Tom Stefanchik

Latest posts by Tom

Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in Westchester

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 7:58am

Kids love a birthday party filled with games and pizza at Chuck E. Cheese. Photo courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese

Most Westchester restaurants will offer some kind of birthday package. But what if you want something more for your child’s special day than table service in a quiet room at the back of the restaurant? What if you want a truly unique experience?

Fortunately, Westchester County has lots of restaurants, some exclusive to the area and others with multiple locations, that offer a wide range of singular birthday celebrations. With that in mind, here are 10 of Westchester’s most entertaining and unique birthday experiences.

Check out our rundown of the best birthday party places for toddlers in Westchester and more in our Kids' Birthday Party Guide for Westchester Families.

10 Awesome Birthday Parties for Kids at Orlando Theme Parks

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 01/20/2023 - 9:19am

Celebrate your child’s birthday with Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy at Story Book Dining at Artist Point. Photo courtesy of Disney

Why settle for average birthday parties for kids, when you can celebrate in a theme park?! From over-the-top milkshakes to luaus to character greetings, there are theme park celebrations to suit everyone’s taste. Bonus: When visiting Orlando theme parks, be sure to stop by Guest Relations to get a FREE birthday celebration button! This way cast members, and possibly park guests, can wish your child “Happy Birthday” all day long.

Take a look at our top 10 places to celebrate birthday parties for kids at Orlando area theme parks. And get more ideas about how to throw an awesome birthday party in our Orlando Birthday Party Guide now!

Go Canoeing, Kayaking, and River Tubing in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 08/05/2022 - 6:49am

Have a blast on the water in kayaks at Storm King Adventures. Photo courtesy of Storm King Adventures

Looking to canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or go river tubing in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Here are some tours, lessons, and equipment rental spots to add to your list.

With back-to-school looming just around the bend, many families want to soak up the late-summer sun with some aquatic activities. And while Westchester County and the Hudson Valley boast plenty of family-friendly pools and spray parks to keep kids and adults splashing, those seeking a more active outdoor adventure can canoe, kayak, or paddle down one of the scenic local waterways.

Read on for nearby spots where you can rent your preferred watercraft, receive lessons, take guided tours, and enjoy other family-friendly outdoor activities. For even more water fun, check out our list of the best lakes and rivers for swimming in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. We've also included a section on the many places to go river tubing in the area.

Fishing Lakes near Westchester and the Hudson Valley and More Kid-Friendly Places to Go Fishing

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 07/29/2022 - 6:29am

There are top fishing spots throughout the Hudson Valley.

Looking for the top fishing spots in the Hudson Valley? We've got you covered.

Few family-friendly activities are more relaxing than fishing, which involves spending a day basking in the sunlight and communing with nature. And the Hudson Valley is the perfect environment for fishing, with dozens of lakes, streams, ponds, and other freshwater bodies.

Naturally, if you’re bringing the kids along on your fishing expedition, you’ll want to make sure there are plenty of other activities nearby to help keep them occupied–especially when you hear the inevitable, “I’m bored”. Read on for the top family-friendly locations for fishing in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.

If your kids love being outside, check out our rundown on 10 destination parks for Westchester families, and find ideas for other outdoorsy adventures in our Guide to Playgrounds & Parks in Westchester.

Father's Day in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: 14 Things To Do

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sun, 06/05/2022 - 12:21pm

Take a family ride during Bicycle Sundays this Father's Day in Westchester. Photo by Jim Zisfein

Father's Day in Westchester makes me realize not only how lucky I am to be the dad of two awesome boys, but also how lucky I am to live where I do. There are just so many things for a dad and his kids to do, from family-friendly restaurants to fun in local parks, gardens, and more. Here are some of my favorite ways to celebrate Father’s Day with my family.

The Best Escape Rooms in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 02/25/2022 - 1:00pm

Unlock the key and escape The Puzzle Parlour.

Families in Westchester and the Hudson Valley who enjoy a little suspense mixed in with their fun might try escaping to an escape room.

Within the past decade, these cleverly designed rooms have grown exponentially in popularity, even withstanding a pandemic. Nowadays, escape rooms can even be found at the local mall.

Originally targeted to adults, many Westchester escape rooms are now perfect for tweens and teens, or even birthday parties. The sites usually contain multiple themed rooms, so you can choose an adventure that suits your or your family’s tastes.

Winter Day Trips Near Westchester for Families

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sun, 01/09/2022 - 11:00am

Wave Hill is a stunning sight in any season. Photo courtesy of Wave Hill

Are you and your family looking to escape those post-holiday, mid-winter blues? Well, you don’t need to take a trip far away from Westchester, because there's plenty of local, family-friendly day trips to enjoy in winter.

Here are just a few of the best winter activities at communities in and around Westchester that are easily accessed in a day trip.

Guest Assistance Pass Unlocks Orlando Theme Park Magic for Kids of All Abilities

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sat, 10/09/2021 - 1:30pm

Minimize stress and maximize the fun for kids of all abilities. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

Navigating the logistics of an Orlando theme park trip is daunting for any parent. But for parents of children on the autism spectrum, like my son, or with another learning challenge or disability, the task may even seem impossible. I wondered how I could make sure he enjoys himself and gets to see what wants? How would he endure long waits for rides, the inevitable crowds, and noise—none of which he handles very well?

Thankfully, the big theme parks in Orlando offer a service for families like mine that helps minimize stress and maximize the kids' fun: the guest assistance pass.

Tom Stefanchik

Latest posts by Tom

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