Got a baby, toddler or preschooler? Get packing for these fall getaways.
By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
Got a baby, toddler, or preschooler? It’s a time to get packing, for fall is the sweetest season for an affordable family getaway. When older kids head back to school, many family-friendly resorts chop their prices and dial up the offerings for the younger set. Here are six kid-friendly autumn escapes perfect that are for families with little ones:
Disney World
Rates at Disney World resorts are up to 30 percent below peak periods during the low-priced “value” window, including most nights from September 29 to November 22, 2013 and from November 30 to December 23, 2013. Note: If you’re planning to stay for a week, it may make more sense to skip the discounted hotel rate and opt instead for the free dining plan, which is available for six-night stays during the same late-September to late-December period.
(MORE: View a family trip journal: Disney World with young kids)
Winnetu Resort
Rates at this kid-friendly beach resort on Martha’s Vineyard plummet in mid-September to nearly half of what you’d pay during the peak of summer. A great list of complimentary perks, from help-yourself bike rentals to yoga classes, makes this resort a standout.
Franklyn D. Resort
Franklyn D. Resort
Every family gets their own vacation nanny at this popular Jamaican all-inclusive, where families with little kids are treated to a relaxing getaway and children under 5 stay free in their parents’ suite.
Nickelodeon Suites Resort
When big kids head back to school, the mega-popular Nick Hotel in Orlando drops its rates and lays out the orange-and-lime green carpet for preschoolers, from Nick-themed arts and crafts to character parties with Dora the Explorer and other beloved stars.
(MORE: Explore kid-friendly Orlando with reviews by parents.)
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Voted the no. 1 hotel for families in the Caribbean by Travel+Leisure, this kid-friendly Caribbean all-inclusive is heaven for the preschool set in the fall, thanks to its partnership with Sesame Street, a super daycamp, and terrific waterplay areas scaled for tots. Little kids can enjoy story time with Elmo, bird watching with Big Bird, baking with Cookie Monster, and a Sesame Street stage show.
Club Med Cancun Yucatan
This Cancun all-inclusive caters well to families with babies and toddlers, with its complimentary amenities such as baby food and bottle warmers, and preschoolers ages 4 and 5 can take part in the free Mini Club Med program that offers a mix of crafts, story time, swimming, beach time, and ever-popular piñatas.
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher contributed this to www.MiniTime.com.
