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

Best Pregnancy and Parenting Classes in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Tue, 09/10/2024 - 5:42am

New Jersey has many great classes for moms-to-be.

Birthing and parenting classes offered throughout New Jersey range in topics from breastfeeding to infant care to prenatal yoga. Expectant parents can gain knowledge and confidence for a healthy pregnancy and birth through pregnancy and parenting classes focusing on prenatal and postnatal skills.

You can find more pregnancy and parenting classes in New Jersey, and even book a class online, in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New Jersey Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

Best Fall Festivals and Fairs in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 09/01/2024 - 9:31am

The Water Lantern Festival returns to the harbor in Jersey City's Liberty State Park at month's end. Photo courtesy of the event

As the carefree days of summer draw to a close, these fall festivals in New Jersey give families plenty to look forward to. Chow down on delicious seafood at the Downbeach Seafood Festival, and sneak in some early Halloween fun at Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest Extreme, plus, get a taste of fall at local fairs, including Jersey City's All About Downtown Street Fair.

20 Best Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids September 2024

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 1:16pm

The Warren County Hot Air Festival takes flight in late September. Photo courtesy of the event

Labor Day kicks off September activities, launching New Jersey's season of apple picking, fall festivals, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes.

Fall is in the air this September with the arrival of seasonal family-friendly events like Riverdale's Annual Labor Day Street Fair. And get a sneak preview of Halloween at Six Flags Great Adventure Fright Fest Extreme and DiDonato's Trick-or-Treat Train.

We've got more seasonal picks in our Fall Fun Guide, and you can find even more great things to do in our Activity Calendar.

Labor Day Weekend 2024 in New Jersey: Festivals, Fireworks, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 7:40am

Wildwood sends summer out with a bang with one last Friday night fireworks display on the beach. Photo courtesy of Wildwood, NJ

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

Whether you are ready to celebrate the last licks of summer or want to enjoy an early taste of fall, the long Labor Day weekend in New Jersey is bursting with change-of-month and change-of-season excitement. Carnivals are in the spotlight this weekend, with multi-day festivities like the St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival. Local towns welcome the new month and season with neighborhood celebrations in Frenchtown and Riverdale.

37 Fun and Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids September 2024

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Tue, 08/27/2024 - 11:38am

Take to the water during Port Monmouth's Wind & Sea Festival. Photo courtesy of the Monmouth County Park System

Our roundup of FREE September events and activities in New Jersey is the perfect remedy for end-of-summer blues.

September is off to a promising start with local neighborhood fairs throughout the state, like Bridgewater Community Day Featuring Touch-a-Truck.

As summer transitions to fall, get in the autumn spirit at admission-free seasonal events, including Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival and Harvest Home Festival.

For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar.

Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 08/18/2024 - 11:00am

For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier

Visitors to the New York City metro area have no shortage of family-friendly attractions to visit. From NYC's iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty to the sprawling Legoland New York in the Hudson Valley and Long Island's wet-and-wild Splish Splash, there are tons of can't-miss attractions near New York City for families.

Take advantage of everything the city and its suburbs offer with these unique, family-friendly experiences. Find more family must-do's in our local Visitors Guides for Families.

Best Mommy-and-Me Classes in New Jersey for Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 08/16/2024 - 7:28am

Gymboree offers movement classes for babies and toddlers with caregivers. Photo courtesy of Gymboree

Mommy-and-me classes in New Jersey can be some of the most wonderful bonding activities during your child's early months and years. The choices multiply yearly with enriching music classes, swim lessons, and more.

Don't expect these sessions to be filled with just moms, either—dads, nannies, grandparents, and all caregivers can join in the fun. Some classes offer independent play for toddlers or even options where siblings can attend.

Read on for a sampling of the best mommy-and-me classes in New Jersey, and find even more options in our guide to the best Classes and Activities for Kids in New Jersey.

21 Best Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids August 2024

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 07/28/2024 - 5:46am

Enjoy the beautiful butterflies and the beautiful butterfly costumes at the Watershed Institute's butterfly festival. Photo courtesy of the institute

There are tons of things to do in August in New Jersey–you can enjoy outdoor movies and concerts, summer festivals, and the best beach days. After all, summer is not over yet!

Soak in the sun with a roster of exciting August events, including more than a dozen fairs and festivals. Bring your appetite to food-centric summer festivals like the Just Peachy Festival and the 29th Annual Clam Festival. And mark those calendars for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, in M ansfield and several other New Jersey towns.

We're adding more events to our Family Activity Calendar every day, so don't forget to check it frequently.

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