Tom Stefanchik

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.

Latest posts by Tom

SeaWorld Orlando: Family Fun at This Awesome Aquatic Theme Park

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sun, 08/24/2025 - 12:21pm

Reach your hand just below the surface, and you’re likely to feel a velvety “high five” as stingrays swim by. Photo by author

SeaWorld Orlando is an experience your family will never forget, no matter how old your children are or where their interests lie. My family and I have visited SeaWorld park on numerous occasions over the years, enjoying animal encounters, family-friendly attractions, live shows, roller coasters, fine dining, and more. A cross between a theme park and an aquarium, SeaWorld Orlando has something for everyone. Take a look at our insiders look of SeaWorld and why it may be a great option for your family!

Best Ice Cream Spots in Westchester for Kids

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 07/18/2025 - 10:07am

Ice creams and Italian ices are made on-site at the Village Creamery & Sweet Shop in Valhalla.

One of the sweetest parts of summer is an outing to a local ice cream shop. Whether you're cooling down with a shake or lounging on a bench and licking a cone, these frozen treats are hard to pass up.

Westchester has its fair share of independent ice cream parlors. We've rounded up several of our favorites below so that families can get in their "last licks" of the summer. Whether you prefer to keep things simple with traditional treats or get excited about inventive confections like donut ice-cream sandwiches, we've got the goods.

Check out our story on Westchester and the Hudson Valley's most epic desserts and more foodie inspo in our Westchester & Hudson Valley Family Restaurant Guide.

Historic Hudson Valley Mansions Where Families Can Step Back in Time

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Thu, 07/10/2025 - 12:11pm

Every October, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside Manor hosts the haunted attraction Irving''s Legend. Photo by Tom Nycz for Historic Hudson Valley

Westchester County and the Hudson Valley are home to several historic homes that offer visitors more than just a glimpse into the past. Many have dedicated kids' programming, annual and seasonal events, fairs and festivals, stunning displays, and exhibitions.

These architecturally stunning homes have been restored or maintained throughout the years (and in some cases, centuries) and offer a peek into prominent, wealthy family life, as well as interactive programming that brings history to life in fun, educational, and unforgettable ways.

Find our story on visiting Storm King Art Center in the Hudson Valley with kids and more ideas for cultural enrichment in our Museum Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.

14 Best Hidden Gems in Orlando: Exploring Past the Big Theme Parks

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sun, 03/09/2025 - 10:52am

Embark on a heartwarming, up-close encounter with playful dolphins at Discovery Cove. Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove

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!

Best Children's Museums for Kids in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 03/07/2025 - 9:57am

Enjoy art in the great outdoors at Storm King Art Center. Photo by Janet Bloom

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.

New Things Coming To Orlando Theme Parks for 2025

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sun, 01/26/2025 - 12:00pm

For the first time in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests enjoy a live, theatrical experience at Le Cirque Arcanus. Artist conceptual rendering courtesy of Universal

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!

41 Free Things To Do in Westchester with Kids

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 01/10/2025 - 9:19am

Roam the the cedar walk and gardens at Caramoor for a free, fun outing. Photo by Gabe Palacio

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.

19 Free Things To Do Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Indoor Places to Play

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 01/03/2025 - 11:44am

Kids can peek into the marine life in the aquariums at the Marine Education Center in Mamaroneck. Photo by Susan Miele

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.

Tom Stefanchik

Latest posts by Tom

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