New Jersey Boardwalk Bucket List: 10 Jersey Shore Treats to Try This Summer

One of the best things about visiting the Jersey Shore is hitting up one of its many fabulous boardwalks. Rides, games, entertainment, and...food!!  There are so many snacks, treats and specialties to choose from. Everything just seems to taste better at the shore, doesn't it? So I'm making my own 'Boardwalk Bucket List.' This includes some of the best boardwalk (and general NJ shore) treats to try before summer ends. I realize the list could be infinite, so I've tried to narrow it down to ten+ of the most scrumptious goodies I could find from boardwalks along the shore. Are you ready?

(*Note that since this post has become so popular, I decided to add new treats to it every year. So be sure to Pin it for future use!)

12

How to Raise Monarch Butterflies: A Basic Guide

If you ever thought about raising butterflies with your little ones at home, I have some basic tips for you!  As I'm sure you've figured out, I am not a butterfly expert.  If you want all of the best information from the experts, feel free to visit them at MonarchWatch.  I have raised and released over 300 monarch butterflies in my lifetime, so my tips come from what I've read and my own experience.

8

How to Make Red, White and Blue Patriotic Cupcakes DIY

If you're in charge of bringing the dessert to a Memorial Day picnic or a 4th of July bash, then check out these patriotic cupcakes, which are actually super easy to make!

3

Disney's Moana Recipes: Jello Treats and Free Printables!

Celebrate the upcoming Moana live-action film with this throwback to the original Moana movie release and my Moana-inspired Jello Treats!

Disney's Moana is one of my favorite movies of all time. I am also a huge fan of The Rock, so I'm happy to help promote for him with this fun post. I'm your gal, Dwayne! Anyway, I digress. In honor of the movie Moana, I've come up with a fun little recipe to enjoy, and there are even some cute coloring sheets for you to print out, too. And you can celebrate the release of the new Moana 2 trailer with these fun snacks. 

13

5 Summer Must-Haves: New and Fun Items for Summer and Beyond

Summer is just around the corner (thank goodness!) and I found some fun new items to fill those lazy, hazy days (or hectic ones, whatever works!). These items are not just pool and yard items like most summer gift guides out there. Nope, I found a handful of goodies that you can use in various ways this summer- from travel items to indoor activities. If I've peaked your curiosity, scroll on to see what I found!

0

Mountain Creek Waterpark Review: What to Bring, Where to Eat, What to Do

Summer is almost here and I am READY! Are you? Mountain Creek Waterpark in Vernon, New Jersey, was an affordable, fun-filled day for our family. But don't go until you read my review and tips for visiting! No time? Scroll straight to the bottom to read my important advice and suggestions for visiting, and watch a 2 minute walkthrough video of our day. 

*this post has been updated for 2026! Mountain Creek Waterpark is open for the season on June 19th!

4

DIY: Nutter Butter Ice Cream Cone Cookies

If you're looking for a fun dessert to bring to a barbecue but can't spend hours in the kitchen baking up treats from scratch, The Nutter Butter Ice Cream Cone Cookie is a sure hit!

8

The Great Big List of Summer Day Trip Ideas in New Jersey and Beyond!

Looking for Summer day trip ideas in and around New Jersey? I got ya covered!! Here's my great big list of over 100 fun places to visit with your family this Summer, as well as an interactive map to help you find what you're looking for.

**This post has been updated for 2026! HAPPY SUMMER!

0

End of Year Teacher Gift Ideas: 'Orange You Glad it's Summer?'

Are you searching for an easy end of the year teacher gift?  Do you need ideas for a special teacher gift but you're not sure where to start? Well, look no further! This 'Orange You Glad it's Summer?' gift pack is so easy to make, and it's super-cute, too! All you need is a soda bottle and some goodies and you're all set!

3

10 Classic New Jersey Attractions You Should Revisit

What comes to mind when you think of classic New Jersey attractions? Chances are, the places in your memory are still in existence today. New Jersey is filled with classic attractions that families and visitors have enjoyed for decades. Why not make some plans to revisit them this year?

*This post has been updated for 2026!

