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
Do you ever crave a city scene while living in the suburbs? Like many New Jersey residents, I moved here from Manhattan years ago but still feel that itch for metropolitan perks, like walkability, diversity of restaurants and shops, and an energetic community hub. The good news is, there's no need to leave the state for city amenities. Explore great walkable downtowns right here in New Jersey, where you'll find both chain and independent shops, art museums, unique bookstores, delicious cafes serving up local eats, and more. If you choose to leave the car at home, most of these downtowns are in close proximity to New Jersey Transit trains or buses.
Whether a day trip destination or a quick stop for lunch and shopping, these great walkable downtowns are worth a visit.
When it comes to fairs and festivals, August in New Jersey is like one big party! Flutter over to Pennington for a Butterfly Festival, indulge in sweet summer peaches at Princeton's Just Peachy Festival, or enjoy classic fair fun like carnival rides and games at a county fair. With so many options, the family calendar will be packed all month long.
Read on for our top picks, and find more ways to make the most of August with our Summer Fun Guide.
Summer is the season for no-cost fun all across New Jersey. From fireworks and festivals to free outdoor movies, we’ve rounded up more than 100 family-friendly events to enjoy all summer long that won’t break the bank.
You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Summer Fun Guide and Event Calendar. Have a fabulous (and free) summer, New Jersey!
Who says summer fun has to come with a big price tag? We've gathered oodles of (more than 50!) free events taking place throughout June in New Jersey. As the days get longer, under-the-stars concerts, movies, and other activities fill the evenings without emptying the wallets. Kick back at evening events like South Orange Summer Nights: Art in the Park, Hoboken Movies Under the Stars, Jenkinson's Movies on the Beach, and Union County Summer Arts Festival.
Spend time outdoors at local community events with no admission fees, such as Garwood Rocks, Somerville Street Fair & Craft Show, Glassboro Community Day, and Nutley Father's Day Street Fair.
And it's that time of year to head to the shore. Stop by beachy events like Sea Isle City's Skimmer Festival, Bradley Beach Lobster Festival, and Atlantic Highlands' Shark Fest.
Read on for this month's picks! For more free and low-cost fun, check out our Event Calendar, as well as roundups of water playgrounds and free beaches.
In the midst of New Jersey's Union County's busy highways lies a grassy, spacious retreat known as Echo Lake Park. The sprawling park offers an escape from the bustling surrounding towns and truly provides something for everyone, even the family pet.
At the heart of the park is the scenic Echo Lake, home to activities such as boating, fishing, and ice skating, as well as several peaceful walking paths. Surrounding the lake are green hills, ball fields, playgrounds, a dog park, and a snack bar. Echo Lake hosts a variety of seasonal activities, from sledding to Halloween fun to summer concerts. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a day of activity, you can get the best of both worlds here.
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