By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The next time someone asks me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street, I’ll have an answer. It’s over in New Jersey at the American Dream entertainment center.
The big move for Sesame Street and its cast of characters is happening as American Dream and Sesame Workshop collaborate on a new ‘Sesame Street Learn & Play Educational Play Center’, a state-of-the-art facility featuring the iconic street, its landmarks, and its characters, set to debut later this year.
“Sesame Street has been a cherished brand for over 50 years, and we are beyond thrilled to introduce Sesame Street Learn & Play at American Dream,” said Bryan Gaus, Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Dream. “Generations of children have grown up with the iconic show, and now, kids and those young at heart can engage with Sesame Street firsthand at American Dream.”
Sesame Workshop is a non-profit organization that holds the rights to Sesame Workshop, and is dedicated to creating educational programs and opportunities for families and children. Jennifer Ahearn, Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships & Themed Entertainment for Sesame Workshop says this new facility marks a new phase of development for the franchise.
“From educational play centers to theme parks to live shows and more, Sesame Workshop has always been committed to creating engaging, joyful experiences for children, families, and fans,” said Ahearn. “That’s why we’re so pleased to team up with American Dream for Sesame Street Learn & Play.
“This is the first of several planned U.S. locations for Sesame Street Educational Play Centers, which will provide interactive, playful, and hands-on enriching experiences, featuring favorite faces and places from Sesame Street and encouraging children to thrive in their world.”
American Dream, developed by Triple Five Group, boasts a superb mix of world-class entertainment, retail and dining, comprising more than 3 million square feet just minutes away from New York City in East Rutherford, New Jersey. American Dream is home to leading attractions, including DreamWorks Water Park, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Big SNOW Ski Hill, Dream Wheel – a 300-foot observation wheel overlooking the NYC skyline, as well as attractions debuting soon, such as The Game Room Powered by Hasbro and Skip Barber Racing Go-Kart Academy.
American Dream also features an immersive luxury shopping and dining experience with many of the world’s top brands offering retail and restaurant options.
The 13,000 square-foot Educational Play Center will transport children to the enchanting world of Sesame Street, inviting them to outstretch their imaginations in a collection of immersive experiences that foster playful learning with their favorite furry friends. Children will learn about the rainforest as they step into Elmo’s World, role-play a shopping experience in Hooper’s Store, explore Abby Cadabby’s magical garden, laugh with Bert and Ernie, and much more.
At the Sesame Street Community Center, kids will enjoy hands-on arts & crafts, and at the Bike Shop, they’ll learn about cause and effect with cranks and gears. For even more fun, kids can head over to the Sesame Street Playground where they can climb, slide, and explore, discovering fun facts about nature along the way. There will also be a separate toddler play area for younger guests.
Sesame Street Learn & Play is designed to engage the whole family with entertaining photo ops in front of the iconic 123 Sesame Street building stoop, Oscar’s trash can, and and a number of other signature scenes from the show. Additionally, Big Bird will enchant guests with stories at his nest, and Abby and Elmo will make surprise visits to add to the excitement.
Party rooms will be available for booking events and the Sesame Street retail store will complement the memorable experience.
To learn more about Sesame Street Learn & Play Educational Play Center at American Dream, check out the American Dream web page at THIS LINK.