Jody Mercier

Jody Mercier always dreamed of being a mom, and she's raised three wonderful kids in New York City. Since that job only pays in hugs, she’s spent her career as a journalist covering health, fitness, sports, and parenting for Sports Illustrated, espnW, and Mommy Poppins. Follow her family’s adventures on Instagram @momtakesmanhattan or reach her at jody@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Jody

Bronx Zoo's Wild Encounters Offer Behind-the-Scenes Fun for Animal Lovers

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 10/14/2021 - 4:00pm

Amos the pelican is one of the newest animal ambassador at the Bronx Zoo.

No matter how many visits we've paid to the Bronx Zoo, there's always something new to see. And today, we've got the details on its Wild Encounters program, an intimate, safe, educational behind-the-scenes way to experience the beloved zoo. These special programs introduce Bronx Zoo visitors to its ambassador animals and plenty of fun facts along the way.

This splurge-worthy outing is a perfect experience gift for the little (or not-so-little) animal lover in your life. Read on for details on our Wild Encounter, and then start planning your own.

Bryant Park's Winter Village Returns For its Seasonal Run

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 4:59pm

Skate admission free at Bryant Park's Bank of America Winter Village, which reopens its rink—and more attractions—Friday, October 29, 2021. Photo by author

Sharpen your skates and start searching through your winter gear for a matching pair of mittens: New York City's only FREE ice skating rink has set its opening day, and it's only weeks away. The Winter Village at Bryant Park reopens to the public on Friday, October 29, and we've got all the details on what's in store this season.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Transforms the Observation Deck Experience

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 10/07/2021 - 4:00pm

Take a leap in Levitation—glass-enclosed skyboxes suspended 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue at the new SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Photo courtesy of One Vanderbilt

Observation decks seem to be multiplying in NYC, and soon New Yorkers and visitors alike will have a brand new, sky-high observation deck to take in the city views. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt officially opens to visitors on Thursday, October 21, but we got a sneak peek at this four-floor, art-and-entertainment space that aims to transform the observation deck experience.

Read on for our review of this kaleidoscope in the sky, which offers stunning views inside and out, including a unique perspective on its Midtown competitors at the Empire State Building, Edge, and Top of the Rock.

Notorious RBG Gets Her Due in New-York Historical Society Exhibition

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 10:51am

The New-York Historical Society honors the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg with an overarching exhibition profiling her life and career.

Native daughter Ruth Bader Ginsburg gets her due in a brand new exhibition at the New-York Historical Society. Based on the best-selling book and Tumblr of the same name, Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg brings the Brooklyn-born Supreme Court justice's story full-circle.

Whether your kids have a hunger for history, an interest in the law, or a feminist streak, the exhibition, which made our list of must-see museum exhibits this fall, is worth a visit.

Governors Island to Stay Open Year-Round

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 09/28/2021 - 3:00pm

Visitors to Governors Island will now be able to explore fall, winter, and spring on the isle, too. Photo courtesy of the Friends of Governors Island

Big news, New Yorkers: Governors Island, our long-time favorite summer-only destination, is now open year-round. Its expanded schedule was announced Tuesday by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Trust for Governors Island.

While the big summer season comes to a close on Sunday, October 31, the new NYC Ferry service begins the very next day, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy the 43-acre isle 365 days a year.

Midtown Gets Spectacular New NYPL Branch With Rooftop Reading Room

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 09/20/2021 - 5:03pm

See Patience and Fortitude—in Lego form—at the newly remodeled Stavros Niarchos NYPL branch in Midtown.

You won't find Manhattan's newest, coolest rooftop hang out at a swanky eatery. Instead, this cool view comes at no cost, atop the newest NYPL. A trip to the library has never been so cool as it is with a visit to the newly remodeled Stavros Niarchos Foundation branch. Housed in the old Mid-Manhattan Library Building, and catty-corner from the main NYPL branch's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, this completely reimagined space houses 400,000 books spread over eight floors. Enviable features include the aforementioned alfresco reading room overlooking Fifth Avenue and spectacular new spaces for children and teens. Add in some inventive programming, and this new library is sure to land on our list of NYC libraries with great play spaces and children's rooms.

Read on to learn more about all the services offered at this NYPL branch.

Register Now for Free After-School Program From NYC Parks

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 09/13/2021 - 10:01am

Several NYC recreation centers open their doors to kids for after-school enrichment. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

Registration for the FREE after-school program run by the Parks Department opens on Monday, September 13 for NYC kids ages 6 to 13, and we've got details on what the program offers and how to sign up.

Find more after-school classes and enrichment options in our guide to Classes and Activities in NYC for Kids.

40 Things To Do in Denver with Kids, Other than Hiking

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sat, 09/11/2021 - 2:15pm

The view is always great at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Take in a show, or climb (or jog) the steps when no one is around.

Known as the Mile High City, Denver, Colorado, is a charming all-seasons destination for a family vacation. You'll find big-city attractions like Denver art museums and animal sanctuaries, including the Denver Zoo and Denver Aquarium, but its outdoor scene is also unparalleled—and don't let the weather scare you: Locals will tell you if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes. Another commonly cited fact: Colorado enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. In fact, it's quite easy to get sunburned on its famous ski slopes!

Born and raised in the Denver area, I now enjoy it with my three kids as a tourist on our annual family visits. When we're not in the mountains, there's a good bet you can find us enjoying one of these 40 family-friendly things to do in Denver. Find more of our favorite destinations in our City Travel Guides, including our local guide to Exploring the Rocky Mountains: The Best Things To Do in Boulder, CO with Kids.

Jody Mercier

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