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

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Sandcastle Contest, Outdoor Movies, July 13-July 17

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 07/13/2015 - 3:00am

The summer’s heating up, and creatures of all kinds are taking the stage this week. Slither on over to Turtle Back Zoo for World Snake Day, celebrate everything crabby at Crabulous Crab Day or catch the buzz at Great Swamp’s All About Bees. It’s a big week for free movies at Jets Movie Night and the State Theatre’s Free Summer Movie. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

7 NJ Spraygrounds & Splash Pads You Probably Haven't Visited Yet

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Tue, 07/07/2015 - 9:00am

Get ready, get set, get wet at New Jersey’s newest spraygrounds! Water playgrounds have been making a splash in the Garden State over the past several years, providing cheap (or free), refreshing summer fun. As spraygrounds and splash pads grow in popularity, new ones have been popping up throughout the state. Check out these newcomers in the New Jersey splash pads scene. Best part of all -- every destination on this list is free!

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: County Fairs, Lasermania, Maker Space, July 6-July 10

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 07/06/2015 - 3:00am

July is officially underway, and so is county fair season! Family-fun fairs take place this week in Cumberland County and Ocean County, along with the Freedom Fest State Fair in Monmouth County. Heading to the shore? Stop by the Kiddie Beach Show in Point Pleasant or Wildwood’s New Jersey State Barbecue Championship. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Family Fun Night, Fireworks, June 29-July 3

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 06/29/2015 - 3:00am

Is it me, or did June just fly by? July starts mid-week, and summer fun is in abundance. Independence Day rules with Jenkinson's Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair and Fireworks in the Park. Or take an air-conditioned breather at Touch the Music, Kid Painting Party and Incredible Origami Animals. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Italian Festival, Somerset Patriots, Outdoor Movies, June 22-26

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 06/22/2015 - 3:00am

Festivals, outdoor movies and fireworks—it’s beginning to look a lot like summer! Get into the spirit of the season at outdoor events, including a Somerset Patriots Baseball Game, the annual Italian-American Festival and Fireworks on the Beach. Catch family films under the night sky at Turtle Back’s Zoo-vies and Scotch Plains’ Family Movie Night. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Fit4Kids, Read & Pick, Carnival, June 15-19

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 06/15/2015 - 3:00am

The countdown is on for summer break! Before all of our brains go on a collective vacation, take advantage of the many fun and educational events happening this week. Immerse yourself in cherry picking at Terhune Orchards' Read & Pick Program and be a nature lover at Tenafly Nature Center’s Afternoon Explorers. Check out free library programs like a Fit4Kids Healthy Sports Show. And keep those creative juices flowing at an After-School Art Class and a Messy Artist’s Drop In & Play session. Don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Seafood Fest, Tot Tours, Storytimes, June 8-12

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 06/08/2015 - 3:00am

June is proving to be a busy month with lots of cultural events and delicious eats. This week, activities for little ones include the Montclair Art Museum’s Park Bench and the Morris Museum’s Tot Tours. For food-centric fun, bring your appetites to the New Jersey Seafood Festival and Dollar Dog Night. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!

Weekday Event Picks for NJ Kids: Greek Festival, ArtFest, Superhero Masks, June 1-5

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Mon, 06/01/2015 - 3:00am

This week we give a warm, hot welcome to June with outdoor celebrations galore, including Junebug Artfest, the Big Greek Festival and Wonder’s Birthday Bash. Enjoy outdoor exploration with the preschool set at Terhune Orchards’ Read and Pick and Pyramid Mountain’s Summer Scavenger Hunt. And don’t forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more options!