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

Top New Amusement Parks and Rides Opening This Summer

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 03/15/2018 - 2:24pm

The summer family vacation season is right around the corner, so it's never too early to start dreaming of your escape. Amusement parks, of course, are always top of mind for the kids come summer, so we've trekked up and down the eastern seaboard (virtually, anyway) to find the coolest new theme park attractions set to open this spring and summer.

There's a brand-new thrill ride at Six Flags New England, a pint-sized coaster at Sesame Place, a whole new Toy Story Land in Orlando, and Thomas Town opens near Pittsburgh with plenty of locomotive fun. Read on for more than a dozen new top attractions we're looking forward to checking out at amusement parks spanning from Massachusetts to Florida this summer.

New Water Playground Coming to Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 03/06/2018 - 11:57am

Good news for Queens families and anyone who visits the borough's biggest greenspace: Flushing Meadows Corona Park is getting a seriously face-lift that includes new water play areas for kids to cool down on a hot summer day.

As part of a master plan developed by the Parks Department, the three fountains built for the 1939 and 1964 World's Fair are getting a major update, including spray jets and a mist garden. The revamp plans also include fresh landscaping and more places to relax around the park.

Court 16 Opens Kid-Friendly Tennis Spot in Long Island City

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 02/22/2018 - 11:05am

When it comes to family-friendly amenities, Long Island City is experiencing a boom. From inventive play spaces to sprawling parks and cool tot spots, there's plenty to see and do, including a brand-new tennis facility, Court 16.

Four years after opening its flagship location in Gowanus, Brooklyn, Court 16 has opened a new indoor tennis complex geared toward the kids who are rapidly taking over this neighborhood's sidewalks. With nine tennis courts of varying kid-friendly sizes, there's something for tennis players of all ages at this new spot.

Get Ready for Glamping on Governors Island This Summer!

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 02/07/2018 - 12:34pm

The seasonal perks on Governors Island, long one of our favorite favorite summertime playgrounds, just keep getting better. New in store for summer 2018: Luxury tent camping, or glamping, and an expanded Adventures at Governors Island are two big developments announced by the Trust for Governors Island on Wednesday.

Read on to learn all about the additions coming this summer.

7 New Summer Camps for NYC Kids in 2018

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 02/02/2018 - 4:06pm

There may be snowflakes a flying, but it's officially summer camp searching season in New York City. While the metro area and surrounding suburbs don't lack for choices, there's always something new on the horizon for our kids!

In 2018, we've found a number of new summer camps, from cooking to outdoor nature and even coding and science. Without further ado, we present seven new this year camps for city kids.

The New IDNYC Card Perks for Families You Don't Want to Miss

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 02/01/2018 - 4:00pm

Free admission for cardholders at Brooklyn Children's Museum is just one IDNYC benefit. Photo courtesy the museum

It's no secret that living in New York City and raising kids here isn't cheap. So one of my favorite finds has been the IDNYC program, which, among other things, offers FREE and reduced-price memberships more than 40 cultural institutions across the city.

Since the municipal ID program launched in 2015, more than 1 million people have turned up at IDNYC centers to get their free ID cards and the benefits that being a card-carrying citizen of this great city brings. In 2018, the city introduced several new institutions to the program, including two that might interest NYC families: Aviator Sports and Events Center in Brooklyn and Chelsea Piers are now IDNYC partners. At Aviator, you can nab an individual membership for 20 percent off and score 15 percent off party bookings. Chelsea Piers invites you to enjoy 2-for-1 admission at its indoor ice skating rink as well as discounts at its driving range.

The IDNYC card offers more than cultural benefits: Families can take advantage of discounts on prescription drugs, car-share memberships, movies, sporting events, and more. It even acts as a public library card and can help you open an account at a bank or credit union.

I've put my card to use to take advantage of these benefits and more, so read on for a dozen reasons to sign up for your FREE card, including discounted admission to some of the city's best children's museums and zoos.

Toys 'R' Us to Close 182 Stores Nationwide – See the Full List

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 01/24/2018 - 9:00am

This New York City Babies 'R' Us is on the chopping block. Photo via Chain Store Age

On the heels of its bankruptcy filing last year, Toys "R" Us says it will close more than 180 stores nationwide, according to court documents submitted this week by the retailer. The restructing includes the closure of the Babies "R" Us in New York City's Union Square, the Toys "R" Us in the company's hometown of Wayne, New Jersey, more locations in the NYC suburbs of Westchester and Long Island, and across the country, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California.

Best Indoor Play Spots for Toddlers and Preschoolers in Manhattan

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 01/23/2018 - 1:00pm

The playground isn't always an option for keeping antsy little New Yorkers (and the grown-up variety) busy. When the weather turns and the stir-craziness sets in, it's time to search out indoor options that are not your apartment.

After finding myself searching for indoor play options a few too many times, I'm offering my mom-tested picks for the top spots for the toddler-and-preschool set in Manhattan. None of these places—kid gyms, museums, and even atriums—require a membership, and all will help you, your little one, and, most importantly, your apartment survive a long, cold winter or rainy day.

Read on for a dozen of the best places to play with your preschooler in Manhattan, including FREE spots.

Jody Mercier

Latest posts by Jody

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