Malls Limiting Access To Teens In NJ: See Where Yours Can't Go Alone

For decades, going to the mall has been a favorite activity among teenagers.

In the wake of large fights and incidents of violence involving large groups of teens, some malls are now limiting that access, requiring them to be accompanied by their parents.

At Woodbridge Center Mall in May 2025, more than 500 teens showed up to a pop-up party, running around the mall, screaming and destroying furniture, and forcing the end to a carnival in the mall parking lot.

At Menlo Park Mall in Edison, more than 300 teenagers took part in a large fight, also in May 2025, which ended in arrests for some of the participants. Edison officials demanded increased security and other actions to prevent future issues.

There have been more violent situations as well. At Willowbrook Mall, a shot was fired in the food court after a fight broke out, resulting in a full mall evacuation in 2025, and in March 2026, a teenager shot another teen in the face at Ocean County Mall in Toms River, sending him to the hospital with serious injuries.

The requirement for chaperones has faced pushback from teens who see the mall as a place to meet up and socialize with friends. Having a parent chaperone strips away the fun and independence of going to malls, and many would prefer not to go at all.

However, mall officials believe that these rules will improve safety following the recent disturbances.

Here are the chaperone rules for New Jersey's malls, with the times and restricted ages. Not every mall has requirements, and they are noted.

American Dream Mall: Children under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult after 4 p.m. on all days of the week.

Bridgewater Commons Mall: Temporary chaperone rules are implemented if needed.

Brunswick Square Mall: No chaperone needed.

Cherry Hill Mall: Minors under 18 must be with an adult on all days of the week after 4 p.m.

Cumberland Mall: Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult after 3 p.m. on every day of the week.

Deptford Mall: Minors under 18 must be supervised by an adult at least 23 years of age after 5 p.m. on Friday, and all day on Saturday and Sunday.

Freehold Raceway Mall: No chaperone needed.

Hamilton Mall: No chaperone needed.

Harbor Square: No chaperone needed.

Hudson Mall: No chaperone needed.

MarketFair Mall: No chaperone needed.

Menlo Park Mall: No chaperone needed.

Monmouth Mall: No chaperone needed.

Moorestown Mall: No chaperone needed.

Newport Centre Mall: No chaperone needed.

Ocean County Mall: No chaperone needed.

Paramus Park: No chaperone needed.

Quaker Bridge Mall: No chaperone needed.

Rockaway Townsquare: No chaperone needed.

The Malls at Short Hills: No chaperone needed.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens: No chaperone needed.

The Shops at Riverside: No chaperone needed.

Voorhees Town Center: No chaperone needed.

Westfield Garden State Plaza: Minors under 18 must be supervised by an adult on Fridays and Saturdays after 5 p.m.

Willowbrook Mall: Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult on Saturdays after 3 p.m.

Woodbridge Center: Minors under 18 must be with an adult at least 21 years of age at all times.

If visitors do not show valid identification proving they meet the age requirement, they will be denied entry.