Dore Duhaime

Latest posts by Dore Duhaime

Ocean City: Family-Friendly Summer Fun on the Jersey Shore

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Thu, 06/14/2018 - 10:24am

Ocean City is the perfect beach destination for families. Photo by Matt Sackett via Flickr

Summertime at the Jersey Shore means beach days and boardwalk rides, mini-golf and arcade games, topped off with fresh seafood dinners or pizza and ice cream. Shore towns from Sandy Hook to Cape May offer the best bets for family vacation fun, and Ocean City, a classic family beach destination at the southern shore, is one of our favorites.

Nicknamed America's Family Resort, Ocean City draws families from across New Jersey and Pennsylvania to enjoy its wide beaches, kid-centered boardwalk, and family events. Read on for details about visiting Ocean City with kids. And for more beach vacation ideas, check out our inside look at southern shore gems Wildwood and Cape May.

Newly Opened iFLY in Paramus Offers High-Flying Fun for NJ Families

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Mon, 04/09/2018 - 12:00pm

Kids ages 3 and up can fly like their favorite superheroes at iFLY, New Jersey's first indoor skydiving center. iFLY Paramus, which opened its Route 4 facility on March 30, a couple of weeks head of schedule, offers kids and grown-ups alike a chance to experience the sensation of skydiving—no plane or parachute required.

Mohonk Mountain House: A Favorite Hudson Valley Resort Reviewed

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Mon, 03/12/2018 - 4:03pm

For a luxurious family getaway in the Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House is a delicious splurge in any season. The historic Victorian castle, just 90 miles from New York City and North Jersey, is surrounded by thousands of acres of forest, miles of hiking trails and breathtaking mountain vistas. It attracts both locals and guests from around the country, including the tristate area.

Cozy guest rooms include fireplaces or rocking-chair balconies, but no televisions, so get ready for hours of family togetherness. Don't worry, there's a kids club, myriad indoor and outdoor activities, an award-winning spa, and decent wi-fi signal. We revisited the local family resort this winter for a long weekend getaway and are happy to share our review with Mommy Poppins readers.

Easter Egg Hunts for New Jersey Kids in 2018

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Fri, 03/09/2018 - 10:00am

Let the hunts begin! From train rides to photo shoots and brunches, the Easter Bunny is hopping through the Garden State—and he's hiding thousands of eggs from Cape May to Ridgewood and beyond.

Grab your baskets and head to one of New Jersey's fabulous Easter egg hunts this spring. We've rounded up more than two dozen eggs-traordinary events happening throughout the state.

NOTE: Several hunts were postponed due to last week's snowstorm; we've noted them below, along with their new dates!

Garden State Discovery Museum: A South Jersey Gem for Kids

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Wed, 02/07/2018 - 4:10pm

Little explorers, artists, chefs, and sports fanatics will all find adventure at the Garden State Discovery Museum, a South Jersey gem filled with imaginary-play zones that attracts Philly and Jersey families. Where else can kids serve up diner meals, care for sick animals, and dig for dinosaur bones—all under one roof? Throw in original live performances, hands-on arts and crafts, and cultural celebrations from around the world, and this Cherry Hill museum is worth a day trip for families with curious kids to entertain.

For more NJ museums, check out our list of kid-friendly museums in North Jersey—or for more action, let your crew burn off some serious energy at a mega indoor play space in New Jersey.

Top Tumbling, Gymnastics, and Cheer Facilities for NJ Kids

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Sun, 02/04/2018 - 12:50pm

Diamond Gymnastics in Hoboken trains kids from 15 months old through high school.

If your kids turn their beds into trampolines or imitate the flips, twists, and vaults of medal-winning Olympians, it may be time to try a gymnastics class. As a foundational sport for young athletes, or an indoor way to get the wiggles out, few activities beat gymnastics. Competitive cheerleading, which takes sideline routines to a whole new level, also builds strength, balance, and flexibility.

New Jersey has plenty of top-rated gymnastics and cheer facilities—including the home gym of American gold medalist Laurie Hernandez. We've rounded up facilities that offer everything from beginner and recreational tumbling to serious training.

Weekend Fun:

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Tue, 01/02/2018 - 11:00am

Pinkalicious comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Sunday. Photo courtesy of the show

The first winter weekend of 2018 has arrived, and it is jam-packed with family fun activities, from model trains to hands-on art. Catch a performance of Disney on Ice or Pinkalicious, or check out a winter animal adventure. And there's still time to take in a final holiday light show!

For even more winter family fun, check out our list of 50 Things To Do with Kids Indoors. If you're up for an outdoor adventure, bundle up and try out some kid-friendly ski slopes or snow tubing spots. And look to our event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

Holiday Events That Are Perfect for New Jersey Preschoolers

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Wed, 11/22/2017 - 12:45pm

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends come to NJ in a musical version of the hit holiday special.

Making holiday memories sometimes involves navigating long lines and jostling crowds, which can push the limits of our youngest holiday revelers. Take a breath and pass around the candy canes—we've found the best activities geared toward the 5-and-under crowd. From decorating gingerbread houses to rocking out at a holiday concert, we've got plenty of ideas that the whole family can enjoy.

You'll find even more ideas in our Holiday Guide, and for a complete listing of things to do this season, be sure to check out our Event Calendar.