Jenkinson's Aquarium: A Family Guide (Point Pleasant Beach, NJ)
Jenkinson's Aquarium sits right on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk, a compact, kid-friendly aquarium that pairs perfectly with a shore day and gives families an easy indoor option when the beach gets to be too much.
Overview
The aquarium is small and manageable, which is part of its charm with young children, and it is packed with sea life to see up close. Because it is on the boardwalk and next to the beach, it slots neatly into a Point Pleasant day, offering an air-conditioned break from the sand and sun that still feels like part of the shore experience.
Why Kids Love It (and What They Learn)
Nature and Environmental Learning: Seeing sea creatures up close helps children understand ocean life and connects to the beach right outside.
Curiosity and Wonder: A right-sized aquarium lets young children linger, look closely, and ask questions without getting overwhelmed.
Happy Day Play’s Tips and Tricks
Use the aquarium as the midday cool-down in a longer boardwalk and beach day.
It is small, so it works well even for short attention spans, and it is a strong rainy-day backup for the shore.
Check for feeding times, which are a highlight for kids.
Know Before You Go
General Admission: Adults 12+ $19; Seniors $15; Children 3-11 $13; 2 & under free
Add-Ons: Boardwalk parking lots; separately ticketed animal encounters/Junior Keeper
Stroller Friendly: The lower level is stroller-friendly, but a flight of stairs with no elevator requires leaving strollers in designated stroller parking at the bottom.
Nursing Rooms: None
Family Restrooms: None, regular restrooms only
Food: None at the aquarium, but many boardwalk eateries adjacent
Sensory Inclusion: Yes - Sensory Saturday events open one hour early (9-10am), reduced noise/crowds, free sensory bags, lap pads, quiet space
Getting There and Parking
Take NJ Transit to Point Pleasant Beach, or drive and use the paid lots near the boardwalk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jenkinson's Aquarium good for toddlers? Yes. Its small, walkable size and up-close tanks make it especially easy and engaging for toddlers.
How much does it cost? Admission is mid-range; check current pricing before you go.
Is it indoor or outdoor? It is indoors, which makes it a reliable rainy-day and cool-down option on the boardwalk.
Is there parking? Yes, there are paid lots near the boardwalk, and NJ Transit serves Point Pleasant Beach.
How long should we plan to stay? About one to one and a half hours on its own.
Contact Info
jenkinsons.com/aquarium | (732) 899-1212 | @jenkinsonsaquarium | 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
