if you’re just tagging along with your kids and aren’t a big ride person (hi, that’s me), there isn’t a ton for adults who aren’t riding. There’s no area to sit and relax, no “parent lounge,” and food options inside the park are minimal (and overpriced). So make sure to eat before you go or plan to hit the food court in the mall afterwards.
That said, it was still a blast watching my kids light up when they saw their favorite characters or conquered a ride they were nervous about. And for me, that’s always the real reward.
Is Nickelodeon Universe Free to Enter?
This is one of the most common questions I get from other moms, and here’s the good news: Yes, it’s free to enter if you’re not riding anything. So if you’re there to supervise your kids or just walk around, you don’t have to pay a dime for admission.
If your kids want to ride, though, you’ll need to purchase tickets. There are different ticket levels based on height and what rides you plan to go on:
- All Access Admission: For anyone over 48 inches tall. This gives you full access to everything, including the thrill rides.
- General Admission: For anyone under 48 inches tall, which covers most of the kiddie and family rides.
Kids under 2 are completely free, which is great if you have a toddler tagging along but not participating in the rides.
We ended up buying All Access tickets for my older two and a General Admission ticket for our youngest. It wasn’t cheap—theme park prices for sure—but not outrageous compared to other attractions in the area.
What’s the Vibe Like?
One of my favorite things about Nickelodeon Universe is that it’s indoors. No sweating in the sun or getting rained out—it’s fully climate controlled, which makes it a perfect year-round activity, especially in the winter or on rainy days.
The whole park is bright, colorful, and LOUD. Like, sensory-overload loud. Music is playing, kids are screaming (in the fun way), and there’s a constant energy buzzing through the place. So if you have a child who’s sensitive to noise or crowds, I’d recommend bringing noise-canceling headphones and going during off-peak hours.
The staff was friendly, though there were a few moments where it felt a little understaffed. Wait times varied—some rides had a short line, while others took 20–30 minutes. We went on a weekday afternoon and it wasn’t too bad, but I’ve heard weekends can get crowded fast.
Character Interactions
One of the highlights of our visit was the delightful character meet-and-greets scattered throughout the day at Nickelodeon Universe. From the moment we stepped in, we encountered beloved characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, all ready to share hugs, high-fives, and pose for photos. Our kids were thrilled to meet their favorites up close, and the friendly interactions made for unforgettable memories. These spontaneous encounters added an extra layer of magic to our day, making the experience truly special for the whole family.
Tips for Visiting Nickelodeon Universe, NJ
Here are a few mom-tested tips to make your visit smoother:
- Buy tickets online ahead of time – It saves time and sometimes money.
- Arrive early – The park opens earlier than the rest of the mall, and you can get a lot done in that first hour.
- Bring snacks – You can’t bring them into the park, but it’s nice to have something on hand for after or during breaks.
- Use the free entry rule – If one parent isn’t riding, save the cost of that extra ticket!
- Check the height requirements – Some rides look kid-friendly but require a certain height, which can be disappointing if your child doesn’t make the cut.
Note: You are allowed to exit and re-enter the park in the same day so, if you want to break and head to the food court for lunch, go for it- just make sure you still have your wrist bands.
Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for a fun, indoor amusement park that your kids will absolutely love, then yes—Nickelodeon Universe is worth the visit. It’s colorful, exciting, and full of favorite characters your kids have grown up watching.
Just go in with realistic expectations. It’s not a full-day amusement park like Disney or Six Flags. You can easily do most of the park in 3–4 hours, especially if you avoid peak times. And while there’s not a ton of pampering for parents, the smiles on your kids’ faces make it worth it.
We’ll definitely be back again—and next time, I might even brave the Shellraiser. (Maybe.)
Have you been to Nickelodeon Universe in NJ? Drop your tips and experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how it went for your family!