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

Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Center Open at American Dream

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 07/06/2021 - 6:21pm

Take in an array of sea creatures at Sea Life's Sharks Fifth Avenue Exhibit where familiar landmarks get an undersea makeover.

The larger-than-life American Dream Mall has added two new kid-friendly destinations to its ever-expanding lineup: Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center are now open and welcoming visitors in the mall's A Court, adjacent to the indoor ski slope Big Snow.

The new attractions join Nickelodeon Universe, DreamWorks Water Park, and a 22,000-square-foot candy store to add to the wonderland atmosphere of the mall, which is an easy day trip destination from much of the metro area.

Which Van Gogh Should You Go to With Kids?

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 06/25/2021 - 10:36am

At Pier 36's Immersive Van Gogh Experience, visitors are treated to a trio of huge immersive galleries.

Vincent Van Gogh is having a New York moment with a pair of "immersive" larger-than-life art exhibits dedicated to the Dutch master. It's hard to walk down the street or hail a cab without being confronted with an ad touting the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit or Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or intrigued by the promise of being shrouded in Sunflowers or The Starry Night, which Van Gogh should you go to, and what's the difference between the dueling displays?

We've done the legwork for you, checking out both exhibits, and, well, it's complicated. Read on for our rundown before you decide where to (Van) Gogh.

Best Destination Sandboxes at Local Parks for NYC Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 06/15/2021 - 4:01pm

Sandbox Village at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 is a sand city with playhouses and and a water spray area. Photo by Diana Kim

There's no denying it—kids love diving into a sandbox, running their shovels and hands through the grains of sand, dumping a full bucket over, and generally getting their hands dirty. Though NYC parents might get grossed out at the thought of what could be lurking in our uncovered, urban sandboxes, it's hard to refuse one of a preschooler's most beloved sensory experiences. So pull up a bench (and your cup of coffee; you'll be here a while!), and check out these eight toddler-tested, mom-approved NYC sandboxes. We've done our best to find the cleanest ones across the city. Besides, you can always wash their hands in the nearby sprinklers or park bathrooms when you're finally able to get them out.

Times Square with Kids: What to Do Beyond the Usual Tourist Spots

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 06/03/2021 - 5:12pm

Enjoy a Big Apple-inspired doughnut in the heart of Times Square. Photo by Jody Mercier

New Yorkers often dismiss Times Square as too crowded, touristy, and overpriced, but if you look a little closer, there is plenty of kid fun to be found around this NYC hub—even for the most jaded urban dwellers.

We're not talking about the typical tourist attractions such as Madame Tussauds, the Hard Rock Cafe, and Ripley's Believe It Or Not, which do have plenty for kids to do. Instead, we've got the scoop on 14 cool, under-the-radar things to do with kids near Times Square, whether you're entertaining out-of-towners or just find yourself in this NYC neighborhood.

Step Inside the New Harry Potter Store in the Flatiron District

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 06/01/2021 - 5:01pm

See the Griffin that guards Dumbledore's door up close at Harry Potter New York.

Grab your house robes and get in line because Harry Potter New York, the 21,000-square-foot store dedicated to all things Wizarding World is ready to make its magical debut. Opening to the public on Thursday, June 3, we got a sneak peek behind the doors at all the fun that awaits in one of our most anticipated openings of the year.

Register Now for Low-Cost NYC Parks Summer Camp

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 05/25/2021 - 12:40pm

The NYC Parks Department summer camp lottery is now open and the cost for the summer is just $25. Photo by Daniel Avila for NYC Parks

Summer is on the horizon, and that means parents are scurrying to finalize summer camp placements. While we've got plenty of options in our Summer Camp Guide and Directory, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better full-summer deal than the one offered by the New York City Parks Department. Its popular annual summer camp lottery is open through Sunday, May 30, and an entire summer of camp will cost you just $25!

Read on for more details on this summer camp option that's budget-friendly but full of over-the-top fun for kids.

Little Island Opens Bringing New Park, Live Entertainment to Manhattan's West Side

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 05/21/2021 - 12:35pm

Little Island, aka the floating park, is now open to New Yorkers. Photo by Michael Grimm

If 2020 was the year of the park, with New Yorkers flocking to green spaces in record numbers, park-going in 2021 is next-level thanks to Little Island, aka the floating park, which opens to the public today. The 2.4-acre park far out-punches its tiny footprint, thanks to the uber-creative use of space and a robust programming calendar to match.

One of our most anticipated openings of 2021, Little Island is set on tulip-shaped platforms adjacent to 13th Street in the Hudson River. Its structure is meant to look like a floating leaf, and crossing the bridge from the mainland to the park transports you to an entirely different world, with winding paths, stunning landscaping, and plenty to explore, see, and do.

Read on for all the details on this cool new west side addition, which will make a splash on New Yorkers' plans for summer fun. Find more destination parks in our Guide to Parks and Playgrounds.

Legoland New York Announces Opening Day

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 05/19/2021 - 3:20pm

Improve your Spinjitsu skils at Lego Ninjago World when Legoland New York opens May 29.

Get ready for brick-tastic fun in the Hudson Valley: The long-awaited Legoland New York Resort has announced a phased opening, with preview days beginning Saturday, May 29, 2021. Tickets go on sale to annual pass holders today; single-day tickets are available to the general public beginning Friday, May 21.

Situated about 60 miles outside New York City in Goshen, the 150-acre park is the biggest Legoland yet. Legoland New York's grand opening was initially set for July 4, 2020, and delayed by the pandemic.

The amusement park, geared toward ages 2-12, is the third Legoland to open in the U.S., joining the parks in California and Florida. It's the first major theme park to debut in the northeast in four decades. Visitors to the Hudson Valley park will be able to explore seven themed "lands" featuring more than 50 rides, attractions, and shows—including a brand-new ride exclusive to the New York location.

Jody Mercier

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