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

30+ Children's Books to Celebrate Black History Month

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 02/09/2021 - 7:27am

It's so important for kids to see themselves on the pages of books.

Books have long been a key to happiness for me, and I've rarely said no to adding another tome to our collection when my kids have asked. A good book can transport you to another time and place and help you see the world through another's eyes—and it's that point that brings together this list of 30+ children's books to celebrate Black History Month.

To offer you a glimpse into my world, I'm a white mother, married to a Black man, raising three Black kids in the middle of Harlem. Many of the children's books on this list are in our own personal library, well-loved and worn from years of reading. Others are on the list because we're not quite ready for the tough topics they cover, and a few are aspirational picks we have yet to add.

NYC Middle Schoolers Can Return to Classroom February 25

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 02/08/2021 - 10:46am

New York City middle schoolers can return to in-person learning after the city's Midwinter Break.

New York City's public middle school students who have opted for hybrid learning can return to school on Thursday, February 25, the city announced Monday.

Middle school students have been learning remotely since Mayor Bill de Blasio shuttered all schools on November 19, 2020. Early education, elementary, and District 75 students returned to school two weeks later, but older students have been learning from home. No return date for high schoolers has been set.

8 Easy Mug Cake Recipes to Make with Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 02/02/2021 - 2:26pm

Older kids can even make these mug cakes on their own.

My coffee cups are getting a workout between my insatiable need for coffee, these easy hot chocolate bombs, and our family's newest cooking obsession: mug cakes.

Mug cakes are the perfect, low-mess solution for your sweet tooth and easy enough for tweens and teens to make on their own. There's no hot oven; instead, you can have a personal-sized treat ready to enjoy in mere minutes with the help of your microwave.

Read on for eight easy mug cake recipes to make with kids and find more kitchen inspiration in our Guide to Easy Recipes for Kids.

Record-Breaking Roller Coaster Coming to Six Flags New Jersey

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 02/01/2021 - 7:00am

Towering 13 stories tall, Jersey Devil Coaster riders soar single file at speeds of up to 58 mph.

Summer thrill-seekers take note: Six Flags Great Adventure is adding an epic new ride to its collection for the 2021 season. The record-breaking Jersey Devil Coaster has topped off at the Jackson, New Jersey, park and should be ready for riders during the 2021 season.

The roller coaster is the tallest, longest, and fastest single-rail coaster in the world.

STEM Matters Opens Registration For 1-Day Spring Break Programs

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 01/26/2021 - 4:51pm

Enjoy an Adventures in Aviation program at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum as part of the STEM Matters program. Photo courtesy of the Museum

New York City's uber-popular STEM Matters Program returns for spring break 2021, but big changes are in store. Unlike the week-long drop-off program of years past, if you want your child to participate this spring, you'll have to join them. The programs, dubbed Discovery Days, run for single-day sessions at top cultural institutions. Participants are treated to an hour-long, educator-led, hands-on discovery program and enjoy gratis admission for the rest of the day.

The programs, which are open to public, charter, and home school students, run for single-day sessions during the New York City public school spring break, which lasts from Monday, March 29-Friday, April 2, 2021. Read on for more info on the program and how to apply.

Prismatica Lights Broadway With Rainbow-Filled Public Art Display

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 01/13/2021 - 9:55am

Prismatica brings 25 rotating, rainbow-hued prisms to the Garment District.

If you thought the end of the holiday season meant the end of stunning light shows, think again. The Garment District has unveiled a whimsical, rainbow-filled, kaleidoscope of colors with its latest public art installation, Prismatica.

The immersive art display is the latest piece of public art to light up Midtown and follows last year's playful, illuminated seesaws in the neighborhood, bringing a little bit of sparkle to New Yorkers.

14 Family-Friendly NYC Openings We're Anticipating in 2021

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 4:49pm

The Moynihan Train Hall is worth a visit even if you're not dashing to catch a train for its art and architecture. Photo by the author

After a year of closures, COVID, and being cooped up inside, we could all use a little hope on the horizon. So it is, we bring you our annual list of the most anticipated kid-friendly openings for 2021.

While some picks are making a repeat appearance, we're sharing them again in the spirit of silver linings and excitement for the year ahead.

Kid-Friendly NYC Businesses That Closed in 2020: Toy Stores, Play Spaces, and More

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 01/04/2021 - 10:27am

Gulliver's Gate, the Times Square attraction showcasing major cities in miniature form, closed in 2020.

It's no secret 2020 took its toll on New York City. From weary parents to homebound school children, the pandemic has left its mark on us all. As we turn the page to the new year, we want to take a moment to share some appreciation for the family-friendly NYC businesses that closed in 2020. These spots are pandemic victims in their own right, ranging from play spaces to bookstores and family-friendly eateries and boutiques who all helped make our lives a little simpler, and their loss is one we'll likely feel for years to come.

Jody Mercier

Latest posts by Jody

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