Monday, Feb. 18: Family Day At NJ State Theatre In New Brunswick

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Looking for something to do with the kids on President's Day, Feb. 18? Bring them to the annual State Theatre Family Day, which hosts a round-up of performances, dance and play workshops and crafting events for kids, many of them free.

The State Theatre of New Jersey presents the 13th annual State Theatre Family Day on Monday, February 18, 2019.

Families can spend the school-day holiday enjoying performances, workshops, and hands-on activities — many of them free — plus costumed characters, face painting, balloon animals, games, a photo booth, coloring station, food and more. The day-long festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., spreads across the state and other local venues, bringing downtown New Brunswick alive with nonstop activity.

“Family Day is one of our biggest events of the year,” said Lian Farrer, vice president of education at State Theatre New Jersey. “The State Theatre becomes a busy hub of performances and activities where kids and their families can share all kinds of creative experiences together. And with so many free events, it’s a full day of fun that’s easily affordable for families large and small. We’re proud to offer this truly special event to our community.”

The day will feature Jack Hanna’s "Into the Wild Live" at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. Tickets range from $10-$29.

In the show, Hanna, "America’s favorite zookeeper," shares stories and video footage of his worldwide adventures — from brushing a hippo’s teeth to eating with wombats — and introduces the audience to an array of wild animals — live and “in person”!

Additionally, there will be free performances in the studio space on the second floor of the State Theatre, including performances by musical group Bandits on the Run (10:30 a.m., 12 p.m.) and one-man band Hopalong Andrew (1:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m.).

A variety of hands-on workshops take place throughout the day, including “Hand-in-Hand” for ages 3-4 (11am), a Beginning Ballet workshop for ages 6-8 (12pm), and a Jazz/Theater Dance workshop for ages 9 and up (1pm), led by American Repertory Ballet; three theater workshops led by coLAB Arts including “Fables in Performance” for ages 3-5 (10:30am),“Animal Adventures” for ages 3-5 (11:30am), and “Intro to Improv and Theater Games” for ages 9 and up (2pm); and“Yoga Mad Libs” (12:30pm), “Kids Zumba” for ages 7-11 (1:30pm), and “Zumbini” for ages 0-4 (2:30 p.m.), led by the Garden of Healing Yoga and Wellness Center. No advance registration is required for the workshops; space is limited, and admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, FREE arts and crafts activities will be available from 10am-3:30pm at The Heldrich Hotel, and FREE ice sculpting demonstrations will be featured in front of the State Theatre at 11:15am and 1:45pm.

State Theatre New Jersey’s Family Day is supported by The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. The Lead Sponsor for State Theatre New Jersey’s Family Series is Investor’s Bank. The Family Day Media Sponsor is Magic 98.3.

“We are excited to support programs that bring families and the community together, said Jonathan R. Pearson, Executive Director of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. “Family Day promises to offer performances and activities that enrich the lives of children and adults alike, so we encourage everyone to consider a trip to the State Theatre on Presidents Day.”

For tickets, more information, or group discounts, call State Theatre Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at STNJ.org.

All photos provided to Patch by the State Theatre of New Jersey.