Founder of Mommy Poppins
A fourth-generation Brooklynite, Anna started Mommy Poppins in 2007 to help families find the best things to do with kids in NYC, with a particular emphasis on sharing activities that are free, affordable, and enriching. The site, used by millions of families, has grown to become the ultimate resource for parents in the major US cities, plus travel guides for 100s of destinations.
Anna is a believer in the magic of summer camps, traveling with kids, and that you can raise kids on a budget and still have a rich life full of amazing memories. Anna's first Mommy Poppins book, The Young Traveler's Journal and Activity Book, published in 2025 and co-written with her daughter, Amelia Eigerman, brings that ethos to life, in addition to this website.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
In a smart move, Baby Einstein is offering a full refund to anyone who purchased their DVDs in the past 5 years after complaints that the videos are not, in fact, educational.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
Last week I wrote about some not too spooky haunted houses to take the kids to. I'm adding Chelsea Market as another great Halloween destination for spooky and fun decorations, treats and a big Halloween event this Friday.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
It has always really bummed me out that there was no great craft store in New York City. When I was a kid I used to go to the Woolworth's on Broadway for all kinds of crafts supplies. I loved that place, but it's been gone for ages and, while you can find some craft supplies at the art supply stores, it's hit or miss. So, I am thrilled that, finally, there is a great craft store in New York City with the opening of Michaels on the Upper West Side. Yes, it's a huge chain, and, yes, it smells unbearably like potpourri, but I'll take it!
Submitted by Anna Fader on
Making your own Halloween costume is the whole fun of Halloween as far as I'm concerned. But if you think you need to get all Martha in order to make Halloween costumes for the kids, think again. We found these great Halloween costume ideas that involve no sewing. Find out how to transform your child into an adorable gnome, a Wild Thing Max, or how to make fake blood, boils warts, and wounds mostly out of things you already have in the house.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
Last year I took the time to count how many calories were in my daughter's Halloween candy haul. It was eye opening and mind-blowing. So this year I'm looking for alternatives to candy that don't suck. That is something to give away for trick or treaters besides apples or pencils and other things that kids don't want and don't make them want to toilet paper your face.
Since I've been doing some Spring cleaning around the house (yeah I'm a little behind) I had a symbiotic dilemma of what to do with all the little plastic goodie bag toys we seem to collect all year long. Bingo.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
Just some tid bits to share here from a sale on Halloween costumes from Amazon to a helpful phone app for navigating the city with a baby, a special event at the Guggenheim for families, and then there's little Girl in the Kitchen, which is just great for so many reasons. Check it out:
Submitted by Anna Fader on
Do you have your costumes? Lined up all your Halloween parties and events? Know where you're trick or treating?
Halloween is one of the most fun times for kids in New York CIty. It's when the city turns itself over to the children and it seems like there's a Halloween happening just about in every corner. Our Halloween Guide helps you make the most of creepy and the kooky fun. Check out the Mommy Poppins Halloween Guide for the best Halloween events, parades, trick or treating and more.
While I've got your attention, there's a couple other things I want to let you know:
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Submitted by Anna Fader on
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