Red Bank, New Jersey is known as “A Cool Little Town” for a reason.
The borough holds up its reputation as a cultural hub of New Jersey, featuring some of the best casual dining, premier fine art galleries, and first-rate entertainment in the country. Every day, families can be found strolling down Broad Street, gazing into local shop windows and finding their way into one of many kid-friendly restaurants. Along the pleasantly populated streets lined with twinkling trees and Victorian street lamps there is also no shortage of activities for families in Red Bank. Grab tickets to a performance for children at Two Rivers Theater, get nostalgic with classic arcade games at YESTERcades, or set sail on the smooth waters of the Navesink River with boat and kayak rentals at the Red Bank Marina. With so many activities in Red Bank’s 1.7 square miles, each family adventure will be an experience to remember.
Here are Red Bank’s Best Activities for Families:
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
1. YESTERcades
Super Pac-Man, Tetris, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mortal Kombat II…the list could go on forever. YESTERcades brings families together by offering a classic arcade experience that every generation can enjoy. Whether your family is looking for a fun Saturday night out, or an after-school treat, YESTERcade’s extensive game selection is known for always keeping kids of every age engaged and entertained. Video game pioneers including Nintendo, Sega, Atari, and Namco will bring mom and dad back to the glory days. It wouldn’t be a true arcade experience without classic pinball machines, classic and modern console games, and tabletop games (air hockey, billiards). YESTERcade’s convenient downtown Broad Street location makes it easy for families to walk around the corner for a bite to eat – Earth Pizza, Temple Chinese Gourmet, Smoothie King, and Toast Red Bank are all within one block from the arcade.
80 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
For more information, please call (732) 383-7873 or visit http://www.yestercades.com/
2. A Time to Kiln
Calling all crafters and DIY enthusiasts! A Time to Kiln is your new favorite urban haven for painting on pottery, wood, and canvas, mosaic making, critter stuffing, glass fusing, and more. No experience is necessary, as this bright, fun studio welcomes guests of all ages and abilities. Little ones will love “critter stuffing,” from the moment they choose their bear, frog, pig, unicorn, or puppy. After plumping their new friend up to snuggly standards, your children will get to choose an outfit for the cute critter to wear and bring home the same day. Older kids will enjoy the more involved activities; create a mosaic on a provided mirror, box, frame, wall hanging, or planter. Mom will want to come back with friends and a bottle of red for a Paint and Sip Class for step-by-step instructions on how to paint her own masterpiece.
50 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
For more information, please call (732) 450-9525 or visit http://www.atimetokiln.com/
3. Two Rivers Theater
Red Bank is a cultural hub of New Jersey, with establishments that celebrate art and performance by putting on Broadway quality productions for a fraction of the cost. Two Rivers Theater’s modern facility, diverse performance schedules, and inspiring actors will have any family leaving uplifted and refreshed. Every season offers several plays or musicals that children will adore. This 2016/2017 season, the Two River Theater’s box office recommends the following productions for young children: A Very Eclectic Christmas (an energetic holiday extravaganza, December 2016), A Little Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor (a condensed, accessible version of a theatrical classic, performed by high school aged actors, March 2017), and The Way Back Home (a special production created just for little ones ages 4 – 8, June 2017). A night at the theater isn’t complete without a family dinner! Tommy’s Coal Fired Pizza, The Melting Pot, Juanito’s, and The Chowda House are all within walking distance to Two Rivers Theater.
21 Bridge Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701
For more information, please call (732) 345-1400 or visit http://www.tworivertheater.org/
4. Red Bank Marina Boat Rentals
For the family that is looking for something fun and active to do together, look no further than the Navesink River, the area’s original access way to the ocean and neighboring seaports. Sharing a boat ride with loved ones is a perfect way to admire the scenic waters and riverbanks that define Red Bank and its surrounding towns. There are many boat rental options for everyone from the nautical novice to the river enthusiast. For a leisurely experience, rent a row boat big enough for the whole family. Kayak and canoe rentals are available for those looking to get a good workout. If you’re looking for a little speed, try the motor boats or pontoon boats. After your day on the river, take a stroll around the marina to see the beautiful vessels that call the two-river area home.
261 West Front Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
For more information, please call (732) 741-3320 or visit http://www.redbankmarina.org/
Please visit website for document requirements for motor and pontoon boats.
5. Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash
Kids haven’t truly experienced Red Bank until they’ve walked through the doors of the nationally renowned comic book and memorabilia sanctuary of Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash. Owned by filmmaker Kevin Smith (Clerks, Good Will Hunting, Dogma), the Secret Stash is home to AMC’s original series, Comic Book Men, now in production for its seventh season. Together, kids and parents can browse thousands of comics, graphic novels, books, DVD’s, and novelty items that won’t be found anywhere else. Keep your eye out for special events that may feature your favorite actors, filmmakers, and artists.
