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
Sunshine, fresh air, plenty of running around and sports. Those are some of the great reasons to send your child out of the city to one of the many wonderful country day camps that surround the city. However, if you don't want to send your child out of the city, there are some camps in the city that approximate the country day camp experience right here in New York City.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
Laurel Barrie has 20 years' experience connecting families and summer camps through her free Summer Camp Matchmaking service. The Camp Connection represents over 500 summer programs that have been visited while camp is in session, referenced and reviewed. Their goal is to help make lots of Happy Campers!
We asked Laurel to answer some of our top questions about summer camp and she has been kind enough to share her expert experience with us all. Thanks, Laurel!
Submitted by Anna Fader on
Thanks to everyone who commented on our Fun-a-Go-Go giveaway post. It sounds like most of you have terrific plans to get out of the city for this vacation break. But me and Naomi are going to be chillin' here in the city.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
They Might be Giants' just put out a new album of kids music and while I've been a little underwhelmed with their previous albums, this one has at least one new song that is truly brilliant. In fact, I'm making it my official theme song. Check out this awesome video podcast of my new theme song that Mr. Nice Guy was nice enough to find for us.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
For a little Valentines' Day fun, we thought we'd check out the best candy stores in NYC for kids of all ages. With a gaggle of hyper children, we've been trooping all over Manhattan sampling treats and discovering what's what in the New York candy world. (It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.)
We taped the whole thing and will be posting the short videos over the next several days. Take a look at the first one we've posted today for some sugar-addled fun. Perhaps you'll be inspired to make a Valentine's Day outing with your little sweeties.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
I think drama classes are great for kids. They help build creativity, confidence and teamwork. And TADA! has a great theater program for New York kids. In addition to their regular afterschool programs, TADA! offers one-week vacation programs in which children rehearse and act out a musical production created just for kids. At the end of the week they get to perform it on stage.
Register now for any of TADA's winter or spring vacation camps and get $25 off when you mention MOMMY POPPINS.
Submitted by Anna Fader on
A round-up of all things free and fun for this weekend. Where to hear rockin' tunes, make a beautiful valentine, and play in the snow!?! All for kids and all for free!
Submitted by Anna Fader on
