By Melanie Bodner onAquarium, Business Spotlight, Guide, Things To Do
If you ask my kids their favorite place to go at the shore, they’ll tell you it’s Jenkinson’s Aquarium on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk. As soon as they spot the giant penguin waving to us from the boards, they know it’s their cue to see the sea life inside, and we can’t resist their pleas. In the summer, it’s the perfect afternoon sun break attraction, and in the winter, it’s a great way to visit the beach while escaping the cold. But beyond the fun, this top aquarium in New Jersey has marine exhibits designed to emphasize the importance of wildlife conservation and features Atlantic sharks, Pacific sharks, coral reefs, penguins, and seals. There’s plenty to see at this two-story aquarium to keep your little ones busy all afternoon. And before you leave the shore, don’t forget to stop at one of the best beach playgrounds in New Jersey. (featured photo taken at Jenkinson’s Aquarium)
The 58,000-gallon shark tank at Jenkinson’s Aquarium greets you as you enter the aquarium. Photo taken at Jenkinson’s Aquarium.
See shark-sized surprises at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
As soon as we enter Jenkinson’s Aquarium, we are greeted by colorful fish swimming through the coral reefs, also known as the rainforest of the sea. At the Pacific Ocean kelp forest habitat, my kids always stop to watch the turtles swim around and rest on the rocks in their pond. But a must-do is the shark tank spanning two levels—start downstairs underwater, and go upstairs to see the top of the 58,000-gallon tank on the Shark Balcony. The tank is filled with nurse sharks, sand sharks, spotted wobbegongs, and even a sand tiger shark. Fun Fact: The sharks are fed three times weekly to keep them full and the other fish safe. If you are lucky, you might be able to catch their feeding time.
Kids won’t be able to resist the adopt-a-penguin program at Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Photo Credit: @jenkinsonsaquarium
Waddle with the penguins
The African penguins are always a big hit with our family. We love to watch these beautiful creatures waddle and swim, and it’s always a good day when we get to see them eat their lunch. If you look closely, the penguins are tagged with various beads so the staff can tell them apart. The penguins also have names like Betty, Captain Jack, Checkers, and Dassen. And kids won’t be able to resist the adopt-a-penguin program—you will receive a plush animal, an adoption certificate, a photo, two aquarium passes, and a discount for an encounter to meet your adoptee. You can also adopt seals, sharks, sloths, and turtles too.
Don’t miss Luseal, the blind seal— she has lived at Jenkinson’s Aquarium since 1991. Photo Credit: @jenkinsonsaquarium
Dive with the seals
My kids are always excited to see the seals, especially since Jenkinson’s offers superb viewing spaces underwater and at the top of their pool and platform (located on the second floor). Keep an eye on Luseal, the blind seal play in the seal tank. Luseal (aka Lucy) is a local celebrity who has lived at Jenkinson’s Aquarium since 1991. It’s unclear what happened, but she was either attacked by a shark or hit by a boat when she was a pup. Even though Lucy is blind, her other senses have helped her navigate her surroundings. If you are there at the right time, you might even see Lucy perform some tricks during her feeding.
Take a journey through the Rainforest at Jenks Aquarium
At the colorful Rainforest, we love watching the adorable monkeys and talkative parrots at play. It’s hard to tear away and move on because the monkeys are so unpredictable. One minute they are napping, and suddenly, they are at the window, ready to play. We also were fascinated by the parrots since they are fun to talk to and imitated our sounds. On the way out of the exhibit, you can make a donation to the rainforest meter—100% of the meter’s proceeds support the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, which helps with conservation efforts.
My kids thought Wally, the two-toed sloth, was the coolest part of the aquarium. Photo Credit: @jenkinsonsaquarium
Interact with Wally, the two-toed sloth
Wally is a 10-pound laid-back, two-toed sloth with star appeal at the Aquarium—often appearing on Instagram with his silly demeanor. He can sleep upside down and up to 18 hours a day and loves to eat squash before falling asleep again. My kids thought he was the coolest part of the aquarium when we saw him. You can see him when you sign up to participate in The Scoop on Sloths program or reserve a Sloth Encounter.
Explore the Pine Barrens
Since we live at the shore, my kids have grown up being curious about the environment around us, and the NJ Pine Barren ecosystem is a fun exhibit to learn about the unique ecosystem down the parkway. There’s lots of information, but we also love seeing the terrapins unique to the Pine Barrens area. It’s good to know that Jenkinson’s has partnered with the American Littoral Society to raise oysters and MATES to help baby diamondback terrapins gain strength to return to the bay later.
Strolling the Point Pleasant boardwalk is one of our favorite things to do in New Jersey any season.
Stroll the boardwalk
Once you step outside the aquarium, you will land in the gift shop full of animal books, beach clothing, sea life toys, stuffed animals, coastal decor, and more. Head outdoors on the mile-long Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk that runs from the Manasquan Inlet (a great spot to watch the boats go in and out) to New Jersey Avenue, where you can test your skills at the boardwalk games or arcade or take a ride on the train at Jenkinson’s Amusement Park. Guzzle a large soda, find the perfect candy apple at the Sweet Shop or enjoy boardwalk fries as you stroll down the coastline. Challenge your family members to a game of mini-golf or take a swing in the batting cages. Or, if you packed your beach gear, enjoy the rest of the afternoon watching the waves as your littles dig in the sand.
You can’t miss the waving penguin at Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Photo taken at Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Here’s what to know about Jenkinson’s Aquarium before you go
You can purchase tickets at Guest Services, and most likely, there will be a line when they open at 10 AM, so get there early if you want to go right away. Admission is $16 for adults, children (3-11) are $10, children 2 and under are free, and seniors 65+ are $11. The aquarium is open every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are unique experiences like Animal Encounters, Adopt-An-Animal, and a Private Behind The Scenes Tour, along with events like Magical Mermaids, Penguin Pointers, and Junior Keepers throughout the year. The first floor is easy to access with a stroller, but you have to park your stroller on the first floor to explore the second level.
For more information, visit Jenkinson’s Aquarium on their website,Facebook, and Instagram.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
300 Ocean Avenue
Point Pleasant Beach
(732) 899-1212
Have you brought your kids to Jenkinson’s Aquarium?
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FAQs
Is Jenkinson's aquarium worth it? ›
Jenkinson's Aquarium is a great value for what they have to offer! It is small but they have so many species to see and seem to truly care about the animals in their care and the conservation of wildlife.
How long does it take to go through Jenkinson's aquarium? ›It takes about 1 1/2-2 hours to explore the aquarium, depending on your interest level and ages of little ones in your party. Jenkinson's is smaller than Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ. If you want to learn about sea lions, watch a feeding, explore touch tank animals, you will spend 2 hours visiting. Have fun!
What is the name of the boardwalk in Point Pleasant? ›Jenkinson's Boardwalk offers a wide range of fun and exciting activities for the whole family! Whether you're visiting for the day, the weekend or the entire summer… you'll never run out of things to do. Visit our aquarium, arcades and Sweet Shop all year long! FIND OUT MORE!
Does Jenkinsons aquarium have sharks? ›The shark tank is the largest in the aquarium and holds about 58,000 gallons of water and a variety of fish that can be found off our coast. We have sandbar sharks, nurse sharks, spotted wobbegongs, and a sand tiger shark.
Can you swim at Point Pleasant? ›This beach is also found along the shores of the Manasquan River. There is a swimming area, playground, restrooms and a fishing pier.
Is Point Pleasant wealthy? ›Median household income in Point Pleasant, NJ is $99,030. In 2020, the place with the highest median household income in Point Pleasant, NJ was Census Tract 7113 with a value of $105,982, followed by Census Tract 7111 and Census Tract 7112, with respective values of $98,472 and $96,797.
