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

Mommy Poppins Expands Coverage in the Hudson Valley this Summer

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 06/21/2023 - 10:00am

Mohonk Mountain House is an iconic Hudson Valley vacation spot, whether you want to escape for a week or just a daycation. Photo courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House

Local families in the know are well aware that Mommy Poppins has been covering the greater NYC area for more than 16 years, and we're happy to announce we're extending our reach again and officially expanding our local Westchester site to include even more coverage of the Hudson Valley.

From the Rivertowns to Legoland New York and the Catskills and beyond, we have always covered loads of fun things to do in the Hudson Valley. But, we heard from tons of readers who have moved—or are spending more time lately—in the Hudson Valley.

So, in addition to covering even more events and activities in towns across the Hudson Valley, we'll be relaunching our weekly event picks and delivering you the top things to do each weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley every Thursday morning. This is in addition to our Saturday and Monday newsletters full of news, picks, deals, and seasonal fun.

So, whether you live in the Hudson Valley, or just spend a lot of time there, make sure you're subscribed to our Westchester and the Hudson Valley newsletter to get weekend picks and more family-friendly activities delivered to your inbox!

A Free Science and Art Play Space Is Coming to The Met this Fall

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 06/19/2023 - 11:21am

The 81st Street Studio brings a new way for kids to interact with the treasures at The Met.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is already one of our favorite museums in NYC for kids, and its recent announcement that it plans to open a brand new, completely FREE art-and-science play space this fall is sure to cement its place in the hearts of New York City parents for years to come.

The Met's 81st Street Studio is set to open on Saturday, September 9, with a day-long festival filled with kid-friendly maker activities, art projects, games, play, live music, and more.

50 Things To Do This Summer in NYC: Summer Fun Guide

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 06/12/2023 - 6:14am

Noshing on a funnel cake on the Coney Island boardwalk is a sweet ending to an epic day of summer fun.

When it comes to things to do in NYC, we're officially summer dreaming, and you're the beneficiary. We're sharing our summer bucket list of the top 50 things to do this summer in NYC with kids. Our picks are a mix of annual favorites and can't-miss, one-time-only events that prove the best vacation may just be a staycation.

Be sure to bookmark our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide and our list of 100 FREE things to do in NYC this summer for even more seasonal fun.

25 Top Sprinkler Parks and Splash Pads in NYC for Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 06/09/2023 - 11:29am

The splash pad in Domino Park puts a smile on faces young and old. Photo by Jody Mercier

When we were growing up, New York City playgrounds had sprinklers. Now parks and playgrounds across the five boroughs have transformed into spraygrounds—entire playgrounds dedicated to water play with fountains, geysers, rivers, pumps, and beautiful spraying statues. Kids just love these splash pads in NYC, and parents prefer these newfangled sprinkler parks because they're pretty and cool and a great way to beat the heat.

Sprinkler season in NYC parks usually kicks into gear when temperatures hit 80 degrees, and there are hundreds of sprinkler parks and splash pads in NYC parks. Though we've highlighted some favorites by borough—calling out the best splash pads in Brooklyn, top sprinkler parks in Queens, and our favorite spraygrounds in the Bronx—the ones on this list are even cooler (literally and figuratively).

Read on for the 25 best splash pads in New York City. For more ideas to stay cool and keep busy, check out our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in NYC in 2023: Get All the Details!

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 06/05/2023 - 2:07pm

The nation’s largest Independence Day celebration takes place live in New York City during the Macy's 4th of July fireworks display. Photo by Kent Miller/courtesy of Macy's

Macy's 4th of July fireworks show makes a triumphant return to the skies over New York City. An annual unforgettable highlight of the summer, on July 4, 2023, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks explode in the sky over the East River in Midtown Manhattan, with more than 60,000 shells lighting up the night sky.

Spectators should be able to see Macy's 4th of July fireworks from many neighborhoods in Midtown Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn and Queens. If you're hoping to watch Macy's 4th of July fireworks live, it's never too early to start planning your viewing strategy. Looking for more free summer fireworks displays in NYC? Check out our roundup of where to see fireworks all summer long here, and bookmark our Ultimate NYC Kids Summer Vacation Guide for all our top seasonal picks.

100 Free Things To Do in NYC this Summer with Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 8:53am

Frolic in the Fountain of the Fairs, one of our 100 favorite free things to do this summer in NYC.

Summer is the season of free things to do in NYC, and the sunny fun is already upon us. There are plenty of free things to do in NYC this summer everywhere you look, from summer festivals and concerts, to no-cost sports, kayaking on the waterways, free outdoor movies, and even free summer camps. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 100 free things to do in NYC this summer with kids.

Some of our picks take place on specific days, while others are season-long activities and summer-only destinations. If you’re looking for more free things to do in NYC with kids, be sure to bookmark our list of 100 free things to do in NYC all year long and our Free in NYC Guide, which is jam-packed with fun, no-cost activities.

Still searching for a summer camp for a week or two? Check out our NYC Summer Camp Guide.

Free Summer Sports and Outdoor Programs in NYC for Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 06/02/2023 - 4:33pm

Participants in the CityParks Track & Field program can compete in local races or citywide events. Photo by Durst Breneiser/courtesy of the CityParks Foundation

The huge number of summer sports and outdoor programs in NYC for kids means children can enjoy a summer filled with sports and fresh air while living in the concrete jungle. New York City offers many free summer sports opportunities for kids to learn team sports and try swimming, tennis, golf, basketball, fishing, kayaking, camping, and more.

Of course, registering for these free summer sports programs takes a little legwork and (since many are first come, first served) punctuality. We've got the scoop on free summer sports in NYC and how your kids can vie for spots. You can find more no-cost activities in our Free in NYC Guide, or check out these free and inexpensive summer camp options around NYC.

Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sat, 05/27/2023 - 11:18am

The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.

If you've got a child in public school, you live by the public school calendar. Many local NYC preschools follow the public school schedule, too. The New York City Department of Education's calendar for the 2025-2026 school year is below, and you'll want to bookmark it now for reference—and to help with planning family vacations and school break camp coverage.

Once again, there will be no snow days. Plan on logging your kiddos on for a day of remote learning whenever buildings are closed for snow or other emergencies.

These are all of the dates you can count on your kiddos being out of school during the 2025-2026 school year.