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.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
From free beaches to free attractions and events. you don't need to break the bank to have a great day out in New Jersey. NJ is home to fantastic FREE museums that will stoke your kids' interest in art, history, animals, geology, and more.
Read on for museums to enjoy for FREE with kids. And be sure to check out our guide to the best NJ museums for families.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
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.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
From free zoos to museums, there are tons of fabulously free things to do with kids in NJ – which just goes to show that you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a great day. Read on for 100 free places to take your family in NJ.
Looking for even more options? Be sure to check out our Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids, too. Note that some venues are run by volunteers, so donations are appreciated.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
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.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
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.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
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.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
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.
Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on
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.