How much is parking at Jenkinson's boardwalk? ›There are several parking lots on the main road parallel to the beach charging from $5 to $20 depending on weekday or weekend. The town lot is all metered and you pay at a central machine by cash or credit card. Rate is $2.25 per hour daytime and up in the evening. Beach charge around $8 .
How big is Jenkinson's boardwalk? ›Jenkinson's Boardwalk is just what you'd expect from the Jersey Shore. The 1-mile stretch is short and easily walkable. The middle to north end of the boardwalk is where you'll find all the action, and it's jam-packed with souvenir shops, arcades, and games of chance lining the way.
How long is the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach? ›The borough's boardwalk is approximately one mile long, spanning the coastline from the Manasquan Inlet at the north to New Jersey Avenue in the south.
Who owns the Point Pleasant Boardwalk? ›Maria (Storino) and Ken Taylor, both '84 are owners and managers of Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach.
Why is it called the boardwalk? ›
The walkway of wooden planks was created so that visitors could walk along the beach without getting sand on their feet. And the boardwalk supposedly took its name not from the wooden boards but from the structure's designer, Alex Boardman.
Can you walk the Point Pleasant Boardwalk? ›A Stroll Down the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk
People have been walking the boardwalk at Point Pleasant Beach for over 100 years. The first boardwalk here was put in place in 1890. It was promptly washed out to sea 1892.
For family-friendly beachside fun, it's hard to beat Point Pleasant Beach. The expansive beach is kept crystal clean, and the Boardwalk is great for kids (of any age) with dozens of rides along with games of chance, some of the most competitive miniature golf at the beach and Jenkinson's Aquarium.
Can you drink on the beach in Point Pleasant? ›9. No alcololic beverages or illegal substances on the beach at any time. No animals permitted at any time.
What aquarium has a shark bridge? ›About Shark Bridge
Shark Bridge crosses over Newport Aquarium's Shark Tank Overlook, one of the country's largest open air tank displays, allowing guests two unique ways to view the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit.
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ Beach Information. Point Pleasant Beach has both public access and private beaches. The southern end of town is comprised of a public access beach. There is a small fee to get on the beach and lifeguards are present form 9-5 each day.
How cold is the water in Point Pleasant? ›Today's Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant Beach) sea temperature is 54 °F.
What ocean is Point Pleasant Beach? ›A family seashore town, Point Pleasant Beach lives up to its name with a mile long boardwalk bordering the Atlantic Ocean that is home to Jenkinson's Boardwalk Amusements, a fun house, a Victorian Ice Cream Parlor, four arcades, gift shops and games of chance.
What is the most expensive beach in NJ? ›Sea Girt. Located in southern Monmouth County, Sea Girt tops the list of rich beach towns in New Jersey. This small community of about 2,000 boasts beautiful seaside estates at a median sales price of $2.4 million.
What is the richest place in PA? ›The number one affluent community in the Commonwealth is Fox Chapel, an affluent suburb in Allegheny County, outside Pittsburgh. Lancaster County's Lititz is the No. 8 spot.
What is the richest town in New Jersey? ›
"Short Hills is the richest town in New Jersey and one of the country's wealthiest, with a median household income of $250,000. This places it in the top 1 percent of all cities in the United States when it comes to income, and many allege it's far wealthier than its $250,000 price tag."
Can you walk dogs on Point Pleasant boardwalk? ›Please note that dogs are not permitted on the boardwalk at any time. Sea Girt Beach offers picturesque views of the Atlantic and the historic lighthouse. This beautiful beach in Sea Girt, NJ allows leashed dogs on the beach from October-March. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the boardwalk at any time.
How much is the fee for Point Pleasant Beach? ›Check the status and crowds on the following Point Pleasant Beach webcams. Daily-Weekdays- $4 (ages 5-11) $13 (age 12-adult). Weekends – $5 (ages 5-11) $14 (ages 12-adult). Children under 5 are free.
