Family-Friendly Malls in and Around NYC
Take a day trip to enjoy shopping and family fun at these malls!
Going to the mall can sometimes feel like a dull experience. You may see the same stores, the same items, and leave feeling like you’ve repeated the same mundane routine over and over again – but luckily, you don’t have to. New York is home to some of the best shopping in the world, so it’s no secret that some of the best malls are also in the vicinity. From malls with the largest waterparks and their very own beehives, here are the top malls in and around the city that you can visit with your family.
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American Dream
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ
Located just across the Hudson River, American Dream is easily accessible by car, bus, or New Jersey Transit. The three-million-square-foot mall offers a wide range of amenities, including superb shopping and dining options, as well as indoor water parks and ski/snowboarding facilities. If you need to cool off from the heat, make a splash at any one of their 15 turbo slides, or test out your balance with the skudin surf.
When the weather gets chilly, hit their indoor ice rink for roller skating or hit the slopes for some indoor skiing. The younger ones can head to Sesame Street Learn & Play, where they can see their favorite characters and enjoy adventures like designing their own rainforest or an interactive movie.
Roosevelt Field Mall
630 Old Country Rd., Garden City, NY
A staple in the Long Island community, Roosevelt Field Mall has plenty to do for families. Not only is the shopping top tier, featuring stores from Macy’s to Old Navy, H&M, and other favorite kids’ brands, but their mall also boasts baby changing stations in each bathroom, stroller rentals, and the PLAY Roosevelt Field on the concourse level, which offers colorful play structures and slides for younger kids. Let your little one break free as they climb and jump through animal-themed climbers, tunnels, and mini‑slides
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
498 Red Apple Ct., Central Valley, NY
Take a trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and take a drive out to Woodbury Premium Outlets. The outdoor mall features tons of shopping and a free outdoor play area near the Saratoga District featuring a playful, horse‑track–themed structure where kids can run around between shopping stops.
Empire Outlets
55 Richmond Terr., Staten Island, NY
Nestled quietly on the outer banks of St. George, the Empire Outlets provide a family-friendly outdoor shopping experience. Just steps from the Staten Island Ferry, not only can families find their favorite kids’ brands at up to 60% off from Gap to Levi’s, but there are tons of things for the kids to do. If you’re little one is curious about the world, visit the mall’s in-house bee hives, or attend one of their many events, such as the Craft & Gift Show, or admire works of art as part of their Napoli Art series.
Brookfield Place
230 Vesey St., New York, NY
Brookfield Place offers the pinnacle of luxury shopping. From various household brands such as Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, it’s a shopper’s paradise for anyone looking to treat themselves. While the luxury designers are a selling point, the mall’s unique design features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson River, and it has a plethora of activities for children.
During the warmer days, families can soak up the sun in the many indoor and outdoor seating areas, or in the wintertime, lace up their ice skates and go gliding on the miniature rink hosted by the mall. Just steps from Battery Park, kids can enjoy a day of play on the ultimate playground or take an adventure to Governor’s Island via the ferry. Lastly, families can finish the day by grabbing a sweet treat from Sprinkles bakery or exploring the vast food menu of Le District food court.
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