Jump-start your Leap Day with these fun activities

With Leap Day upon us, students are faced with a unique challenge — figuring out how to best spend the extra 24 hours. While you could take some time to study, why not have some fun? After all, it only comes every four years.

Fortunately, there are a wide variety of special activities and events in New Jersey for those looking to spice the day up. Here are just some of the most fun ideas.

Rock climbing

Whether you're a new or advanced climber, why not spend the day scaling new heights? Rockville Climbing Center, located in Hamilton, is the perfect spot.

For those looking to test their skills, the venue plans to host a Dyno Championship on Leap Day. Dynos, a rock climbing technique that requires using momentum to get you to your next hold, fits the day's theme to a tee.

According to the gym's Instagram, whoever wins the heated competition will receive their very own Championship Belt and, in the gym's own words, "eternal glory."

Watch a play

If you're not the most athletic person, consider spending Leap Day at the theater!

Rutgers Theater Company's production of "The Giant Void In My Soul" by Bernardo Cubría will begin its four-day run at the Mastrobuono Theater located on George Street. 

The show is described as an "existential comedy" that centers around two friends trying to find purpose in their complicated lives. 

While public ticket prices usually cost $15, Rutgers students can pay a discounted price of $10.

Visit Rutgers Cinema

Since Leap Day falls on a Thursday this year, it just so happens to coincide with the release date of the hotly anticipated "Dune: Part Two," which stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. The sci-fi epic, which adapts the second half of Frank Herbert's critically acclaimed novel, has received a glowing reception during its previews so far. 

Rutgers Cinema also offers a student discount — tickets are only $8 if you bring in a valid student ID. After middling bombs like "Madame Web," "Dune: Part Two" will finally cleanse everyone's cinematic palate.

Visit the Zimmerli Art Museum

Thursday happens to be the day the Zimmerli Art Museum on the College Avenue campus is open the latest, so why not take the extra time to gain a greater understanding of the art on display? 

The Zimmerli houses a wide variety of art pieces from all over the world with more than 60,000 different works available to the public. Admission is also completely free, so anyone can enjoy perusing the extensive gallery and learning about a wealth of art history.

Explore Liberty Science Center

Despite being far from campus, making a trip to Liberty Science Center will truly make for an unforgettable Leap Day experience. In addition to its usual attractions, Liberty Science Center is hosting a special edition of the usual "After Dark" series, "LSC After Dark: Leap Year Party."

For guests 21 and over, tickets for the "Blink-182 Laser Show" and the "Time Warp Planetarium Show" are still available for purchase. If you're looking to unleash your inner child, the museum will also be setting up a bouncy house.

Go to a concert

New Brunswick is home to a rich music scene, and this Leap Day aims to showcase that. The venue Wasteland plans to host an entertaining show filled with exciting up-and-coming indie musicians. The current lineup consists of See Plus, Loveseat Pete, Dummy Pass and Hotdress. 

For more information about the event, specifically the venue's address, reach out to the official Wasteland Instagram account.

Regardless of what you decide to do, make this Leap Day one to remember — this might be the only one you experience in your college tenure.