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Where to Go and What to Do

Some, but not all, venues offer special discounts. Please read through each website carefully.

Please note that most venues will require proof of disability (i.e. a doctor's note) in order for you to qualify for discounts or accommodations.

For additional suggestions for social activities, please see the Resources for Individuals with Autism and Their Caregivers list.

 

Click here for a printable PDF version of this page.

 

Education/Recreation

(Planetariums)

Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium → Offers sensory-friendly astronomy and music shows that are appropriate for all ages. Lights remain on, sound is lowered, and doors remain open so that families may come and go.

  • Raritan Valley Community College, East Building, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876
  • 908-231-8805
  • planet@raritanval.edu

 

Recreation

(Accessibility Card)

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards → Offers an Accessibility Card that enables those with disabilities to obtain accommodations at certain attractions. Once registered, you can download an app through Apple's App Store or through Google Play. The Accessibility Card displayed in the app assists those with disabilities in requesting accommodations at certain attractions.

 

Recreation

(Aquarium)

Adventure Aquarium → Has partnered with KultureCity, which enables their staff to receive training in working with those who have sensory processing disorder. They offer the following items for use in the facility: sensory bags (fidget toys and noise-cancelling headphones), and a weighted lap pad.  Headphone zones are labeled, and a there is a quiet space for those who are experiencing sensory overload. KultureCity's All-Inclusive App provides a social story to prepare individuals for their visit.

  • 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ 08103
  • 844-474-3474

Recreation

(Arcade/Restaurant)

Chuck E. Cheese → On the first Sunday of each month, the venue opens two hours early to offer a quieter dining and entertainment experience.  It features dimmed lighting, sensory-friendly games, and a trained staff.

  • Brick Plaza, 56 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ 08723
  • 732-262-9200

 

Recreation

(Creative Play)

Build-A-Bear Workshop → The first open hour of every Tuesday is reserved for sensory-friendly workshops. Lights are dimmed and little to no music is played. An online information guide allows caregivers to plan their visits in advance.

  • Multiple Locations
  • 1-877-789-2327
  • Contact

Legoland Discovery Center → Contains various attractions for Lego lovers. Provides free tickets for caregivers (must be arranged in advance). Offers birthday party rooms as quiet spaces (when not in use).

  • American Dream Mall, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 
  • Contact

LifeTown → This facility encompasses numerous features: an aquatics center, a "shopping center" in which visitors can practice their skills, a playground, a sand room, musical stairs, an art center, a sensory wall, a cooking studio, Open to families on select Sundays and weekdays. Must register in advance.

  • 10 Microlab Road, Livingston, NJ 07039
  • 973-251-0200
  • Email

Sloomoo Institute → Sensory-Friendly Hours feature reduced lighting and sound, limited capacity, and noise-canceling headphones and nose plugs.

  • 475 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
  • Email

 

Recreation

(Gym)

We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym → Designed for children with sensory processing disorders (but open to all kids!), this gym includes suspended equipment with swings, crash pads, a trampoline, a zip line, a play structure, sensory-based toys, and a crafts area.

 

Recreation

(Movies)

AMC Movie Theaters → Offers family-friendly, sensory-friendly films on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, and sensory-friendly films for mature audiences on Wednesday evenings. Lights are dimmed, and the sound is lowered. Guests are free to move around and talk.

  • Various locations – 17 Route 1, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
  • AMC New Brunswick 18 – 732-846-2275  
  • The full list of participating theaters is available on the website.

Regal Cinemas → Called "My Way Matinee," these sensory-friendly showings are the first show of the day on select Saturdays of each month (call your theater for specific dates). Lights remain on and the volume is turned down. Guests are free to move around and talk.

  • Various locations – 733 Route 72 East, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
  • Regal Manahawkin – 844-462-7342
  • The full list of participating theaters is available on the website.

 

Recreation

(Museums)

New Jersey Hall of Fame → Hosts Sensory-Friendly Fridays on the first Friday of each month from 12 to 3. There is reduced lighting and sound effects, and decreased crowds.

  • American Dream Mall, 1 American Dream Way, Court G, Level 3, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
  • Email

New York Transit Museum → Has numerous programs for developmentally disabled individuals of all ages.

  • 99 Schermerhorn Street, Downtown Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • 718-694-600
  • Contact

Northlandz → According to its website, Northlandz is the "World's Largest Miniature Wonderland." See the largest miniature railroad, a doll museum, miniature landscapes, and more. An outdoor train ride is also offered. Discounted admission is offered to those with autism. Northlandz also provides inclusion halls for individuals with autism.

  • 495 Route 202, Flemington, NJ 08822
  • 908-782-4022

Please Touch Museum → During its "Play Without Boundaries" events, the museum is closed to the general public for two hours. Lighting and sound are lowered, quiet zones are available, and programming with educators trained in autism sensitivity is offered.

  • Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
  • 215-581-3181
  • Email

Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University → Certified by KultureCity to assist individuals with sensory needs. Offers sensory bags, a weighted lap pad, and an online social story to prepare for the visit.

  • 71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
  • 848-932-7237
  • Email

 

Recreation

(Music)

Music for Autism → Offers free concerts for individuals with ASD and their families. Performances are held at various venues or virtually.

  • 955 Clayton Street, #1, San Francisco, CA 94117
  • Contact

New Jersey Symphony → Offers relaxed performances, in which audience members can bring sensory toys and leave the concert hall as needed. A sensory guide and a relaxation room are also available.

  • Multiple locations
  • 973-624-37
  • Email

 

Recreation

(Parks, Playgrounds, Forests, Historic Sites)

 

Accessible Playground → Contains links to accessible and inclusive playgrounds throughout the United States – and the world!

  • U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192
  • 1-888-275-8747
  • usgsstore@usgs.gov

America the Beautiful: National Parks & Federal Lands → Contains more than 2,000 areas. Offers an Access Pass that provides free access to U.S. Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability. Many sites also offer a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees – such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.

  • U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA 20192
  • 1-888-275-8747
  • usgsstore@usgs.gov

Challenger Place at Dorbrook Recreation Area → A universally accessible playground, this area includes three play structures and a sensory area including light water mists, a spinning globe, and musical instruments.

  • Dorbrook Recreation Area, 353 Route 37, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
  • Visitor Center 732-542-1642
  • Activity Center 732-460-1167

 

Laurelwood Arboretum → Has a special Sensory Garden, which contains a variety of colors, scents, sounds, and textures. A wide path runs through the garden, and flower beds are raised.

  • 725 Pines Lake Drive West, Wayne, NJ 07470
  • 973-831-5675
  • Email

New Jersey State Park Service → Contains 43 Parks, Forests, and Recreation Areas; plus 57 Historic Sites. Offers Disability Passes that grant free access to state parks and discounted camping rates.

  • NJ State Park Service, P.O. Box 420, Trenton, NJ 08625
  • 1-800-843-6420

RWJ Barnabas Health Field of Dreams → Contains all-inclusive playgrounds, a baseball field, basketball and bocce courts, a walking complex, community gardens, a quiet corner, specifically-designed restrooms, and more. Must be a member to visit; membership is free (see website).

  • 1511 North Bay Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
  • Contact

Watchung Reservation Sensory Friendly Trail (located at the Trailside Nature & Science Center) → Free of charge, the trail is a .3 mile loop with a central gazebo. Features include talking kiosks, raised sensory garden beds, and musical instruments.

  • 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092
  • Contact

 

Recreation

(Performing Arts)

Mayo Performing Arts Center → Offers some sensory-friendly performances that feature lights-up, modified sound, and a quiet room.

  • 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
  • 973-539-8008

McCarter Theatre Center → Offers "Relaxed Performances" in which the lights are kept partially on, back doors to the theater are open, and audience members are able to walk around and talk. Other features include a "calm down space," a "quiet space," fidget toys and noise-cancelling headphones.

  • 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
  • 609-258-6500
  • Email

Paper Mill Playhouse → Has some performances that are "autism-friendly." Features include dimmed lights, lower volume, BYO snacks, drinks, and reinforcements, an onsight support team, a "chill out" zone, and more.

Roxey Ballet → Some performances are sensory-friendly.  Also offers storyboards, visits prior to the performance, and “meet-a-seat.”  Requests should be made two weeks in advance.

  • Performances are held at various locations. Administrative Office is located at – Six 7th Street, Frenchtown, NJ 08825
  • 609-397-7616
  • info@roxeyballet.org

State Theatre New Jersey → Provides some sensory-friendly performances that include reduced lighting and sound levels, tolerance of movement during the show, trained staff to assist caregivers, and a separate break area with fidget toys.  A video social story to prepare individuals for the performance is available on the website.

  • 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
  • 732-246-7469
  • info@stnj.org

Theatre Access NYC → Allows the user to find Broadway shows that are accessible for everyone, including autistic individuals.

  • Corporate Address: 729 7th Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10019
  • 212-912-9770
  • Contact

 

Two Rivers Theater → Has some sensory inclusive performances, which contain modifications to technical aspects of the shows.

  • 21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701
  • 732-345-1400
  • Email

Union County Performing Arts Center at Rahway → Sensory-friendly performances include lowered occupancy, an hour-long show, lights turned on, reduced sound, freedom to move around, a sensory break room, fidget toys to borrow during the performance, and professional autism specialists to provide assistance to caregivers. A social story to prepare individuals for the performance can be downloaded from the website.

  • 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
  • 732-499-8226

William Paterson University's Shea Center for the Performing Arts → Offers 2 - 3 sensory-friendly performances per season.

