NJ Mommy Blog

We recently took a wonderful day trip to Jenkinsons Aquarium & Boardwalk in Point Pleasant, NJ. For me, it’s not really summer until we’ve taken a trip to the Jersey Shore and strolled the boardwalk people-watching and eating a Kohr’s Custard cone. As a kid, I came to Point Pleasant frequently, loving the boardwalk games, rides, mini golf, and smell of cotton candy in the air. Bringing G here was nostalgic for me, and I loved seeing her excitement. Visiting Jenkinsons Aquarium was a first for all three of us, and I was eager to see G’s reaction as well as what the small aquarium had to offer.

When we entered the aquarium, we walked into the main room, a large room surrounded on both sides by tanks. G ran from tank to tank pressing her face to the glass and pointing, shouting her newest words, “WHOA! WHOA! WOW!” The last time we went to an aquarium she was about 9 months old, so now at 16 months, there was so much more she could appreciate. She could hardly contain her excitement as the large fish and sharks swam by.

Jenkinsons Aquarium is just the right size for toddlers and pre-school age children.  It has two easy to navigate levels with educational and interesting child-friendly exhibits. The bottom floor flows in a circle with large tanks on the outside and inside of the ring and a large ship in the center. You can bring in a stroller, but if you don’t have to I would suggest leaving it parked in the designated area inside the aquarium. Some of the areas can be a tight squeeze depending on how crowded it is.

Upstairs there’s a large touch tank, open-water fish tank, and exhibits of land animals such as birds, frogs, turtles, and monkeys. You can also see down into some of the larger tanks from above and watch the sea lions come up to lounge in the heat.

I think this picture says it all. G was thrilled seeing all of the aquatic animals and wildlife. I was really impressed with the aquarium as well.  It was interesting and perfect for young children and even big kids like me and John. We easily spent an hour going from exhibit to exhibit and then revisiting G’s favorites.

Once we were finished with the excitement of the aquarium, we strolled down the boardwalk to the rides. We purchased tickets for a few rides that were right for G’s age and height: the train, the flying Dumbo, and the carousel.  She had never been on rides before and I wasn’t sure how she would react.  Although she had a bit of a nervous giggle, it was a success. John and I laughed as she kept saying, “One more, one more,” our little dare devil at her best. Plus, I didn’t mind. I got to be a kid again, although I remember the carousel horses being just a tad bit bigger!

Our Jersey Shore adventure did not disappoint, and I hope it is the first of many more trips.  I can’t wait to introduce G to Skee Ball!