Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
Latest posts by Laurie
Easter bunny trains are an exciting way railroads in New Jersey and Pennsylvania mark the Easter holiday. These Easter train rides are a perfect springtime diversion for train-loving kids, and many offer an opportunity to snap Easter Bunny pictures as well. Easter 2024 falls on Sunday, March 31, but the rides start sooner.
Be sure to get your tickets early; these Easter Bunny trains sell out quickly. Find more picks for the Easter holiday and beyond in our Guide to Spring Activities.
Summer is the perfect time for kids to get active and burn energy at one of the many sports-focused camps in New Jersey. Sports day camps range from multi-sport options with indoor and outdoor facilities to specialty camps that focus on specific sports such as soccer, golf, and baseball. Whether your camper is looking to improve their game or just have a ball, read on for sports camps that cater to diverse ages and interests.
For more info on summer camps in New Jersey, bookmark our Guide to Summer Camp in New Jersey and our New Jersey Summer Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by age, interest, and town.
Looking for the perfect indoor birthday party spot in New Jersey for your winter baby? We've rounded up the most action-packed indoor birthday party locations for your cold-weather celebrations. Whether your birthday child wants to jump and bounce, climb, dance, tackle a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course, or even take a spin on an amusement ride, New Jersey has a party place for it.
Read on for our favorite action-packed indoor birthday party spots. For more birthday party planning ideas, check out our Guide Birthday Parties in New Jersey for Kids.
Free turkey meals in New Jersey offer help to families who may not have the financial means to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal they deserve. Many churches, soup kitchens, and charities throughout New Jersey offer free turkey giveaways or full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season.
Read on for details on where to find these services, and if you're fortunate enough to have a full pantry and pocketbook, keep in mind that many of these nonprofits need help now more than ever, so consider reaching out to donate.
In addition to helping families fill their Thanksgiving table, we've also rounded up a collection of resources and organizations ready to supply free toys for the upcoming holiday season.
When tots are ready to explore their independence, it's time to introduce them to classes specifically geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. These creative, active, and educational classes offer the opportunity to practice gross and fine motor skills, explore the arts, and build on skills learned in preschool. Some classes may require a parent or guardian to stay, while others are drop-off.
Read on for a sampling of the best classes for toddlers and preschoolers in New Jersey. And be sure to check out our post on NJ's top mommy-and-me classes, as well as our Guide to Classes and Activities for Kids in New Jersey.
A fun, hands-on cooking class close to home in New Jersey is something to consider whether you have an aspiring Julia Child or are just looking for something different to do with the kids. These NJ cooking classes for kids cater to all ages. Cooking classes teach culinary techniques and are also a great way to encourage kids to try new foods, master hand-eye coordination, and gain essential life skills.
You can find more cooking classes for kids or book a class online in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New Jersey Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for all ages and interests.
Growing up in NJ's Monmouth County, I visited Allaire State Park frequently with my family as a child. Those day trips were filled with playground time, train rides, and old-fashioned candy purchased at the village’s general store. Now I take my own kids there, just like my parents took me.
Allaire is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway, close to the Jersey Shore, and bursting with outdoor fun like family-friendly hiking, bike riding, picnicking, and camping. But what sets this 3,000-acre New Jersey state park apart from other bucolic green spaces are its historic village and working steam train. Read on for the highlights.
Be sure to check out our post on great day trips to New Jersey state parks and more in our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in New Jersey.
Please note that the park's dinosaur sculpture exhibit has closed due to vandalism.
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