Parisa Burton 
If your family is looking for fun, inclusive activities this spring, New Jersey has plenty of sensory-friendly events and experiences to explore. From movie screenings and theatre performances to petting zoos, these opportunities are designed to welcome children and adults with autism or other sensory sensitivities in a relaxed, accommodating environment. Read on for a roundup of upcoming and ongoing sensory-friendly activities across New Jersey.
Union County Performing Arts Center | 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
April 12th
The Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway has a sensory-friendly theatre series, featuring a special performance of Sleeping Beauty by New Jersey Ballet. This adapted production brings the classic fairytale of Princess Aurora to life in a setting designed specifically for children and adults with autism and other sensory sensitivities. The performance features adjusted lighting and sound, a relaxed and flexible environment, and additional on-site support to ensure a comfortable experience for all attendees. Doors open at 1PM and the show starts at 2PM.
Buy tickets here
Read More: Autism Acceptance Month: Resources for Parents
Mayo Performing Arts Center | 100 South Street, Morristown
April 14th
The Pout-Pout Fish (sensory friendly) musical takes place at MPAC on April 14th at 12:15PM. The show features whimsical puppets and live performers following Mr. Fish on a quest to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl, combining storytelling, songs, and ocean-themed adventure for PreK–2nd grade students. The sensory-friendly performance includes modulated sound and light levels and a relaxed environment for children with sensory sensitivities.
Get tickets here
Goldfish Swim School | 91 Ruckman Road, Closter
April 14th
ABA Centers of New Jersey is hosting a sensory-friendly swim event at Goldfish Swim School in Closter. It will be held on April 14th from 12PM to 1:15PM, welcoming kids ages 18 months to 17 years of all abilities. Families can enjoy one hour of supervised swimming in a safe, supportive environment followed by a pizza lunch. Parents or guardians must remain onsite, and children under 3 need a parent in the water. Admission is $10 per family.
Register here
State Theatre New Jersey | 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
April 18
Milk & Cookies: Mike Messer takes place at State Theatre New Jersey on April 18th, and will feature acoustic music, singing, and dancing for the whole family. Children can move around and jam to familiar tunes and original songs. Every child will receive a cookie and carton of milk after the show. The 12PM performance is sensory-friendly, fostering a welcoming space for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities.
Buy tickets here
Signature Fitness + Belleville PBA “Fit for Autism” | Belleville
April 18th
A community-driven fitness event supporting Ariana’s Angels, bringing together local residents, first responders, and leaders for a day of inclusion, fundraising, and impact.
More info here
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk | 300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach
April 25th
Guests are invited to experience a quieter morning at Adventure Aquarium during Sensory Saturday on April 25th. From 9AM to 10AM, the aquarium opens early for neurodivergent individuals, along with their families. The event features reduced noise levels, limited visual stimulation, and smaller crowds, creating a more comfortable and accessible environment. General admission applies.
More info here
Bierman Autism Centers | 65 Jackson Drive, Cranford
April 25th
Bierman Autism Centers is hosting a FREE sensory‑friendly petting zoo for its Cranford grand opening on Saturday, April 25th, from 10AM to 12PM. at 65 Jackson Drive, Suite 302. Designed for children with autism ages 2–9 (all families welcome), the event features a mini donkey, pig, bunnies, ducks, chickens, goats, farm-themed crafts, snacks, and tours of the new center, with a quiet comfort zone for breaks. Families should RSVP, as spots are limited.
Reserve here
See More: How to Support Autism Acceptance Month + Resources for Parents
Bierman Autism Centers | 500 North Franklin Boulevard., Suite 203, Ramsey
May 2nd
A free sensory-friendly petting zoo takes place at Bierman Autism Centers in Ramsey on Saturday, May 2nd, from 10AM to 12PM. Children can meet an alpaca, sheep, goats, bunnies, chickens, and more in a calm, outdoor setting designed for kids with autism, ages 2–9, though all families are welcome. Hands-on farm-themed crafts, snacks, and a quiet comfort zone allow children to explore and interact at their own pace.
Reserve here
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium | 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg
May 2nd
The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg offers public shows throughout the year, including sensory-friendly programs for families with children on the autism spectrum or with developmental disabilities. These 45–60-minute shows combine astronomy, music, and storytelling, with dimmed lighting and moderated audio, and allow audience members to leave and return freely. The sensory-friendly series, including The Sky Above on May 2nd at 5PM, is presented at a Kindergarten level, but suitable for children of all ages. Admission is $11 and reservations are recommended.
More info here
Union County Performing Arts Center | 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
May 3rd
The Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway will host a sensory-friendly performance of Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza on May 3. Led by bubble artist Jeff Boyer, the interactive show combines comedy, music, and hands-on bubble magic in an inclusive environment designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities. With adjusted lighting and sound and a relaxed atmosphere, the performance offers a fun, accessible experience for audiences of all ages. Doors open at 1PM and the show starts at 2PM and runs for one hour.
Buy tickets here
Mayo Performing Arts Center | 100 South Street, Morristown
May 31st
MPAC’s 12th Annual Spring Production, Frozen (sensory-friendly) takes place May 31st at 12PM, and will feature a cast of young performers in a stage adaptation of the Disney animated film. The musical includes all of the film’s songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written for the stage, and follows the story of sisterhood, acceptance, and discovering the true meaning of love. This sensory-friendly performance features adjusted sound and light levels and a calm environment for people with sensory sensitivities.
Get tickets here
Chuck E. Cheese | Multiple NJ locations
Multiple dates
Chuck E. Cheese hosts Sensory Sensitive Sundays at participating locations, including East Hanover, Wayne, and Cherry Hill. These sessions feature lower music and lighting, a calmer environment, and modified activities to make the experience more comfortable for children with sensory sensitivities.
See participating locations here
New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream | 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
First Fridays of every month
The New Jersey Hall of Fame hosts Sensory‑Friendly Fridays on the first Friday of every month from 12PM to 3PM. The experience includes reduced lighting in certain exhibits, neutral overall lighting, lower crowd levels, decreased sound effects, and minimal ambient noise for a calmer, more accessible visit. Be on the lookout for upcoming events.
See upcoming events here
Sky Zone | 2834 Route 73, North Maple Shade
Saturdays 8:30AM-10AM
Sky Zone in Maple Shade offers active play that can be adapted for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities during Sensory Hours, typically held on Saturday mornings from 8:30AM to 10AM for $5, featuring reduced music and a toned-down environment for a calmer experience.
Register here
