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

10 Spots to Explore the Immigrant Experience with New York City Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 08/06/2019 - 2:49pm

Lower East Side Tenement Museum's Meet the Residents program.

No matter your political leanings, immigration is a hot topic of conversation these days, and New York has a rich and ongoing history as a gateway to our country. We've combed through our city's top museums and cultural institutions to pinpoint some of the most kid-friendly destinations for those curious about the immigrant experience, or looking to teach children about diversity and cultural acceptance.

Of course NYC often plays host to rotating art exhibits related to this theme, which you can always find in our event calendar. Read on for ten NYC spots where history leaps off the pages for interactive exploration.

Best Things To Do with NYC Kids: August GoList

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 07/28/2019 - 9:30am

While some New Yorkers like to skip town in August, there's tons of must-do summer fun left if you're sticking around for a staycation, including the summer's last FREE outdoor movies and summer family festivals. There's something FREE to do every day in August, and plenty of time to tick off a few more items on your NYC summer bucket list before fall.

Our top family event picks for August include annual favorites like Manhattan's car-free but activity-filled Summer Streets, the incredible Sand Sculpting Contest in Coney Island, and the colorful Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in Queens' Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Find more fun things to do in our continually updated NYC Event Calendar.

Carl Schurz Park: 10 Things to Do With Kids in This Upper East Side Gem

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 07/02/2019 - 10:00am

Gaze at the beautiful 15-acre Carl Schurz Park from atop the bridge.

Carl Schurz Park on Manhattan's Upper East Side is a jewel of an urban green space. Nestled between East End Avenue and the East River, the 15-acre waterfront park spans six city blocks. While it can't match the Upper East Side's other big green space, Central Park, in size, Carl Schurz Park is charming in its own right with lovely arched bridges, wide paved waterfront walkways, flower-filled gardens, lush landscaping, towering old shade-producing trees, an iconic statue, a perpetually busy playground, and equally packed events calendar.

It's not surprising Carl Schurz has so much in common with Central Park: It was masterminded in 1902 by none other than Calvert Vaux (half of the duo that created Central Park and Prospect Park). Carl Schurz also has one attraction no other NYC park will ever have: The historic Gracie Mansion, which is home to New York City's mayor.

Here are 10 fun things to do in this jewel of a green space no matter the season.

Best Things to Do with NYC Kids: July GoList

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 06/30/2019 - 9:00am

Welcome to the first full month of summer! Our monthly GoList of the absolute best things to do with kids throughout July includes some of our favorite FREE annual events—happenings my family and I mark on our calendar every year. Enjoy the always FREE Fourth of July fireworks spectacle and no-cost boat rides thanks to City of Water Day. There's also Bastille Day on East 60th Street, Come Out & Play Family Day, and the — all are FREE, too!

In addition to family-friendly festivals, we're also looking forward to some spectacular performing arts—from dance to theater to music—as well as the world's biggest bounce house, so get your calendars ready! Here are the top 18 things to do with kids in New York City this July—most of which are 100% FREE.

Belvedere Castle Reopens After Extensive 15-Month Restoration

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 06/28/2019 - 10:00am

Central Park's beautiful Belvedere Castle is once again open to visitors.

Princes and princesses take note: Following a comprehensive 15-month restoration project, Belvedere Castle reopens to the public today in Central Park, bringing with it structural and decorative upgrades and familiar views waiting to be explored, just in time for summer. For families, new kid-friendly nature programs encourage exploration of the castle's lovely grounds. For a look at what's new (and renewed) at this treasured Central Park landmark, read on.

10 Heart-Pumping, Thrill-Seeking Activities for NYC Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 06/21/2019 - 6:49am

It's all thrills and challenges at Brooklyn Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Zoo

I've got three kids with three decidedly different personalities. Even though my youngest is just a toddler, it's clear she's a daredevil at heart, never content to sit still for long and always looking for a challenge sure to scare me. She's already got me thinking of activities to thrill her spirit—safely of course. If you've got a like-minded child who refuses to keep her feet on the ground and operates at hyper-speed, New York City is filled with activities to satisfy young thrill seekers, from rock climbing to surfing to trapeze and more. Read on for 10 activities that will get kids' hearts (and yours!) pumping.

June GoList: Best Things to Do with NYC Kids

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 3:00pm

Get your calendars ready! Here are the top things to do with kids in New York City this June, and many are 100% FREE. The first month of summer brings a slew of incredible outdoor activities. But while no-cost festivals, fairs, and parades abound, there are a handful of truly spectacular ones that are musts for families.

Many of our favorite FREE annual events take place this month, including Coney Island's Mermaid Parade, the Lower East Side's Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival, and the Museum Mile Festival, as well as Figment NYC, held this year on Roosevelt Island.

Find more great happenings this June in our event calendar and Guide to the Best Summer Events for NYC families.

10 New and Updated NYC Playgrounds You (Probably) Haven't Visited Yet

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 05/21/2019 - 4:00pm

St. Mary's Park in Carroll Gardens is tucked in the shade beneath train tracks. Photo by Jeffrey Locke

Are your kids suffering from a bit of "been there, climbed that" playground fatigue at their tried-and-true favorite play spot? It may be time to explore a new romping ground. Fortunately, the NYC parks are ever changing. Here, we present 10 new (or nearly new) and updated playgrounds you probably haven't visited yet.

And of course, you can find all our favorite spots, old and new, in our Parks and Playgrounds Guide.

Jody Mercier

Latest posts by Jody

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