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 Things To Do in NJ with Kids August 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 07/27/2025 - 9:35am

Enjoy loads of entertainment, including a petting zoo and pig races during the New Jersey State Fair. Photo courtesy of the NJ State Fair

There are tons of things to do in August in New Jersey–you can enjoy outdoor movies and concerts, summer festivals, and the best beach days. After all, summer is not over yet!

Soak in the sun with a roster of exciting August events, including fairs, festivals, the circus, dinosaurs, and more. Bring your appetite to food-centric summer festivals like the Just Peachy Festival, featuring farm fun, entertainment, and fruity treats, plus food and fireworks at the 30th Annual Clam Festival.

And mark those calendars for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, in Chatham and several other New Jersey towns.

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

Best Street Fairs and Summer Festivals in NJ August 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 07/20/2025 - 7:25am

The Middlesex County Fair has been a fun family tradition for 80 years. Photo courtesy of the fair

August is a month-long party in New Jersey with a slew of summery festivals and fairs. The New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show is one of many August favorites, boasting live entertainment, rides, food, and horses. Plus, kick back to music, crafts, boat rides, and more at Canal Day Music & Craft Festival, and indulge in delicious food and fireworks at the IAATO Italian Festival.

Read on for more info on the great New Jersey fairs and festivals happening in August, many of which are FREE to attend.

Best Summer Fairs and Festivals in New Jersey July 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 07/04/2025 - 10:38am

The Ocean County Fair has live music, animal acts, rides, and classic fair food. Photo courtesy of the fair

Looking for the best July fairs and festivals for New Jersey families? Here are some great options to add to your list.

Soak up the sun and take in the summery sights at family-friendly summer fairs and festivals throughout New Jersey this month, including the 87th Annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival, featuring rides, entertainment, and children's activities. Plus, lots of county fairs offer good, old-fashioned fun in July—swing by events in O cean and Monmouth counties, among others.

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

4th of July Weekend in New Jersey: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 07/04/2025 - 10:21am

Celebrate Independence Day at Jenkinson's Boarwalk with a spectacular fireworks show on the beach. Photo courtesy Jenkinson’s Boardwalk

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this 4th of July weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

The long-awaited 4th of July weekend blasts off with fireworks and festivities throughout the state, including food, fun and fireworks at the annual Oceanfest spectacular in Long Branch and Bergen County's Star-Spangled Spectacular.

Kick off July with fun and games all week at Perth Amboy PAL 3rd Annual Carnival.

4th of July and More Best Things To Do in New Jersey July 2025 with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 06/29/2025 - 10:57am

Rides, food, and more family-friendly fun await at the Monmouth County Fair. Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this July? Here are all the family-friendly events and activities you should add to your list, from fireworks and the 4th of July to summer fun all month long.

July's red-hot roster is jam-packed with festivals, fireworks, sandcastles, and everything summer has to offer. Get your fill of rides, entertainment, and attractions at the multi-day Monmouth County Fair and Warren County Farmer's Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival. And revel in Independence Day fun at Long Branch's annual Oceanfest.

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

Best Swimming Pools with Day Passes in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 06/20/2025 - 9:36am

Visit Crystal Springs Family Water Resort and spend the day swimming and splashing. Photo courtesy of the resort

Swimming pools in NJ with day passes for families and kids can be found at clubs throughout the state. These facilities allow guests to spend the day swimming without membership or residency.

Many pool clubs also feature splash pads, kiddie pools, water slides, and playgrounds, making a day at the pool one of our favorite summer activities for kids.

Read on for the top NJ swimming pools that offer day passes. There are plenty more ideas for seasonal fun in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide, including our story on the best Jersey Shore beaches for families.

Father's Day Weekend Things To Do in NJ: Plus, Honoring Juneteenth and More

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 06/13/2025 - 10:42am

Celebrate dads on their special day at Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Water Park. Photo courtesy of Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach

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

Dad is the VIP on this mid-June weekend, which is filled with family-friendly festivities honoring Father's Day. If dad likes rides and games, you can hit the Tri-County Fair. Score FREE-for-fathers admission on Sunday at Casino Pier and Jenkinson's.

This weekend also leads right into the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Celebrate at events in Scotch Plains and Union.

103 Unforgettable FREE Summer Activities for Kids in New Jersey 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 06/08/2025 - 7:03am

Grab a surfboard and hit the beaches of NJ this summer for free fun. Photo courtesy of Wildwood

Summer is the season for awesome FREE things to do all across New Jersey. We’ve rounded up more than 100 family-friendly events to enjoy this summer that don't involve breaking the bank, including fireworks displays galore, festivals that offer something for everyone, and outdoor movie screenings.

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide and more freebies in our FREE Guide to Free Fun Things to Do with New Jersey Kids. Have a fabulous summer full of FREE fun!

Laurie Rein

Latest posts by Laurie

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