North America's Largest Indoor Water Park Offers Family-Friendly Fun Near New York City

DreamWorks Water Park in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is one of the underrated tourist attractions you might want to add to your New York City itinerary, especially if you're traveling with children. The largest indoor water park and wave pool in North America, DreamWorks is only 12 miles from New York City, easily reachable from the city and the surrounding area via both driving and public transportation.

Inside the enormous arena of the park, the air is maintained at a balmy temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, wrapping visitors in tropical delight. The world's largest assortment of slides and other water park features (more than 40 in all) splay out in all directions, beckoning water lovers of all ages. Little guests can romp around in Gabby's Dollhouse's Kitty Splash Garden, bob down the lazy river, and hug their favorite DreamWorks characters at meet and greets. At the other extreme, 14-story-tall trapdoor body slides known as Thrillagascar & Jungle Jammer intimidate even the most die-hard adrenaline junkies. To complement the dazzling array of water attractions, guests can rent daybeds, cabanas, or luxurious skybox suites to gain access to private relaxation areas and additional creature comforts.

Starting rates for individual day passes range from $69 to $89, which isn't low-end. But unlike Gaylord Opryland's SoundWaves and other exclusive indoor water parks, admission to DreamWorks doesn't require an expensive resort stay. Prices are lower on non-peak days, and it's also possible to purchase a Sunset Pass for $59, allowing use of the park for the final three hours of operation on certain days. In these ways, DreamWorks ends up being one of America's more budget-friendly water parks. Yet another DreamWorks perk is that it's only one attraction in the 3-million-square-foot American Dream entertainment complex, which also includes the Nickelodeon Universe theme park and Big Snow, the only year-round indoor ski and snowboard resort in North America with real snow.

Nickelodeon Universe is the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere, with more than 30 rides and additional opportunities to meet Nickelodeon characters, like SpongeBob, Dora, and the Ninja Turtles. Rides include several surprisingly long and steep roller coasters. The TMNT Shellraiser boasts seven different inversions along with spectacular views of the New York City skyline from its peak height of 141 feet, followed by the steepest roller coaster drop in the world. 

Also tucked inside the American Dream complex is Big Snow, which may not compare to the top ski resort in the world (Switzerland's Arosa Lenzerheide), but it's pretty impressive for an indoor snow park. It boasts 150,000 square feet of terrain for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, and four different lifts, including a four-person elevated chairlift, similar to that on an outdoor ski hill. The park also offers equipment rentals, private lessons, coaching camps, and even a racing league, where novice athletes can compete against their friends to win gift cards and other prizes. 

As all the parks are in the American Dream complex — within walking distance of each another — the most ambitious thrill seekers could technically hit all the parks on the same day. Purchasing a Dream Pass, for example, would allow same-day access to both the water and theme parks for 20% less than buying two separate tickets. After spending the morning and afternoon riding slides and coasters, guests could then technically purchase a 2-hour access ticket for an evening ski session at Big Snow, which stays open until 9 p.m. on weekends. Once a month, Big Snow also hosts Park After Dark from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. At these lively snow parties, guests can zoom down the slopes to DJ music and enjoy food, drinks, and special giveaways.