Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

New Inflatable Water Park Opening at NJ Lake This Summer

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 05/27/2019 - 9:00am

Lacey will purchase the inflatables from Commercial Recreation Specialists in Verona, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of Commercial Recreation Specialists

Looking for a new way to cool off this summer? How about slipping down a blow-up water slide and splashing into a beautiful NJ lake?

That's exactly what Lacey Township had in mind—so it's installing a huge new inflatable water park in Lake Barnegat (2nd Lake) in Forked River, which is slated to open in late June. Intended for swimmers ages 8 and older, the "hydro-playground" will combine slippery waters slides, bouncy inflatable climbers, floating balance beams, monkey bars, and more.

Not heading down the shore this summer? Residents of northern NJ can check out the water park at Lewis Morris County Park's Sunrise Lake Beach Club.

New Fun Spots for Kids Opening at the Jersey Shore

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 05/22/2019 - 10:30am

Kids will be thrilled with the new rides at Casino Pier. Photo courtesy of Casino Piers

From Keansburg to Ocean City, and at several boardwalks in between, lots of new, family-friendly spots and attractions are opening up this summer at the Jersey Shore. Read on for our roundup of more than a dozen new spots, including play areas, parks, new rides, and places to get food and treats.

SeaQuest Aquarium Coming to Woodbridge, NJ This Fall

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 05/06/2019 - 1:00pm

SeaQuest will offer hands-on experiences with sea life and other animals.

Calling all marine and wildlife enthusiasts: SeaQuest Woodbridge, a 24,000-square-foot, hands-on global sea life education and entertainment experience, is coming to Woodbridge Center this fall.

Visitors will be able to travel through a variety of realistic environments like rainforests, deserts, caves, coastlines, and oceans to meet stingrays, fish, birds, snakes, caimans, iguanas, turtles, and more. SeaQuest will be the latest family-friendly attraction to open at Woodbridge Center, whose recent additions include a Dave & Buster's and an All In Adventures escape room center.

30 Things To Do on February Break with NJ School Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 02/03/2019 - 10:00am

Explore and play in nature along the Watchung Sensory Trail. Photo by Margaret Hargrove

With December's winter break a distant memory, it's time to start planning for the next one! This year, Presidents' Day falls on Monday, February 18—and depending on the district, NJ schoolchildren will have a three- or four-day weekend, making it the perfect time for a family outing or day trip, or two.

Looking for indoor fun or outdoor activities like skiing, ice skating, or snow tubing? We've got you covered. To plan a family adventure, check out our best bets for winter day trips, and don't miss our February GoList, FREE February fun, and Events Calendar for even more suggestions.

Read on for our roundup of the best February break activities for kids of all ages.

New Birthday Party Spots for New Jersey Kids in 2019

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 01/25/2019 - 1:10pm

The Village Play Cafe hosts birthday parties for little kids ages 5 and under.

Your little one's birthday is coming up, and the pressure is on. There are seemingly countless places to hold your birthday bash, but which ones will keep your guests happy and engaged (without breaking the bank)? From toddlers to teens, we've compiled a list of some of the newest party options throughout the great Garden State, including indoor play spaces, a trampoline park, art studio, and more. For even more ideas, check out our birthday party guide.

A Dozen Must-Do Holiday and Christmas Experiences for NJ Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 11/16/2018 - 12:00pm

Visit Santa on the North Pole Express. Photo courtesy of Black River & Western Railroad

This year, 2018, has the earliest possible date for Thanksgiving: November 22. What we lost in turkey prep time, we'll make up for in a lovely, elongated holiday season on the road to Christmas and New Year's. In between your Christmas shopping and holiday to-dos, we've assembled our annual list of activities kids will love—and won't cost an arm and a leg. From holiday light shows to breakfast with Santa to Christmas trains, we’ve compiled 12 great memory-making activities for this month.

Check out our full calendar of events and our holiday guide for even more options.

20 Family-Friendly Things To Do with NJ Kids in Westfield

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Wed, 10/03/2018 - 12:00pm

Experience living history at The Miller-Cory House Museum.

Warning: It may take just one visit to fall seriously in love with Westfield. This Union County town off the Route 22 corridor is known for its beautiful tree-lined residential streets and smart downtown with great restaurants and shopping. Though Westfield is just 6.29 square miles, families have a host of options for enjoying this great town with a sophisticated but homey feel.

25+ Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids on Columbus Day

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 09/27/2018 - 12:00pm

Head to Terhune Orchards for apple picking and many other kid-friendly activities on Columbus Day.

If you're scratching your head to come up with some fun ways to spend Columbus Day with kids who are home from school, look no further. We've pulled together a list of more than two dozen fun family outings that NJ kids are bound to love, from picking pumpkins to visiting sea turtles. You can find many more options in our Fall Fun Guide—and if the weather's looking iffy, check out our Indoor Playspace Guide for a backup plan!