Jody Mercier

When asked to illustrate her dream job as a first grader, Jody drew a picture of a mom with one kid on each hip and another clinging to her leg. All these years later, that is her reality, raising three kids in New York City. Since that gig only pays in hugs and kisses, she has spent her professional career as a journalist covering health, fitness, sports, and parenting topics. She's currently the regional editor overseeing the Mommy Poppins NYC, New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester sites and can be reached at jody@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Jody Mercier

Best Indoor Play Spots for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Manhattan

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 1:00pm

The playground isn't always an option for keeping antsy little New Yorkers (and the grown-up variety) busy. When the weather turns and the stir-craziness sets in, it's time to search out indoor options that are not your apartment.

After finding myself searching for indoor play options a few too many times, I'm offering my mom-tested picks for the top spots for the toddler-and-preschool set in Manhattan. None of these places—kid gyms, museums, and even atriums—require a membership, and all will help you, your little one, and, most importantly, your apartment survive a long, cold winter or rainy day.

Read on for a dozen of the best places to play with your preschooler in Manhattan, including FREE spots.

Get Inside the Game at the New NFL Experience in Times Square

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 01/19/2018 - 10:23am

New York may lay claim to a pair of NFL teams, but catching them in action and experiencing the thrill of an NFL game day has long required a trip on NJ Transit or hopping in a car and heading across the river. That is, until now.

The opening of the NFL Experience in the heart of Times Square in December gives New Yorkers a taste of what an NFL game day looks, feels, and tastes like—all just a subway ride away.

CMOM Gets Ready to Move After Purchase of New UWS Building

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 01/16/2018 - 10:13am

The Children's Museum of Manhattan's new home, 361 Central Park West. Photo by Emily Munro/CMOM

The Children's Museum of Manhattan has long made up for its small footprint the way hearty city parents do: by creatively maximizing every available square foot of space, and keeping things fresh with an ever-changing variety of exhibits that engage the public in its mission to help "children and families thrive at home, at school, and in the community."

But, as any parent pining for an extra bedroom can attest, a bit more space is always welcome in this jam-packed city, and the little kid museum will soon have a great big new home of its own. CMOM completed the $45 million purchase of the former Church of Christ, Scientist, on West 96th Street and Central Park West on December 22.

25 Free Holiday Events for Families and Kids in NYC

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 11/20/2017 - 3:15pm

With Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Hanukkah all fast approaching, New York City is gearing up for a magical holiday season. There's something about the sheer delight and excitement in kids' faces that can make even dodging tourists and taxis fun.

Some of the best family events in NYC happen in November and December: annual train displays, exciting holiday events, cozy brunches with Santa, spectacular Nutcracker productions, and more. But FREE family fun is often the very best kind, especially with kids in tow. So we've rounded up 25 FREE Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah activities for the family to enjoy now through New Year's Eve. (Consider it our holiday gift to you!) For more of the best events of the holiday season in NYC, be sure to check out our Holiday Guide.

American Girl Debuts a Sparkling New Store at Rockefeller Center

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 11/15/2017 - 10:44am

Just in time for the holiday season, American Girl gave fans citywide a shiny new gift with the opening of its brand-new mega store in Rockefeller Plaza.

The 38,000-square-foot, two-story store opened November 11, replacing its old digs on Fifth Avenue, and is sure to be a destination for lovers of these iconic dolls for years to come. While the original location offered shopping, dining, and salon services, the upgraded spot serves up even more treats for kids (matching makeovers!) and adults (plush benches!) alike.

Grand Central Terminal with Kids: Things to Do and Tips for Navigating the Station

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 11/02/2017 - 5:08pm

Grand Central Station Visitors Guide: Shopping, Restaurants, Bathrooms and MOre

The typical New Yorker probably passes through Grand Central Terminal now and again, heading off on a family getaway, but there's plenty of fun inside the cavernous space to make the commuter hot spot the destination in itself. Grand Central Terminal has tons to offer from restaurants to hot shopping spots (hello, Apple Store), and even seasonal toy train displays. Whether you're on your way to a car-free getaway or exploring the station in its own right, we've got tips that will help you save time or to spend more time enjoyably in this iconic train station.

Play Fair Returns to Javits Center with New Toys and Interactive Fun

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 10/24/2017 - 10:00am

The holidays are coming up fast, and your kids are eager to get to work on their wish lists (of course). But before anyone decides which gifts make the final cut, consider a trip to Play Fair, where the whole family can get hands on with the gotta-have-'em toys and new-to-the-market goodies that'll make this season one for the books!

Play Fair, which returns to the Javits Center on November 4 and 5 after its fun-filled debut last year, offers toy lovers of all ages an action-packed day filled with memorable performances by kid-approved favorites, special movie screenings, character appearances (including Chase and Marshall of Paw Patrol fame), tons of interactive games, and most importantly a chance to play with and buy the toys of tomorrow today. And as if that wasn't reason enough to snag tickets for your family, we have a special discount for Mommy Poppins readers.

Immerse Yourself in Another Dimension at VR World in Midtown

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 10/23/2017 - 4:00pm

Looking to earn some cool-mom (or dad) cred with your teen or tween? Take them to VR World in Midtown Manhattan for an out-of-this world experience.

Whether you choose to fly like an eagle through the skies of Paris or hunt ghosts in an abandoned castle in the south of France, you've surely never experienced an afternoon like this in the shadow of the Empire State Building.

Latest posts by Jody Mercier

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