  • 300 Pompton Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
  • 973-720-2371

 

Recreation

(Skydiving, Theme Parks, Trampoline Parks, Water Parks)

Great Wolf Lodge → Partnered with IBCCES to ensure that staff are training in working with autistic individuals. Also offers an online sensory guide to attractions.

  • 1 Great Wolf Drive, Scotrun, PA 18355
  • 800-768-9653

iFLY  → Has an "All Abilities Night," which offers those with physical or developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in indoor skydiving.

  • iFLY Paramus – 211 East Route 4,Paramus, NJ 07652
  • 201-733-4359
  • The full list of participating locations is available on the website.

 

Knoebels Amusement Park → Enables visitors who have an IBCCES Accessibility Card to enter rides through the exit gate. The park also has a low-sensory room.

  • 391 Knoebels Boulevard, Route 487, Elysburg, PA 17824
  • 800-487-4386
  • Contact

Sahara Sam's (Water Park) → Website contains a sensory guide to every area of the park.

  • 535 Route 73, West Berlin, NJ 08091
  • 856-767-7580

Sesame Place → Designated as a Certified Autism Center, which involves special staff training. Contains an online Sensory Guide, Ride Accessibility Guides, a Quiet Room, Noise-Cancelling Headphones, and an Online  Autism Travel Guide.

  • 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA 19047
  • 215-702-3566

Six Flags Great Adventure → Designated as a Certified Autism Center, which involves special staff training.  Accessibility provided through the IBCCES Accessibility Card.

  • 1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527
  • Contact

Sky Zone → Sensory hours include a quieter, toned-down trampoline experience. Available at participating locations.

  • Lakewood Location – 1001 New Hampshire Ave, Suite A, Lakewood NJ 08701
  • Lakewood Location – 609-398-4759
  • The full list of participating locations is available on the website.

Storybook Land → This theme park for children offers Assisted Access Passes to visitors who have a hard time waiting on line for rides.  There are also designated quiet zones.

  • 6415 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
  • 609-646-0103
  • Contact

 

Recreation

(Sports)

Challenger Leagues → Provides opportunities for those with developmental disabilities to participate in sports year-round. Individuals are paired with neurotypical buddies, who guide them and encourage them as they play.  

MetLife Stadium → Has partnered with KultureCity to train and certify staff to assist those with I/DD. Sensory bags containing noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and weighted lap pads may be checked out at any Guest Service Booth or Concierge Desk.

  • One MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
  • Guest Services Department: 201-559-1515

Mountain Creek → Offers an Adaptive Sports Program in which individuals with disabilities can learn to ski, snowboard, and do other outdoor sports.

  • 200 Route 94, Vernon, NJ 07462
  • 973-827-2000
  • Email: lessons
  • Email: information

The Prudential Center (home of the New Jersey Devils – Venue also features concerts, comedy acts, and family-friendly shows) → Partnered with Kulture City to offer a sensory-friendly and inclusive environment. Sensory Bags may be obtained at Guest Services Centers at all events.

  • 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ 07102
  • 973-757-6000

Sports Illustrated Stadium (home of the New York Red Bulls – A Professional Soccer Team) → The Red Bull Arena has a Sensory Room, which features dim lights, light-colored walls, visual aids, and fidget toys. Guests can request access to the room from a Fan Services Representative.

 

Recreation

(Swimming)

Ocean County YMCA → Offers autism-friendly swimming from 12:30 - 2 on select Sundays. Also has adaptive swimming lessons. Must be a member of the YMCA.

  • 1088 W Whitty Road, Toms River, NJ 08755
  • Jaclyn Wyzykowski, Aquatics Director

 

Recreation

(Zoos)

The Bronx Zoo → Has partnered with KultureCity to improve the Zoo's ability to assist guests with sensory sensitivities. There are signs designating quiet zones and headphone zones.  Sensory bags containing noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys may be checked out.

  • 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460
  • 718-220-5100
  • Email

Dr. Suss Stables → A sensory-friendly farm experience that offers a petting zoo on Sundays.

  • 240 Grawtown Road, Jackson, NJ 08527
  • 732-823-9655
  • Email

Philadelphia Zoo → Certified Sensory-Friendly by KultureCity. Quiet zones and headphone zones are designated, and sensory bags are available to borrow throughout your visit.

  • 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
  • 215-243-1100
  • Contact

Turtle Back Zoo → Certified Sensory-Friendly by KultureCity. Offers sensory bags, has trained staff, and lists quiet areas and headphone areas on its website.

  • 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052
  • 973-731-5800
  • Email

 

Restaurants

Riv's Toms River Hub (Chase's Friend Zone) → “Chase’s Friend Zone” is a sensory-friendly dining area with trained staff. Tables must be reserved 24 hours in advance.

  • 1850 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753
  • 732-255-6183
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