Laurie R
Laurie Rein is thrilled to have made a career of digging up activities (especially free ones!) for her twin daughters. Prior to working with Mommy Poppins NJ, Laurie wore many hats in the television industry including gigs as an NBC page, NBC copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show and research manager for CBS. She is currently the Events Editor for Mommy Poppins NJ and can be reached at njevents@mommypoppins.com
Latest posts by Laurie
Who says there’s no such thing as a free meal? Restaurants throughout New Jersey offer free kids' meal promotions nearly every night of the week. Plan it right, and basically, you never have to cook again. Visit your favorite family-friendly restaurant on a kids-eat-free night, and you won’t have to worry about overspending on kids’ entrees, especially the ones that are barely touched. Check out some of these New Jersey restaurants where kids eat free.
Sometimes they're naughty, sometimes they're nice, but no matter the mood, the holiday season is always a magical time for toddlers and preschoolers. New Jersey is home to dozens of jolly holiday events geared toward the younger set. Get wowed by animal-shaped Christmas lights at the stroller-friendly Turtle Back Zoo. Indulge in cookies and cocoa on a Polar Express train ride. And give your wish list to Santa Claus himself at a local meet and greet or catch his visit to Imagine That.
So, take a break from wrapping gifts and hiding elves on shelves to enjoy one of these 35+ preschooler-friendly Christmas activities guaranteed to put little ones in the holiday spirit. For more holiday fun, bookmark our Guide to Christmas for New Jersey Families.
As Thanksgiving approaches, some families may not have the financial means to enjoy the holiday meal they deserve, but help is available to those in need. Many churches, soup kitchens, and charities throughout New Jersey offer FREE turkey giveaways or full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Read on for details on where to find these services, and if you're fortunate enough to have a full pantry and pocketbook, keep in mind that many of these nonprofits need help more now than ever, so consider reaching out to donate.
In addition to helping families fill their Thanksgiving table, we've also rounded up a collection of resources and organizations ready to supply FREE toys for the upcoming holiday season.
When planning a family day trip this fall, vineyards and wineries may not be the first destinations that come to mind. Believe it or not, New Jersey is home to relaxing and scenic vineyards that welcome kids and even pets. These vineyards offer outdoor fun that includes food truck events, music, farm activities, spacious fields, and of course, the Garden State’s homegrown wines.
Not all local vineyards and wineries permit children on the premises, but raise your glass to those that do! Be sure to check the policies on children in the tasting areas before you visit.
As our daily lives have become more technology-dependent, children have the opportunity to use their screentime to gain coding skills to prepare them for the future. These coding classes for kids in New Jersey allow beginner through advanced coders to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to build apps, video games, and more. Popular games like Minecraft and Roblox are often integrated into these coding classes.
While we've found a handful of in-person coding classes in New Jersey, we're also including some virtual coding classes you can enjoy from the comfort of home. Find more science and technology classes in our roundup of the best STEM classes in New Jersey, and check out our guide to the Best Kids Classes and Activities in New Jersey for more kids activities and programs no matter your child's age or interest. You can also find free coding for kids websites and apps.
Taking the family on a warm summer hike can be scenic, educational, and energizing, but also downright hot! Adding a splash of water to your hike ups the adventure and is a refreshing motivator. The Garden State is home to tons of hiking trails leading to waterfalls, beaches, streams, and other fun spots where kids can dip their toes in the water and cool off a bit in the process.
So, read on for our list of 12 hiking trails where you can enjoy a quick wade or dip. Be sure to pack water shoes as these trails can get wet and sometimes muddy—and a towel is helpful for young hikers who choose to go all in.
This last weekend of June looks to be a berry good one with the debut of the Blueberry Summer Fest Markets at Whitesbog and the annual Red, White, and Blueberry Festival in Hammonton. Celebrate the end of the school year with fun for the whole family at State Fair Meadowlands, Keansburg Family Fun Fest, and Terhune's Firefly Festival.
If you need a night off—or a night out—Boonton's All Children's Arts Center has a too-good-to-pass-up deal for you: Book the kids into a Friday night arts, crafts, and open mic session, and enjoy your evening guilt-free knowing they're having a rocking good time.
More seasonal fun includes taking in drive-in and outdoor movies statewide or embarking on a summer day trip to our favorite beaches or nearby water parks.
If you still want more, our Summer Fun Guide is packed with picks, and our Activity Calendar gets constant updates; plus, we've compiled a list of 85+ FREE things to do in New Jersey this summer with kids.
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