Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Christmas Vacation in New Jersey: 20 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 5:32am

Holland Ridge Farms combines a tulip theme and the holidays in its Winter Wonderland installation. Photo courtesy of Holland Ridge Farms

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.

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 33 Best Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 12/06/2024 - 10:24am

A visit to the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton makes for a great winter day trip. Photo by David Michael Howarth Photography

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.

50 Awesome Holiday & Christmas Traditions for Families to Start This Year

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 12/03/2024 - 10:10am

Track Santa with one the free Santa trackers while relaxing by the lights of the Christmas tree.

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.

Turtle Back Zoo's Holiday Lights Spectacular Returns for 2024: What to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 11/27/2024 - 6:00am

Turtle Back Zoo is all decked out for the holiday season, which means there are lots of great photo ops.

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.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows near NYC

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 11/24/2024 - 12:20pm

The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.

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.

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 11/17/2024 - 8:44am

Donations to Fanwood's Famous Christmas House support charity. Photo courtesy of the family

Christmas lights shine brightly in New Jersey, and you can enjoy amazingly decked-out houses with stunning holiday displays throughout the state. There are many different ways to see Christmas lights—from walk-through spectacles at amusement parks to over-the-top drive-thru displays and private homes. There are even entire towns that go all out with holiday light installations!

These sparkling holiday spectacles—some of which feature more than 1 million lights—are sure to impress even the grinchiest member of your family. So bundle up the kids and head out to one of these illuminating local light shows before the sun sets on the Christmas season!

Check out our roundup of New Jersey Christmas towns that go all out for the holidays, and find tons more ways to be merry in our Holiday Fun Guide.

43 Holiday and Christmas Party Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 11/14/2024 - 12:00pm

Festive crafts are an essential part of any holiday party for toddlers and preschoolers! Photo courtesy of Canva

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.

Best STEM Classes in New Jersey for Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 11/12/2024 - 6:06am

Robot Revolution in Summit focuses on competitive robotics.

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.

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

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