Jenkinson's Aquarium
Jenkinson's Aquarium
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Jenkinson's Aquarium opened in 1991 and is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This indoor facility is dedicated to educating the public on various aspects of marine life and conservation. From Atlantic Sharks to Coral Reef and Local Fish the Aquarium has a variety of marine individuals. There is a Rainforest area with parrots and monkeys and a Pine Barrens area with turtles, frogs and even an owl. Touch tanks, Harbor seals and African Penguins are also included. Check out our Penguin Web Cam on the Aquarium website. You can come and go all day once you pay, so enjoy our exhibits then go out to the beach, rides, mini golf and return later in the day to see some animal feedings. Open year round.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Features animals
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
277 reviews
Excellent
153
Very good
90
Average
28
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Day Trip Mama
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This was our second trip and the two experiences were complete opposite from one another. If you have the option, go during the off season, in the fall, winter, or spring. In the summer, it is packed!
The closest parking which is on the backside of the aquarium (and boardwalk) was $20 - cash only in the summer, or FREE when we went in January! We chose to park about two blocks down across the street and paid for 3 hours parking which was more than enough time, and cost under $10 for the meter.
Like I mentioned, there’s lots of people in the summer inside the aquarium as well as all around trying to get around on the boardwalk.
The aquarium isn’t very big and depending on how crowded it is, you could really see everything in an hour minimum.
There are two floors. The downstairs is stroller friendly (but can be hard to get around during a crowded time.) They have “stroller parking” at the bottom of the stairs, and no elevator. Most things to see are downstairs though, so if you can’t make it up, you’re not missing too much. Upstairs they have a few parrots, little monkeys, turtles, lizards, frogs, etc. and the “beach” area for the sea lions, but their water tank is seen from downstairs.
It’s always been clean and the staff we encountered is very friendly! It’s a nice trip for a rainy day, or to walk off lunch. It’s very conveniently placed with the entrance on the boardwalk facing the beach.
Going in the winter is awesome, there’s barely any people there!
The closest parking which is on the backside of the aquarium (and boardwalk) was $20 - cash only in the summer, or FREE when we went in January! We chose to park about two blocks down across the street and paid for 3 hours parking which was more than enough time, and cost under $10 for the meter.
Like I mentioned, there’s lots of people in the summer inside the aquarium as well as all around trying to get around on the boardwalk.
The aquarium isn’t very big and depending on how crowded it is, you could really see everything in an hour minimum.
There are two floors. The downstairs is stroller friendly (but can be hard to get around during a crowded time.) They have “stroller parking” at the bottom of the stairs, and no elevator. Most things to see are downstairs though, so if you can’t make it up, you’re not missing too much. Upstairs they have a few parrots, little monkeys, turtles, lizards, frogs, etc. and the “beach” area for the sea lions, but their water tank is seen from downstairs.
It’s always been clean and the staff we encountered is very friendly! It’s a nice trip for a rainy day, or to walk off lunch. It’s very conveniently placed with the entrance on the boardwalk facing the beach.
Going in the winter is awesome, there’s barely any people there!
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kathy J
20 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
A great little aquarium for younger children .
They have enough to keep toddlers and lower grade school children engaged . The big fish tank was a hit, with sharks and all sorts of larger fish . Lots of glass viewing areas allowed the children to get up close and see the gills and teeth of the fish! They loved it .
A small touch tank allowed them to see & feel starfish and horseshoe crabs . Penguins were also available to view and watch swim underwater as well as 2 seals . It's 2 floors and our little ones walked the entire time .
We went recently and arrived by 10:45 on a Wednesday & it was not crowded . I am sure in the Summer it's crowded!
Some arcades were open close by and there is an ice cream & candy shop a few steps away .
We parked in the lot right outside the aquarium , which was free . We did pack a lunch and just sat in the car to eat . I wasn't sure what restaurants were open close by and if the kids would like it
The aquarium allows you to leave and re enter with a stamp on your hand . That is convenient . All of the staff was helpful and willing the answer questions . They do have bathrooms & they were clean, but no seat liners ( so bring your own ) . We did have to stop by in the aquarium, once we left , to use it . Nearby shops did not have a restroom so keep that in mind with toddlers .
Overall a great experience with our grand children . It was a very easy outing and between the aquarium and arcade we were there several hours . They loved it !
They have enough to keep toddlers and lower grade school children engaged . The big fish tank was a hit, with sharks and all sorts of larger fish . Lots of glass viewing areas allowed the children to get up close and see the gills and teeth of the fish! They loved it .
A small touch tank allowed them to see & feel starfish and horseshoe crabs . Penguins were also available to view and watch swim underwater as well as 2 seals . It's 2 floors and our little ones walked the entire time .
We went recently and arrived by 10:45 on a Wednesday & it was not crowded . I am sure in the Summer it's crowded!
Some arcades were open close by and there is an ice cream & candy shop a few steps away .
We parked in the lot right outside the aquarium , which was free . We did pack a lunch and just sat in the car to eat . I wasn't sure what restaurants were open close by and if the kids would like it
The aquarium allows you to leave and re enter with a stamp on your hand . That is convenient . All of the staff was helpful and willing the answer questions . They do have bathrooms & they were clean, but no seat liners ( so bring your own ) . We did have to stop by in the aquarium, once we left , to use it . Nearby shops did not have a restroom so keep that in mind with toddlers .
Overall a great experience with our grand children . It was a very easy outing and between the aquarium and arcade we were there several hours . They loved it !
