Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Hot New NJ Birthday Party Spots To Celebrate in 2020

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 01/05/2020 - 9:06am

Host a birthday party at Nailed It, where guests can make their own creations to take home.

We've all been there: Your little one is counting down the days until his next birthday, while you're secretly sweating it out to find the perfect spot to celebrate. Luckily for NJ kids, the Garden State's 2019 crop of new kid-friendly venues has brought a bunch of fresh places to host amazing birthday bashes. From indoor playgrounds to trampoline parks and a new sprayground, here's a taste of some new NJ birthday party spots where kids will have a blast celebrating with their friends.

Looking for more ways to celebrate? Check out our NJ Kids' Birthday Party Ideas Guide!

Giant Candy Department Store Opens at NJ's American Dream

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 12/19/2019 - 9:00am

IT'SUGAR's three-floor candy store opened Saturday in the American Dream mega mall. Photo courtesy of IT'SUGAR

The first retail store in the American Dream mega-mall has officially opened its doors, and it's a sweet deal for candy lovers. IT'SUGAR, the first department store in the country devoted to candy, offers an insane assortment of sweet concoctions from old standbys like Pez and M&Ms to unique international bites. (Matcha-flavored Kit-Kat, anyone?)

Jersey Shore's New Jungle-Themed Indoor Playground Is Worth a Trip!

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 12/18/2019 - 9:00am

Jungle Jim & Jane puts a new spin on indoor playgrounds. Photo courtesy of Jungle Jim & Jane's

A brand-new interactive play experience has come to Atlantic Highlands, and kids of all ages are going ape over it. Jungle Jim & Jane puts a new spin on indoor playgrounds with unique equipment and high-tech games that let kids go wild and have fun in a safe, clean space.

This day trip–worthy play space, geared toward ages 0-8, opened in October. I visited recently with my three kids, and we were all impressed.

Things To Do Thanksgiving Day in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 11/14/2019 - 1:10pm

From turkey trots to ice skating, there's lots happening on Thanksgiving Day in NJ. Photo courtesy of the Chatham Turkey Trot

There's more to Thanksgiving family time than turkey. If you're not prepping the main event or if dinner wraps up early, you might be left wondering, "Now what?" Use the time to make some extra-special Thanksgiving memories with the kids. We've rounded up 10 ideas to get you going, including ice skating, hikes, holiday lights displays, and visits with animals at NJ zoos and aquariums.

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Musical Coming to a Stage Near You

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 11/11/2019 - 11:27am

The Elf on the Shelf takes the stage this holiday season in a U.S. tour. Rendering courtesy of Mills Entertainment

'Tis the season for festive lights, jingle bells, and, of course, figuring out clever poses and hiding places for your Elf on the Shelf every single day until Christmas. This holiday season, you can put a new twist on the holiday tradition with a performance The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical by Mills Entertainment.

The show's nationwide tour kicks off on Thursday, November 14, in Easton, Pennsylvania, and continues through Tuesday, December 29, with stops in Atlanta, GA, Red Bank, NJ, Lynn, MA, Wallingford, CT, and Sugarland, TX, among others.

NJ Drop-in Day Care and Parents' Night Out Survival Guide

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 10/28/2019 - 1:00pm

Enjoy a date night while the kids build fantastic structures at Genius Gems in Millburn, NJ.

Families love to spend time together, but there are times when everyone—parents and kids—need a break. Whether it's for a daytime appointment (sans toddler) or to have the first date night in an eternity, New Jersey parents have plenty of flexible daytime and evening drop-off options, from day cares to t rampoline parks, indoor play spaces, and beyond.

Read on for more than a dozen NJ places that can lend a hand, whether you need a drop-in day care, somewhere fun to send the kids when school's closed, or a relaxing parents' night out!

Things To Do in Clinton, NJ: Small-Town Charm, History, and Culture

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 10/17/2019 - 12:00pm

The Red Mill Museum Village boasts more than 200 years of history, featuring 12 buildings located on 10 acres, with exhibits and special events. Photo courtesy of the Red Mill

For many locals, one of the most picturesque spots in Hunterdon County is Clinton. This New Jersey town boasts lovely views of the Raritan River running through the historic downtown area, and a majestic red mill that's one of the most-photographed buildings in NJ. Clinton is just 1.5 square miles, but what it loses in size it makes up for in atmosphere—there are great nature spots for hiking, picnicking, and swimming, as well as museums and historic sites, holiday-themed festivals and parades, and family-friendly restaurants.

This charming small town makes for a picture-perfect family day trip all year round. Read on for the highlights.

Huge New Spray Park in Union County Is a Water-ful Wonderland

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 07/11/2019 - 10:21am

Splash around with a friendly sea serpent at the new sprayground in Linden, NJ.

Linden is now home to Union County's largest sprayground, and boy, is it worth a visit! Located in John Russell Wheeler Park, this 11,000-square-foot water playground, which opened in May 2019, boasts 33 kid-pleasing attractions and water features, including slides, sprinklers, sprayers, a dumping bucket, waterfall, pirate ship, and a giant water serpent.

One caveat: It gets crowded! So before you pack up the kids and head down the Route 1 corridor, check out this must-have info to help you plan your visit.