Laurie R

Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com

Latest posts by Laurie

Free Turkeys in New Jersey for Thanksgiving 2023

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Tue, 11/07/2023 - 6:14am

Free turkey meals in New Jersey offer help to families who may not have the financial means to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal they deserve. Many churches, soup kitchens, and charities throughout New Jersey offer free turkey giveaways or full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season.

Read on for details on where to find these services, and if you're fortunate enough to have a full pantry and pocketbook, keep in mind that many of these nonprofits need help now more than ever, so consider reaching out to donate.

In addition to helping families fill their Thanksgiving table, we've also rounded up a collection of resources and organizations ready to supply free toys for the upcoming holiday season.

25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 11/05/2023 - 5:56am

Six Flags Holiday in the Park returns for a 2023 run, promising thrilling holiday cheer. Photo courtesy of Six Flags

Looking for the best holiday activities and Christmas events in New Jersey? Read on for our top picks in the Garden State in 2023.

Make your list—and check it twice—because we've got all the details you need for annual must-do holiday experiences and top Christmas events in New Jersey. These Christmas events and holiday activities in New Jersey are sure to get everyone in the seasonal spirit over the next few weeks.

Bookmark this page—we'll update it with fun new happenings as we learn about them. You can also stay up to date with all the family-friendly fun in our Family Activity Calendar and find more Christmas events and holiday hoopla in our seasonal Holiday Guide for New Jersey Families, which includes the best Christmas train and Polar Express rides in New Jersey.

Free in November: 38 Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Tue, 10/31/2023 - 5:56am

Visit Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops and pose for a pic with the big guy. Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

The many free things to do in New Jersey are among the things to be thankful for in November. Stop by late fall festival freebies like the Day of the Dead Community Festival, Healthy HeARTS Festival , and Awesome Autumn Fun. Or check out one of the Garden State's stunning FREE holiday light celebrations, including tree-lighting events in Cape May, Princeton, and Point Pleasant Beach. Read on for dozens of great free things to do in New Jersey this November.

For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Family Activity Calendar and our Fall Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids.

20 Best Things to Do in New Jersey November 2023 with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 10/29/2023 - 8:17am

Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm

November brings loads of things to do in the Garden State from Princeton to Cape May, as New Jersey gears up for holidays from Veterans Day to Thanksgiving—and then it's full steam ahead to the holiday season!

If you're hoping for a mellow month following Halloween's sugar high, that's just not going to happen! Holiday performances take the stage and ice this busy month, like Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars and A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage. Plus, holiday lights illuminate the season at favorite holiday light shows like the PNC Arts Center Magic of Lights, Orchard of Lights at Demarest Farms, and Smithville's Holiday Light Show.

Be sure to bookmark these staycation ideas for the plethora of November school holidays ahead. And, as you get ready for Thanksgiving, make reservations at one of these restaurants open on Thanksgiving in NJ, or get ready for Turkey Day with some of our favorite Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

Halloween Weekend 2023 in New Jersey: Trick-or-Treat and More Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 10/27/2023 - 11:34am

Get your car decked out for Halloween and dole out treats at the North Wildwood Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Block Party. Photo courtesy of Wildwoods, NJ

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Halloween weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

It's time to scare up some fun this extended weekend with Halloween festivities! There are tons of Halloween activities to choose from, including Halloween events at zoos, Halloween parades, and more. There are also plenty of spots to score treats in North Wildwood, Mount Laurel, Belmar, and other small-town events.

Be sure to show off those great costumes at annual Halloween favorites like Cape May's Boo at the Zoo and iPlay America's Trick-or-Treat Around the Park.

We've got more seasonal treats in our New Jersey Halloween Guide, including not-so-scary Halloween events for toddlers and preschoolers, plus our picks for the best places to trick-or-treat in New Jersey.

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 10/20/2023 - 12:20pm

Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway

Every year Polar Express train rides come to New Jersey, with the Garden State's railroads decked out in their holiday best. We know it's a bit early to start hauling out the holly, but these Polar Express trains and Christmas trains are a popular holiday tradition, and they sell out fast!

Though these Christmas trains don't go all the way to the North Pole, most include a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with treats, caroling, movies, and stories. We've even included a trolley ride hosted by Mrs. Claus herself. Read on to find out where to take a Christmas train ride near New Jersey with Santa, and book your tickets as soon as possible.

If you're already thinking about other must-do activities this holiday season, be sure to check out our rundown of the most spectacular holiday light displays in New Jersey and other tips in our Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in NJ for Families.

Not-So-Scary Halloween Events in New Jersey for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 10/13/2023 - 12:25pm

Liberty Science Center's month-long celebration of Halloween includes a laser show and a special 3D movie. Photo courtesy of LSC

Little ones love nothing more than dressing up and collecting goodies at Halloween events, and New Jersey offers plenty of safe, not-too-scary celebrations perfect for the preschool set. From trunk or treats to over-the-top events at amusement parks and zoo celebrations, these safe activities let toddlers experience the magic of Halloween. Good news for parents: Many of them are FREE!

Read on for dozens of fun and preschool-friendly Halloween events in New Jersey, plus a couple of extra-special events just over the border in Pennsylvania. You can find even more seasonal events in our Guide to New Jersey Fall Fun and Guide to Halloween Events in New Jersey.

Best Preschool and Toddler Classes in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Tue, 10/10/2023 - 8:25am

Flavor Labs helps kids experiment with food and flavors. Photo courtesy of Flavor Labs

When tots are ready to explore their independence, it's time to introduce them to classes specifically geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. These creative, active, and educational classes offer the opportunity to practice gross and fine motor skills, explore the arts, and build on skills learned in preschool. Some classes may require a parent or guardian to stay, while others are drop-off.

Read on for a sampling of the best classes for toddlers and preschoolers in New Jersey. And be sure to check out our post on NJ's top mommy-and-me classes, as well as our Guide to Classes and Activities for Kids in New Jersey.