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

Where to See Halloween Decorations in New York City

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 10/21/2021 - 5:37pm

Come face-to-face with spooky skeletons in Queens' Bayside neighborhood. Photo by Judith Aquino

With Halloween on the horizon, city dwellers are digging out the cobwebs and showing off all the skeletons in their closets, setting up fun Halloween decorations for passersby to enjoy. Some neighborhoods go all out with spooky, sweet, creepy, and cool Halloween decorations, and we're sharing some of our favorites below.

So, enjoy the spooky sights we've found and find more ways to celebrate in our Guide to Halloween Activities.

CAMP Debuts New Hybrid Toy Store and Play Space at Garden State Plaza

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 1:05pm

CAMP's innovative retail and interactive play space model aims to be the answer to the a family's question of "what should we do today?"

CAMP, the NYC-based family experience store that's part play space, part children's boutique is debuting a brand new 6,500-square-foot outpost in the Garden State Plaza today. Get all the details on this fun interactive shop and plus a sneak peek at the entertainment and goodies in store for visitors, including interactive play areas, arts and crafts, and plenty of super-cool, curated toys to take home.

Welcome Week Invites Visitors Back to NYPL With Free Programming

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 10/19/2021 - 10:09am

Whether you hit one of Midtown's branches, or visit a local library, there are plenty of reasons to step inside an NYPL branch during Welcome Week. Photo by author

The NYPL is flinging open its doors and beckoning New Yorkers to come inside with a series of activations meant to remind visitors of all the free services available at its branches from local neighborhood locations to destination-worthy spots, which all offer way more than shelves and shelves of books.

Santa Returns to Macy's Santaland For In-Person Visitors in 2021

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 4:15pm

Santa is taking gift requests in person this holiday season at Macy's Santaland. Photo courtesy of Macy's

The first gift of the holiday season has arrived, and it's a big one: Santa Claus is landing his sleigh on 34th Street and again taking visits in-person at Macy's Santaland in the heart of NYC at Macy's Herald Square flagship store. If you want to share your wish list with him, though, take note: Reservations are required for all Santaland visits in 2021.

Read on for details on this trademark, must-do, only-in-NYC experience and mark your calendars: Macy's Santaland opens for the season on Friday, November 26, 2021.

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.