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

Help Redesign NYC Playgrounds at Parks Department Community Meetings

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 01/04/2015 - 10:00am

Like most NYC parents with young kids, I've logged so many hours at our local parks and playgrounds, I feel like I've become an expert on which design elements work, and which totally fail. If you've always wanted to share your playground opinions, now's the time because the Parks Department is listening. Thanks to its Community Parks Initiative, $130 million will be used to redesign and rebuild 35 debilitated NYC green spaces. But before the renovations begin, the Parks Department is holding a series of Community Input Meetings where families can offer their ideas and hopes for these parks.

Catching the Pinstripe Bowl & Other College Football Fun for NYC Kids Over the Holidays

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 12/10/2014 - 11:30am

To say my family loves college football is an understatement. I originally met my husband at a game, and our firstborn's birth announcement was a replica of a Sports Illustrated cover with our son proudly wearing my alma mater's colors. Given our obsession, for us, the holiday season isn't just about seeing Santa, Christmas trees and department store windows, it's about watching college football. There are plenty of big college football events around this time of year, including the presentation of the Heisman Trophy and the annual Pinstripe Bowl, both of which take place right here in NYC.

Read on for all the details plus other ways your family can root for your favorite teams (be they near or far) right here in New York City.

Hot Holiday Deals: Save Big on Theater, Birthday Parties, Toys, Babysitting & More

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 12/07/2014 - 10:00am

The holiday season is upon us and you may be wondering how you'll be able to afford to fulfill everyone's wishes. Our generous sponsors can help with deals on everything from live theater to indoor entertainment so your brood can beat the winter blues in NYC and beyond. We've also got discounts on birthday parties and babysitting for when you're ready to take a break from it all. Read on for all the bargains, but don't delay as they may disappear faster than your holiday budget.

Free Activities for Teens at the Museum of Arts and Design this Friday Night

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 11/16/2014 - 10:00am

The words teen and free rarely go hand in hand, except, it seems, at NYC museums. Just last month, we told you about the Metropolitan Museum of Art's first-ever FREE teen night. And now this Friday evening, the Museum of Arts and Design is hosting its own FREE fete for teens featuring cool and creative activities.

MAD's FREE Teen Night isn't new. It actually debuted back in 2012, but it has evolved a lot since then. MAD’s Teen Trustees and the Museum Teen Summit collaborated on this year's edition, which means the event is planned by its target demo. And who knows what teens want better than their peers?

Recycle Your Jack-o'-Lanterns at Pumpkin Smash Composting Events in NYC

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 10/29/2014 - 10:00am

Halloween inevitably ends with way too much candy, which is why we're big fans of donating or repurposing excess treats. But you know what else we have too much of on the holiday? Decorative pumpkins and gourds. Often they sit and rot on windowsills and stoops until they cave in, at which point parents can finally convince their kids to chuck 'em in the trash. But there's a more fun and environmentally friendly way to get rid of your jack-o'-lanterns: Recycle them at Pumpkin Smash, a series of FREE composting events being held throughout the five boroughs this Saturday, November 1.

Hot Deals: Save on Theater, Magic, Kids' Parties & Educational Fun

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 10/26/2014 - 10:00am

Take a break from the daily grind of work and school by enjoying enriching family fun with these great deals from our sponsors. Save big on live theater, a magic show and parties. Plus, we've got a discount on test prep that can help kids with the upcoming G&T tests.

Read on for all the details, but don't delay. All deals are for a limited time only.

Free Activities for Teens at the Metropolitan Museum this Friday Night

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 10/16/2014 - 12:00pm

NYC teens have it good when it comes to cool cultural events. There are so many amazing opportunities open to them, and many are totally FREE. Earlier this week, we told you how teenagers can snag no-cost classical concert tickets through the New York Philharmonic's new Free Fridays program. And today we've got the scoop on this Friday's Teens Take the Met, a brand-new initiative at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that comes with FREE admission and a slew of special interactive activities. It almost makes me wish I were an adolescent again (just without the acne and drama).

Jody Mercier

Latest posts by Jody

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