Jody Mercier

Jody Mercier always dreamed of being a mom, and she's raised three wonderful kids in New York City. Since that job only pays in hugs, she’s spent her career as a journalist covering health, fitness, sports, and parenting for Sports Illustrated, espnW, and Mommy Poppins. Follow her family’s adventures on Instagram @momtakesmanhattan or reach her at jody@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Jody

Here's Why You Need to Plan a Visit to The Strong Museum of Play in Rochester

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 10/17/2024 - 9:22am

The Strong Museum of Play celebrates the power of play inside and out, including in the Hasbro Game Park, where you can climb on Jenga blocks and more.

When it comes to celebrating the power of play, there’s no place more dedicated to the childhood pastime than The Strong National Museum of Play. Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, New York, The Strong National Museum of Play might be one of the best children’s museums in the United States, but it’s far more than a kids-only space.

Fresh off a 90,000-square-foot expansion that debuted in 2023, The Strong Museum is home to plenty of hands-on exhibits guaranteed to entertain kids for a day or more—and it’s also the largest collections-based museum in the world. This combination makes it a great all-ages destination as adults are guaranteed to find plenty of nostalgia in its galleries, which include the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

Read on to learn why The Strong National Museum of Play is a must-visit Upstate New York attraction and why it makes a perfect jumping-off point to explore the region from the Flower City to the Finger Lakes, and nearby Buffalo and Niagara Falls beyond.

Best Manhattan Birthday Party Places for Preschoolers

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 10/10/2024 - 4:00pm

Preschoolers can party the day away at locations around Manhattan,

When it comes to finding the best birthday party places in Manhattan for preschoolers, parents of the under-5 crowd know that the little ones seem to have boundless energy. Fear not: These preschool party spots can keep them engaged and keep the fun coming.

We've rounded up the best Manhattan birthday party places for your preschooler's next party below and have even more options for NYC birthday party places in our NYC Kids Guide to Birthday Parties and Directory, including these indoor birthday party destinations with mega playgrounds.

Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 12:45pm

Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel

With September behind us, we're focused on finding the best fall activities in NYC for families because it's official: The seasons are shifting. So, instead of lamenting the summer that was, we're looking forward to all the fall activities that await.

With that in mind, here's our season-long look at the best things to do this fall in NYC. After all, we've got assorted school holidays, plus a few long weekends to fill before the weather really changes. Without further ado, here is our fall bucket list, chock full of 35 things to do in NYC with kids.

Now that we've got you dreaming of fall, find our top picks for family-friendly fall day trips and more seasonal fun in our Guide to Fall Fun in NYC.

20 Things To Do in NYC with Babies Before they Turn 1

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 1:25pm

Take your city baby to Rockaway Beach. All you need is a MetroCard and a sense of adventure.

Looking for the best things to do in NYC with babies? You've come to the right place. We've got parent-tested picks for family fun from birth to big kids.

The whole "New York City is a terrible place to raise babies" debate never seems to die, but as a mom of three NYC babies, I disagree. Yes, it can be a nuisance to find subway stations with working elevators and contend with tiny spaces and noisy neighbors. Still, there are so many enriching first-time experiences to share with your New York City baby that it's worth muddling through the inconveniences.

So, stock your diaper bag, strap your infant into a stroller or carrier, and try these 20 things to do in NYC with babies before age 1. Be sure to bookmark our NYC Baby Guide for all our top tips and picks for making the most of NYC with a little one in tow.

Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 08/16/2024 - 7:27am

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

There's no lack of world-class museums in NYC, and the city is even home to plenty of amazing children's museums and cool immersive 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, that's part of New York City's charm!

For those days, we present our list of weird, wacky, and wonderful under-the-radar museums in NYC that kids love. Read on for 12 picks you're unlikely to find in the tourist guidebooks.

25 Best Things To Do in Woodstock, NY, with Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 08/12/2024 - 11:35am

Grab a colorful treat at Harley's Sweet Shop in Woodstock. Photo courtesy of the shop

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. Find more top Catskills destinations on our list of the 40 best things to do in the Catskills with kids, and find more day trip inspiration in our Guide to Weekend Getaways.

Guide to Visiting the Empire State Building with Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 11:11am

The Empire State Building is a classic NYC landmark that's worth visiting with kids during your next NYC trip or daycation.

Whether you think it's hopelessly romantic or a complete tourist trap, visiting the Empire State Building with kids is a can't-miss NYC moment. The landmarked building offers stunning views and a rich look at the city's history. A family visit to the Empire State Building—an Art Deco showpiece—is a timeless outing in NYC. Locals need not wait for out-of-towners to plan a trip. Here are our favorite reasons to visit the Empire State Building with kids, one of our favorite family-friendly attractions in NYC.

14 Great Ice Cream Shops in NYC for a Cool Summer Treat

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 07/30/2024 - 1:22pm

These local scoop shops serve the best ice cream in NYC.

Playgrounds, sprinklers, and cold, sweet ice cream are the perfect antidote to a hot summer day. We've found the best ice cream in NYC and rounded our favorite scoop shops for kids and adults alike.

These spots are destination-worthy and scooping up the best ice cream in NYC. With this list, we're skipping the big-time chains in favor of local purveyors. These NYC ice cream shops source ingredients locally, craft their treats in small batches, and give back to the community and beyond. So, you can feel a little less guilty about suggesting ice cream for lunch...or dinner...again.

Read on for 14 of the best scoop shops for ice cream in NYC and find more cold treats and kid-friendly eats in our NYC Kids Guide to Restaurants.

Jody Mercier

Latest posts by Jody

Pages