Autism Friendly NJ Events & Activities
Feature Fun For Everyone

For families of children on the autistic spectrum or other children with sensory processing disorders, a “normal” (because really – does “normal” even exist?!) family outing to a museum or amusement park can end up being a nightmare. For these special children, the loud noises, bright lights, and other stimulating aspects of these experiences are just too much for them. Fortunately, many people are becoming increasingly aware of the special needs of kids with autism and there are lots of amazing places in New Jersey to take autistic children to. From sensory friendly theaters in NJ, to Special Abilities Nights at New Jersey amusement parks and water parks , to groups that offer surfing lessons for autistic children  and much more, there are lots of fun things to do in New Jersey for autistic children and their families. Read on for 25 autism friendly NJ events and activities…

We’ll continue to update this list of autism friendly NJ events and activities, so be sure to subscribe to our email list (it’s free!) to get updates from Things To Do in New Jersey!

This post may contain affiliate links.

25 Amazing Autism Friendly NJ Events and Activities

1. Adventure Aquarium

1 Riverside Drive in Camden NJ

The Adventure Aquarium offers Family Inclusive Special Hours (or F.I.S.H) events several times a year. Family Inclusive Special Hours are designed so that individuals on the autistic spectrum, as well as other members of the special needs community, can visit Adventure Aquarium in a relaxed setting. On these special evenings, sound and lighting accommodations are made to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.  The next F.I.S.H. events are scheduled for August 4 2018 and October 20 2018. – www.adventureaquarium.com

2. Air Trampoline

111 Route 35 in Aberdeen NJ

Air Trampoline Sports gives children with special needs the opportunity to jump in a safe, welcoming environment. We encourage their whole family to join them! Special needs Hour takes place on the first Sunday of the month at 10am. Special needs birthday parties are also available. – www.airtrampolinesports.com

3. AMC Theatres

Various locations in New Jersey

AMC Theatres has partnered with the Autism Society to offer sensory-friendly films on the second and fourth Saturday and for mature audiences on Tuesday nights. During these unique movie showings, the lights are turned up, the sound is turned down, and it’s ok to get up dance, walk, shout or sing! Participating locations include Brick, Cherry Hill, Clifton, Elizabeth, Freehold, Hamilton, Mountainside, New Brunswick, Rockaway, Wayne and West Orange. www.amctheatres.com

4. Bounce U

Various locations in New Jersey

Bounce U in Cherry Hill, Eatontown, and Paramus offer special Sensory Bounce sessions. Registration is required and schedule varies based on location. – www.bounceu.com

5. Chuck E. Cheese

Various locations in New Jersey

Chuck E. Cheese offers  a free sensory-friendly experience on the first Sunday of every month, with a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a fun-filled visit. Some of the benefits of our Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Sensitive Sundays include:

• Less crowding and a quieter restaurant environment
• Dimmed lighting
• The show and music turned down or off entirely
• Limited appearances by Chuck E.
• Ability to order off of our full menu
• Access to play all games and rides
• All ages and siblings welcome
• No admission fee

Participating New Jersey Chuck E. Cheese locations include Brick, Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, Deptford, East Hanover, Edison, Jersey City, Mays Landing, Paramus, Union, Wayne and West Windsor.
www.chuckecheese.com

6. Count Basie Center for the Arts

 99 Monmouth Street in Red Bank NJ

The latest lineup of autistic-friendly performances includes the following shows, all at 4 p.m.: “Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site: The Musical” on April 12, the New Orleans Mardi Gras-style jazz band Jazzy Ash & The Leaping Lizards on April 23, and the Enchantment Theatre Company’s production of  “My Father’s Dragon” on May 3. – www.thebasie.org

7. Diggerland USA

100 Pinedge Drive in West Berlin NJ

Special Abilities Nights at Diggerland USA, or SAND, events provide fun, judgment-free evenings for children with autism and other special needs to enjoy with their family and friends. SAND nights are designed to provide a comfortable, low-key environment that allows everyone at the event to have fun while socializing and networking with other families. These special evenings feature modified programming that is unavailable on a general operating days.
www.diggerlandusa.com

8. Garden State Discovery Museum

2040 Springdale Rd #100 in Cherry Hill NJ

The Garden State Discovery Museum invites families with children on the autism spectrum to come and socialize in a safe, interactive environment at their special Open Arms Family Nights, which take place four times a year. The next Open Arms Family Nights are scheduled for August 12 2108 and November 11 2018. www.discoverymuseum.com

9. Heart of Surfing

The Heart of Surfing is not a place, but rather a community that gives families with autism the opportunity to surf, laugh and enjoy a day at the beach. In addition to free surfing events for kids with autism, the group also offers activities and classes in yoga, fitness training, martial arts, roller skating, ice skating, basketball, and numerous arts and creativity events. The group also participates in the larger community through activities such as beach clean-ups and toy collections for CASA for Children. – www.heartofsurfing.org

10. Liberty Science Center

222 Jersey City Boulevard in Jersey City NJ

Liberty Science Center offers Special Needs Days twice a year. Liberty Science Center Special Needs Days offer an entire day of science learning especially tailored to special needs classes and was developed by an advisory team of special education teachers, healthcare professionals, museum staffers, and parents of special needs children. Each Special Needs Day includes live science presentations, activities, and theater shows. Preregistration is required. The next Special Needs Days are December 4 2018 and April 9 2019. – www.lsc,org

11. Mayo Performing Arts Center

1000 South Street in Morristown NJ

The Mayo Performing Arts Center (www. mayoarts.org) offers a socialization program called the Miracle Project that helps  kids and young adults with autism and other special needs to build communication and social skills, community, and greater self-esteem through music, acting, dance and storytelling.

