Lisa Warden

Lisa Warden is a biology lecturer at Rider University who has traveled the world and lived abroad. While her three kids have made global exploration trickier, she’s embraced local adventures to experience all her area has to offer. A passionate writer, Lisa loves discovering new things and seeing excitement in her kids’ faces—writing for Mommy Poppins lets her do all of that while keeping her family on their toes.

Latest posts by Lisa

Visiting the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum in Cape May Like a Local

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 8:41am

Visiting the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum in Cape May is a great option for families interested in exploring aviation history in an exciting and hands-on way. Our family loves the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in D.C., and we were so happy to find a local aviation museum.

There are plenty of helicopters, jeeps, aircraft, and even a Coast Guard boat to see right here on the Shore. And unlike the National Air and Space Museum, at the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum kids are welcome to climb aboard almost every vehicle in the hanger. Read on for tips on how to visit the museum like a local, and check out our rundown on other off-the-beaten path attractions to check out in New Jersey. Be sure to bookmark our Weekend Trips Guide for things to do with the fam all season long.

A Visit to the World-Class Cape May Zoo is Free and Fabulous

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Tue, 06/14/2022 - 9:59am

Zebras are among the hundreds of animals you can see on a visit to the Cape May Zoo.

A visit to the Cape May Zoo is an incredible experience that wows kids of all ages. The South Jersey facility is our family's favorite zoo, and we explore it several times a year.

At this world-class zoo, you can get up close and personal with a bobcat (that my 3-year-old has appropriately named "Bob"), watch ring-tailed lemurs frolic in the treetops, and thrill as kangaroos and wallabies take leaps and bounds. Your family will experience all this wildlife and much more, and all for FREE.

Read on for all the ways to make the most of your visit to the Cape May Zoo and check out our Zoos and Gardens for New Jersey Kids Guide for other great places to visit.

Visiting the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Tue, 06/07/2022 - 11:00am

Visiting the Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia with kids seemed like an excellent outing, because everyone in my family loves to garden. This impressive 92-acre garden is the official arboretum of both the University of Pennsylvania and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. You will see gorgeous flowers, impressive sculptures, towering trees, and a scenic pond filled with swans and ducks while strolling through this English-style public garden.

This garden has something new and spectacular on display year-round. In the early spring, the flowering trees, azaleas, and tulips take center stage. In the summer, bask in the shade of the green trees and enjoy the beauty of the rose garden. The fall brings changing leaves, while the winter has a holiday-themed railway light show. Best of all, there are tons of attractions to keep your kids engaged, whether or not they have green thumbs. Read on for all the fun things to see and do on a visit to the the Morris Arboretum.

Visiting the New Jersey Renaissance Faire: Tips for a Family-Friendly Outing

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Thu, 06/02/2022 - 6:34pm

Performers fill six stages during the New Jersey Renaissance Faire in Bordentown, New Jersey.

If your family is a fan of theater, costumes, and drama, then consider a trip to the New Jersey Renaissance Faire, which celebrates its 13th season this spring. Held in Bordentown, New Jersey, on the shores of the scenic Liberty Lake, it's about a 30-minute drive from Philadelphia.

Each season has a theme, and 2022 was dubbed the Return of Robinhood, who has come to help his nephew, Will Scarlet, an accused murderer. While the storyline sounds deep, what ensued was a day of comedy, tricks, and excitement as we watched the story unfold through action-packed live shows, including a human chess match, comedic fighting, dueling, and even a joust.

Read on for more details on our visit to New Jersey Renaissance Faire and tips for planning your visit to the show, which runs weekends through Sunday, June 5.

Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy Transforms the Park into a Holiday Lights Wonderland

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Mon, 12/13/2021 - 12:40pm

Storybook Land's Christmas Fantasy provides a charming holiday season destination.

As the mother of a 3- and 5-year-old, we've visited Storybook Land in the past, and both our children were enamored with the little kid-friendly theme park, but a recent visit to Storybook Land’s Christmas Fantasy with Lights proved to be truly spectacular, and it's an excellent way to get into the Christmas spirit!

The theme park is bedazzled in holiday lights annually from mid-November through the end of December and a visit is truly one of the top holiday events for little ones in New Jersey. Read on for our full review and start planning your holiday outing.

Hit the Trails With Revolution Rail Company for Bike Riding Along Train Tracks in Cape May

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Thu, 11/04/2021 - 4:49pm

Settle into the reciled seats of a rail bike for a bike riding adventure with Revolution Rail Co.

Active families looking for a new way to enjoy the great outdoors take note: Rail biking with Revolution Rail Company in charming Cape May, New Jersey, is an exhilarating, family-friendly experience! Gather your brood for a bike riding adventure along a deserted railroad track, passing abandoned train cars and winding through scenic marshland before stopping at a quaint overlook. Adding to the fun: On the way back to the station, you can stop at a nature preserve for a short walk along the trail.

Read on for our review of this fun family outing that's perfect for fall, and find more fun things to do outdoors in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

8 Family-Friendly Hikes in South Jersey

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Tue, 06/15/2021 - 7:23pm

Climb up steep embankments at Crows Woods during a family-friendly South Jersey hike.

There is nothing like a walk in the woods to clear your mind, and the sights will undoubtedly excite your children. When you're ready for an outdoor adventure, consider one of these South Jersey hikes, where you can spot everything from beavers and fish in a creek to songbirds flittering about and the occasional quail or deer. In addition to wildlife, you can find manmade structures to hide in, wooden bridges to traverse, and a rope swing to glide on if you’re daring enough.

Find more great green spaces and hiking spots to explore in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds, and we'll look forward to seeing you on the trails!

Destination Playgrounds in South Jersey

Submitted by Lisa Warden on Thu, 05/27/2021 - 4:41pm

Enjoy the climbing structures Laurel Acres Park. Photo courtesy of Mt. Laurel Township

When you—and your kids—are tired of the local playground, it's time to branch out and try something new. We've found 10 destination playgrounds in South Jersey with fun features like a refreshing sprayground, all-inclusive equipment, trains, challenging climbing structures, and even a dragon maze. Read on for all the details and find more places to play in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Lisa Warden

Latest posts by Lisa

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