Introducing your kids to live theater is always a thrill, and visiting one of the performing arts centers in NJ is a great way to start. Sure, we live a car ride from Broadway, but you don’t have to go to the city (or spend Broadway prices) to get top-notch theatrical productions in the Garden State. Read on to where you can go to find family-friendly entertainment at a performing arts center in New Jersey. (featured photo credit: iStock/Criben)
North Jersey
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
This downtown Englewood theater hosts over 200 events annually—from concerts to stand-up shows to dance productions and family-friendly kids programming. They also provide arts instruction in dance, theater, music, and more via their performing arts school.
Event Calendar
30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood, NJ 07631
Hackensack Performing Arts Center with Hackensack Meridian Health Theater
This new theater features top performers from Broadway and Hollywood (many of whom live in the area) on stage. It offers shows for all ages and across all arts disciplines, including music, plays, comedy shows, and more.
Event Calendar
102 State Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Paper Mill Playhouse
Considered a pre-Broadway venue across the Hudson, the Paper Mill Playhouse boasts top-notch performances of new and classic musicals for the whole family (many feature Broadway actors who call NJ home). The arts center also has classes for kids, teens, and even adults.
Event Calendar
22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ 07041
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
In downtown Morristown, MPAC features a weekly roster of popular musical acts, dance troupes, family theater, musicals, and comedy shows. The theater also sponsors free community events throughout the year.
Event Calendar
100 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
This urban entertainment destination attracts big-name talent, comedy shows, dance performances, and musical acts for family outings and date nights (because sometimes we need those, too!).
Event Calendar
1 Center St., Newark, NJ 07102
South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)
SOPAC performances feature an eclectic mix of musicians, theater, and children’s shows. In addition to the theater, there’s a loft above the mainstage theatre used for smaller performances, rehearsals, classes, and special events.
Event Calendar
1 SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ 07079
The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey
Aptly named The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, The Growing Stage is all about kids and families, with shows featuring professional and youth performers. The theater has sensory-friendly performances to meet the needs of all individuals, plus a creative arts academy and playwrighting festival for young writers.
Event Calendar
7 Ledgewood Ave, Netcong, NJ 07857
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
With four performance spaces – UCPAC Main Stage, Hamilton Stage at UCPAC, The Fazioli Room, and The Loft at UCPAC – you’ll find a show for everyone in the family. Programming includes children’s plays and live performances, musicals, film presentations, multicultural programs and events, and live concerts. The arts center also has sensory-friendly theater options.
Event Calendar
360 Hamilton St., Rahway, NJ 07065, and 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
Central Jersey
Algonquin Arts Theater
This nonprofit center for performing arts has been a fixture in town since 1938 and today hosts theatre, music, dance, and film programs all year round. Kids can sign up for theater camps during the summer or take classes during the year.
Event Calendar
60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Count Basie Center for the Arts
This well-known stage, located along the Jersey Shore, hosts numerous performances, name entertainment, and educational and cultural partnerships throughout the year. Got a kid interested in being a star? Sign up for acting classes and vocal lessons for all ages, improv and dance lessons, and focused music specialties.
Event Calendar
99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, NJ 07701
McCarter Theatre Center
Located in the heart of Princeton’s Arts District, the McCarter Theatre brings world-class theater and quality performances to the state. They offer a mix of performance art, cultural attractions, and educational programs.
Event Calendar
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ 08540
Spring Lake Theatre
The historic 1920s building offers a roster of local productions and musicals for the whole family to enjoy. Most roles are performed by community members and kids who are part of their theater and dance programs.
Event Calendar
300 Madison Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
The State Theater of New Jersey
This nonprofit, 1,811-seat New Brunswick theater used to showcase silent films and is close to Rutgers University. Today, it attracts big-name talent and family-friendly productions to its stage.
Event Calendar
15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
South Jersey
Broadway Theatre of Pitman
Originally a vaudeville theater that opened in 1926, this South Jersey entertainment spot still has its original 3/8 Kimball theater pipe organ restored to full concert status. The theater not only hosts concerts but also has a children’s theater and a summer camp for young, aspiring thespians.
Event Calendar
43 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071
Levoy Theatre
With shows that range from popular musicals to solo entertainers, this theater reaches out to children and the community to make the arts accessible to everyone.
Event Calendar
126-130 N. High Street, Millville, NJ 08332
Surflight Theatre
This 450-seat theater on Long Beach Island has shows geared toward various audiences and a Children’s Theatre specifically for ages 2 through 10. There are also summer musical theater programs for all ages. And they are known for having the Show Place Ice Cream Parlor, with a singing and dancing waitstaff putting on show while you enjoy a sundae.
Event Calendar
201 Englewide Ave., Beach Haven, NJ 08008
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