Tony's Place is a universally accessible, seaside-themed playground within Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, designed for children of all abilities. Cushioned rubber flooring and age-separated play zones make it welcoming and safe for younger and older kids alike. Its oceanfront location pairs play with sea breezes and beach views. (221 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740) 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: Summer Fun at Tony's Place, free permitted access for children with special needs and their families during the summer season. 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
The playground is outdoors with open sky, ocean sounds, and crowd noise that grows on summer beach days. Soft rubber surfacing provides comfortable, even footing. Mornings and the off-season are calmest, and the summer special-needs access program offers dedicated quieter time.
A few things your child may enjoy:
- Universally accessible seaside-themed playground
- Separate areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12
- Soft rubber safety flooring and oceanfront setting
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 Tony's Place at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park 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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