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

Jackie Robinson Honored with New Exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 02/06/2019 - 10:00am

In the Dugout with Jackie Robinson is on view through September 15, 2019.

Baseball is a big deal in my house. Evenings and weekends are spent on ball fields and in batting cages and all three of my kids have donned Little League uniforms. As much as I love watching them play, I've been a long-time fan of the pro game, too, so when I heard one of our favorite local culture spots, the Museum of the City of New York, was honoring trailblazer and American hero Jackie Robinson, I had to visit.

Where to Get Free Infant Sleep Sacks This Winter

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 01/30/2019 - 10:00am

ACS is distributing free wearable baby blankets at each of its 16 city locations.

With cold winter weather upon us, the New York City Administration for Children's Services is lending a helping hand to families, distributing free, wearable baby blankets at each of its 16 city locations in an effort to ensure the youngest New Yorkers are kept safe during the season's chill. Read on to learn more about the program and where you can pick up a free wearable sleeping blanket for your infant.

14 Fun and Offbeat NYC Stores to Visit With Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 01/29/2019 - 4:00pm

New York City is famous for its shopping options, and for good reason—but some stores are a cut above and worth the schlep, even with kids. If you've got a big birthday to celebrate with a gift, or just need an indoor diversion from a gloomy winter day, these retail spots are sure to put a smile on your face, whether you're just a lookie-loo or decide to splurge on a special treat. Find more local shopping ideas in our NYC Local Shopping Guide.

Cooking Classes for Kids in NYC

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 01/25/2019 - 8:00am

Even the littlest one learn to chop at Freshmade NYC.

If your kitchen can’t contain your budding Food Network star, there are plenty of stellar cooking classes throughout New York City for the littlest chefs, from toddlers to teens. We’ve rounded up the best food prep courses in the area. And who knows? Maybe you’ll get a delicious kid-made dinner out of the deal—or even expand a picky someone's palate!

Find more NYC classes in our Classes Guide and Directory Listings.

10 Must-See Offbeat Museums NYC Kids Will Love

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 01/21/2019 - 4:01pm

Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

New York City doesn't lack for world-class cultural institutions, amazing children's museums, or cool immersive art experiences, but sometimes you just. can't. deal. with the crowds. And sometimes, let's face it, you and your hard-to-impress NYC kids might just be in the mood for something a little different or off the beaten path...a little weird, even. After all, what do we live in New York City for?

For those days, we present our list of weird, wacky, and wonderful under-the-radar museums city kids will love. Read on for 10 picks you're unlikely to find in the tourist guidebooks.

10 Most Exciting Kid-Friendly Openings Coming to NYC in 2019

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 01/10/2019 - 4:00pm

Larger-than-life art piece The Vessel will be New York City’s next public landmark. Courtesy of Visual House by Nelson Byrdwoltz

If there's one constant in New York City, it's change. The dawning of a new year has us looking at our calendars and into our crystal balls, anticipating all the fun that's still to come for NYC kids. We opened 2019 with some welcome family-friendly news, but that's not the biggest change in store for city families this year. Read on for 10 new places to play, museums to explore, shows to catch, and goodies to eat. If that's not enough kid-friendly fun for you, make sure you've visited our favorite spots that opened last year, too!

50 Best Things to Do in Harlem with Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 01/07/2019 - 9:00am

The Sugar Hill Museum. Photo by Janet Bloom

NYC is constantly changing, but one neighborhood that's undergone a particularly striking transformation in the past decade is Harlem. While my family and I moved into the neighborhood when I was pregnant with my oldest (now a newly minted teenager) there are times we still feel like relative newcomers, and the drumbeat of gentrification has only gotten stronger since we arrived, bringing with it an influx of popular new restaurants, cultural institutions, and more family-friendly finds.

Though I have mixed feelings about the changing face of the neighborhood, the influx of chains, and rising rents, I am quite happy to be raising three bona fide Harlemites. From the the beautiful, old-school, tree-lined blocks to friendly neighbors who represent a rainbow of colors and cultures to acres of green space, Harlem is far removed from the madness of Midtown, yet just a short express train ride away.

Read on for the top 50 things to do in our home neighborhood, which spans 110th to 124th Streets from Manhattan to Fifth Avenues, and 125th to 160th Streets from Riverside Drive to Fifth Avenue.

Diaper Duty Equality: Men's Restrooms Must Now Include Changing Tables in NY

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 01/04/2019 - 11:22am

New York parents, rejoice: Changing tables are now required in men's and women's restrooms statewide. Life with a newborn can be hard enough, so this news, on the heels of other legislation requiring safe (and clean) places to breastfeed, makes New York more baby-friendly than ever.