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
From free zoos to museums, there are tons of fabulously free things to do with kids in NJ – which just goes to show that you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a great day. Read on for 100 free places to take your family in NJ.
Looking for even more options? Be sure to check out our Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids, too. Note that some venues are run by volunteers, so donations are appreciated.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
Ready to plan out some fun family activities to do with your kids during the holiday break? New Jersey has lots of must-do holiday activities—from spectacular light displays to cold-weather fun.
Most New Jersey schools are closed for at least a week, so there's plenty of time to enjoy a winter day trip or special holiday outing. So bundle up the kids and get ready to explore something new and exciting (or an old fave), whether it's skiing the slopes, visiting an enchanting Christmas town, or seeing some holiday lights at the zoo.
Be sure to check out our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide for more great ideas.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
The days may be shorter and colder, but we've found dozens of fun winter things to do in New Jersey that are sure to get you out of the house. Bundle up and explore NJ's top skiing and snowboarding spots, outdoor ice rinks, and more.
Read on for our top winter tips, and be sure to check out our Family Activity Calendar and Winter Activities Guide for even more great ideas.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
Part of what makes the holidays so special for families are their annual Christmas traditions. Some holiday traditions may have started when we were kids ourselves. Others might be new Christmas traditions we've created with our own children.
No matter what your holiday traditions are, you can rest assured your kids will remember them forever—and maybe continue them with their own children someday.
Here are 50 Christmas traditions that will help you make holiday memories with your family. For more ways to celebrate the season, check out our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids, with includes our Holiday Gift Guide.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
Step into a magical wonderland of twinkling lights at NJ's Turtle Back Zoo this holiday season at the annual Holiday Lights Spectacular. On select evenings in November and December, visitors can stroll through a fantastic display of holiday lights and scenes throughout the Essex County zoo. There's lots to see and do for FREE, though some activities require extra fees.
So bundle up the kids and get ready for a memorable night at the zoo: Here's everything you need to know about this special event. Read more about all the great things to do at Turtle Back Zoo in our review, and check out our post on 21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids for other can't-miss NJ events.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
If you're ready to add a little extra sparkle to the holiday season, take note: The tri-state area boasts some pretty spectacular Christmas lights and holiday lights drive-thrus where your crew can enjoy twinkling Christmas lights displays from the warmth, comfort, and safety of your car.
We've compiled a list of 14 must-see Christmas lights displays to drive through in New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut that are guaranteed to bring smiles to your family's faces. So, pack some snacks, cue the Christmas music, and get ready to make some priceless holiday memories.
Find tons more ways to celebrate this season with those you love in our jam-packed Christmas Guide. Consider it our seasonal gift to you.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
The holiday season is prime time for parties, and we've got a bunch of fun Christmas party ideas for the littlest partygoers. These games, crafts, and finger foods will keep toddlers and preschoolers occupied for hours and are easy for busy families to pull off.
Whether you're organizing a classroom party or entertaining younger guests at home, here are over 40 Christmas party ideas for toddlers and preschoolers. Find more festive fun in our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids, including our heaping list of 101 Christmas crafts.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
If your child is interested in exploring the "hows," "whys," and "what-ifs" of the world around them, STEM classes in New Jersey can be a wonderful way to foster curiosity and critical thinking. We've rounded up 15 STEM classes for kids in the Garden State that teach coding, robotics, architecture, engineering, chess, and more.
For more kids' activities, check out our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in New Jersey.
