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

Toy and Book Stores Offering Curbside Pickup and Delivery in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 12:15pm

Hoboken's Little City Books offers plenty of page turners, plus toys and puzzles available for curbside pickup or delivery. Photo courtesy of the shop

If your kids are getting tired of the same old books and toys from their home collection, it's time to replenish their stash with brand new items from local toy and book stores around New Jersey. While most kid-centric shops are closed to customers during the quarantine, these 10 local New Jersey shops are offering curbside pickup and delivery of their goodies. It's the perfect time to stock up on new books, jigsaw puzzles, quarantine birthday gifts, and outdoor toys for the upcoming warmer days.

For more things to do during the pandemic, check out our Stay-at-Home Guide, which lists hundreds of activities to keep families entertained. We've also got a great big list of 100 awesome craft projects, plus 64 easy science experiments, and tons more boredom busters. If you're looking for other tangible ways to support a local business, you might consider placing a Mother's Day brunch order from one of these local New Jersey restaurants offering take out and delivery.

Local Delivery Services in New Jersey When There Are No Peapod Slots

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 04/13/2020 - 12:00pm

If you're tired of fighting for time slots from big name grocery chains and grocery delivery services, then look no further than a New Jersey local food market and farm stand, which can offer a great alternative for stocking up on grocery staples without the hassle of supermarket delivery. These local businesses carry items like fresh produce, dairy, meats and baked goods and offer delivery or curbside pickup. Some of the farm stands offer CSAs (community supported agriculture) for a monthly fee. So stock up and enjoy grocery delivery, hassle-free!

Get more ideas on how to thrive during quarantine with the Coronavirus Guide for Parents.

Delivery or Take-Out Easter Meals for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 04/06/2020 - 9:15am

Feast is offering a full menu of options for Easter Sunday.

While this year's Easter celebration won't be the one you hoped for, many New Jersey restaurants are offering families delicious options for a restaurant meal ready for pick up just in time for Easter. We've rounded up 12 New Jersey restaurants that are offering traditional Easter menus that can be picked up or delivered while keeping social distance boundaries. Choose from holiday favorites like ham, turkey, Italian spreads appetizers and desserts, without the stress of cooking and cleaning. Go ahead and place your orders, put on those bonnets, host a backyard egg hunt (decorate the Easter eggs first with our Easy Easter Egg Decorating ideas), FaceTime loved ones and treat your family to the Easter meals they've always looked forward to.

Check out 30+ Activities to Keep Little Ones Busy for more ideas on entertaining the family during the pandemic.

At publication time, these restaurants are offering take-out service for Easter Sunday. Since the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, please confirm with the restaurant directly to be sure.

What's Open in Coronavirus Shutdown: Parks, Beaches, Hikes You Can Do While Social Distancing

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 03/20/2020 - 12:00pm

The gardens and walking paths of Reeves-Reed Arboretum remain open to the public. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner

Social distancing has become the new norm, but getting outside for fresh air is still allowed... and encouraged! Kid-friendly walks, hikes, and bike rides are a nice break from screen time, without the crowds of playgrounds (many of which are closed) and other outdoor gathering spots.

The following outdoor activities in our state remain open as of publishing time. Disclaimer: With everything changing from one day to the next, please check with any venue you plan to visit to confirm it remains open.

For more ideas for things to do at home or in your own backyard, check out our Coronavirus Guide for Parents, where you'll find hundreds of ideas and resources for keeping the kids busy while keeping your sanity. We’ve also been cataloging virtual events from all over the country on our Event Calendar and have rounded up our faves for the days ahead.

Stay safe and be well, New Jersey!

Best Spring 2020 Events for New Jersey Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Thu, 03/12/2020 - 12:58pm

There’s lots of Easter fun happening at Alstede Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm

Spring is just around the corner, and a fresh crop of events for toddlers and preschoolers is blooming around New Jersey. We've rounded up the best things to do with the under-6 crowd from mid-March through the end of May, and they're sure to put some spring in your steps.

From amusement park openings to Easter activities to family-friendly performances, there's something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Read on for our top spring event picks for NJ toddlers and preschoolers. And be sure to sneak a peek at our Spring Fun Guide for even more great events.

NOTE: Events are subject to change due to the constantly evolving coronavirus situation in New Jersey, and we are continuously updating our event calendar to reflect those changes. If you're planning to attend an event, we strongly recommend contacting the host venue directly to confirm it's still on.

Weekend Fun: St. Patrick's Day Parades, Diggerland Opening, Dinosaur World Live

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Tue, 03/10/2020 - 12:00pm

Celebrate at the Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday. Photo courtesy of The Council of Irish Associations of Greater Bergen County, Inc

It's the final weekend of winter! Celebrate like a lucky leprechaun at festive St. Patrick's Day events, including parades in Union, Sea Isle City and Morristown, among others, plus a craft in Bridgewater and a Leprechaun Hunt in Cherry Hill. Springtime is on the horizon with Diggerland's Season Opening this weekend.

Winter comes to a sweet close with the finale of maple sugaring season at Washington Crossing State Park and Great Swamp OEC and pie-related festivities at Pi Day.

Find even more weekend options in our Spring Guide, including 40+ Free Things to Do in March. And look to our March GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

NOTE: Events are subject to change due to the constantly evolving coronavirus situation, and we are continuously updating our event calendar to reflect those changes. If you're planning to attend an event, we strongly recommend contacting the host venue directly to confirm it's still on.

45+ Things We Can't Wait To Do This Spring in New Jersey

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Fri, 03/06/2020 - 11:20am

The blooms will be gorgeous this spring for the 2020 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Springtime is just a few chilly weeks away. Get ready to ditch the winter coats and boots in preparation for playgrounds, farm fun, and outdoor fairs and festivals. Some of our favorite Garden State events take place in spring, including the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, the New Jersey Renaissance Faire, and the Wildwoods International Kite Festival.

We're also looking forward to New Jersey's numerous egg hunts and Easter celebrations, not to mention the many great family performances coming to NJ stages this spring, including Laurie Berkner, a Llama LLama musical, and Disney on Ice.

Read on for more than 45 super spring events for New Jersey families, plus check out our Spring Fun Guide for a full roster of seasonal fun.

Thing To Do in NJ this Weekend: St. Paddy's Parades, Dr. Seuss, Finding Neverland

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Tue, 03/03/2020 - 1:45pm

The Rumson St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of many happening this weekend in NJ. Photo courtesy of the parade

Whip up some green eggs and ham, don your green wardrobe, and spend this March weekend celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday and St. Patrick's Day throughout NJ.

Wish Dr. Seuss a happy 116th at events like Dr. Seuss Family Fun Day, Seussology, and Dr. Seuss' Birthday Party. St. Patrick's Day celebration take place throughout the state, with events in Ramsey, Seaside Heights, Rumson and Woodbridge.

There are also several great family shows happening this weekend, including Finding Neverland, MasterChef Junior Live, and Milk & Cookies: Princeton Symphony Orchestra.

Find even more weekend options in our Winter Fun Guide, including our roundup of great winter day trips for NJ families, among them a visit to Insectropolis, New Jersey's "Bugseum." And look to our March GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.