Sesame Street Learn & Play Reopens With Three New Areas at American Dream

Sesame Street Learn & Play reopened at American Dream mall after closing for a month. Three new zones were added. The 13,000-square-foot space now features Cookie Monster's Cookie Factory, Grover's Junior Firefighter School, and Oscar's Rotten Fun Fest.

Cookie Monster's Cookie Factory is a ball pit. Kids help "make cookies" by tossing ingredient balls into play mixing machines. At Grover's Junior Firefighter School, children take part in "hands-on firefighter training," tackling obstacle courses, working hoses, and driving firetrucks. Oscar's Rotten Fun Fest teaches recycling through "grouchy games."

The facility has a playground where children climb, slide, ride, and move around freely. A "laundromat" lets them sort different-colored fabrics into play laundry machines.

The additions sit alongside existing experiences — exploring the rainforest in Elmo's World, role-playing a shopping experience at Hooper's Store, and sharing laughs with Bert and Ernie. Photo opportunities are available in front of the 123 stoop and Big Bird's nest.

The concept made its U.S. debut in November 2024 at the East Rutherford megamall, a collaboration between the venue and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind the show.

"We're delivering double the fun and even more meaningful moments for families to learn and play together," said Jennifer Ahearn, Sesame Workshop Senior Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships & Themed Entertainment, according to NJBiz. "From helping Cookie Monster 'make cookies' in the Cookie Factory to training alongside Grover at Junior Firefighter School, these new hands-on experiences are designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and joyful learning."

Adam Petrick, Chief Marketing Officer at the mall, said the attraction shows how the venue turns "something special into something truly exceptional." He called the reimagined play center "a must-visit destination, giving families a fun, immersive, and educational experience filled with lasting memories."

Field trips and birthday parties can book the space.