Tom Stefanchik

Latest posts by Tom

Restaurants Open on Christmas in Westchester

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Sun, 12/11/2022 - 6:22am

Treat your family to northern Italian cuisine for Christmas dinner with a meal at Mulino's in White Plains.

Looking for restaurants open on Christmas in Westchester? Read on for our top picks.

Celebrating Christmas Eve or Christmas Day at a fine restaurant is a longstanding tradition. And there are many Westchester restaurants ready to help you and your family celebrate the holidays this year. But a word of caution: if you’re planning to eat out this holiday season, book reservations as soon as possible. After all, people are eager to go out and celebrate, and restaurants are booking up fast.

Here then are some of the best restaurants in Westchester that are ready to celebrate with you this Christmas season.

For more Christmas fun, see our guide to holiday activities in Westchester, where you will the latest on holiday light displays and other seasonal experiences, including FREE things to do in the area in December.

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.

10 Farms Near Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Family-Friendly Fun

Submitted by Tom Stefanchik on Fri, 10/22/2021 - 8:00am

Say hello to the "residents" at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the nature center

Nothing brings home that warm, autumnal feeling like a trip to the farm: apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides. And here in Westchester and Hudson Valley, we are fortunate to have a bounty of farms with family-friendly activities to entertain every age.

And so here they are: our top 10 farms in and around the Hudson Valley with fun entertainment for families.

Be sure to visit our Westchester pick-your-own guide for more farm fun.

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.