In honor of this year’s Shark Week, we rounded up some amazing places where you can tackle your fear of the “Ruler of the Seas.” From touch tank experiences at aquariums to decorating shark cookies, prepare for a wild time with the kids!
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Dr., Camden
856-365-3300
$29.99/adults, $21.99/kids
The aquarium’s touch-a-shark exhibit allows for hands-on interaction with some friendly sharks such as the White-Spotted Bamboo Shark. Brave kids can enjoy the Shark Realm exhibit, where they’ll come face-to-face with a shark. The highlight of this area is a 10-foot-long enclosed glass tunnel that goes through a giant tank that is home to more than 20 sharks.
Get a chance to experience Shark Bridge, the longest V-shaped rope suspension bridge in the world. This rope will be suspended 21 feet above the Shark Realm exhibit. Grab your best shark-themed apparel and brave the waters.
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Aquarium
300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach
732-892-0600
$14/adults, $8/kids
Every day offers jaw-dropping Shark Week fun. Head to the beach to enjoy boardwalk games and events. At the aquarium, you can enjoy scavenger hunts, games and face painting. Don’t forget to stop by the boardwalk sweet shop for discounted shark gummies.
Turtle Back Zoo Touch Tank
560 Northfield Ave., West Orange
973-731-5800
$15/adults, $12/kids
If you want to skip the drive down to South Jersey, stop by the Turtle Back Zoo and check out its interactive shark and stingray exhibit. Once kids wash their hands, they’re welcome to pet the creatures as they swim! For an additional two dollars on weekends only, you can even feed the stingrays.
Splurge Bakery
150 Main St., Millburn
973-379-074
If you’re afraid of these creatures and want to avoid them altogether, you and your crew can opt for dealing with them in the form of tasty treats instead. Attend classes as the kids can learn how to make shark-themed cookies, cake pops, cupcakes and even a 3-D shark cake. Now that’s something you’ll want to take a bite out of! Want to stay far away from the fierce creatures? Log onto ocearch.org to see a full world map of tagged sharks’ most recent movements around the globe.
