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

Best Sledding Hills in New Jersey for Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 12/26/2025 - 11:00am

Get ready to hit the sledding hills in New Jersey. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

New Jersey sledding hills are cold, slippery, and ridiculously fun. NJ is home to plenty of perfect sledding hills for all ages, and we've compiled this list of 26 great sledding spots throughout the state. So, once the flakes have flown, it's time to break out your sleds, bundle up (helmets recommended!), and venture out to one of these great local sledding hills in New Jersey.

Don't forget the safety check! Take a minute to make sure your chosen sledding hill isn't too steep or bumpy for your child and that there's enough of a "landing" spot so your little sledder can safely glide to a halt. Avoid spots near ponds and trees, and be sure the sledding hill doesn't end in a street or parking lot. Skip rocky hills, too.

For even more winter fun, bookmark our Guide to Winter Activities for New Jersey Families.

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 12/14/2025 - 6:26am

Hit the slopes in NJ this winter. Photo via Mountain Creek Facebook

It might feel like it's harder to find fun winter activities for the kids in New Jersey, but the Garden State has so much to offer when the days are colder and shorter. My family loves to find outdoor winter fun in New Jersey, like winter festivals and winter hikes, and we also love to explore indoor family activities like museums and indoor play spaces.

Read on for some top winter activities to do with kids in NJ, like skiing and snowboarding, outdoor ice rinks, snowboarding, and more.

Be sure to check out our Family Activity Calendar and Winter Activities Guide for even more great ideas.

New Jersey's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s with Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 12/12/2025 - 9:52am

The twinkling lights at Turtleback Zoo sparkle into the new year. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

As soon as that first crisp December day arrives, I get excited about planning the kids' holiday break. Choosing just a couple of activities for the week is the tough part! The state is packed with must-do Christmas vacation fun—from dazzling light displays to classic cold-weather adventures.

Read on for the best things to do with kids during winter break in NJ, and check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families for even more ideas.

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!