Jody Mercier

New York

Regional Editor at Mommy Poppins

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

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Articles

Giant New NYC Exhibit Lets Kids Play at Being City Planners

2 weeks ago | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

City parents often think of New York City as our playground—its parks, transportation, and towering neighborhoods provide ample opportunities for exploration and inspiration. This fact was not lost on the team at the New York Hall of Science, who this week debut a brand-new, large-scale installation dedicated to the inner workings of city life with CityWorks, a sprawling, permanent exhibition that gives visitors, young and old, a look at what makes the city move.
Splash, Skate, and Play at the Davis Center which Transforms Central Park's Northern Landscape

3 weeks ago | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

Nestled between the edge of the North Woods and the banks of the Harlem Meer, Central Park's largest project to date—save for the park’s construction in the mid-19th century—makes its public debut this week. The Davis Center at the Harlem Meer delivers a transformative new destination on the northern edge, with all-season recreation, bold design choices, and a remarkable integration into the landscape of this oft-forgotten about corner of the park.
Dine in a Doodle at Shirokuro—NYC's First 2D Cafe

4 weeks ago | mommypoppins.com | Jody Mercier

Modeled after the 2D restaurants that became popular in Seoul in recent years, Shirokuro opened in late March, but the restaurant was really a long time coming. Artist and creative director Miriam Yoo is the creative genius behind the space, and spent more than three months hand-drawing every detail, from the tiniest leaves on the bonsai trees to the intricate illustrations that make up the sushi bar's backdrop, and even the black-and-white wrappings on every table and chair.
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

2 months 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

Jan 27, 2025 | 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.