Is parking free in Point Pleasant NJ? ›Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk,
The municipal parking lot is metered and a quarter buys you 20 minutes. There are also a few private pay lots that charge from $4.00 to $12.00 depending on the crowds and the time of year.
Atlantic City NJ Boardwalk
Most people go to AC to gamble, but the 168-year-old Atlantic City boardwalk is the oldest and longest in America, and you should see it at least once.
Atlantic City sits at the top of the (alphabetized) list, for what Trending Travel says is due to it being one of the most popular along the East Coast, as well as America's first and longest boardwalk. Stretching four miles along the shore, the AC boardwalk dates back to 1870.
How old is Jenkinson's boardwalk? ›In 1928, Jenkinson's Pavilion opened for business, totally transforming the sleepy Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk.
What is Point Pleasant NJ known for? ›A popular Jersey Shore destination for family oriented entertainment, Point Pleasant Beach is also a go to destination for young adults enjoying late night dance clubs. Parking is available at the metered municipal parking lot on Ocean Avenue. For a higher fee, there are also a private pay lots.
How long is the longest boardwalk? ›Atlantic City, New Jersey
It sports the longest boardwalk in the world, at 5.5 miles, and also the oldest, first offering visitors the chance to stroll the sand-free walkway in 1870.
Point Pleasant Beach is home to the beach, the Boardwalk and an old fashioned downtown that dates back to the 19th Century, while Point Pleasant Boro is more of a bedroom community with sizable neighborhoods and a strong fishing industry.
Who owns Jenkins boardwalk? ›
“Jenkinson's has been on the boardwalk for nearly 100 years and draws people from all over the state of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York,” says Pasquale “PJ” Storino, whose family has owned and operated the East Coast attraction since the '70s.
Who is the owner of Jenkinson's boardwalk? ›Frank Storino - Owner - Jenkinson's Pavilion | LinkedIn.
Who owns the boardwalk NJ? ›| Owner | Casino Reinvestment Development Authority |
| Operator | Spectra |
| Capacity | 10,500 |
| Opened | 1929 |
| Tenants | |
|---|---|
Atlantic City Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
Perhaps America's most famous boardwalk, the Atlantic City Boardwalk earned its place in pop culture thanks to the HBO hit Boardwalk Empire. Though its turn-of-the-century glory has faded, the nation's first boardwalk now stretches more than 4 miles along the coastline.
1. Venice Beach Boardwalk | Venice Beach, CA. The two-mile Venice Beach Boardwalk, also known as Ocean Front Walk, is flanked by the beach on one side and restaurants and storefronts on the other side.
What is the purpose of a boardwalk? ›A boardwalk (alternatively board walk, boarded path, or promenade) is an elevated footpath, walkway, or causeway built with wooden planks that enables pedestrians to cross wet, fragile, or marshy land. They are also in effect a low type of bridge.
How long of a walk is Point Pleasant park? ›Park visitors can enjoy:
39km of easy, criss-crossing trails.
One of the more unique aspects of Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant is their boardwalk aquarium. Right next to the Ferris wheel and roller coasters is a full-sized aquarium!
What time is Point Pleasant fireworks? ›Point Pleasant Beach Fireworks Show
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Cape May's Diamond Beach is the cleanest beach in New Jersey, though Sea Girt and President's Beach are close contenders. This is due in part to controlled entry.
What is the most cleanest beach? ›
- Papakolea Beach, Hawaii. ...
- Egremni Beach, Greece. ...
- Cayo Levantado Island, Dominican Republic. ...
- Radhanagar Beach, India. ...
- El Nido, the Philippines. ...
- Matira Beach, Bora Bora. ...
- Fraser Island Beach, Australia. ...
- Maldives.
Smoking is prohibited in, on, or under all of the public areas covered by the within section. 3-39.4 No change.
Does Point Pleasant have bathrooms? ›And good news for the daytrippers that want to stay all day and night—there are two bathhouses to rinse off, use the restroom, and change, including the Pavilion Bathhouse (available on weekdays and weekends) and the Jenkinson's South Bath House.
