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

Outdoor Dining in New Jersey: Igloos, Tents, and More Alfresco Restaurant Setups

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Thu, 01/28/2021 - 5:44pm

Dine on a scrumptious Greek dinner in a heated plexiglass tent at It's Greek to Me in Ridgewood.

You might feel like you've been living in a bubble during the pandemic, but now you can actually dine in one. New Jersey restaurant owners have been thinking outside the box to keep businesses afloat during the winter months, which have been especially hard on outdoor dining.

Creative outdoor dining structures—from igloos to tents, greenhouses, and fire pits—are popping up at eateries throughout the state, providing customers with warm, safe alfresco dining opportunities. These outdoor seating options are heated, private, or socially distanced and disinfected between parties. Some ultra-cool spots even feature Bluetooth speakers and outdoor TVs, so you can enjoy your favorite restaurants and plenty of creature comforts, no matter the weather, all while supporting local New Jersey restaurant.

We've found more great ways to get outside this season and plenty of seasonal, family-approved fun in our Winter Fun Guide.

Things To Do in New Jersey This Weekend and Beyond: Ice Harvest, Groundhog Day, and More

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Wed, 01/27/2021 - 12:04pm

Bring your preschoolers to the Liberty Science Center every Thursday and Friday for Junior Days. Photo courtesy of LSC

This January weekend features two ice-centric events: Witness amazing ice sculptures at the Mount Holly ice exhibition or get a hands-on lesson in the historic ice harvesting industry at Howell Living History Farm's ice harvest. Plus, the search for Wally the Woodchuck is on with H20 Quest: Groundhog's Day.

If you're looking for indoor activities, check out our Poppins@Home site, where little ones can burn energy with Happy Feet's online soccer series and brush up on art skills while learning to draw an iconic cartoon character.

As always, you can find more things to do in our Event Calendar and our Winter Fun Guide, which are filled with seasonal happenings.

How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021 With NJ Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 01/11/2021 - 4:42pm

The Arts Council of Princeton is giving away a limited-edition coloring book to celebrate the history of notable Black Princetonians to commemorate MLK Day. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council

Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for the civil rights movement, is memorialized annually on the third Monday in January. This floating holiday has evolved into more than just a day off from school; it's now deemed a National Day of Service. MLK Day encourages volunteers across the country to donate their time to make a difference in their communities while honoring the civil rights icon. This day reminds us of hope, compassion, and the ongoing potential for social change.

While most volunteer opportunities are virtual or drop-off this year, there are still plenty of ways to support Martin Luther King Jr.'s mission throughout New Jersey. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place on Monday, January 18, 2021.

New Year's Weekend Best Things To Do in New Jersey With Kids: New Year's Eve, Get Outside & More

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Wed, 12/30/2020 - 1:05pm

Join the Tenafly Nature Center for its Hibernation Happenings program and search the woods to see what animals are up to in the cold. Photo courtesy of the Tenafly Nature Center

It's time to kiss 2020 a socially-distanced goodbye and ring in the long-awaited new year! Whether you choose to venture out to iPlay America's New Year's Eve Celebration or catch Time Square's New Year's Eve live webcast from home, there are plenty of ways to welcome 2021. Add special touches to an at-home celebration with these 23 family-friendly New Year's Eve traditions from around the world.

Speaking of goodbyes, don't miss the last chance to enjoy holiday light spectaculars, like the holiday drive-thru light show at Diggerland and the Skylands Stadium Christmas light show. Start planning out new ways to keep busy and safe with our NJ winter fun list.

If you're staying in over the weekend, get active with Poppins@Home site offerings like Ballet for All Kids and HappyFeet Soccer Online.

As always, you can find even more things to do in our Event Calendar and our Winter Fun Guide, which are filled with seasonal happenings.

NJ Winter Fun List: 30+ Things To Do With Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Sun, 12/27/2020 - 3:59pm

The Grounds For Sculpture welcomes visitors all winter long. Bruce Beasley, ‘Horizon II,’ 2006, bronze, 26 x 126 x 40 inches, 7/9, Courtesy of the Artist, © Artist or Artist's Estate. Photo by David Michael Howarth Photography

While the shorter days and colder weather may have you dreaming of hibernation, we've found more than 30 reasons to leave the house for winter fun. In-person events are limited during this pandemic winter, yet there are plenty of remedies for the cooped-up blues, with opportunities for fresh outdoor air, plus some safe indoor activities.

Bundle up and explore the state's skiing and snowboarding spots, outdoor ice rinks, and more. The indoor destinations listed have enacted safety protocols and reduced capacities, so be sure to check the individual websites for specific requirements.

Read on for our best of winter list for the Garden State, and be sure to check out our Event Calendar and Winter Fun Guide for even more great ideas. Plus, if you're looking to fill the downtime, check out our Poppins@Home site for great online activities.

Restaurants Serving Christmas Dinner for Takeout or Delivery in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 12/04/2020 - 4:59pm

McCaffrey's Food Markets focuses on comfort food that is delicious and healthy.

While 2020 is shaping up to be a simpler holiday season, there's no reason to skimp on your favorite holiday foods. Forgo the heavy cooking and treat the family to a delicious takeout Christmas dinner or Christmas Eve meal to-go from a New Jersey restaurant or market. We've rounded up a handful of options for your Christmas meal, whether you want to have the whole meal catered or just need a few a la carte entrees, sides, and desserts to round out your holiday spread.

Check out these no-fuss Christmas dinner takeout options throughout New Jersey. While making your holiday preparations, consider visiting one of these Garden State Christmas tree farms, and catch up with St. Nick himself at one of these awesome Santa encounters.

Thanksgiving Weekend Best Things To Do in New Jersey: Wish Week, Holiday Lights, and More

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Tue, 11/24/2020 - 2:26pm

Six Flags Great Adventure transforms into a holiday wonderland. Photo courtesy of Six Flags

The long Thanksgiving weekend has arrived, featuring four days of festivities with all the trimmings. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the weekend at dazzling drive-thru light displays, including The Winter Wonderlights Spectacular Drive-Thru, Orchard of Lights, and a new Six Flags drive-thru, which all debut this week. Plus, kick off the holiday shopping season with daily surprises at American Dream's Wish Week, and search treasures for sale at Morris Museum's Rock and Mineral Weekend.

If you're planning a simple, low-key gathering for Thanksgiving, enjoy these 25 Thanksgiving games and crafts while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade online. You can even start plotting out some funny Elf on the Shelf ideas.

As always, you can find even more things to do in our Event Calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide, which is jam-packed with seasonal happenings, including our holiday bucket list for New Jersey families.

New Jersey Playgrounds Cool Enough for Big Kids

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 10/23/2020 - 12:08pm

The Jackson Jungle Playground offers a maze of towers to climb and explore. Photo by Brittany Bates

Playgrounds are the perfect destination when you need a change of scenery and a change of pace. Your kids get fresh air and exercise for FREE! But what happens when your school-aged children decide they’re too cool for their once-favorite neighborhood parks? My 8-year-old former playground-enthusiasts have recently begun to turn their noses up at the local swing sets. And if I do talk them into a playground visit, we last about five minutes.

Playground parents—don’t give up yet. I haven’t! There are some destination playgrounds in New Jersey with features and contraptions novel enough to satisfy even the pickiest playground cynics. These play areas include zip lines, crazy slides, Spiderman-type climbers, and other structures that challenge the ages 7-and-up crowd. We've rounded up some of our top picks across the state, and take note: These playgrounds all feature plenty to entertain the younger siblings as well.

Find more romping spots in our Parks & Playgrounds Guide for Jersey Kids.