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

All Aboard for These Fun Holiday Train Shows in NYC: NYBG Train Show, Grand Central, and More

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 11/14/2024 - 12:44pm

The NYBG Holiday Train Show is a winter wonderland with enchanting trains and twinkling cityscapes. Photo by the author

Trains are a way of life for most New Yorkers, but come Christmastime these holiday train shows in NYC add a little sparkle to New York's favorite form of transportation as little engines and cabooses take center stage during the holiday season.

The New York Botanical Garden's Holiday Train Show is always one of our must-do Christmas events in NYC, with electric model trains whizzing by nearly 200 NYC landmarks made out of acorns, twigs, bark, berries, leaves, and other botanical bits and pieces. My family and I make it a point to go every year—it's truly a quintessential New York holiday experience. There's a reason it's No. 43 on our list of the top 100 things to do with kids in NYC.

But, the big NYBG holiday train show isn't the only holiday train show in NYC. Read on for more details on all the Christmas train shows the city has to offer this season, and, for an extra special holiday treat, take the kids on a full-size Christmas train ride with these nearby Polar Express and Santa trains.

Most Festive Family-Friendly NYC Hotels for Christmas and the Holidays

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 12:52pm

The magic of the holiday season at the Lotte New York Palace begins in its beautifully decorated courtyard.

There's nothing like the holiday season in NYC, from glittering holiday windows and the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to classic holiday shows and timeless traditions, the city sparkles during the holiday season. If you're ready to plan a magical holiday itinerary, you're going to need an equally magical place to lay your head at night and these family-friendly NYC hotels go all out to make you feel like you're home for the holidays.

With prime locations and fun festive touches, these local NYC hotels pull out all the stops to ensure your Christmas in New York is a core memory for years to come. Find more tips for your holiday vacation in our NYC Kids Guide to Christmas and the Holidays and our Visitors Guide, which is chock full of need-to-know information for navigating the Big Apple with kids in tow.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in NYC for Kids and Families

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sun, 11/03/2024 - 6:42am

Glide your way across the Brooklyn Children's Museum's roof when its popular ArtRink returns. Photo by Winston Williams

New York City's outdoor ice skating rinks are ready for a new season, and we've rounded up our favorite outdoor ice skating rinks in NYC. Whether you want to take a twirl on some long-running classics, like the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink and the always-free Bryant Park rink, or explore new favorites like the waterfront rink in Domino Park, our list of family-friendly outdoor ice skating rinks in NYC continues to grow.

Read on for our top picks for outdoor ice skating rinks for beginners and experienced skaters alike. And, if it ever gets too cold to glide outside, know you can always hit one of NYC's indoor ice skating rinks.

Here's Why You Need to Plan a Visit to The Strong Museum of Play in Rochester

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 10/17/2024 - 9:22am

The Strong Museum of Play celebrates the power of play inside and out, including in the Hasbro Game Park, where you can climb on Jenga blocks and more.

When it comes to celebrating the power of play, there’s no place more dedicated to the childhood pastime than The Strong National Museum of Play. Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, New York, The Strong National Museum of Play might be one of the best children’s museums in the United States, but it’s far more than a kids-only space.

Fresh off a 90,000-square-foot expansion that debuted in 2023, The Strong Museum is home to plenty of hands-on exhibits guaranteed to entertain kids for a day or more—and it’s also the largest collections-based museum in the world. This combination makes it a great all-ages destination as adults are guaranteed to find plenty of nostalgia in its galleries, which include the National Toy Hall of Fame and the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

Read on to learn why The Strong National Museum of Play is a must-visit Upstate New York attraction and why it makes a perfect jumping-off point to explore the region from the Flower City to the Finger Lakes, and nearby Buffalo and Niagara Falls beyond.

Best Manhattan Birthday Party Places for Preschoolers

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Thu, 10/10/2024 - 4:00pm

Preschoolers can party the day away at locations around Manhattan,

When it comes to finding the best birthday party places in Manhattan for preschoolers, parents of the under-5 crowd know that the little ones seem to have boundless energy. Fear not: These preschool party spots can keep them engaged and keep the fun coming.

We've rounded up the best Manhattan birthday party places for your preschooler's next party below and have even more options for NYC birthday party places in our NYC Kids Guide to Birthday Parties and Directory, including these indoor birthday party destinations with mega playgrounds.

Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 10/04/2024 - 12:45pm

Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel

With September behind us, we're focused on finding the best fall activities in NYC for families because it's official: The seasons are shifting. So, instead of lamenting the summer that was, we're looking forward to all the fall activities that await.

With that in mind, here's our season-long look at the best things to do this fall in NYC. After all, we've got assorted school holidays, plus a few long weekends to fill before the weather really changes. Without further ado, here is our fall bucket list, chock full of 35 things to do in NYC with kids.

Now that we've got you dreaming of fall, find our top picks for family-friendly fall day trips and more seasonal fun in our Guide to Fall Fun in NYC.

20 Things To Do in NYC with Babies Before they Turn 1

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 1:25pm

Take your city baby to Rockaway Beach. All you need is a MetroCard and a sense of adventure.

Looking for the best things to do in NYC with babies? You've come to the right place. We've got parent-tested picks for family fun from birth to big kids.

The whole "New York City is a terrible place to raise babies" debate never seems to die, but as a mom of three NYC babies, I disagree. Yes, it can be a nuisance to find subway stations with working elevators and contend with tiny spaces and noisy neighbors. Still, there are so many enriching first-time experiences to share with your New York City baby that it's worth muddling through the inconveniences.

So, stock your diaper bag, strap your infant into a stroller or carrier, and try these 20 things to do in NYC with babies before age 1. Be sure to bookmark our NYC Baby Guide for all our top tips and picks for making the most of NYC with a little one in tow.

Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Fri, 08/16/2024 - 7:27am

Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

There's no lack of world-class museums in NYC, and the city is even home to plenty of amazing children's museums and cool immersive experiences, but sometimes you just. can't. deal. with. the. crowds. And sometimes, let's face it, you and your hard-to-impress NYC kids might just be in the mood for something a little different or off the beaten path...a little weird, even. After all, that's part of New York City's charm!

For those days, we present our list of weird, wacky, and wonderful under-the-radar museums in NYC that kids love. Read on for 12 picks you're unlikely to find in the tourist guidebooks.

Jody Mercier

Latest posts by Jody

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