2

No Crowd Day Trips: Visiting Merrill Creek Reservoir

Do you hate crowds as much as I do? Are you looking for a family day trip where you won't have to wait on lines or fight through crowds of people to enjoy your day? You don't have to be at an expensive museum or a crowded orchard festival (check out my blog on alternative things to do in the Fall).  A lot of times we forget that there are simple family things we can do together, too. This is not to say that I don't still enjoy a good day trip (I'm the Jersey Momma, after all, it's what I do, man!), but I also know that my son doesn't need to be entertained all the time. So this time, let's take a no-crowd day trip.  Let's visit Merrill Creek!

1

The Ultimate Summer Fun: The Best Ways To Spend Your 2024 Summer

Oh, summer! That glorious time of the year when the days stretch out, and everything seems just a bit brighter in life. Let’s take a look into some amazing ideas to max out your summer vibes in 2024. Whether you’re gunning for adrenaline, tranquility, or a blend of both, we’ve got you sorted with a range of options. This season offers boundless opportunities to explore, create, and simply chill out in ways you might not have considered. So, grab your sunglasses and your sense of adventure—there’s a whole lot of fun waiting for you. 

0

Science Guest Blog: Why Does it Hail in the Summertime? by Dr. Joe Castanza

I am fortunate to know some really cool people in my life (people with really cool talents).  My friend, (affectionately known as 'Dr. Joe') was kind enough to answer a question for The Jersey Momma's Boy, who once asked me, 'Why does it hail in the summertime?' Now my typical answer to this would be, 'Let's Google it,' but this time I thought I'd have my friend, Dr. Joe, write us a guest blog about this interesting topic.  We hope you enjoy it!

It gets colder (normally) as we go higher up into the sky.
photo courtesy of the National Weather Service

0

Summer Reading Suggestions for Kids

Summer is almost here and that means you might be looking for some great summer reading suggestions for kids! Each year I pick fun titles for eager (and not-so-eager) readers, so be sure to check out my previous reading lists, too.

0

New Jersey Campgrounds Resource List: Camping in NJ, PA and NY

Thinking about finding the perfect family campground this summer? The idea of planning a fun-filled outdoor adventure might seem daunting, but never fear! I've found some great family campgrounds that might be a good option if you're looking for vacation and travel ideas.

*This post has been updated for 2024!

0

The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning: Reviews, Tips and Advice for Attending

The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning (formerly known as the Quick Chek Festival of Ballooning, but sometimes referred to by fans as the Readington Balloon Festival or the New Jersey Balloon Fest) is held every summer in Readington, New Jersey, usually at the end of July. There's a lot to read about in this post, but I designed it so you can skim for the information you need. Please be sure to read my tips at the bottom of the post if you plan on visiting with kids or if you are questioning what traffic will be like. 

*This post is updated every year to bring you the most accurate information about the festival! Currently updated for 2024!

PLEASE NOTE: The New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning has been put on hiatus until 2025. Please check back for more details, but sadly, there will be NO 2024 festival. 

17

Fun Summer Must-Haves: Toys, Outdoor Games, Books, and More!

Are you ready for Summer? I think I was ready in December, to be honest. But finally I can share some exciting new Summer Must-Haves since my favorite season is just around the corner. Hopefully, these items will get you ready for some fun in the sun!

0

8 Must-Have Items for Summer: Outdoor Toys, Snacks and More!

Summer is my favorite time of year, and I always love the cute products, toys and gear that debut each season. I've gathered some of my favorites to share with you in my Must-Have List of Summer Items!

0

SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN CELEBRATES SUMMER WITH NEW SHORTS ON DISNEY JUNIOR AND DISNEYNOW

Our favorite square pumpkin is back! Spookley the Square Pumpkin is celebrating summer with the gang from Holiday Hill Farm. Read on to see where you can watch Spookley and what else we can expect from his life on the farm!

0

5 Things You Need to Check Out This Summer

Summer is finally here and I found some fun things you need to check out this season! From travel tips to fun and self-care, I know this is a list you'll love. I only share things that I'm totally enthusiastic about, so I assure you that these are suggestions you'll love for summer (or any time of year for that matter)! 

0