Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Medieval Times Lyndhurst, NJ Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 08/29/2023 - 6:17am

Cheer for your knight during a jousting match at Medieval Times in Lyndhurst. Photo courtesy of Medieval Times

Hear ye, hear ye: Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, is truly an amazing family outing for all ages. You'll get to experience dinner and an exciting live show featuring knights on horseback, jousting matches, sword fights, games of skill, and more.

Whether your little prince or princess is a toddler, teen, or somewhere in between, this is truly an outing the whole family can enjoy together. Read on to find out what you can expect during a visit to the castle.

And be sure to check out our article on other themed restaurants in New Jersey here.

Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 08/25/2023 - 3:01pm

Boonton's "Little Niagara" is an easily accessible waterfall in Grace Lord Park. Photo courtesy of Boonton, NJ

New Jersey is teeming with beautiful waterfalls, and many of them are accessible via an easy hike or walk. From the roaring Paterson Great Falls—the second-most-powerful waterfall east of the Mississippi—to the charming Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation, we've rounded up a handful of waterfall hikes in northern NJ that you can tackle with even the littlest trekkers.

Waterfall hikes are great for goal-oriented kids and anyone who needs a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are in our own backyards. Read on for our picks.

Be sure to check out our article on great day trips to NJ state forests and more in our Guide to New Jersey Playgrounds & Parks.

The Funplex Amusement Park and Water Park Guide: Family Fun in East Hanover and Mt. Laurel

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 7:40am

The Funplex's rides will please little thrill-seekers.

The Funplex in East Hanover lives up to the "fun" in its name. The huge complex–which has a second location in Mount Laurel–has tons of activity options, whether your family wants to try the go-karts, bowling, laser tag, arcade games, or warrior course.

But the best-kept secret might be the outdoor water park, with splash areas and slides for the whole family to enjoy–plus lots of spots to kick back and relax.

Check out our story on great amusement parks for NJ toddlers and much more in our Guide to New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks.

17 Things To Do in New Jersey with Teens

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 08/08/2023 - 6:09am

Teens can experience the thrill of throwing an axe at a wooden target at Stumpy's. Photo courtesy of Stumpy's

Planning things to do with your New Jersey teen can be tricky business. You've got to walk a fine line between appealing to someone who's approaching adulthood, but who also loved bubbles and slides a few short years ago.

The good news is that NJ is packed with fresh spots that teens and tweens will love exploring. Whether your teen would enjoy trying a round of upscale bowling and mini-golf, trying out a cooking class, or gaming at a retro arcade, we've got 17 ideas to try with your teen. And be sure to check out our Tweens & Teens Guide to New Jersey for even more ideas.

Inflatable Water Parks in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 07/02/2023 - 10:12am

Totally Tubular Aqua Park offers 5,000 square feet of wet-and-wild fun in Ocean City.

Inflatable water parks with floating obstacle courses are the latest summertime craze, popping up in lakes and bays statewide. These installations are a mix of obstacle courses and bouncy houses on the water–and they're incredibly fun, especially for older kids.

Find more ways to beat the heat in our Garden State Guide to Beaches and Lakes. And check out our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide for tons of other dog-day activities.

Best Blueberry Picking Farms and Festivals in New Jersey for Pick-Your-Own Berries

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 06/20/2023 - 7:18am

Pick blueberries to your heart's content at Happy Day Farm in Manalapan.

The best blueberry-picking farms in New Jersey offer the perfect summer activity for the whole family: the bushes are low, the berries easily pop off the plants, and your family can literally pick hundreds without breaking the bank. Luckily for us, blueberries are the official state fruit of New Jersey, and they are plentiful throughout the Garden State.

We’ve assembled a list of some of the best pick-your-own farms New Jersey has to offer, so read on for our recommendations on where to find this sweet summer treat. Find tons of other great things to do in the Garden State this season in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

41 Things To Do in New Jersey this Summer: Summer Fun Guide

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 9:02am

Cascade down the lazy river at Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins

New Jersey offers tons of amazing things for families to do over the summer, and we've rounded up dozens of our top picks. Whether you're looking for a beach adventure or want to visit a local farm or museum, it'll be easy to fill up your calendar during school break.

Be sure to check out our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide for additional suggestions, which includes lists of the best water parks, lakes, and amusement parks in the state.

70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 12:56pm

Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers.. Photo by Kip Dawkins

There's nothing better than lazy, relaxing summer days at the beaches of the Jersey Shore. Of course, at some point, the kids are going to want to get up and do something, right?

If you're looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during a vacation at the Shore this summer, this list of 70 family-friendly activities all up and down the New Jersey coast should hit the spot. We've even included a number of FREE things to do.

For more fun down the shore, check out our Jersey Shore Guide, which includes information on amusement parks and water parks, top beaches, best boardwalks, and more. And for even more ideas, see our itinerary for 3 days on the Jersey Shore with Kids.