Where to Go and What to Do
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Jersey Symphony → Offers an "Autism Community Program," in which specifically trained musicians provide sensory-friendly concerts.
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.
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.
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).
Mayo Performing Arts Center → Offers some sensory-friendly performances that feature lights-up, modified sound, and a quiet room.
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 → Offers some adaptive performances that include lower sound and light levels, elimination of startling special effects, shorter performances, freedom to move around, allowed use of electronics for therapeutic uses, volunteers to assist caregivers, quiet areas, fidget toys and earplugs, story boards, visits before or after public hours, meet-a-seat program. Must call or email in advance to schedule these options: info@roxeyballet.org, 609-397-7616.
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.
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.
William Paterson University's Shea Center for the Performing Arts → Offers 2 - 3 sensory-friendly performances per season.
Big Kahuna's (formerly Sahara Sam's) (Water Park) → During Special Needs Events, modifications are made to the park (including reduced occupancy). A Quiet Room is also available.
iFLY → Has an "All Abilities Night," which offers those with physical or developmental disabilities the opportunity to participate in indoor skydiving.
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.
Six Flags Great Adventure → Designated as a Certified Autism Center, which involves special staff training. Accessibility provided through the IBCCES Accessibility Card.
Sky Zone → Sensory hours include a quieter, toned-down trampoline experience. Available at participating locations.
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.
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.
Red Bull Arena (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.
New Hope Railroad → Offers a 10% discount for individuals with disabilities for rides in coach on the traditional excursion. If booking your excursion online, call the Customer Care Call Center at 215-862-2332 to ensure that your discount is applied.
Ocean Organics Juice Bar & Café → Certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity. Staff are trained to recognize sensory overloads, and they have “sensory bags” containing tools such as stress balls.
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.
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