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

25 Things To Do with New Jersey Kids Over Holiday Break

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

Take a magical holiday hayride at Johnson's Corner Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm

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!

30+ Free Things To Do with New Jersey Kids in November

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Wed, 10/31/2018 - 12:00pm

Drop in to the Princeton University Art Museum anytime between 10:30am and 1pm for Free Family Art Day. Photo courtesy of the museum

November has arrived, and there’s so much to be thankful for—including free events! Enjoy some outdoor time early in the month at admission-free festivals like St. Anthony International Festival, Day of the Dead 2018, Ocean City's Quiet Festival, and Short Hills-Millburn Street Fair.

Later in the month, Santa Claus is coming to town! Kick off the holiday season at no-cost celebrations in Princeton, Nutley, Morristown, Ridgewood, and Red Bank. Plus, seasonal light shows make their debut, including Smithville's Holiday Light Show and Atlantic City's Holiday Musical Light Show.

Keep the little ones busy and warm, without spending a dime, at weekly storytimes such as Penny's Storytime, Kids' Story Hour at Rutgers Landscape & Nursery, and Pottery Barn Kids Weekly Storytime. (Please check websites for Thanksgiving week schedules.)

Read on for this month's picks! For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar, as well as our Fall Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids.

Halloween Weekday Fun for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 10/28/2018 - 10:00am

Morristown is one of many NJ towns hosting an annual Halloween trick-or-treat! Photo courtesy of the Morristown Partnership

Can't wait for Halloween? You don't have to! There's tons of Halloween fun happening on the days leading up to the big holiday. Put those costumes to good use at farm festivals, parades, and plenty of candy-collecting.

Get the most out of Halloween when you check out our Ultimate Halloween Guide for New Jersey Kids, and get the scoop on the state's Best Trick-or-Treating Neighborhoods, the Best Halloween Events for New Jersey Preschoolers, and 35 Free Halloween Events. And of course, find a complete listing of Halloween happenings in our Event Calendar. Happy Halloween!

60+ Free Things To Do with New Jersey Kids in October

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 10/01/2018 - 1:40pm

Take the little ones trick-or-treating at HalloWheaton, a free, family-friendly event at WheatonArts. Photo courtesy of WheatonArts

There are no tricks here, just treats! We present more than 60 free events taking place in October throughout New Jersey. Save your money for candy and costumes, and load up on dozens of no-cost events every day of the month. Food, crafts, and fall fun are on tap at free harvest festivals that include Hoboken Harvest Festival, Pierfest 4th Annual Fall Festival, Dunellen HarvestFest, Harvest Homecoming at the Frazee House, and many more.

Check out admission-free pumpkin spectaculars like Pumpkin Fest 2018, the South Jersey Pumpkin Show Festival, and the 26th Annual Pumpkin Festival. And of course, October tops off with the main event of the season: Halloween. Throw on those costumes and head over to free celebrations including trunk-or-treats in Wildwood, Westfield, and Glassboro, and parades in Maplewood, Seaside Heights, and Toms River.

Read on for this month's picks! For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar, as well as our Fall Fun Guide for New Jersey Kids and more Free Halloween events.

40 Free Things To Do with New Jersey Kids in September

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Thu, 08/30/2018 - 10:00am

Get out on the water at the Wind and Sea Festival. Photo courtesy of Monmouth County

Are you feeling the end-of-summer blues? We'll turn that frown upside down with a roster full of free events taking place this month in New Jersey! September is off to a promising start with Labor Day freebies, like Riverdale's Annual Labor Day Street Fair, St. Bartholomew Italian Festival, and Rutherford Labor Day Street Fair. Street fairs continue throughout the month in Red Bank, North Haledon, Fanwood, and Jersey City.

Back-to-school time is the perfect time to indulge in literature at the Annual New Jersey Storytelling Festival and Princeton Children's Book Festival.

As summer transitions to fall, get in the autumn spirit at admission-free seasonal events, including Hopewell Harvest Fair, Edison Fall Family Spectacular, Bergen County Fall Harvest Festival, and Westfield FestiFall. Get back to nature at the26th Annual Insect Festival, New Jersey WILD Outdoor Expo, and Kids' Story Hour at Rutgers Landscape & Nursery.

Read on for this month's picks! For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar, as well as the Best Fall Fairs and Festivals for NJ Families in September.

Family-Friendly Walkable Towns in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 1:00pm

Do you ever crave a city scene while living in the suburbs? Like many New Jersey residents, I moved here from Manhattan years ago but still feel that itch for metropolitan perks, like walkability, diversity of restaurants and shops, and an energetic community hub. The good news is, there's no need to leave the state for city amenities. Explore great walkable downtowns right here in New Jersey, where you'll find both chain and independent shops, art museums, unique bookstores, delicious cafes serving up local eats, and more. If you choose to leave the car at home, most of these downtowns are in close proximity to New Jersey Transit trains or buses.

Whether a day trip destination or a quick stop for lunch and shopping, these great walkable downtowns are worth a visit.

20+ August Fairs and Festivals for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 07/30/2018 - 12:00pm

Meet lots of sweet animals at the New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show. Courtesy of Sussex County Fairgrounds

When it comes to fairs and festivals, August in New Jersey is like one big party! Flutter over to Pennington for a Butterfly Festival, indulge in sweet summer peaches at Princeton's Just Peachy Festival, or enjoy classic fair fun like carnival rides and games at a county fair. With so many options, the family calendar will be packed all month long.

Read on for our top picks, and find more ways to make the most of August with our Summer Fun Guide.

100+ Free Things To Do with Kids This Summer in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 06/22/2018 - 10:00am

Oceanfest in Long Branch features tons of children's entertainment, including balloon artists, a magic show, and costumed characters. Photo courtesy of the festival

Summer is the season for no-cost fun all across New Jersey. From fireworks and festivals to free outdoor movies, we’ve rounded up more than 100 family-friendly events to enjoy all summer long that won’t break the bank.

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Summer Fun Guide and Event Calendar. Have a fabulous (and free) summer, New Jersey!

Laurie Rein

Latest posts by Laurie

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