State Theatre New Jersey recently celebrated 100 years with extensive renovations, including brand new theater seats.

New Gender-Neutral Restrooms, Elevators, and More at State Theatre New Jersey

When State Theatre New Jersey decided to celebrate its milestone birthday with extensive renovations on its 100-year-old historic home, the focus was on accessibility and safety, audience and artist experience, and operational efficiency. So, what can families expect at the new and improved destination?

Now, the performance space boasts brand-new theater seats, with booster seats available at the coat check for a small fee (note that you’re also welcome to bring your own). The lobby has been fully-renovated with a new elevator that grants access to all levels of the venue–so you can skip lugging your stroller up the stairs or give kids’ little legs a rest. And an upgraded HVAC system is helping to keep visitors safe throughout the building.

On the main lobby level, there’s now a gender-neutral family restroom, in addition to two women’s rooms and one men’s room. There’s also a large, private multi-stall, gender neutral restroom and two gender neutral family restrooms available on the balcony lobby level. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible and feature touchless technology.

For a sneak peek at the beautifully-renovated and fully-accessible venue, take this 360˚ virtual tour!

In addition to kid-friendly staged productions, State Theatre offers all kinds of engaging programming and perks for families.

State Theatre New Jersey's Family-Friendly Programming

Of course, State Theater is home to a number of kid-approved staged productions each season, from Cats to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (more on that below), but it offers additional programming and perks for families too.

Keep an eye out for performances offering a VIP ticket option, which often includes a fun add-on like a chance to snap photos with characters or actors. For events geared toward very young children, free infant lap vouchers are sometimes available for children 11 months or younger (lap vouchers just require that children sit on the lap of a parent or guardian). Sensory-friendly performances, which are specially designed to create a safe, welcoming environment for audiences on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities, also occasionally visit the theater.

Meanwhile, if you aren’t headed to the venue, State Theatre hosts a lively online donation-based storytelling and music series for children ages 3-10 called Milk & Cookies.

Restaurants and Hotels Near State Theatre New Jersey

Making a day–or night–of your visit to the theater? New Brunswick is home to plenty of delicious kid-friendly restaurants and comfy hotels that are right by the theater. Take a look at some of best spots for a pre- or post-show bite to eat. If you’re planning to spend the night in the area, check out Getaway Packages for a chance to save on tickets and your hotel stay.

Catch favorites like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Peppa Pig's Adventure, Riverdance, and Blue Man Group this season.

The 2022 Season at State Theatre New Jersey

So, what’s coming to the State Theatre stage in 2022? Take a look at the kid-friendly line-up below and head to the Family Series page for more details on upcoming productions.

• Cats March 18-20, 2022
• Memphis Jookin’: The Show (Featuring Lil’ Buck) March 27, 2022
• Peppa Pig’s Adventure April 3, 2022
• Riverdance: 25th Anniversary Show April 19-21, 2022
• Paddington Gets in a Jam April 23, 2022
• Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert with the New Jersey Symphony May 12, 2022
• Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory May 13-15, 2022
• Blue Man Group On Tour May 24-26, 2022

Purchase State Theatre New Jersey Tickets and Plan Your Visit

Ready to pencil in a fun-filled family trip to State Theatre New Jersey? Find COVID guidelines, seating charts, FAQs, and more on the Plan Your Visit page, or purchase tickets here. Note that with the Buy More Save More deal, you’ll save 10% when you purchase tickets for two performances and 15-20% on three or more shows.

All photos courtesy of State Theatre New Jersey