Sesame Street really is the longest street in the world – it starts in New York and goes to Langhorn, PA, Orlando, FL, and San Diego, CA. But soon, New Jersey will get its own Sesame Street, and as a life-long Jersey resident, I say it’s about dang time.
The recently-rejuvenated American Dream Mall, located in East Rutherford, has tons of shops and indoor attractions based on existing intellectual properties, such as Nickelodeon and DreamWorks. But, it’s just been announced that a Sesame-themed area will be opening later this year. The “Sesame Street Learn & Play Educational Center” is described thusly:
The 13,000-square-foot educational play center will take kids into the enchanting world of Sesame Street, where they can put their imaginations to the test. Immersive experiences will help foster playful learning with the furry characters. Children will learn about the rainforest as they step into Elmo’s World. They will role-play a shopping experience in Hooper’s Store, explore Abby Cadabby’s magical garden, and laugh with Bert and Ernie.
At the Sesame Street Community Center, kids will enjoy hands-on arts and crafts, and at the bike shop, they’ll learn about cause and effect with cranks and gears. In the Sesame Street playground, they can climb, slide, explore, and discover fun facts about nature.
Take photos in front of the iconic 123 Sesame Street building stoop, Oscar’s trash can, and more. Big Bird will delight guests with stories at his nest, and Abby and Elmo will make surprise visits.
Even though I live only a half hour from the mall, I have not been there since it reopened in 2019. Now, it looks like I have no choice, parking garage fees be damned. We’ll bring you more on this development as it unfolds.
Click here to visit an indoor street on the Tough Pigs Discord!
By Shane Keating
