For New Jersey parents raising autistic kids, even “fun” can feel like work. Overstimulating crowds. Loud music. Unpredictable spaces. It’s a lot.

But here’s the good news: New Jersey has more and more places that get it—venues creating spaces where your child can be themselves, and you can breathe a little easier.

From quiet mornings at the aquarium to adaptive play sessions and inclusive museums, we pulled together a list of sensory-friendly activities and autism-friendly activities across NJ where your family is not just welcomed—you’re expected.

Many of these spots offer:
• Lower lights and sound
• Smaller crowds
• Trained staff who understand sensory needs
• Adaptive equipment and visual supports

We know how rare and powerful it is to feel like someone thought of your kid when they planned something. These places did. From interactive museums to thoughtfully designed playgrounds, here’s a roundup of sensory-friendly spots worth exploring.

🦁 Sensory-friendly zoos in or near New Jersey

Whether your child loves animals or simply enjoys the fresh air and open space, these zoos offer inclusive experiences:

🎢 Theme parks in New Jersey with sensory-friendly options

  • Storybook Land (Egg Harbor Township, NJ): Hosts a Special Abilities Night each fall just for families with special needs. This beloved story-themed park reduces noise, limits capacity, and offers sensory-friendly zones for a more comfortable experience.
  • Sesame Place (Langhorne, PA): Became the first theme park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center — families with guests with autism can now be assured of trained staff, ride accessibility, quiet rooms and low-sensory areas and access to noise-canceling headphones. Assistance is available for autism-friendly dining options and parade-viewing. Julia, the character with autism on “Sesame Street,” also will be at the park, greeting children!

🐠 Sensory-friendly aquarium in New Jersey

🧬 Educational & interactive New Jersey museums

  • Liberty Science Center (Jersey City, NJ): Offers sensory-friendly days with adjusted lighting and sound levels, as well as hands-on exhibits and break areas. They also offer a sensory map and social narrative to help families prepare for their trips.
  • Intrepid Museum (New York City, New York): Offers sensory friendly early morning (ages 3-18) and evenings (14+). Participants can experience the Museum in a sensory-friendly environment. They also offer downloadable social narratives, sensory guides, and visual vocabularies to help prepare for your trip.
  • Montclair Art Museum (Montclair, NJ): The Montclair Access Program includes Sensory Sunday Studio, designed for families with members on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities.
  • Whitney Museum of American Art (New York City, New York): Offers sensory-friendly programs including gallery tours and artmaking workshops on select Saturdays before the Museum opens to the general public, intended for kids ages 6+. They also have Verbal Description and Touch Tours for the blind or visual impaired.

🎭 Performing arts with inclusion in mind

Several theaters across the state now offer sensory-friendly performances, where lighting and sound are modified, and movement is welcomed.

Be sure to check their calendars for sensory-friendly or relaxed performances throughout the year.

🎬 Movies made for everyone

  • AMC Theatres offers Sensory-Friendly Films through a national program that adjusts lighting and sound. Children are free to move around and express themselves.

🧸 Build-a-Bear sensory-friendly events

  • Build-A-Bear Workshops hold dedicated Sensory-Friendly Events during quiet hours, ideal for children who might be overwhelmed during regular store hours. The events include dimmed lighting and little to no music.

🛝 Accessible playgrounds in New Jersey

Outdoor play is essential, and these New Jersey playgrounds offer inclusive design and autism-friendly features for kids of all abilities:

  • Central Park of Morris County (Parsippany, NJ): Offers sensory-friendly days with quiet spaces and sense-friendly activities.
  • Jake’s Place (Cherry Hill, NJ): Nationally recognized for universal accessibility.
  • Votee Park (Teaneck, NJ): Fully accessible playground with wide ramps and quiet spaces.

🛒 Sensory-inclusive options for everyday errands

Creating a welcoming world for kids with sensory processing differences means making thoughtful changes—and these destinations are leading the way. Whether you’re planning a day out or looking for a new favorite spot, New Jersey has inclusive places where your family can thrive.