Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Kaylynn Ebner, a mom of three, has been writing for Mommy Poppins since 2016. She’s passionate about exploring new spots with her family and sharing NJ’s best attractions and hidden gems with the Mommy Poppins community.

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello

Best Card Games for Kids of All Ages

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 10:09am

Playing card games is not only fun, social, and educational; it gets kids off screens!

I have wonderful memories of playing card games with my family as a kid. The laughs, the late-night snacks, the speedy way my dad would shuffle the cards... good times! I recently started teaching my four-year-old some of the best card games for kids, and I was struck by how captivated she was, even without flashy gimmicks, lights, or sounds. Whether you've got preschoolers or teenagers at home, here are the best card games for kids perfect for one of your next family game nights.

Need more creative ideas to keep your whole family wholesomely entertained? Check out our Boredom Busters guide, not to mention this roundup of the best-ever board games and these brainy puzzle games for kids.

Flocks of Fun: One NJ County Has Been Taken Over by a Hidden Duck Scavenger Hunt

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 10:00am

Keep your eyes peeled for ducks of all shapes and sizes in Monmouth County, NJ.

If you've been to Monmouth County lately, you may have noticed a mysterious invasion of little duckies. That's because members of the Monmouth County Ducks Facebook group—and anyone who wants to join in the fun—have been creating a whimsical scavenger hunt for local kids and adults.

So, read on for details on how to get in on the action and keep your eyes peeled: You never know where you might spot one of these faux feathered friends this summer. If your kids can't get enough of the scavenger hunt fun, we've got more ideas for staging a scavenger hunt at home or in your 'hood.

Our 2025 Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 05/25/2025 - 11:33am

Cascade down the lazy river at Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins

New Jersey offers tons of amazing things for families to do over the summer, and we've rounded up more than three dozen of our top picks to create this epic summer bucket list for NJ kids. Whether you're looking for a beach adventure or want to visit a local farm or museum, it's easy to fill your calendar during the long, lazy days of summer.

Be sure to check out our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more fun summer activities for NJ families, including our picks for the best water parks, swimming lakes, and amusement parks in the state.

100 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids in 2025

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 05/16/2025 - 6:00am

Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins

There's nothing better than lazy, relaxing summer days at the beaches of the Jersey Shore. Of course, at some point, the kids are going to want to get up and do something, right?

If you're looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during a vacation at the Shore this summer, this list of 100 family-friendly activities all up and down the New Jersey coast should hit the spot. We've even included lots of FREE things to do.

For more fun down the shore, check out our Jersey Shore Guide, which includes information on amusement parks and water parks, top beaches, best boardwalks, and more. And for even more ideas, see our itinerary for 3 days on the Jersey Shore with Kids.

Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids in 2025

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 05/13/2025 - 6:47am

Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

New Jersey is teeming with beautiful waterfalls, and many of them are accessible via an easy hike or walk. From the roaring Paterson Great Falls—the second-most-powerful waterfall east of the Mississippi—to the charming Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation, we've rounded up waterfall hikes in northern NJ that you can tackle with even the littlest trekkers.

Waterfall hikes are great for goal-oriented kids and anyone who needs a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are in our backyard. Read on for our picks.

Be sure to check out our article on great day trips to NJ state forests and more in our Guide to New Jersey Playgrounds & Parks.

Best Swimming Lakes in New Jersey for Families in 2025

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 05/11/2025 - 6:36am

Cool off in Lake Marcia after a hike in High Point State Park. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey has some of the best swimming lakes in the Northeast, so make a plan to dive into one this summer. From Cheesequake to High Point, most of these lakes are on the grounds of majestic state parks that offer other recreation opportunities, like hiking trails. Some, like Sunrise Lake, are even outfitted with incredible inflatable water parks.

If you're looking for other ways to cool off on hot summer days, check out our rundown of the best NJ pools that offer day passes or our look at the Garden State's top water parks.

Great Children's Theaters in New Jersey: Where to Catch Live Entertainment with Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 05/06/2025 - 6:17am

Netcong's the Growing Stage specializes in family-friendly shows, musicals, and holidays performances. Photo courtesy the Growing Stage

Theater is a fantastic way to spark a child's imagination and creativity, and many NJ theaters have performances just for kids. Some children's theaters in NJ offer great bonuses for kids, like meet-and-greets with the actors, sensory-friendly performances, and even a backdrop of the Jersey Shore.

So if you're ready to step into someone else's shoes for an hour or two, we've got a list of some of the best places to catch kids' performances and family shows in New Jersey. For more culturally-enriching ideas, check out our Guide to Museums and Art for New Jersey Kids, as well as our Guide to the Best Movies and TV Shows for the Whole Family.

Edelman Fossil Park: What to Know About Visiting South Jersey's New Dinosaur Museum

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 04/25/2025 - 11:34am

Edelman Fossil Park has life-size replicas of some of your favorite dinosaurs and sea creatures.

Rowan University's much-anticipated Edelman Fossil Park & Museum is officially open in Mantua, and it is well worth a visit. Perfect for dinosaur lovers of all ages, this spot is filled with cutting-edge exhibits that give visitors a unique glimpse into the Cretaceous period, when these reptilian giants ruled the earth.

With the mission of helping people discover the past and protect the future, museum visitors can see more than 100,000 fossils from 100 different species, plus walk by life-like dinosaur models. On a recent visit, my daughter especially enjoyed the huge dinosaur replicas, and we're looking forward to coming back for a fossil dig.

Read on for the top 11 things to see and do at Edelman Fossil Park & Museum. Have dino-obsessed kids? Check out our story on visiting the theme park Field Station Dinosaurs, or the best ways to celebrate birthdays for dinosaur-obsessed NJ kids.

Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello

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