Bring the family to the Garde Arts Center on February 20 to party with African penguins from Mystic Aquarium. The event is part of the "Faces of Our Planet" series, created by Sea Research Foundation, National Geographic Society and the Garde Arts Center to show the mysteries and discoveries of the world’s human, animal and geographic faces. Get an up-close look at the penguins and meet the people who work with them every day. Kids can participate in penguin-related games and activities, such as creating penguin sand art necklaces, coloring station and a waddling contest in which they must balance plush penguin chicks on their feet. Afterward, families will enjoy Dreamworks’ animated feature film Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa on the Garde’s giant movie screen.

Tickets: adults $12, children $6; aquarium members: adult $10, children $5. For a complete list of ticket options, including VIP and discount packages, visit the Garde Arts Center Box Office at 325 State St., New London, or call (860) 444-7373 ext.1. Single tickets are available at the Garde Arts Center Box Office and at gardearts.org. Special pricing is available for students and groups.