Jody Mercier

New York

Regional Editor at Mommy Poppins

Writer. Editor. Wife. Mother. New Yorker. Harlemite.

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Articles

Aviator Sports and Events Center Announces Abrupt Closure

1 month ago | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

Aviator Sports and Events Center, which has schooled a generation of NYC kids in sports ranging from hockey and gymnastics to volleyball and rock climbing announced Monday that its indoor facility will close on Monday, April 14, 2025. News of its closure means its indoor sports programs will also cease operations on that date. Its popular sports summer camp programs are also unlikely to return.
Free Gear-Packed Baby Boxes Coming to an NYC Hospital Near You Later this Year

1 month ago | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

When it comes to welcoming a new bundle of joy in NYC, it's no secret that a little one needs tons of gear, but a new initiative is set to put infant-supply-stocked NYC Baby Boxes in the hands of new parents at some local hospitals.
Should You Take Your Kids to Anne Frank The Exhibition? A Parent's Guide

2 months ago | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

When it comes to teaching kids about the Holocaust, New York City parents and teachers have a new tool at their disposal: Anne Frank The Exhibition, which opens today at the Center for Jewish History. Presented in partnership with Amsterdam's Anne Frank House, this landmark exhibition brings to life The Annex—the hiding place of Frank's family and other Jewish refugees, where Frank's famous diary was penned—for the first time outside of Amsterdam.
Dazzling, Dynamic Tianyu Lights Festival Takes Over Citi Field

Dec 9, 2024 | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

Holiday lights shows have become a seasonal staple in NYC, but a visit to the brand-new Tianyu Lights Festival in Queens was a stunning surprise. We oohed and awed as we traversed the 1 1/2-mile trail that's taken up residence in the Citi Field parking lot this season. A dazzling combination of brightly colored Chinese lanterns, LED lights, cutting-edge technology, and even an infinity room made the Tianyu Lights Festival the most dynamic holiday lights display we've ever seen.
American Museum of Natural History Welcomes New Dino

Dec 5, 2024 | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

There's a new scene-stealing dinosaur in town at the American Museum of Natural History, which announced today the arrival of Apex, a 150 million-year-old Stegosaurus fossil that's set to go on display in the lobby of the Richard H. Gilder Center for Science Education this weekend.
Most Festive Family-Friendly NYC Hotels for Christmas and the Holidays

Nov 7, 2024 | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

There's nothing like the holiday season in NYC, from glittering holiday windows and the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to classic holiday shows and timeless traditions, the city sparkles during the holiday season. If you're ready to plan a magical holiday itinerary, you're going to need an equally magical place to lay your head at night and these family-friendly NYC hotels go all out to make you feel like you're home for the holidays.
Here's Why You Need to Plan a Visit to The Strong Museum of Play in Rochester

Oct 17, 2024 | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

Can’t-Miss Exhibits at The Strong National Museum of Play With two floors of sprawling galleries, plus the whimsical outdoor Hasbro Game Park, an indoor butterfly vivarium, preschooler-friendly romping spots, and tons of playable games, pinball machines, and interactive exhibits, it’s nearly impossible to conquer The Strong in one day. Its most popular admission ticket for out-of-towners is a two-day ticket.
Best Halloween Parades in New York City for Kids in 2024

Oct 12, 2024 | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 10/06/2019 - 9:50am New York City's Village Halloween Parade, and Other Children's Halloween Parades in NYCEveryone loves a parade, but there's nothing quite like a neighborhood Halloween parade. While families with older kids may venture out to the iconic Village Halloween Parade on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan, it can be pretty scary—it's always insanely crowded and loud, and many of the costumes are risque, gory, or in poor taste.
25 Best Things To Do in Woodstock, NY, with Kids

Aug 10, 2024 | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

The mention of Woodstock, New York, might conjure up visions of peace, love, and rock and roll but in reality, the Catskills town that lent its name to the music festival is a quaint destination for a daycation with kids. Hints of its past can be found, sure, but it's got a lovely small-town feel imbued with an artistic spirit. Here are our favorite things to do in Woodstock, New York, with kids, plus our top picks for places to stay and eat.
Jody Mercier

Jul 27, 2024 | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

At less than 70 square miles, Aruba is a small island, but it packs in a lot of kid-friendly activities for a Caribbean family getaway. Snorkel or splash in the bright blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, explore breathtaking natural parklands, dig in to a wide variety of tasty restaurants, support Aruba’s wildlife sanctuaries, or just stake out a spot on the powdery sand beaches.