Laurie Rein

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Latest posts by Laurie

Find Family Fun for All Ages at the Morris Museum

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Thu, 02/14/2019 - 11:00am

If you’re looking for an interactive museum experience the whole family will enjoy, head over to The Morris Museum. While smaller and simpler than a big-city institution, the museum, housed in an old mansion, features an eclectic showing of family-friendly exhibits.

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood near Morristown’s historic district, Morris Museum has become one of my family's go-to's for a quick weekend day trip or a stopover at one of its annual festivals. The vintage musical instruments, model train exhibit, and rock and mineral collection remain big hits with my tweens.

In addition to the hands-on exhibits, the museum features a children’s theater and a robust lineup of family programs and events. There are plenty of reasons that Morris Museum is on our list of 100 Things to Do in NJ with Kids!

New Jersey Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Thu, 01/17/2019 - 1:05pm

Who says there’s no such thing as a free meal? Restaurants throughout New Jersey offer free kid meal promotions nearly every night of the week. (Basically, you never have to cook again.) Visit your favorite family-friendly restaurant on a kids-eat-free night, and you won’t have to worry about overspending on kids’ entrees, especially the ones that are barely touched. Check out some of these New Jersey dining spots that feature free kid meals on certain nights of the week.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Volunteer and Celebrate with Kids in NJ

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Wed, 01/09/2019 - 12:00pm

Martin Luther King, Jr., the chief spokesperson for the Civil Rights Movement, is memorialized annually on the third Monday of January. This floating holiday has evolved into more than just a day off from school. Now deemed a National Day of Service, MLK Day encourages volunteers across the country to donate their time in order to make a difference. This day reminds us of hope, compassion, and the ongoing potential for social change. Many New Jersey towns are hosting local activities, and we've put together a list that includes both celebrations and service activities.

16 Stores That Offer Free and Cheap Classes for NJ Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sat, 01/05/2019 - 3:25pm

Extracurricular activities create enriching experiences for kids, but they can also take a toll on your wallet. While kids are encouraged to explore their passions, the price tag on sports teams, dance classes, and art lessons can be overwhelming.

The good news is that stores throughout the state offer free—and nearly free—classes that allow you to save money while developing your family’s interests. These low- or no-cost classes, crafts, storytimes, and other activities are great ways to fill in schedule gaps without busting your budget.

Many stores have various locations, so be sure to check the websites for local schedules.

January GoList: The Best Things To Do With NJ Kids This Month

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 12/28/2018 - 12:00pm

Best cure for the post-holiday blues? Load up your January calendar with fun and festive events that the whole family will look forward to!

Start 2019 right with creative spins on some of your favorite films. See the Frozen crew skate their way into Prudential Center. Sing along with Grease on the big screen at MAYO. And watch The Empire Strikes Back accompanied by live music in various locations.

January is the perfect time to relax at family-friendly theatrical productions. Don't miss Pinkalicious: The Musical, Pete the Cat, Bubble Trouble, and the debut of American Girl Live. And if you're ready to brave the chill, go festival-hopping at Fire and Ice Festival and Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival.

For more wintry fun, check out our Winter Activity Guide, and discover the best places to play indoors when the temperature plummets. And as always, you can find many more great things to do in our Event Calendar, including some freebies.

Where To Enjoy High Tea in New Jersey with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 12/17/2018 - 12:00pm

If your little sweetie loves the finer things in life—and has the patience to make it through a sit-down meal—he or she may be ready to enjoy an afternoon at one of NJ's many local tea rooms. From the fine china and finger sandwiches to the tempting sweets, your little one will be enchanted during this special one-on-one mommy time. Many host sweet birthday parties, and several offer special holiday events.

25 Things To Do with New Jersey Kids Over Holiday Break

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 12/16/2018 - 9:13am

The lazy days of December break may be the best time to take part in New Jersey's family-friendly holiday activities—especially if you have visiting relatives to entertain or kids who have already moved on from their presents. From spectacular light displays to cold-weather fun, there's plenty to do during the days off from school.

Most New Jersey schools are closed from Monday, December 24, 2018 through Tuesday, January 1, 2019, allowing plenty of time to experience some of the holiday highlights you may have missed in the hectic run-up to Christmas. It's also the perfect time to check out an indoor play space, museum, or fun zone.

Be sure to check out our December GoList and Holiday Fun Guide for more great ideas. Happy Holidays, NJ!

December GoList: 25 Best Things To Do in NJ for the Holidays

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 11/30/2018 - 9:00am

The month of December is like one big jolly holiday. Santa's making his rounds via planes and trains, and even underwater. Local towns and Jersey's favorite haunts are glowing with holiday lights. Plus, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve round out the month-long festivities.

If you and your kids are eager to celebrate the season, you're in luck—there are so many wonderful events and activities happening throughout the state every day this month. You'll find plenty of free things to do, as well as activities j ust for little ones. You can have breakfast with Santa, catch a seasonal show, and see at least one of the spectacular light displays around NJ.

We know you’re busy with things like shopping, baking, and figuring out what the heck to do with your Elf on the Shelf, so we’ve sorted through all of this month's happenings and picked 25 of our favorites.

For even more ideas, check out our Holiday Guide and Event Calendar. And sign up for our FREE newsletters so you can have our picks delivered directly to your inbox!

Happy Holidays!

Laurie Rein

Laurie R

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