Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

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.

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello

Festive Christmas Coloring Pages for Kids (Free Printables)

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 12/02/2025 - 9:33am

We've got lots of fun designs in need of a colorful, festive touch for the holidays! Photo by Dragon Images via canva.com

Free printable coloring pages for kids can be a lifesaver, especially during the busy holiday season. Kids who love to get crafty can use Christmas coloring pages to make tree decorations, wall art, gift tags, Christmas cards, and more. Plus, they're the perfect boredom buster for car rides or while you're trying to get some chores done.

These printable Christmas coloring pages are fun, festive, and easy to download and share. We've found a variety of holiday coloring sheets& in classic Christmas themes like Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and Christmas tree coloring pages.

Looking for more creative fun? Check out our ultimate collection of coloring pages and printable activity sheets for kids, as well as our list of 100 totally free printable activities for kids.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 11/28/2025 - 10:46am

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 and comfort 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 2025

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 11/23/2025 - 1:55pm

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 stunning displays on 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 more ways to be merry in our New Jersey Kids' Guide to Holiday Fun.

What's Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in New Jersey? Places Open for Family Fun

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 11/16/2025 - 7:20am

From turkey trots to ice skating, there's lots happening on Thanksgiving Day in NJ. Photo courtesy of the Chatham Turkey Trot

There's more to Thanksgiving family time than turkey. If you're not prepping the main event or if dinner wraps up early, you might be left wondering, "Now what?" Use the time to make some extra-special Thanksgiving memories with the kids.

We've rounded up a bunch of ideas to get you going, including turkey trots, holiday light displays, and visits with animals at NJ zoos and aquariums.

Check out our roundup of NJ restaurants open on Thanksgiving and skip kitchen duty this year, or take a gander at our story on NJ fall day trips for other ways to get out of the house.

Fun and Festive Thanksgiving Coloring Pages for Kids (Free Printables)

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 11/13/2025 - 9:10pm

Coloring is a great way to get ready for Thanksgiving or to spend time together while turkey is in the oven. Photo by Polina Tankilevich via canva.com

Cooking and cleaning for Thanksgiving dinner feels like a marathon of chores, and bored kids will definitely slow you down. If you’re looking for some festive, screen-free ways to occupy our children, a stack of free Thanksgiving coloring pages could be your new best friend.

We found a variety of printable Thanksgiving coloring sheets that are easy to download, print, and share, and will keep kids calm and busy for a good long while. Best of all, many sites offer great Thanksgiving Day coloring pages for FREE.

If you’re looking to build a library of free printable coloring pages, don’t miss our ultimate collection of 1,000 Coloring Pages and Printable Activity Sheets for Kids. It includes our big list of printable, free coloring pages for kids!

How To Find Free Toys for Kids this Christmas and Holiday Season—Apply Soon!

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 11/04/2025 - 8:20am

Sometimes you can lend a helping hand, sometimes you need a helping hand. Because every kid deserves presents on Christmas. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

With the holidays right around the corner, many nonprofits are gearing up to ensure that the 2025 holiday season is joyful for all families. Luckily, there are loads of organizations, churches, and communities all over the country that run free toy drives and holiday gift programs to make sure every child has a toy or gift this holiday season.

Here’s a guide to help you find free toys for kids this Christmas, including national programs and ways to search for local help right in your city.

If you aren't struggling and want your family to start a tradition of giving back, reach out to one of these groups to see how you can donate free toys or offer other assistance. Not sure what gifts to donate? Our Gift Guide has recommendations for kids of all ages at all price points for toys and gifts that kids adore.

Best Neighborhoods to Trick or Treat on Halloween in New Jersey 2025

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 10/28/2025 - 6:18am

Clinton Place in Hackensack is known for having over-the-top Halloween decorations on nearly every home. Photo by James Falletti

If you're looking to up your Halloween game this year, we've got the scoop on the best places to trick or treat in New Jersey. These Halloween-obsessed New Jersey towns and neighborhoods decorate their homes with fabulous Halloween decorations to delight trick-or-treaters big and small. Others turn their streets into festive Halloween block parties.

Where can you join in the fun near your home? We’ve compiled a list of dozens of towns and neighborhoods that are worth a visit for trick-or-treating in New Jersey. Those who make the trip can expect lots of treats—not to mention some prime photo-ops.

Find more fun in our Halloween Guide for New Jersey Families, including the best FREE Halloween events for local kids.

13 Creepy & Cool Teen-Approved Halloween Experiences and Events in NJ

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 10/17/2025 - 12:40pm

Teens can flee the axman this Halloween at Wall Township's Conover Killings. Photo courtesy of the event

As the leaves change color and a chill fills the air, parents of teens face a spooky challenge: finding Halloween plans that are more "gore" and less "bore." We've compiled a list of 13 teen-worthy Halloween events that, dare we say, are fire.

Find more Halloween events for kids of every age in our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for New Jersey Kids.