With summer well underway, several New Jersey malls have put out reminders for policies requiring minors to be accompanied by a supervising adult during specific hours. The rules come after a tumultuous 2025 that brought several instances of teenagers erupting in chaos at local malls after planned meetups went viral on TikTok.
The days of getting dropped off at the mall and wandering for hours with your friends are over. Now, malls are cracking down on anyone under 18 without supervision. Here’s where the policies currently stand:
Cherry Hill Mall
Cherry Hill Mall’s Parental Supervision Policy, which took effect April 5, 2025, requires visitors under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian age 21 or older on Saturdays starting at 4 p.m. The policy covers the entire mall property including parking lots, garages, and corridors—stores with exterior entrances are exempt from the policy. One parent may escort all of their own children, while other guardians may accompany up to four youths, at least one of whom must be their own child.
Proof of age may be required. Acceptable ID includes any photo ID from a state agency, school, or employer that shows a date of birth. Minors working in the mall are exempt but must go directly to their place of employment and leave at the end of their shift. Those who violate the rules can be charged with trespassing.
More here.
American Dream Mall – East Rutherford
American Dream’s Parental Escort Policy requires visitors under 16 to be accompanied by an adult 21 or older from 4 p.m. until close. One adult may supervise up to 10 youths. During escort hours, anyone 21 or younger should be prepared to show a valid photo ID, including a U.S. driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, military ID, or several other accepted forms. High school and college IDs are not accepted, even alongside a permit application.
Find out more here.
Deptford Mall
Deptford Mall requires visitors under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult age 23 or older starting at 5 p.m. Friday through all operating hours for the remainder of the weekend (Saturday and Sunday). One parent may escort all of their own children, other supervising adults may accompany up to four youths. The policy applies to the mall’s common area—anchor stores, restaurants, and retailers with exterior entrances oversee their own policies.
Proof of age may be required. Accepted IDs include a state-issued driver’s license or ID, military ID, school ID, or passport. Those without valid identification will not be granted entry. The mall also reserves the right to limit access for unaccompanied groups larger than four people at any time.
More detailed information here.
Westfield Garden State Plaza – Paramus
Garden State Plaza requires visitors 17 and under to be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult age 21 or older on Fridays and Saturdays after 5 p.m. One adult may supervise up to four youths. Minors already in the mall before 5 p.m. must leave or be joined by a qualifying adult by that time.
Security is stationed at all entrances to check IDs—accepted forms include a state-issued driver’s license or ID, military ID, school ID, or passport. Waiting zones for minors awaiting pickup are at Entrance 1 by AMC, Entrance 10 on the west side, and Entrance 15 by the Food Court. The policy covers the entire property and is in effect indefinitely. GSP is closed on Sundays due to Bergen County’s blue laws.
Find out more here.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.