10 Mechanic Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
For more information, please call (732) 758-0508 or visit http://jayandsilentbob.com/
6. Hobby Masters
When it’s time to pull the kids away from the computer and video games, HobbyMasters comes to the rescue. This international hobby and toy store is the largest in the area, and carries everything you need to create, build, and maintain model trains, power wheels, rockets, slot cars, science kits, dollhouses, and much more. Observe and record data with your own Weather Station ($14.25), hit the beach with a colorful stunt kite ($12.50), or assemble a model Apache Longbow Helicopter ($23.75). Every employee at HobbyMasters possess the skill and experience necessary to provide tips, recommendations, and answers to all of your questions. This store is a one-stop shop, offering repairs, custom models, and even houses their own RC racing team. With thousands of options, every child will be able to discover a brand new hobby, or find the missing pieces needed to complete a working project.
62 White Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
For more information, visit (732)842-6020 or visit http://hobbymasters.com/
7. Red Bank Armory Ice Complex
Grab a warm beanie and lace up your skates for indoor family ice skating right in the heart of Red Bank. The Armory Ice Complex caters to children and adults of all ages, whether you are looking to learn how to skate for the first time, or hone your skills as an experienced ice skater. The “Learn to Skate” programs encompass nine weeks of professional instruction, with age and skill-appropriate levels, including Parent and Tot classes for your pre-schoolers. Youth and adult classes run throughout the year; simply check the online schedule for a list of sessions. If your family is looking for a less structured skating experience, visit the Armory Ice Complex every Friday evening from 8:00PM – 10:00PM for Public Skating, and enjoy a fun evening of ice skating together.
76 Chestnut St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
For more information call (732) 450-9001 or visit http://www.redbankarmory.com/index.html
8. Red Bank Public Library Children’s Room
Public libraries are a perfect resource for free, educational activity for little ones. The Red Bank Public Library’s Children’s Room is located in the downstairs floor of the library’s wonderfully quaint facility – a former home that was donated to the Borough of Red Bank in 1937 by the family of Sigmund Eisner. Not only is the Children’s Room flush with books, toys, games, crafts, DVD’s, computers, and coloring pages, but there is a diverse schedule of weekly programs and special events. Get lost in Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30AM and Thursday at 1:30PM, get movin’ in Kid Zumba, or create something special during Artsy Smartsy. Older children will surely enjoy Harry Potter Night, Anime Club, and Teen Time. Every day of the week offers something different in the Children’s Room, assuring that your little ones will always benefit from the ever-changing schedule of programs throughout the year.
84 W Front St, Red Bank, NJ 07701
For more information, please call (732) 842-0690 x 115 or visit http://redbanklibrary.org/children.html
9. Taste and Technique Cooking Studio
Why not make family dinners even more special by sharing the joys of cooking with your children? For a practical learning experience for kids like no other, take a five minute drive from Red Bank to the neighboring suburb of Fair Haven, and get your taste buds ready for a culinary adventure at Taste and Technique Cooking Studio. Kids classes for ages 7 and up feature delectable themes, such as An Apple a Day, Cupcake Workshop, Thanksgiving Sweets, and Hors D’oeuvres for the Holidays. Children get to sample the dishes created in class, and take home recipe packets to continue the education at home. Supper Club for kids features themes including Asian Meal, Mystery Basket, and Festivus (a multi-holiday meal workshop), where children cook a full meal and enjoy the fruits of their labor at the end of class. Teens are invited to try one of the many Adult Classes; feed your Chocolate Obsession, go green in Farm to Table, or channel your love for Mediterranean cuisine in Italian Bootcamp.
597 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ 07704
For more information, please call (732) 741-COOK or visit http://www.tasteandtechnique.com/
10. Paint A Tee
Paint A Tee helps little artists wear their original artwork with pride! The fun, inviting studio in downtown Red Bank welcomes artists of all ages to schedule an appointment to paint your own design using non-toxic materials. Get started by painting with provided stencils, or choose to paint freehand, on special transfer paper. Your design will then be transferred over to a tee shirt, onesie, apron, mouse pad, tote bag, cutting board, notebook, sweatshirt, coasters, frame, iPhone/iPad cover, pillowcase, or puzzle. Moms can join Paint A Tee’s mailing list to receive updates on Ladies Night BYOB events, where the girls can get together for a fun night out painting, sipping, and taking cute photos in the photo booth. This creative activity is perfect for families, small groups, and parties to get creative together.
18 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
For more information, please call (732) 268-7620 or visit http://www.paintatee.com
For more Monmouth County family adventures, check out 10 Family Friendly Activities in Asbury Park.
Don’t forget to hashtag #NJMOM and tag @njmomhq and your little cuties could be featured in our next photo round-up.