How much is a ticket for drinking on the beach in NJ? ›Penalties and Fines
A violation of NJ's open container law is considered a traffic violation. A conviction means a fine of $200, but no points. Subsequent offenses can cost as much as $250 and result in up to 10 days of community service. Since the offense is not a crime, it will not result in a criminal record.
Rosie the Shark is a preserved great white shark located at Crystal World Exhibition Centre in Devon Meadows, Australia.
Which aquarium has the underwater tunnel? ›The New Jersey Aquarium Tunnel | SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Which Aquarium is better mystic or new england? ›Agree that the Boston aquarium is much better - save the time at Mystic for the Seaport. Mystic Seaport is the thing to do if you are only in town for a few hours. It's great for kids (and adults). Love the aquarium too but they are all alike when you get right down to it.
Is the Baltimore or Camden Aquarium better? ›The aquarium in Baltimore is stunning. The giant shark tank has a rectangular core with a ramp that visitors walk down as the sharks and rays swim around it. However, the Camden Aquarium is much better for touching sea life. Check for special exhibits at each.
Why is Monterey Aquarium so good? ›Frolicking sea otters, fast-swimming sharks, pulsating jellies and waddling penguins — our world-class exhibits and breathtaking scenery instill a love of the ocean in our visitors. With over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals, the Aquarium is a window to the wonders of the ocean.
Is there a sloth at Jenkinson's Aquarium? ›Sloth Encounter
Join us for a one of a kind experience! Meet Wally, our two-toed sloth, while learning all about him from the keepers who know him best! During this 30 minute experience, you'll be able to see Wally (from a safe 6ft distance of course) and see how our keepers are able to work with him on a daily basis.
What are 3 facts about Mystic Aquarium? ›
It is one of only two U.S. facilities holding Steller sea lions, and it has the only beluga whales in New England. Special exhibits include a ray and shark touch pool, an African penguin exhibit, a jelly gallery, and the "Jurassic Giants" dinosaur exhibit (closed in 2022 for renovations).
What is the best aquarium in the world? ›- Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California.
- Curaçao Sea Aquarium Park, Curaçao.
- Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium, Nagasaki, Japan.
- S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore.
- Atlantic Sea-Park, Alesund, Norway.
- Waikiki Aquarium, Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Sydney Sea Life Aquarium, Sydney, Australia.
- L'Oceanografic, Valencia, Spain.
What is the #1 aquarium in the USA? The title for the #1 aquarium in the USA goes to Georgia Aquarium. This massive attraction houses over 120,000 animals across more than 10 million gallons of water. Visitors can see whale sharks, manta rays, beluga whales and much more in their natural habitats.
What is the Baltimore Aquarium famous for? ›With a mission to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the nation's top three aquariums and as Maryland's largest paid tourist attraction, featuring thousands of fishes, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals living in award-winning habitats.
What is the biggest aquarium in the US? ›Georgia Aquarium | Atlanta, GA
Not only a top aquarium in the USA, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is also the largest in the country at an astounding 10 million gallons.
The largest aquarium in the world is China's Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, as confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records. It boasts enclosures filled with almost 13 million gallons of water.
Is Monterey Bay Aquarium better in the morning or afternoon? ›Most visitors make their way over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium during the morning hours, so you will find fewer people between 2pm and 6pm. You will also find fewer visitors on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Why is Monterey water so blue? ›Coale said it's thanks to a microscopic plant known in the science world as coccolitophores. They're tiny organisms, only five microns in diameter.
Who owns Jenkinson's aquarium? ›Frank Storino - Owner - Jenkinson's Pavilion | LinkedIn.
How much does Jenkinson's aquarium pay? ›The average hourly pay rate of Jenkinson's Boardwalk is $193 in the United States.
When did Jenkinson's aquarium open? ›
A timeline of events at Jenkinson's Aquarium
Construction began in the winter of 1991 and the facility was opened to the public in June of that same year.