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

News: MoMath's New Competition, Free Coding for Teens, Parks Update

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 07/16/2015 - 10:00am

As summer kicks into high gear, parks all over NYC are undergoing (or finishing up) major rehab projects—and we've got the details for you here. Other news this week includes an upcoming FREE coding event for tweens and teens, MoMath's songwriting competition and news about test-making company, Pearson, that will affect next year's state standardized tests. Read on for this week's news highlights and be sure to sign up for our free newsletters, if you haven't already, to stay up to date on the latest NYC news, reviews and more.

10 New NYC Destinations to Check Out with Kids This Summer

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 07/13/2015 - 3:00pm

New York City is brimming with things to see and explore with kids, from world-class museums to the great outdoors. No wonder our town is called the city that never sleeps! And yet sometimes you fall into a rut, visiting the same old favorites over and over, never leaving your comfort zone.

Well, it's time to break that habit. We've rounded up 10 new-to-NYC destinations that are worth putting on your family's summer fun bucket list. Get ready to trade the familiar for the fresh!

News: NYC Kids Get New School Holiday, More Rockaway Boardwalk Reopens, Park Slope Opening

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 07/09/2015 - 10:00am

We’re changing the way we share news: opting for quick links to make it faster and easier for you to skim the latest scoop for NYC families. Want the news first? Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

If you weren’t lucky enough to score tickets for the first-ever ticker-tape parade for a women's athletic team, you still have a few more days to try to catch up with some free ice cream. Plus, we’ve got the inside scoop (ha!) on this week’s school news, including a new school holiday, the closing bell to apply for public pre-K and why the mayor is mad about mayoral control of NYC schools. Your news by neighborhood includes a new play spot in Park Slope, how to shop Zabar's from home, a possible new home for FAO Schwarz and more.

News: Free Summer Circus Performances, Luna Park's School's Out Celebration and Swimming Lessons

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 06/22/2015 - 12:23pm

It's official: the calendar says summer, even if my kids still have one more week of school. Once classes are out, they'll be looking for some fun entertainment, and we've got news of a lot of freebies! From a free museum festival to no-cost swimming lessons, complimentary circus performances and a school's out celebration at Luna Park, there are plenty of activities to banish summer boredom without emptying your pocketbook. And if you've got a wee one in Brooklyn, we have big news about a new public pre-K set to open.

Fort Washington Park Playground: Sprinklers, a Rope Pyramid & Zip-Lining in Washington Heights

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 06/16/2015 - 12:15pm

One of the things I love most about living in upper Manhattan is the abundance of green spaces. But while we've got amphitheaters and ball fields galore, we've had a lack of renovated, state-of-the-art destination playgrounds. However, that's starting to change. I noticed a handful of local parks on the city's list for revitalization, but those projects are still in the works and I have three energetic kids to entertain, pronto. That's why I was thrilled when friends raved to me about the overhauled Nature Discovery Playground in Fort Washington Park. My kids and I checked it out, and it did not disappoint! From a cool tree house to an exciting zip line, there are lots of exceptional attractions for kids, along with the usual fun play stuff.

News: Cool Outdoor Spaces, Popular Brooklyn Spots Shutter, New Online Student Info System

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 06/09/2015 - 11:51am

Most independent schools are wrapping up the academic year this Friday, and while public school students still have a couple of weeks to go, summer is definitely on the horizon. Get ready for lazy mornings, later nights and more time to explore the city! We've got the scoop on a few cool new outdoor spaces to try, fresh museum exhibits to investigate and free classes to attend, as well as a popular play spot to avoid. Also, before you forget all about homework and grades, public school parents should take note that the DOE is launching a new online system to track student progress—so log on before you check out.

One World Observatory: Breathtaking, Panoramic Views & NYC History for Kids & Families

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 06/01/2015 - 12:35pm

One World Observatory taking you to new heights! Photo courtesy of the observatory

My husband and I trekked to the top of the Empire State Building following our City Hall wedding, and we've hauled our entire family up to the Top of the Rock. So when the Freedom Tower unveiled One World Observatory, I jumped at the chance to be among the first to check out its stunning panoramic views.

Mother Nature seemingly didn't share my excitement, however, for we arrived at 10am to see that the top of One World Trade wasn't visible from the ground. Despite this downer, my toddler and I still headed for the entrance and all the way to the top.

10 Promos to Get You Out to NYC's Minor League Ballparks This Summer

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 05/26/2015 - 5:30pm

Soaring temperatures send some people to the beach. For my family, a night at the ballpark is the ultimate summer outing. While big league tickets are pricey (someday I may have the extra cash lying around to purchase season tickets, but not this year), catching a minor league game is a much more affordable option.

Both the Yankees and Mets have farm teams in New York City. The Brooklyn Cyclones play their home games at MCU Park on the Coney Island Boardwalk, while the "Baby Bombers," aka the Staten Island Yankees, use Richmond County Ballpark as their home base. Both teams play short-season Class A ball from June to September. While you can expect to see decent ball, since the product on the field doesn't match Major League play, neither do the prices. Tickets range from $9 to $18! Once you're in the door, not only will you see a ballgame, but you'll also be privy to some silly entertainment, zany giveaways and crazy stunts. Often, baseball is just an afterthought. Here are 10 promotions planned to get fans of all ages through the minor league gates.

Jody Mercier

Latest posts by Jody

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