In addition to the Miracle project, the Mayo Performing Arts Center also offers sensory-friendly shows, including these for 2018 & 2019:

• August 13 2018 at 10:30am: Enjoy a free, sensory-friendly screening of “Sing!”

• March 3 2019 at 4:30pm: Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could – Brady Rymer performs rockin’ music for kids and families. This will be a relaxed performance with lights up, modified sound, a quiet room, and the ability to get out of your seat so children with special needs may share in this family experience. Tickets: $12 – $15.

• April 15 2019: Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories – Enjoy a relaxed, sensory-friendly musical revue of beloved contemporary children’s books! This performance will have the lights up, modified sound, a quiet room, and the ability to get out of your seat so children with special needs may share in this family experience. Tickets: $12 – $15.

12. McCarter Theatre

91 University Place in Princeton NJ

McCarter Theatre offers relaxed, sensory-friendly performances for for individuals with autism, learning differences, or other sensory and communication needs so that they and their families may enjoy live performances together. These relaxed performances are open to all who are ready to embrace this fully-inclusive, judgement-free experience. Relaxed Performances are a “shush-free” zone where performers, audience members, and staff expect a certain level of noise and movement in the audience. Upcoming relaxed performances for the 2018-19 season include A Christmas Carol (12/28/18) and Laurie Berkner (3/2/18). – www.mccarter.org

13. Paper Mill Playhouse

22 Brookside Drive in Millburn NJ

The Paper Mill Playhouse offers autism-friendly programming. Performances for the 2018-19 season have not yet been announced. www.papermill.org

14. POAC Autism Services

1989 Route 88 in Brick NJ

Parents Of Autistic Children Autism Services is a group that organizes many free NJ events for families of children with autism, including bowling outings, music classes, pool parties, carnivals, and more. The website has a detailed list of upcoming events in NJ for autistic children. – www.poac.net

15. Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium

 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg NJ

The Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) Planetarium in Branchburg offers sensory-friendly astronomy and music shows designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities. The sensory-friendly shows provide a welcoming, comfortable, judgment-free space featuring open doors, dimmed lights (instead of dark), and audio that will be lowered and kept at a consistent level. – www.raritanval.edu

16. Raritan Valley Community College Theatre

118 Lamington Road in Branchburg NJ

The Raritan Valley Community College Theatre offers sensory-friendly performances that are designed especially for children with autism or related conditions who experience heightened sensory sensitivity, providing a safe and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families. Upcoming relaxed performances for the 2018-19 season include The Rainbow Fish (10/21/18), Emily Brown and The Thing (2/9/19), The Bright Siders (2/22/19), Shadow Play (3/3/19), and Illusionist Kevin Spencer (4/12/19). – www.rvccarts.org

17. Roxey Ballet

The Roxey Ballet is offers relaxed, sensory-friendly performances for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensitivity issues or special needs. These performances feature lower sound levels, elimination of potentially startling special effects and lighting, and house lights on at about 50%. Additional accomodations include relaxed house rules, allowed use of iPads and other electronics, volunteers available for assistance (if needed), quiet areas and activity areas in the lobby, and certified staff, ushers, and volunteers from a wide variety of autism service agencies, schools, and organizations. Upcoming Roxey Ballet sensory-friendly performances include The Nutcracker (12/1/18) and Cinderella (5/4/19).  Performances are held at The College of New Jersey’s Kendall Main Stage Theater in Ewing  NJ. – www.roxeyballet.org

18. Sahara Sam’s Oasis

535 Route 73 in West Berlin NJ

Twice a year, Sahara Sam’s Oasis hosts fun, judgment-free evenings for individuals with special needs to enjoy with their family and friends. Special Evenings at Sam’s, or S.E.A.S., are offered at a reduced rate and are designed with the unique challenges of special needs individuals in mind.  The next S.E.A.S night at this indoor water park will take place on November 16 2018. – www.saharasams.com

19. Sky Zone

Various locations in New Jersey

SkyZone locations in New Jersey offer sensory-sensitive hours that vary by location. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toned-down jumping experience for those with special needs. – www.skyzone.com

20. State Theatre New Jersey

 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick NJ

The State Theatre New Jersey offers autism-friendly relaxed performances for families as well as school groups. See the State Theatre website for more information. – www.stnj.org

21. Storybook Land

6415 Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township NJ

Special Abilities Night provides a chance for individuals with special needs to explore and enjoy Storybook Land at their own pace. Special Abilities Night will include a sensory-friendly Storybook Land, with reduced lights and noise, and limited ticketing to avoid overcrowding and long wait times. Children will receive extra close attention from Storybook Land’s friendly and educated staff.  This year’s Special Abilities Night at Storybook Land takes place on September 21 2018. – www.storybookland.com

22. Two River Theater Company

21 Bridge Avenue in Red Bank NJ

Two River Theater Company offers theater classes for students with autism as well as relaxed, autism-friendly performances. www.tworivertheater.org

23. Union County Performing Arts Center

1601 Irving Street in Rahway NJ

The Union County Performing Arts Center offers sensory-friendly music, theater and dance performances that are specially adapted for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities. www.ucpac.org

24. Union County Programming for Special Needs Persons

Union County offers recreational programs for children and adults with autism and other special needs throughout the year. See the county website for current special needs programs in Union County.

25. We Rock The Spectrum

Locations in Audubon and Mount Laurel NJ

We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gyms was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. This unique kids’ gym offers an inclusive environment where children of all ability levels can play together, learn from each other, and motivate each other towards success on every level. The gym features uniquely designed sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders.  www.werockthespectrumkidsgym.com




Other great places in New Jersey to take children with autism and sensory issues include zoos, farms, nature centers, state parks, and public gardens.

Can you suggest other NJ events and activities
for kids with autism and other sensory issues?
Share them in the comments below!

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2018