Tucked at the north end of the Point Pleasant boardwalk, Jenkinson's is an intimate aquarium where children can get close to penguins, seals, and gentle touch-tank creatures. Its compact, walkable layout means a family can see everything without a long or overwhelming trek. The aquarium runs dedicated Sensory Saturday sessions before public hours specifically for guests with autism and sensory needs. (300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742) 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
Sensory-friendly tip: Sensory Saturdays, early-entry before public opening with decreased noise, limited visual stimulation and smaller crowds (check the aquarium calendar for dates). These quieter, lower-stimulation times can make a big difference. Programs change — confirm details on the venue's official site before you go.
What to expect
Indoor exhibit halls are dimly lit to suit the animals, with bubbling tank sounds and occasional crowd noise during busy summer weekends. The touch tanks involve wet, textured sea life that some children love and others may want to skip. Arrive at opening or during a sensory session for the calmest experience.
A few things your child may enjoy:
- Penguin and seal exhibits
- Touch tanks with rays and horseshoe crabs
- Shark and reef tanks
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 Jenkinson's Aquarium 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 Monmouth 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.
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