Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

KidStreet Playground: Playdate Perfection in Bridgewater, NJ

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 05/11/2017 - 12:30pm

Slides? Check. Swings? Check. Two-story pirate ship, zip lines, and enormous climbing structures? Check, check, and check. KidStreet isn't your average playground.

Located minutes from Bridgewater Commons Mall at the Bridgewater Municipal Complex, this unique spot is one that your family will want to visit again and again. KidStreet is a favorite hangout for my kids, ages 6, 3, and 9 months. It has a fantastic layout with special playground equipment you won’t come across just anywhere, and it's perfect for playdates, with plenty of parent seating areas and fun things to do for kids of all ages—even the big kids. Read on for an inside look at this hidden gem.

Kids' Classes and Fun Family Activities at NJ Community Colleges

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 05/03/2017 - 1:05pm

Your child might not be old enough to head off to college, but there are plenty of offerings for kids at New Jersey's many community colleges. There are about 20 community colleges throughout the state, and they offer everything from music programs to STEM classes. We've put together a list of some of the best classes and enrichment activities for tots to teens. Some summer camps are noted, but for a longer list of options, be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide.

20+ Things To Do with Kids in Somerville, New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 04/12/2017 - 1:03pm

Good things come in small packages. Somerville may be only two square miles, but there's a lot of fun packed into this charming Central Jersey borough. With a vibrant and redeveloped downtown, a minor league baseball team, and some amazing historical sites, there is plenty to see and do. Here are 20+ ways for your family to have a blast in and around Somerville.

New Indoor Trampoline Park Opens in Deptford, New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 04/06/2017 - 2:55pm

Got energetic kids who are bouncing off the walls at home? Head over the new Launch Trampoline Park in Deptford, where bouncing off walls is highly encouraged!

I recently went to the grand opening weekend with my 3- and 5-year-old boys and had a blast. There is a lot to do, and unlike your average bounce house or indoor playspace, adults can jump right in and participate without feeling out of place.

Here's what you need to know before you go.

New Escape Room Center Opens in Bridgewater, New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 03/22/2017 - 1:23pm

Think a recipe for fun includes locking yourself and your kids inside a small room for an hour? That's the idea behind escape room adventure games, an activity that's become a worldwide phenomenon over the last year or so. New Jerseyans now have a new option for escape room fun: one of the state's largest facilities, the Escape Room Center, just opened in Bridgewater, and it makes for an exciting and memorable outing for families with older children, tweens, and teens.

Northlandz Model Railroad Museum in NJ Is a Handmade Wonder

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 02/09/2017 - 3:40pm

The Northlandz train museum in Flemington had long been on my hit list of day trips to share with my boys, ages 3 and 5. After all, it's home to the world's largest model railroad. But I was a little hesitant after hearing some mixed opinions about it. Some families felt it was a gem for train lovers, while others thought the museum was outdated and pricey. When the opportunity arose to see for myself what Northlandz was all about, my family made its way to Flemington to check it out. I’m very glad we did; we had a fabulous time, and I’d definitely plan a return trip. I will say, however, that the museum may not be for everyone. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Picking the Perfect New Jersey Preschool for Your Child

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 01/23/2017 - 2:40pm

Selecting the best preschool for your child is no easy task. You can lose sleep over finding an environment that's just right for your little one. The questions are seemingly endless: Will the teachers prepare my child for the academic rigors that lie ahead? Will she be given the proper outlets to express her creativity and independence? Will his transition to preschool be smooth, and will he make friends? Will she nap and eat properly?

The process can be a bit less overwhelming if you first identify a school philosophy that you feel works best for your child, and go from there. To help you get started, we've laid out six of the most popular approaches, from co-ops and Montessori and Reggio Emilia to full immersion programs, along with some examples of New Jersey preschools that follow them.

New Jersey Toy Stores That Are Worth the Trip

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 11/21/2016 - 3:00pm

Gift givers throughout the Garden State are hitting the stores in preparation for Holiday Season 2016. You already know about the big box stores in your neighborhood, but what about trying a new spot this year?

New Jersey is home to some terrific independent and family-owned toy stores (and book stores) that offer personalized customer service and a great selection of unique toys, games, and gifts. Check out these independent stores (and their e-commerce sites) for the holiday shopping season, starting on Small Business Saturday, or for those many kid birthday parties you attend all year round.