Alison Reiser

Jennifer Battista is proud to be a Jersey Girl. She was born and raised in Monmouth County and spent her summers sunning at the Jersey Shore. After ten years living in New York City, she’s happy to be back in the Garden State where she lives with her hubby, two sons and kitty. When not busy writing for Mommy Poppins, Jennifer works as a freelance editor for several publishing companies, volunteers with local community organizations and is a semi-professional class mom. She is obsessive about pop culture and is an unabashed disco fan. She loves to plan activities and is excited to share her Jersey knowledge with Mommy Poppins’ readers as the Events Editor for the NJ site.

You can also follow Jennifer on Google+.

Latest posts by Alison

Visiting Watchung Reservation in New Jersey with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Battista on Sat, 07/11/2015 - 6:00am

The playground is a highlight of the reservation.

Watchung Reservation, the largest park in Union County, is home to many wonderful kid-friendly activities, making it the perfect day-trip destination for any time of year.

Numerous hiking trails, an interactive nature center with fish and taxidermy, and a fabulous playground, provide both indoor and outdoor fun for NJ families. Whether you’re planning to visit for just a few hours or bring along lunch and stay all day, Watchung is a great place to relax, have fun and spend some time enjoying nature.

Find more great day trips in our NJ Day Trip Guide, or check out our Parks & Playgrounds Guide for more outdoor fun.

Camps & Activities for the NJ Teachers' Convention on November 6 & 7

Submitted by Jennifer Battista on Fri, 10/17/2014 - 9:00am

New Jersey schools are closed November 6th and 7th for the annual New Jersey Education Association convention. Still have to work and wondering what to do with the kids for the day? Or just hoping to keep them occupied? We’ve got the skinny on ten fabulous camps and programs for NJ kids, whether they’re artsy, outdoorsy or athletic. And if you're planning to take the day off too, visit our NJ Staycation post to find lots of fun ideas for local adventures.

10 Great Birthday Party Clowns in NJ

Submitted by Jennifer Battista on Tue, 09/16/2014 - 8:30am

Choosing the right birthday party entertainment can be tricky. The ideal performer will keep kids happy and encourage participation, without overwhelming hesitant little ones. New Jersey is home to many wonderful clowns who can bring that extra spark to your child’s next party with magic, balloons, face painting and more. Read on for our picks of the state’s best entertainers, and for additional birthday party services, visit Mommy Poppins NJ’s Birthday Party Guide.

Unique NJ: Some Unusual Summer Activities and Day Trips for Families

Submitted by Jennifer Battista on Fri, 06/20/2014 - 7:00am

School’s out for summer! Now that the kids are home full-time, it can be somewhat challenging to find new ways to keep them busy every day. Yes, there’s always the playground and the beach, but those looking for something different this summer will find that New Jersey is full of surprises. How about visiting the six-story tall elephant in Atlantic County? Or getting up close and personal with wolves in Warren County? Here’s the scoop on seven of New Jersey’s most unique destinations…there are plenty of fun ways to occupy everyone until September rolls around! And for even more summer awesomeness, check out our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide.

Children's Theater at the Jersey Shore: Four Local Favorites

Submitted by Jennifer Battista on Tue, 05/20/2014 - 7:11am

What comes to mind when you think of the Jersey Shore? Beaches, boardwalks, ice cream, maybe a certain MTV show? How about children's theater? That's right, there’s no need to head to NYC when there are so many wonderful options close to home. From plays to musicals to puppet shows, there is something to entertain kids of all ages at the Shore. And for more shore fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide.

10 Fantastic Face Painters for NJ Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Battista on Mon, 04/07/2014 - 8:05am

Looking for a unique activity to celebrate an upcoming birthday party or other special event? Face painting is a fabulous way to entertain kids and create lasting memories. New Jersey is home to many wonderful artists offering face painting, balloon art and other services—read on for our top ten picks below. And for additional birthday party entertainers and services, visit Mommy Poppins NJ’s Birthday Party Guide.

Best Indoor Play Spaces in Camden & Cumberland Counties

Submitted by Jennifer Battista on Thu, 03/20/2014 - 8:45am

Sure, playgrounds are great, but wondering where to take the kids on a miserably rainy, super cold or too hot day? We’ve got you covered with eight great choices for indoor play in Camden and Cumberland Counties. Whether they want to bounce, bowl, skate or climb, there is something to make everyone happy on this list. Read on for our top picks and visit our Indoor Play & Rainy Day Activity Guide for additional suggestions.

New Jersey's Dine-In Movie Theaters

Submitted by Jennifer Battista on Thu, 02/20/2014 - 7:30am

If you’re looking for a fun outing with the kids, a dine-in movie theater can be a great way to combine seeing a movie with enjoying a meal. These theaters show the latest kid-friendly movies on the big screen and offer delicious food that’s delivered right to your seat. Super fun for the kids and no cooking or clean up for the parents! (FYI, two of the locations also host adults-only screenings if you want to ditch the kids and head out for date night.)