Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
Latest posts by Laurie
If your days of rowdy reveling and guzzling green beer are a distant memory, you might find yourself wondering: Are there any kid-friendly St. Patrick's Day activities in NJ? You bet your lucky charms there are! Grab the kids and march on over to one of these great St. Patrick's Day celebrations in New Jersey. Our picks include a slew of FREE parades and St. Patrick's Day celebrations guaranteed to make you feel a wee bit Irish—at least for this month.
Looking for more fun things to do? Be sure to bookmark our Family Activity Calendar, which is filled with family-friendly picks no matter the date.
With warmer days ahead, amusement park season is just around the corner. There's no better feeling than zipping through the air on a speedy roller coaster, chilling on a carousel, or watching the little ones enjoy low-key kiddie rides. But, just when do amusement parks open for the season? We've got the scoop, whether you're hoping to catch ocean views and sandy beaches at the Jersey Shore's boardwalk amusement parks, like Jenkinson's and Castaway Cove, or you are dreaming of high-velocity thrill rides at mega parks like Six Flags Great Adventure.
We've rounded up the opening days for the most popular amusement parks in New Jersey and nearby. Be sure to click through to each park's website for the latest information, ticket deals, and season passes.
Sometimes they're naughty, sometimes they're nice, but no matter the mood, the holiday season is always a magical time for toddlers and preschoolers. New Jersey is home to dozens of jolly holiday events geared toward the younger set. Get wowed by animal-shaped Christmas lights at the stroller-friendly Turtle Back Zoo. Indulge in cookies and cocoa on a Polar Express train ride. And give your wish list to Santa Claus himself at a local meet and greet or catch his visit to Imagine That.
So, take a break from wrapping gifts and hiding elves on shelves to enjoy one of these 35+ preschooler-friendly Christmas activities guaranteed to put little ones in the holiday spirit. For more holiday fun, bookmark our Guide to Christmas for New Jersey Families.
When planning a family day trip this fall, vineyards and wineries may not be the first destinations that come to mind. Believe it or not, New Jersey is home to relaxing and scenic vineyards that welcome kids and even pets. These vineyards offer outdoor fun that includes food truck events, music, farm activities, spacious fields, and of course, the Garden State’s homegrown wines.
Not all local vineyards and wineries permit children on the premises, but raise your glass to those that do! Be sure to check the policies on children in the tasting areas before you visit.
As our daily lives have become more technology-dependent, children have the opportunity to use their screentime to gain coding skills to prepare them for the future. These coding classes for kids in New Jersey allow beginner through advanced coders to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to build apps, video games, and more. Popular games like Minecraft and Roblox are often integrated into these coding classes.
While we've found a handful of in-person coding classes in New Jersey, we're also including some virtual coding classes you can enjoy from the comfort of home. Find more science and technology classes in our roundup of the best STEM classes in New Jersey, and check out our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in New Jersey for more kids activities and programs no matter your child's age or interest. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.
Taking the family on a warm summer hike can be scenic, educational, and energizing, but also downright hot! Adding a splash of water to your hike ups the adventure and is a refreshing motivator. The Garden State is home to tons of hiking trails leading to waterfalls, beaches, streams, and other fun spots where kids can dip their toes in the water and cool off a bit in the process.
So, read on for our list of 12 hiking trails where you can enjoy a quick wade or dip. Be sure to pack water shoes as these trails can get wet and sometimes muddy—and a towel is helpful for young hikers who choose to go all in.
Pages
