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.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
What's your favorite type of theme park attraction: water rides, dry rides, or wave pools? If your family loves all three, there's no need to choose at Clementon Park and Splashworld. This South Jersey combo theme/water park next to Clementon Lake has a 110-year history of entertaining New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware families with a variety of attractions.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
Something magical has come to Morganville, NJ: Magic Sky Play, a new indoor play facility for young children (8 and under).
Magic Sky is a 2017 Mommy Poppins Bestie Awards Winner, for good reason. Its bright, open layout and creative activities are perfectly suited to a young child's imagination (and the needs of his or her parent). I recently visited with my 6- and 3-year-olds, and we had a blast exploring this sweet new spot.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
What better way to foster a child's natural love of the outdoors than with a hike in one of New Jersey's beautiful parks?
As a mom of two young boys (ages 3 and 6) and a non-walking baby, any trail my crew is going to explore must be fairly short, clearly delineated, not travel by any crazy drop-offs, not be too steep, have bathrooms somewhat nearby, and meander past interesting scenery. Cheesequake State Park in Matawan perfectly meets these criteria and is a great spot for introducing your kids to hiking—and even lake swimming.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
If biking, hiking, and learning about nature sounds like great fun for your family, plan a trip to Duke Farms. Open to the public since 2012, this 2,740-acre ecological treasure located in Hillsborough offers diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and interesting educational programs. This park is perfect for exploring the outdoors in all seasons. Here are a dozen ways to take it all in at Duke Farms.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
Slides? Check. Swings? Check. Two-story pirate ship, zip lines, and enormous climbing structures? Check, check, and check. KidStreet isn't your average playground.
Located minutes from Bridgewater Commons Mall at the Bridgewater Municipal Complex, this unique spot is one that your family will want to visit again and again. KidStreet is a favorite hangout for my kids, ages 6, 3, and 9 months. It has a fantastic layout with special playground equipment you won’t come across just anywhere, and it's perfect for playdates, with plenty of parent seating areas and fun things to do for kids of all ages—even the big kids. Read on for an inside look at this hidden gem.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
Your child might not be old enough to head off to college, but there are plenty of offerings for kids at New Jersey's many community colleges. There are about 20 community colleges throughout the state, and they offer everything from music programs to STEM classes. We've put together a list of some of the best classes and enrichment activities for tots to teens. Some summer camps are noted, but for a longer list of options, be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
Good things come in small packages. Somerville may be only two square miles, but there's a lot of fun packed into this charming Central Jersey borough. With a vibrant and redeveloped downtown, a minor league baseball team, and some amazing historical sites, there is plenty to see and do. Here are 20+ ways for your family to have a blast in and around Somerville.
