Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Kaylynn Ebner, a mom of three, has been writing for Mommy Poppins since 2016. She’s passionate about exploring new spots with her family and sharing NJ’s best attractions and hidden gems with the Mommy Poppins community.

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello

The Best VR Arcades in New Jersey for Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 01/20/2026 - 5:51am

New Jersey's best VR arcades, like Oasis VRX in Holmdel, offer an immersive gaming experience.

We love a good family day out, but now that the kids are getting older, the struggle is real. It’s so much harder to find an exciting spot that gives good vibes to my teen, hits with my younger kids, and doesn't leave us parents just standing on the sidelines.

My kids have been craving a fresh experience lately. And I think I’ve officially found the holy grail: NJ virtual reality (VR) arcades. VR arcades for NJ kids are the perfect way to get everyone—even teens—excited for a family day.

Read on for our guide to the top VR arcades throughout New Jersey, and, for more indoor fun, be sure to check out our stories on NJ's best trampoline parks, indoor water parks, and bowling alleys.

100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 01/11/2026 - 9:01am

Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden

Some of our favorite places in NJ, from free zoos to museums, are fabulously free. And we're not just talking about one or two places. There are tons of free things to do in New Jersey with kids, which just goes to show that you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a great day.

Read on for 100 free family activities and events in NJ that we've hand-picked and tested out with our family.

Looking for even more options? Be sure to check out our Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids, too. Note that some venues are run by volunteers, so donations are appreciated.

Free Museum Days (and Always Free Museums!) in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 01/09/2026 - 9:09am

The New Jersey State Museum is always free and houses artifacts, natural and cultural history, dinosaurs, and fine art. Photo courtesy of the museum

One thing I truly love about the Garden State is that you don't need to break the bank to have a great day out in New Jersey. NJ is home to fantastic FREE museums that my family loves, and that spark interest in art, history, animals, geology, and more.

Read on for museums to enjoy for FREE with kids. And be sure to check out our guide to the best NJ museums for families.

Best Sledding Hills in New Jersey for Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 12/26/2025 - 11:00am

Get ready to hit the sledding hills in New Jersey. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

New Jersey sledding hills are cold, slippery, and ridiculously fun. NJ is home to plenty of perfect sledding hills for all ages, and we've compiled this list of 26 great sledding spots throughout the state. So, once the flakes have flown, it's time to break out your sleds, bundle up (helmets recommended!), and venture out to one of these great local sledding hills in New Jersey.

Don't forget the safety check! Take a minute to make sure your chosen sledding hill isn't too steep or bumpy for your child and that there's enough of a "landing" spot so your little sledder can safely glide to a halt. Avoid spots near ponds and trees, and be sure the sledding hill doesn't end in a street or parking lot. Skip rocky hills, too.

For even more winter fun, bookmark our Guide to Winter Activities for New Jersey Families.

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 35 Best Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 12/14/2025 - 6:26am

Hit the slopes in NJ this winter. Photo via Mountain Creek Facebook

It might feel like it's harder to find fun winter activities for the kids in New Jersey, but the Garden State has so much to offer when the days are colder and shorter. My family loves to find outdoor winter fun in New Jersey, like winter festivals and winter hikes, and we also love to explore indoor family activities like museums and indoor play spaces.

Read on for some top winter activities to do with kids in NJ, like skiing and snowboarding, outdoor ice rinks, snowboarding, and more.

Be sure to check out our Family Activity Calendar and Winter Activities Guide for even more great ideas.

New Jersey's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year’s with Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 12/12/2025 - 9:52am

The twinkling lights at Turtleback Zoo sparkle into the new year. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

As soon as that first crisp December day arrives, I get excited about planning the kids' holiday break. Choosing just a couple of activities for the week is the tough part! The state is packed with must-do Christmas vacation fun—from dazzling light displays to classic cold-weather adventures.

Read on for the best things to do with kids during winter break in NJ, and check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families for even more ideas.

Festive Christmas Coloring Pages for Kids (Free Printables)

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 12/02/2025 - 9:33am

We've got lots of fun designs in need of a colorful, festive touch for the holidays! Photo by Dragon Images via canva.com

Free printable coloring pages for kids can be a lifesaver, especially during the busy holiday season. Kids who love to get crafty can use Christmas coloring pages to make tree decorations, wall art, gift tags, Christmas cards, and more. Plus, they're the perfect boredom buster for car rides or while you're trying to get some chores done.

These printable Christmas coloring pages are fun, festive, and easy to download and share. We've found a variety of holiday coloring sheets& in classic Christmas themes like Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and Christmas tree coloring pages.

Looking for more creative fun? Check out our ultimate collection of coloring pages and printable activity sheets for kids, as well as our list of 100 totally free printable activities for kids.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows from NYC in 2025

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 11/28/2025 - 10:46am

The stunning Peace, Love, and Lights drive-thru at Bethel Woods returns for another season of bringing visitors joy.

If you're ready to add a little extra sparkle to the holiday season, take note: The tri-state area boasts some pretty spectacular Christmas lights and holiday lights drive-thrus where your crew can enjoy twinkling Christmas lights displays from the warmth and comfort of your car.

We've compiled a list of 14 must-see Christmas lights displays to drive through in New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut that are guaranteed to bring smiles to your family's faces. So, pack some snacks, cue the Christmas music, and get ready to make some priceless holiday memories.

Find tons more ways to celebrate this season with those you love in our jam-packed Christmas Guide. Consider it our seasonal gift to you.