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

Your 2-Day Itinerary for a Kid-Approved Fall Weekend in the Poconos, Pennsylvania

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 09/12/2025 - 10:28am

Hit the trails at Hickory Run State Park for a fall hike in the Poconos. Hickory Run Photo courtesy of PoconoMountains.com

Need a little getaway from your daily routine, or maybe the perfect fall day trip? The Poconos is a fantastic spot for families that love spending time in the great outdoors. No matter the season, this beautiful spot in Northeastern PA has great options for outdoor fun, whether your family loves hiking, camping, or activities on the lake. Plus, there are fantastic spots for dining and shopping, and even several indoor water parks.

The Pocono Mountains span 2,400 square miles and spread into several counties, so you'll need to do some homework to plan the activities your family is most interested in. Here's a 2-day kid-friendly itinerary to get you started.

Check out our NJ Fall Day Trips Guide for more seasonal inspo, including our story on the best family-friendly hikes.

Best Gymnastics Classes in New Jersey for Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 08/17/2025 - 7:18am

Many New Jersey gymnastics gyms also offer programs like tumbling and ninja.

Gymnastics classes are the perfect kids' activity for building confidence, flexibility, and strength. It’s also a great activity for all ages, from toddlers through teens. And, many New Jersey gyms have both traditional gymnastics programs and competitive teams, plus extra offerings like ninja, tumbling (great for cheerleaders and dancers), and open play.

So, whatever your kid's speed, we've compiled this list of more than a dozen great gymnastics programs throughout New Jersey.

For even more options, check out our directory of classes and listings. Check our NJ Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

Best Skate Parks in New Jersey for Young Riders

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 08/08/2025 - 7:31am

Classes and camps are offered at the Ocean City Skate Park. Photo courtesy of Spohn Ranch Skateparks

Got a child who's dying to try skateboarding? Or maybe they're looking for a fresh spot to practice their skills? Well, New Jersey has lots of fantastic skate parks for kids featuring some unique and thrilling obstacles to try for all skill levels.

Whether your child loves rails and street set-ups or prefers the thrill of bowl skating, we've found the best New Jersey skate parks for kids. Some even allow bikes and in-line skating, and the majority are absolutely free to use.

Have an adventure-seeking kid? Check out our story on the best places to zip line in NJ and more in our Outdoor Activities Guide for New Jersey Kids.

Action-Packed Go-Kart Tracks in New Jersey for a Wild Ride

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 07/13/2025 - 2:42pm

The Funplex is a perfect go-kart track for less-experienced drivers. Photo courtesy of the venue.

Ready for thrilling, high-speed family fun? Then it’s time to explore the best go-kart tracks in New Jersey for kids and families! Here are eight of the best go-kart tracks in NJ that will get your blood pumping and your adrenaline rushing as your family has an unforgettable day out.

These New Jersey go-kart tracks are a mix of indoor and outdoor destinations, but they're all guaranteed to bring a little excitement to your next family outing. Want more heart-pounding inspiration? Find it on our roundup of the best extreme sports destinations in New Jersey.

41 Best Things To Do in New Jersey for Teens

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 07/11/2025 - 10:59am

Careen down the supercharged white water raft ride, Colorado River, at Mountain Creek. Photo courtesy of Mountain Creek

Your teen may be too big for bouncy houses and tea parties, but they still love family fun—even if they won't always admit it. When a trip to your local playground is met with eye-rolling instead of cheering, it's time to check out these amazing things to do in New Jersey with teens and tweens.

The good news? You may genuinely enjoy competing with your teen in bowling or tackling the fast slides at a water park.

Read on for 41 ideas that are cool enough for big kids and find more fun things to do with teens in New Jersey in our Tweens and Teens Guide to NJ, which includes our rundown on birthday party ideas for teens in New Jersey.

Inflatable Water Parks in New Jersey for Wet and Wild Summer Fun

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 07/06/2025 - 8:45am

The Totally Tubular Aqua Park offers 8,500 square feet of fun in Ocean City. Photo courtesy of Totally Tubular

Inflatable water parks with floating obstacle courses are the latest summertime craze, popping up in lakes and bays in New Jersey. These installations are a mix of obstacle courses and bouncy houses on the water—and they're incredibly fun, especially for older kids.

Find more ways to beat the heat in our Garden State Guide to Beaches and Lakes. And check out our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide for tons of other dog-day activities.

Trendy New Jersey Experiences Your Kids Will Absolutely Love

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Sun, 06/22/2025 - 7:24am

Puffy Cotton Candy in Freehold crafts mesmerizing, edible art sculptures. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

New Jersey has tons of fun places to visit with kids, and new attractions open all the time. But if you're stuck in a rut with your typical go-to places, we've got some new, trendy places to try that NJ kids are sure to love.

From a Japanese clawcade to the newest and hottest dinosaur attraction in New Jersey, read on to learn about some new and unique activities for NJ kids.

For more fun ideas, check out our Guide to Indoor Play for New Jersey Kids, which includes our story on NJ's top indoor play spaces.

Best Card Games for Kids of All Ages

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 10:09am

Playing card games is not only fun, social, and educational; it gets kids off screens!

I have wonderful memories of playing card games with my family as a kid. The laughs, the late-night snacks, the speedy way my dad would shuffle the cards... good times! I recently started teaching my four-year-old some of the best card games for kids, and I was struck by how captivated she was, even without flashy gimmicks, lights, or sounds. Whether you've got preschoolers or teenagers at home, here are the best card games for kids perfect for one of your next family game nights.

Need more creative ideas to keep your whole family wholesomely entertained? Check out our Boredom Busters guide, not to mention this roundup of the best-ever board games and these brainy puzzle games for kids.

Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

Latest posts by Kaylynn Chiarello

Pages