Thomas J. Stefanchik has over 30 years of writing experience, with a recent focus on family travel. A father of two boys, including one with autism, Thomas and his family are self-proclaimed Disney fanatics. When he's not writing or at theme parks, he enjoys music, film, Broadway, TV, and rooting for the Mets and Jets.
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Take a break from Orlando theme parks and bring the family to one-of-a-kind, unique Orlando attractions. From swimming with dolphins, driving a tank(!), and partying with pirates, the Orlando area offers fun, wacky activities for every area of interest. Take a look at 14 of the best, off-the-wall Orlando experiences and attractions!
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Westchester and the Hudson Valley have great museums that will entertain and educate your kids, whatever they're into—be it animals, science, firefighting, nature, or art. All of the museums we've rounded up below offer exhibits and family programs that let kids (and their grown-ups) learn, explore, and appreciate new viewpoints.
Read on for more about these cultural gems, each of which can be included as part of a family day trip, and be sure to check our Museum Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids for more.
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2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for Orlando theme parks, with the first, all-new theme park opening in more than 20 years! And don't get us started on the awesome new attractions and experiences coming to our favorite existing parks.
To help you better plan your next Orlando trip, here is a preview of cool things coming in 2025, as well as the current time frame for their opening. Just keep in mind that Orlando theme parks are notoriously vague about opening dates, and the time frames listed can change at a moment’s notice. Take a look and get ready for the ultimate Orlando adventure!
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The best things in life are free, especially with kids. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up dozens of the best free things to do with kids throughout Westchester.
From outdoor adventures and museum access to STEM fun and seasonal excursions, and from Somers down to Mount Vernon, there are plenty of activities to please every interest. Be sure to bookmark this for year-round reference—your family will never be bored (or broke) again!
Keep tabs on our Westchester and Hudson Valley Family Activity Calendar, which is always loaded with free (and low-cost) activities for all ages, and check out our Local Guide to Free Fun Things To Do.
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These free indoor places to play in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are a salve for those bad weather days when you don't want to be stuck inside with the kids waiting to hear the dreaded (and inevitable), “I’m bored.” From Scarsdale to Kingston, the region offers a wide variety of fun, free things to do at local museums, malls, marine sanctuaries, and more to keep kids and parents entertained and engaged.
With that in mind, here are the best free indoor places to play in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Find more free fun in our Guide to Free, Fun Things To Do with Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.
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When it comes to Christmas dinner, why not visit one of these local restaurants open on Christmas in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? These family-friendly restaurants are ready to help you and your family celebrate the holidays with a little less stress. But a word of caution: If you’re planning to eat out at one of these restaurants open on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, book reservations as soon as possible.
For more Christmas fun, see our Guide to Holiday Activities for Westchester and Hudson Valley Families, which includes our bucket list of holiday happenings.
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There are so many fun things to do ONLY in Orlando, where the city's magic is a treat for residents and visitors alike. The area offers a wide variety of wonderful experiences to delight all ages. And these Central Florida destinations and activities are unique to the area—there are amazingly fun things to do in Orlando that you just can't do anywhere else in the world! Take a look at our favorite things you can only do in this wonderful city!
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These Westchester and Hudson Valley restaurants open on Thanksgiving offer you the chance to let someone else handle the meal prep and clean up. Our top picks for restaurants open on Thanksgiving in the region serve turkey and all the trimmings. All also require reservations, so don’t delay in making your plans.
If you're heading into the city for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, we have a list of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in NYC, too.
Be sure to bookmark our Guide to Family-Friendly Restaurants in Westchester for more kid-friendly eats no matter the date.
