Billed as the largest animal rescue in the Northeast, Funny Farm is home to more than 500 rescued animals that live out their lives in comfort, many roaming freely among visitors. Admission and parking are free, making it an easy, low-pressure outing for families. (6908 Railroad Blvd, Mays Landing, NJ 08330) With a little planning, a visit can be a calm, joyful day for an autistic child. Here is a sensory-friendly guide from our BCBA-led team — what to expect, the quietest times to go, and how to prepare.
The best time to visit
Ask the venue about quieter days or low-sensory hours, and aim for early on Sunday or Tuesday mornings near the 8am opening when crowds are thinnest. Confirm hours on the official site before you go.
What to expect
This is an outdoor farm with animal sounds, varied ground textures and the smells you would expect around livestock. It is only open Sundays and Tuesdays from 8am to 4pm and can get busy midday, so arrive early for a calmer, less crowded visit.
A few things your child may enjoy:
- Over 500 rescued animals, most roaming free
- Free admission and free parking
- Up-close interaction with cows, goats, pigs and more
How to prepare your child
- Preview it. Look at photos or a map together beforehand so the visit feels predictable (a simple “social story”).
- Use “first–then.” “First we look around, then we get a snack.”
- Pack comfort items — noise-canceling headphones, a favorite fidget, water, and a familiar snack.
- Plan a quiet exit — pick a calm spot for a break if your child gets overwhelmed.
How ABA therapy makes outings like this easier
Community trips are exactly where ABA skills pay off. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) can help your child practice the very skills a visit to Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary demands — waiting, transitioning between activities, asking for a break, staying close in crowds, and tolerating new sights and sounds. At Autumn ABA, our community-based and natural-environment sessions build these skills in the real settings where they matter. Many Atlantic County families work on exactly these goals so days out become something to look forward to. Learn more about our in-home, school, community, and telehealth ABA programs.
In-home ABA therapy in Atlantic County — no waitlist
BCBA-led, in-network care (NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid & commercial). We'll verify your coverage for free.
Schedule a free consultation ABA in Atlantic County →