Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 08/25/2023 - 3:01pm

Boonton's "Little Niagara" is an easily accessible waterfall in Grace Lord Park. Photo courtesy of Boonton, NJ

New Jersey is teeming with beautiful waterfalls, and many of them are accessible via an easy hike or walk. From the roaring Paterson Great Falls—the second-most-powerful waterfall east of the Mississippi—to the charming Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation, we've rounded up a handful of waterfall hikes in northern NJ that you can tackle with even the littlest trekkers.

Waterfall hikes are great for goal-oriented kids and anyone who needs a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are in our own backyards. Read on for our picks.

Be sure to check out our article on great day trips to NJ state forests and more in our Guide to New Jersey Playgrounds & Parks.

The Funplex Amusement Park and Water Park Guide: Family Fun in East Hanover and Mt. Laurel

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 7:40am

The Funplex's rides will please little thrill-seekers.

The Funplex in East Hanover lives up to the "fun" in its name. The huge complex–which has a second location in Mount Laurel–has tons of activity options, whether your family wants to try the go-karts, bowling, laser tag, arcade games, or warrior course.

But the best-kept secret might be the outdoor water park, with splash areas and slides for the whole family to enjoy–plus lots of spots to kick back and relax.

Check out our story on great amusement parks for NJ toddlers and much more in our Guide to New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks.

17 Things To Do in New Jersey with Teens

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 08/08/2023 - 6:09am

Teens can experience the thrill of throwing an axe at a wooden target at Stumpy's. Photo courtesy of Stumpy's

Planning things to do with your New Jersey teen can be tricky business. You've got to walk a fine line between appealing to someone who's approaching adulthood, but who also loved bubbles and slides a few short years ago.

The good news is that NJ is packed with fresh spots that teens and tweens will love exploring. Whether your teen would enjoy trying a round of upscale bowling and mini-golf, trying out a cooking class, or gaming at a retro arcade, we've got 17 ideas to try with your teen. And be sure to check out our Tweens & Teens Guide to New Jersey for even more ideas.

70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 12:56pm

Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers.. Photo by Kip Dawkins

There's nothing better than lazy, relaxing summer days at the beaches of the Jersey Shore. Of course, at some point, the kids are going to want to get up and do something, right?

If you're looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during a vacation at the Shore this summer, this list of 70 family-friendly activities all up and down the New Jersey coast should hit the spot. We've even included a number of FREE things to do.

For more fun down the shore, check out our Jersey Shore Guide, which includes information on amusement parks and water parks, top beaches, best boardwalks, and more. And for even more ideas, see our itinerary for 3 days on the Jersey Shore with Kids.

Best Roller Skating Rinks in New Jersey for Kids and Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 04/21/2023 - 7:03am

Take a spin at the Florham Park Roller Skating Rink. Photo courtesy of the rink

New Jersey's wonderful roller skating rinks will get the kids moving and serve up a nostalgic reminder of your own childhood.

Roller skating rinks offer the perfect place to throw a rad party or spend a mega-fun afternoon indoors with the kids. Check out the roller skating hot spots throughout NJ that we've rounded up below–Spandex pants are strictly optional. We've got more fun indoor places to play on this list of 40 indoor activities in New Jersey, plus tons more fun in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces.

3 Days on the Jersey Shore with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 03/30/2023 - 3:13pm

Spread your towels on the expansive beach in Seaside Heights. Photo courtesy of Seaside Heights Boardwalk and Beach

The Jersey Shore overflows with things to do and see, from action-packed boardwalks and beautiful family-friendly beaches to lighthouses, and nature centers. There are tons of family-friendly attractions in the region.

If you're not a local, it can be a little daunting to think about what to do and where to go—especially if you only have a couple of days to play with. Here, we've put together a three-day plan to help you hit some of the best things to do in the Point Pleasant, Seaside, and Long Branch areas. Plus, we've even offered a bonus side-trip idea if you have time.

So, read on for our top things to do on a mini-vacation to the Jersey Shore and find more family-friendly things to do in our Guide to the Jersey Shore, plus more local getaways in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

Top Indoor Playgrounds in Central New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 02/10/2023 - 6:27am

Kids can test their climbing skills at Gravity Vault in Middletown.

Indoor playgrounds abound in Middlesex, Monmouth, and other central New Jersey counties, with venues featuring bouncy rooms, arcades, rock walls, imaginative play, and much more. Read on for more than 25 of our favorite drop-in playgrounds in central NJ.

If you're looking for other great indoor activity ideas, be sure to read our rundown on the best New Jersey arcades and check out all the other posts in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids.

Rock 'N Air Adventure Park Brings High-Flying Trampoline Park Fun to East Brunswick

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 02/07/2023 - 10:07am

Rock 'N Air is an enormous high-tech trampoline park.

My family loves trampoline parks, indoor play spaces, rock climbing, and obstacle courses. We're frequent visitors to these indoor fun zones in Northern New Jersey and Central Jersey, but we recently found a new go-to that's skyrocketed to the top of our favorites list: Rock 'N Air Adventure Park of East Brunswick.

Read on for our visit to this all-ages indoor playground and find more fun places to play with New Jersey kids in our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces.