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 Shaded Playgrounds To Keep NJ Kids Cool

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 07/20/2018 - 12:00pm

Stroll into KidStreet for some cool play on a hot day.

During cold winter days, I fantasize about picnics and lazy afternoons at the pool. But once summer temperatures soar into the 90s, a teeny part of me is starting to look forward to that first crisp fall breeze. Sigh. Instead of schlepping to the air-conditioned mall again, how about a shaded playground outing where the kids can burn some energy (and not their skin!), and the adults can relax on a bench without breaking a sweat?

Read on to get the scoop on where NJ kids and parents can go to beat the heat. And find more awesome places to play in our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in NJ.

Island Beach State Park: A Haven for Nature-Loving Beachgoers

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 06/21/2018 - 10:00am

This gorgeous, quiet beach will be your family's new favorite spot. Photo courtesy of NJ Dept. of Parks and Forests

There's more to the Jersey Shore than rides, salt water taffy, and (let's face it) crowds. Island Beach State Park (IBSP) may well be one of NJ most beautiful and unique beaches, drawing thousands of nature enthusiasts every year.

Though you'd get to Island Beach from the same Garden State Parkway exit as Seaside Heights, the two beaches are worlds apart. Ten-mile long Island Beach is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay and is one of the last few undeveloped barrier beaches on the North Atlantic Coast. From hiking to bike riding, and, of course, swimming, here are some things outdoorsy families will love about Island Beach.

10 Fun Things To Do with Kids at Warinanco Park in NJ

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 05/17/2018 - 1:08pm

I have fond childhood memories of my dad lacing up my ice skates and guiding me around the rink at Warinanco Park on the border of Roselle and Elizabeth, New Jersey. Much has changed about this Union County park since that time, but what remains constant is that families have tons of ways to have a great time at this 205-acre park—including sports classes, skating, trails, and paddle boats.

Read on for 10 fun things to do at Warinanco Park with kids. And don't miss our Guide to NJ Playgrounds and Parks for even more options.

New Sky Zone in Springfield Lets NJ Kids Grab Some Air

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 04/12/2018 - 11:00am

Trampoline parks are all the rage these days, and Union County families are jumping at the chance to try a brand-new option on the Route 22 corridor. Sky Zone Springfield is the newest location in the Sky Zone family, where kids of all ages (and adults) can burn off some serious energy all year round with a variety of fun, indoor attractions. Just don some non-slip grippy Sky Socks, and prepare to defy gravity.

30 Spring Festivals for New Jersey Kids and Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 03/30/2018 - 11:30am

It's time to kiss winter good-bye and spring into outdoor festival and fair season. Whether you choose to hop on carnival rides, stroll the streets of your favorite downtown, dance to live music, sample delicious eats, or do all of the above, there's something for everyone at these lively and family-friendly New Jersey spring fests.

Read on for 30 of our picks, from Earth Day celebrations to strawberry festivals. And for more spring action, check out Mommy Poppins' Spring Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids.

St. Patrick's Day Events and Free Parades for NJ Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 03/01/2018 - 2:00pm

If your days of rowdy reveling and guzzling green beer are a distant memory, you might find yourself wondering: Are there any kid-friendly St. Patrick's Day activities in NJ? You bet your lucky charms there are! Grab the kids and march on over to any of these great St. Paddy's Day parades and celebrations.

70+ Baby Classes Around NJ: Music, Gym, Art, Swim

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 02/14/2018 - 4:00pm

Tots can explore instruments and more at parent-and-child music class.

Parent and child classes can be some of the most wonderful bonding activities during those early years (and months)—plus it's a great excuse to get out of the house! These interactive classes help babies, toddlers, and preschoolers forge new relationships with others, sample a host of playthings, and test out new skills.

The class choices seem to multiply every year: in music, art, yoga, sports, ballet, world languages, nature, swimming, and more. You are sure to find something that will interest both you and your child. And don’t expect these sessions to be filled with just moms. Dads, nannies, grandparents, and all types of caregivers can join in the fun. Some classes offer independent play for toddlers, or even options where siblings can attend.

Read on for a sampling of the best baby classes around New Jersey. Find even more options in our NJ Classes Guide and Directory of Listings.

Birth with Benefits: NJ Hospitals That Offer Perks for Moms and Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 01/15/2018 - 12:15pm

Free massages. Aromatherapy. Complimentary fruit baskets. Getting pampered while you push is the latest trend to hit maternity wards around the Garden State. Forget about birth plans consisting of no more than an iTunes playlist—many NJ hospitals are helping moms get through the pains of labor with personalized spa-like services that offer much-needed distraction and natural pain support. They also provide plenty of perks for moms and family members after baby arrives. Here are some maternity units that are wowing moms-to-be with some extra-special services.

Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello

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