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

20 Best Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids September 2025, From Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:43am

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 local fairs like H udson West Music Festival 2025. Pumpkins and flowers are in bloom with the scenic Holland Ridge Farms Fall Flower Festival and the almost two-month-long Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm. And get a sneak preview of Halloween at Six Flags Great Adventure's Fright Fest and Kids Boo Fest.

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

Labor Day Weekend 2025 in New Jersey: Festivals, Fireworks, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 7:43am

At the St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival in Scotch Plains, rides, fair food, entertainment, and games are on offer. Photo courtesy of the festival

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 W ildwood.

Magical Small Towns in NJ for Fun Family Day Trips

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 08/10/2025 - 6:46am

Cape May's walkable Main Street makes for a great day trip.

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, you can 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 near 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.

Be sure to check out our Guide to Family Day Trips in New Jersey for more easy and fun in-state tourism ideas.

Best Things To Do in NJ with Kids August 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 07/27/2025 - 9:35am

Enjoy loads of entertainment, including a petting zoo and pig races during the New Jersey State Fair. Photo courtesy of the NJ State Fair

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 fairs, festivals, the circus, dinosaurs, and more. Bring your appetite to food-centric summer festivals like the Just Peachy Festival, featuring farm fun, entertainment, and fruity treats, plus food and fireworks at the 30th Annual Clam Festival.

And mark those calendars for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, in Chatham 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.

Best Street Fairs and Summer Festivals in NJ August 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 07/20/2025 - 7:25am

The Middlesex County Fair has been a fun family tradition for 80 years. Photo courtesy of the fair

August is a month-long party in New Jersey with a slew of summery festivals and fairs. The New Jersey State Fair: Sussex County Farm & Horse Show is one of many August favorites, boasting live entertainment, rides, food, and horses. Plus, kick back to music, crafts, boat rides, and more at Canal Day Music & Craft Festival, and indulge in delicious food and fireworks at the IAATO Italian Festival.

Read on for more info on the great New Jersey fairs and festivals happening in August, many of which are FREE to attend.

Best Summer Fairs and Festivals in New Jersey July 2025

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 07/04/2025 - 10:38am

The Ocean County Fair has live music, animal acts, rides, and classic fair food. Photo courtesy of the fair

Looking for the best July fairs and festivals for New Jersey families? Here are some great options to add to your list.

Soak up the sun and take in the summery sights at family-friendly summer fairs and festivals throughout New Jersey this month, including the 87th Annual Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival, featuring rides, entertainment, and children's activities. Plus, lots of county fairs offer good, old-fashioned fun in July—swing by events in O cean and Monmouth counties, among others.

Read on for more info on the great New Jersey fairs and festivals happening in July.

4th of July Weekend in New Jersey: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 07/04/2025 - 10:21am

Celebrate Independence Day at Jenkinson's Boarwalk with a spectacular fireworks show on the beach. Photo courtesy Jenkinson’s Boardwalk

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this 4th of July weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

The long-awaited 4th of July weekend blasts off with fireworks and festivities throughout the state, including food, fun and fireworks at the annual Oceanfest spectacular in Long Branch and Bergen County's Star-Spangled Spectacular.

Kick off July with fun and games all week at Perth Amboy PAL 3rd Annual Carnival.

4th of July and More Best Things To Do in New Jersey July 2025 with Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 06/29/2025 - 10:57am

Rides, food, and more family-friendly fun await at the Monmouth County Fair. Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this July? Here are all the family-friendly events and activities you should add to your list, from fireworks and the 4th of July to summer fun all month long.

July's red-hot roster is jam-packed with festivals, fireworks, sandcastles, and everything summer has to offer. Get your fill of rides, entertainment, and attractions at the multi-day Monmouth County Fair and Warren County Farmer's Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival. And revel in Independence Day fun at Long Branch's annual Oceanfest.

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

Laurie Rein

Latest posts by Laurie

Pages