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

Planning a Theme Park Vacation to Orlando in 2024? New, Can't-Miss Attractions!

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 01/05/2024 - 11:59am

From your imagination to the racetrack, it's race time at the new LEGO Ferrari Build & Race Experience at Legoland Florida, opening Spring 2024. Photo courtesy of Legoland

Planning an Orlando theme park vacation is part of the fun of the trip! This is especially true in 2024, as several new or reimagined attractions, festivals, and dining options are opening or returning. To help you better navigate your theme park trip, check out our guide of the new and exciting experiences coming to Orlando theme parks for 2024. Note: Orlando theme parks opening dates can be vague and time frames can change at a moment’s notice.

Visiting the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers: Top Exhibits and Things To See with Kids

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 08/11/2023 - 6:30am

Explore the life-size sculpture "The Bookstore" at the Hudson River Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

As a longtime Yonkers resident, my family and I have visited the Hudson River Museum and Planetarium on several occasions, and each time we go we discover something new.

Situated on the banks of the Hudson River, with a spectacular view of the Palisades beyond, the Hudson River Museum and Planetarium has been a cultural institution in Yonkers since its founding in 1919. Its galleries and exhibits offer something of interest for everyone in the family.

If you and your family enjoy visiting local museums, check out our rundown of free museums and museum days in the area and more in our Museum Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.

10 Ways to Survive Orlando Theme Parks When It Rains

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 07/21/2023 - 10:46am

The Festival of the Lion King is an entertaining (and dry) place to wait out a rainy afternoon at Disney World. Photo by Ryan Wendler/Disney World

When visiting Orlando theme parks, don't let the weather rain on your parade. Literally! Though rain is almost inevitable during a trip to Orlando theme parks (especially during the summer), it doesn't mean your trip --including parades and rides -- is ruined.

Minimize the emotional damage and salvage a wet day at the theme park with our rainy day survival guide! Use our 10 awesome strategies to help families enjoy a day at Orlando theme parks when it rains, and find the silver lining on all those clouds!

16 Things To Do with Teens and Tweens in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 07/21/2023 - 7:38am

Pose in front of Legoland's Mt. Rushmore. Photo by the author

For parents, it can be quite challenging to find activities to keep their teens and tweens entertained; too old for kiddie stuff, too young for full-blown adult activities. Fortunately, Westchester and the Hudson Valley offer a plethora of recreational activities to entertain kids of all ages. With that in mind, here are some of the top things to do with teens and tweens in the region.

Check out our rundown on cool college enrichment classes for Westchester teens and more in our Tweens and Teens Guide to Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

Best Campgrounds near the Hudson Valley for Tent Camping, Cabins, KOAs, and More

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 06/23/2023 - 6:12am

Enjoy some campfire s'mores at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Photo courtesy of the campground

"Getting away from it all" and spending time camping in the woods sounds idyllic, but let's face it: Sometimes—especially when kids are involved—you just need something a little extra.

Whether it's a water slide, a museum, a side trip to a historic site, or even a cricket pitch, the campsites we list below offer that little something more to keep everyone entertained, get the kids off their phones for a bit, and fend off cries of "I'm bored!" All sites are within a reasonable distance, so they're far enough to get away from civilization but close enough for comfort.

For more summertime fun, check out our Ultimate Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids Summer Vacation Guide. And be sure to follow on Facebook and sign up for our sign up for our newsletters.

Universal Orlando with Kids: Everything You Need to Know for a 2-Day Visit

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 05/19/2023 - 11:14am

Dr. Seuss and all the characters from his beloved stories welcome families of all ages at Universal Orlando Resort. Photo by author

Universal Orlando Resort is an amazing destination for kids of all ages! Universal Orlando has two theme parks: Universal Studios, the original park, and Islands of Adventure, which opened in 1999 (as well as Volcano Bay water park). In fact a third theme park, Epic Universe, is under construction, and scheduled to open in 2025. With all this square footage of fun, we had to share our two-day itinerary of visiting Universal Orlando!

Best Theme Parks in the US for Special Needs Kids

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sat, 05/13/2023 - 11:55am

Sesame Place offers low-thrill rides and plenty of sensory-friendly amenities. Photo courtesy of Sesame Place

We began taking our son TJ, who is on the autism spectrum, to theme parks when he was just 3 years old. Along the way we've discovered that some amusement parks go out of their way to accommodate special needs kids more than others do. With autism-friendly rides (not too fast, loud, flashy, etc.), attractions that follow ADA rules and accommodate wheelchairs, and other features, these theme parks make the experience so much more enjoyable for children with special needs.

Here are the 10 best theme parks for special needs kids and their families. They were chosen because of both their sensitivity to children with special needs and the appropriateness of their rides and attractions for these kids. Find even more fun theme parks and water parks in our Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide.

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.

Tom Stefanchik

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