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

Kid-Friendly Hikes, Swimming at Jersey's Cheesequake State Park

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 06/05/2017 - 4:10pm

What better way to foster a child's natural love of the outdoors than with a hike in one of New Jersey's beautiful parks?

As a mom of two young boys (ages 3 and 6) and a non-walking baby, any trail my crew is going to explore must be fairly short, clearly delineated, not travel by any crazy drop-offs, not be too steep, have bathrooms somewhat nearby, and meander past interesting scenery. Cheesequake State Park in Matawan perfectly meets these criteria and is a great spot for introducing your kids to hiking—and even lake swimming.

Day Trip: 10 Things To Do at Colonial Park in Somerset, NJ

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 05/22/2017 - 2:25pm

Looking for Central NJ park outing that's more than just swings and slides? Make Colonial Park in Somerset, NJ, your next day trip destination. This sprawling, 685-acre park has activities to suit children and adults of all ages. Here are 10 ways to enjoy a day there.

A Dozen Fun Things to Do with Kids at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 05/17/2017 - 12:36pm

If biking, hiking, and learning about nature sounds like great fun for your family, plan a trip to Duke Farms. Open to the public since 2012, this 2,740-acre ecological treasure located in Hillsborough offers diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and interesting educational programs. This park is perfect for exploring the outdoors in all seasons. Here are a dozen ways to take it all in at Duke Farms.

KidStreet Playground: Playdate Perfection in Bridgewater, NJ

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 05/11/2017 - 12:30pm

Slides? Check. Swings? Check. Two-story pirate ship, zip lines, and enormous climbing structures? Check, check, and check. KidStreet isn't your average playground.

Located minutes from Bridgewater Commons Mall at the Bridgewater Municipal Complex, this unique spot is one that your family will want to visit again and again. KidStreet is a favorite hangout for my kids, ages 6, 3, and 9 months. It has a fantastic layout with special playground equipment you won’t come across just anywhere, and it's perfect for playdates, with plenty of parent seating areas and fun things to do for kids of all ages—even the big kids. Read on for an inside look at this hidden gem.

Kids' Classes and Fun Family Activities at NJ Community Colleges

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 05/03/2017 - 1:05pm

Your child might not be old enough to head off to college, but there are plenty of offerings for kids at New Jersey's many community colleges. There are about 20 community colleges throughout the state, and they offer everything from music programs to STEM classes. We've put together a list of some of the best classes and enrichment activities for tots to teens. Some summer camps are noted, but for a longer list of options, be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide.

20+ Things To Do with Kids in Somerville, New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 04/12/2017 - 1:03pm

Good things come in small packages. Somerville may be only two square miles, but there's a lot of fun packed into this charming Central Jersey borough. With a vibrant and redeveloped downtown, a minor league baseball team, and some amazing historical sites, there is plenty to see and do. Here are 20+ ways for your family to have a blast in and around Somerville.

New Indoor Trampoline Park Opens in Deptford, New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 04/06/2017 - 2:55pm

Got energetic kids who are bouncing off the walls at home? Head over the new Launch Trampoline Park in Deptford, where bouncing off walls is highly encouraged!

I recently went to the grand opening weekend with my 3- and 5-year-old boys and had a blast. There is a lot to do, and unlike your average bounce house or indoor playspace, adults can jump right in and participate without feeling out of place.

Here's what you need to know before you go.

New Escape Room Center Opens in Bridgewater, New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 03/22/2017 - 1:23pm

Think a recipe for fun includes locking yourself and your kids inside a small room for an hour? That's the idea behind escape room adventure games, an activity that's become a worldwide phenomenon over the last year or so. New Jerseyans now have a new option for escape room fun: one of the state's largest facilities, the Escape Room Center, just opened in Bridgewater, and it makes for an exciting and memorable outing for families with older children, tweens, and teens.

Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello

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