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
There's no shortage of opportunities for your little elves to pose for pictures with Santa in New Jersey when the big guy comes to town this Christmas season. We've rounded up our favorites, and there are events all over the state listed below for you to snag that photo op.
For even more seasonal activities, check out our Holiday and Christmas Activities Guide for NJ Kids, where we've rounded up our favorite places to have breakfast with Santa and plenty more holiday must-do's for New Jersey kids.
Make the most magical time of the year even more special with a visit to one of New Jersey's spectacular Christmas light displays. At holiday lights drive-thrus, you stay toasty in your car and journey through a sparkling course. At others, you can stretch your legs as you wander past holiday lights and experience the magic up close.
Whichever you choose, pile the kids in the car with some snacks, crank up the holiday tunes, and journey out to see one of these impressive holiday light displays.
Find must-do holiday activities and more ways to be merry in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families.
Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this Thanksgiving Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.
Thanksgiving has arrived, so gobble up all the fun and festivities this long weekend has to offer. Seasonal drive-thru holiday light shows kick off the weekend, including the Skylands Stadium Light Show, and Santa makes his grand arrival at tree-lighting celebrations, including the one in tree lighting in Morristown.
With the holidays just around the corner, the long weekend is the perfect time to venture into NYC to check out the holiday sights, including the enchanting Santa's Winter Wonderland. If you prefer to keep it closer to home, take a drive to see New Jersey's Best Christmas Light Displays. Find more holiday fun in our Guide to the Holidays for NJ Families.
Free turkey meals in New Jersey offer help to families who may not have the financial means to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal they deserve. Many churches, soup kitchens, and charities throughout New Jersey offer free turkey giveaways or full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season.
Read on for details on where to find these services, and if you're fortunate enough to have a full pantry and pocketbook, keep in mind that many of these nonprofits need help now more than ever, so consider reaching out to donate.
In addition to helping families fill their Thanksgiving table, we've also rounded up a collection of resources and organizations ready to supply free toys for the upcoming holiday season.
When tots are ready to explore their independence, it's time to introduce them to classes specifically geared toward toddlers and preschoolers. These creative, active, and educational classes offer the opportunity to practice gross and fine motor skills, explore the arts, and build on skills learned in preschool. Some classes may require a parent or guardian to stay, while others are drop-off.
Read on for a sampling of the best classes for toddlers and preschoolers in New Jersey. And be sure to check out our post on NJ's top mommy-and-me classes, as well as our Guide to Classes and Activities for Kids in New Jersey.
A fun, hands-on cooking class close to home in New Jersey is something to consider whether you have an aspiring Julia Child or are just looking for something different to do with the kids. These NJ cooking classes for kids cater to all ages. Cooking classes teach culinary techniques and are also a great way to encourage kids to try new foods, master hand-eye coordination, and gain essential life skills.
You can find more cooking classes for kids or 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 all ages and interests.
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