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

Best Halloween Events in New Jersey 2025 for Kids and Families

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 09/21/2025 - 7:10am

Take a stroll past more than 6,000 hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns at the Jack O’ Lantern Experience at Skylands Stadium. Photo courtesy of the event

Spooktacular news, New Jersey: Halloween 2025 is coming, bringing a slew of family-friendly Halloween events! From over-the-top fun at theme parks like Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest a nd Kids Boo Fest to animal-centric celebrations like Cape May's Boo at the Zoo, here are the best Halloween activities in New Jersey for kids and families.

Be sure to bookmark this post, as we plan to update it throughout the month with all the upcoming must-do events. And check out our Guide to Halloween Events in New Jersey and New Jersey Fall Fun Guide for even more thrills.

The Creepiest, Kookiest Fall Festival for Kids: AddamsFest 2025 in Westfield

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 09/19/2025 - 11:24am

As part of AddamsFest, Quimby Street in Westfield closes to traffic and transforms into an Addams-centric street fair. Photo by author

This creepy, kooky, but not-too-spooky celebration takes over New Jersey's suburban town of Westfield in October, honoring Addams Family creator and hometown native Charles Addams. In its 8th fabulous season, this year's theme of the month-long Halloween festival is femme fatale, and it celebrates the iconic matriarch Morticia Addams.

From the Wicked Windows of Westfield display to the Addams Family Fun Day, the mostly free and non-spooky events of AddamsFest are bewitching for all ages and well worth checking out.

For an even more frightfully fun Halloween, don't miss our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for New Jersey Kids and Best Halloween Events in New Jersey for Kids and Families.

Best Pumpkin Patches in New Jersey for Families in 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 09/14/2025 - 9:53am

Hit the fields to pick a perfect pumpkin at Johnson's Locust Hall Farm. Photo by Elizabeth Mae Photography/courtesy of the farm

This year, skip the grocery store pumpkins and head to a New Jersey pumpkin patch, where you're sure to experience other fall fun, including barnyard animals, corn mazes, and plenty of juicy apples that are ripe for the picking.

Find more Halloween activities in our New Jersey Halloween Guide and check out our New Jersey Fall Fun Guide for the best things to do with kids this autumn.

46 Fun and Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids September 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Tue, 09/02/2025 - 7:05am

Take to the water during Port Monmouth's Wind & Sea Festival. Photo courtesy of the Monmouth County Park System

Our roundup of FREE September events and activities in New Jersey is the perfect remedy for end-of-summer blues.

September is off to a promising start with local neighborhood fairs throughout the state, like Bridgewater Community Day Featuring Touch-a-Truck.

As summer transitions to fall, get in the autumn spirit at admission-free seasonal events, including R idgewood Fall Craft Street Fair and Harvest Home Festival.

For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar.

Best 2025 Fall Festivals and Fairs in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 08/31/2025 - 10:09am

Beautiful blooms are just the start of the fun at Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Festival. Photo by Patrick Marini/courtesy of the farm

As the carefree days of summer draw to a close, these fall festivals in New Jersey give families plenty to look forward to. Chow down on delicious seafood at the Downbeach Seafood Festival, and sneak in some early Halloween fun at Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest and Kids Boo Fest, plus, get a taste of fall at local fairs, including Jersey City's All About Downtown Street Fair and Sea Isle City Family Fall Festival.

Read on for more info on the great New Jersey fairs and festivals happening in September and October.

20 Best Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids September 2025, From Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:43am

The Warren County Hot Air Festival takes flight in late September. Photo courtesy of the event

Labor Day kicks off September activities, launching New Jersey's season of apple picking, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.

Fall is in the air this September with the arrival of seasonal, family-friendly local fairs like H udson West Music Festival 2025. Pumpkins and flowers are in bloom with the scenic Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Festival and the almost two-month-long Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm. And get a sneak preview of Halloween at Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest and Kids Boo Fest.

We’re adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

Labor Day Weekend 2025 in New Jersey: Festivals, Fireworks, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:43am

At the St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival in Scotch Plains, rides, fair food, entertainment, and games are on offer. Photo courtesy of the festival

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Labor Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the long weekend.

Whether you are ready to celebrate the last licks of summer or want to enjoy an early taste of fall, the long Labor Day weekend in New Jersey is bursting with change-of-month and change-of-season excitement.

Carnivals are in the spotlight this weekend, with multi-day festivities like the St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival. Local towns welcome the new month and season with neighborhood celebrations in Frenchtown and W ildwood.

Magical Small Towns in NJ for Fun Family Day Trips

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 08/10/2025 - 6:46am

Cape May's walkable Main Street makes for a great day trip.

Like many New Jersey residents, I moved here from Manhattan years ago but still feel that itch for metropolitan perks, like walkability, diversity of restaurants and shops, and an energetic community hub. The good news is, you can explore great walkable downtowns right here in New Jersey, where you'll find both chain and independent shops, art museums, unique bookstores, delicious cafes serving up local eats, and more.

If you choose to leave the car at home, most of these downtowns are near New Jersey Transit trains or buses. Whether a day trip destination or a quick stop for lunch and shopping, these great walkable downtowns are worth a visit.

Be sure to check out our Guide to Family Day Trips in New Jersey for more easy and fun in-state tourism ideas.

Laurie Rein

Latest posts by Laurie

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