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

Crayola Flowers Has a Bright New School Fundraising Idea

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 09/21/2023 - 9:20am

We got to check out the pop-up that launched Crayola Flowers with a "Giving Garden" in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

There’s a bright new school fundraising idea blooming: Crayola Flowers has a new fundraising platform just in time for fundraisers for schools, sports teams, scout groups, and more.

With colors for every team, school, or occasion, you can order flowers for a friend, and a cut will go to the nonprofit of your choice, or use the platform for the next big fundraiser at school and the proceeds go directly to your organization. Crayola Flowers is putting a new spin on raising money that it promises makes sense, scents, and cents for its nonprofit partners.

Looking for more ideas that make this school year a little easier? We've got some easy school spirit week ideas, plus a list of school supplies that are truly unique and useful. They're all in our
Back-to-School Guide.

49 Things To Do in Midtown West with Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 09/14/2023 - 3:39pm

Macy's flagship store at Herald Square is a hub of activity in Midtown West no matter the season.

For many people, Midtown West conjures up visions of Times Square with its Broadway theaters, illuminated billboards, crowded chain restaurants, megastores, and tourist traps. But go a little further west and you'll find the treasures of Clinton, an amenity-filled residential neighborhood that many actors, artists, and families call home. Also known as Hell's Kitchen, the area was once infamous for gangs and poverty but started changing in the 1990s. Tenements were renovated, luxury condos went up, and a slew of new restaurants and bars opened, especially on Ninth Avenue.

Further south, the renaissance has continued with new skyscrapers of Hudson Yards and Manhattan West bringing destination-worthy shopping and dining, plus hotels, performing arts, playgrounds, and even a beautiful new connection to The High Line.

Read on for our favorite things to do in Midtown West with Kids and find more local neighborhoods to explore in our Manhattan Kids Neighborhood Guide.

New Art-and-Play Space Opens at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 12:37pm

There are a variety of hands-on stations at the 81st Street Studio, the new STEM and art-inspired play space at The Met.

When is the last time you stepped into The Met and had a curator encourage your child to touch and feel the exhibits? That tactile connection to artwork—to its making, its preservation, and ultimately, its appreciation—is at the forefront at the 81st Street Studio, the brand-new art and science play space that’s now open at The Met’s Fifth Avenue location.

Beyond giving city kids a new way to enjoy the wonders of The Met, the 81st Street Studio also makes it very accessible—admission to the space is completely FREE to kids and their families, surely cementing The Met’s status on our list of the best museums in NYC for children for years to come.

Baby Swimming Lessons in NYC: Mommy-and-Me Swimming Classes for Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 09/04/2023 - 9:17am

Babies can gain comfort and confidence in the water with mommy-and-me swimming lessons at two Asphalt Green locations. Photo courtesy of the venue

Baby swimming lessons allow little ones to bond with their grown-up while also helping them get comfortable in the water and learning important water safety skills. These mommy-and-me swimming classes in NYC offer families the chance to help babies become comfortable in the water, a skill they'll certainly use a lot in the coming years with all the great swimming pools and beaches in NYC. These baby and toddler swimming lessons are offered around the city throughout the fall, winter, spring, and summer, both on weekends and after school.

You can find all our picks for baby swimming lessons, plus swimming lessons for older kids in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New York City Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

111 Ideas for College Care Packages

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 08/22/2023 - 12:21pm

Those dorm rooms look pretty bare. Send some fun goodies to your college kids!

Sending a college care package to your college student is a rite of passage for both of you. Whether your college kid is at StateU or has traveled across the country, being on the receiving end of one of these college care packages is sure to make them feel special, especially during high-stress times!

So, whether you're sending a college care package to your first college kid, or you’re a recent empty nester who has already sent your fair share of college care packages, we’ve got 100 college care package ideas to inspire your next trip to the post office. Find more back-to-school tips for kids from pre-school to post-grad in our Back-to-School Guide for Kids.

The Met Meets Roblox in New App that Lets Visitors Interact with the Artwork

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 08/15/2023 - 4:59pm

The Met Replica lets users scan artwork to learn more about the pieces and add it to their collection to outfit their Roblox characters.

I'm always game for a visit to The Met, but sometimes my kids need a little convincing. They don't know how good they've got it, but this week's visit was an easy sell for my 10-year-old, thanks to the launch of The Met Replica, a brand-new, interactive app that mashes up the power of play—in the form of Roblox characters—with The Met's masterpieces, introducing the art in a whole new way.

I turned my phone over to my daughter and let her lead the way on our hours-long quest to find all the artwork highlighted by this new app, and we emerged hours later filled with new knowledge and excitement to return again soon. Find out why this app is a cool new guide to one of our favorite museums in NYC to visit with kids, and get all our tips for the city's top culture spots in our Guide to Museums, Galleries, and Exhibits for NYC Kids.

Legoland New York Set to Giveaway 100 Season Passes as Summer Temps Soar

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 08/02/2023 - 10:10am

Legoland New York has locals and visitors alike begging for a mercury-popping day thanks to a hot new giveaway that's triggered by 100-degree temperatures! To add a little fun to the sweltering summer heat, the park is set to give away 100 FREE season passes every time the mercury tops 100.

Find out what it takes to enter and read about all the fun at Legoland New York, which checks in at No. 22 on our list of the 100 best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley before kids grow up.

NYC's Best Parks and Playgrounds for Kids Birthday Parties

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 07/23/2023 - 8:08am

NYC park attractions, like Jane's Carousel in Brooklyn Bride Park, make great, budget-friendly spots to host a birthday party. Photo courtesy of the carousel

Savvy DIY parents know New York City's parks make a fun (and inexpensive) backdrop for a birthday bash during the warmer months. Granted, this type of party requires more work than booking one of those all-inclusive packages, but you get to control most of the details, including the cost (though sadly, not the weather).

Find more party spots in our NYC Birthday Guide.

Jody Mercier

Latest posts by Jody

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