Written November 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mattchand
Sussex, Canada150 contributions
Aug 2021
It had been years since our family had been to an aquarium, and the Jenkinson's Aquarium was accessible and affordable. We had a wonderful time, took some great pictures. A highlight was watching the penguins, and discussing them with the very knowledgeable scientist on staff who is one of those looking after them. A great day.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mdub239
Estero, FL59 contributions
Jul 2022
We have been here twice in the last few years. The staff is great, well-educated about the exhibits and really friendly. This is a great option for small kids or kids with short attention spans, as the aquarium is not that large. So you are in and out within an hour.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Miranda
16 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
The aquarium was the perfect size! Tou dont have to spend all day in there, but your time isnt wasted either! The staff were friendly, informative, and helpful. It was well decorated and just fun to walk around. The tanks and enclosures were well taken care of and the animals looks healthy and happy. Just overall a great place to visit! Glad I went!
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joey S
Barnegat, NJ2 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
The animals here are cooped up in cages that are entirely too small. I’m not completely against zoos and aquariums but they have a 15-20 foot snake in a 2’x4’ box that has one small branch for it to climb on, it’s coiled up every time you go there because it has no room to stretch out at all. They have 4 or more very large parrots in a very narrow cage that’s only about 3’x10’, these parrots can’t fly and can barely even open their wings if they wanted to stretch. They also have two seals in a exhibit with maybe 75-100 square feet of surface area for them to go on and then a pool the size of a hot tub,granted the pool is deep but they’re only able to swim in tight small circles. The way they keep some of their animals is completely inhumane and I’m not sure how it’s allowed. The parrots are visibly distraught and they just sit on their swings not able to do anything because of the confined space.
Written March 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonnie C
Pittsfield, MA15 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
This aquarium is not huge, but pretty complete, none-the-less. They even have a few non-aquatic animals. They have a touch pool, large shark and seal tanks, saltwater and freshwater tanks, views from above as well as through the glass. It's housed in a fairly hurricane-proof concrete building and tended by about a dozen full-time staff who seem to both know their stuff an really care. A really fun place to visit. The views from above require climbing a flight of stairs.
Written September 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pat McCabe
85 contributions
Aug 2020
Jenkinson's Aquarium is a must stop when on the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk
Many varieties of fish, turtles , penguins, seals and sharks
Very kid friendly and Covid -19 responsible
Reasonably priced
Many varieties of fish, turtles , penguins, seals and sharks
Very kid friendly and Covid -19 responsible
Reasonably priced
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your visit, we really appreciate your support!
Written August 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
catharinenyc
New York City, NY76 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
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.
Written July 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ashley
2 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
Went here for a family day even though I’m against aquariums and zoos. I should have listened to my gut because this place is awful. The spaces they have the animals in are so small. They had a giant anaconda in a 4x3 (at the biggest) tank. They had I don’t even know how many beautiful parrots in a small, small area. Smaller than your average bedroom. They looked so depressed. Even the sharks looked sad. They had a tank with shark, eel, and a few other fish and the fish were so big they just swam in circles the whole time. The seal tank was just as depressing as the rest of this place. Two seals circling around a small enclosure, just like the fish. There was probably 20 penguins in a small, small enclosure also. I wouldn’t recommend and I hope this place is closed and those animals can go to a rescue that will take real care of them.
Written March 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Do you have a elevator for upstairs
Ken D
Little Falls, NJ122 contributions
I believe there is a HC lift for wheelchair access to the second level. It is suggested to call ahead to confirm operation.
Se requiere aser cita o solo puede uno llegar a cualquier día y hora
Cindy C
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Hi, no appointment is necessary.
How much does it cost?
JayfromNJ
Point Pleasant, NJ23 contributions
$15 for adults, and $8 for kids over 2.
Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible? Do they have an elevator for the upstairs?
Cindy C
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Hi, we have a handicap lift that can take you to the second floor. It's fine for your normal sized wheelchair but is a square area so if your legs need to stick straight out you may not fit. Also, we have seen some "Cadillac" style wheelchairs that don't fit because they are so large. There is a short boardwalk inside on the first floor that requires 2 steps up/down. There are a few exhibits along that you wouldn't be able to access in a wheelchair. We do keep staff on the floors to assist you any way you need. In addition, wheelchair guests are free to enter the Aquarium.
dacranjel
West Park, NY27 contributions
on average how long does it take to see the place?
27cp66
Hartsdale, NY5 contributions
It depends on each individual.
We stayed to see the feedings of the penguins and seals.So just for that it was about an hour, and between each of that, we walked around and looked at the rest of the aquarium.
i would say you could spend up to 2 hours there, if you time each activity correctly.
Jenkinson's Aquarium (Point Pleasant Beach) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Jenkinson's Aquarium
- Jenkinson's Aquarium is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Jenkinson's Aquarium:
- (0.08 mi) FAMILIES- 1/2 block to beach,fun,restaur,fireworks- Wks Avail 8/1, 8/15 , 8/29
- (0.07 mi) Charming Cottage - Steps to Point Pleasant Beach!
- (0.08 mi) Homey Cottage w/ Yard: Walk to Beach & Boardwalk!
- (0.11 mi) 1 BLOCK to the Beach/ JENKS Boardwalk, 2 BATHROOMS/SHOWERS! 4 BEACH BADGES
- (0.11 mi) PT. PLEASANT BEACH OCEAN FRONT PERFECTLY LOCATED ON THE BOARDWALK
- Restaurants near Jenkinson's Aquarium:
- (0.00 mi) Jenks
- (0.00 mi) Boardwalk Bar & Grill
- (0.03 mi) Perks Cafe
- (0.07 mi) Kohr's Frozen Custard
- (0.06 mi) Martell's Tiki Bar