Looking For a Fall Getaway? Head to One of These Family-Friendly Destinations

According to locals, October is the best time of year to visit North Carolina's Outer Banks. The crowds are gone, traffic is non-existent, the weather is ideal, and there's a ton of family-friendly things to do including water sports, wild horse tours, and shopping.

For the food and music lovers, the Outer Banks hosts an array of Fall festivals including the Duck Jazz Festival over Columbus Day weekend and the Crabdaddy Seafood & Wine Festival in the end of September. If you're a history buff, plan a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial or take a drive over to Roanoke Island and learn all about the lost colony.

As for accommodations, The Sanderling Resort has everything you need for the perfect family getaway. This oceanfront resort has over 20 different room options, making it the perfect choice for any size crew. And if you're looking to travel with extended family, The Sanderling has five holiday homes that sleep anywhere from 8 to 16 guests.

And if it's adventure you want, you're in luck. The resort's own Adventure Concierge is on-site to help plan anything from horseback riding on the beach to jet pack and fly board excursions. No matter what you do, you're sure to work up an appetite. Finish off your day with some freshly caught, local seafood at Kimball's Kitchen. You won't be sorry!

If your family loves the outdoors, then the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania are the perfect holiday spot. With plenty of state parks, adventure courses, waterparks, and quaint little towns rife with history, the Poconos have something for any family, on any budget, at any time of year, although Fall — especially in October when the Fall foliage is at its peak — is arguably the best time to go. Take your family on a leaf peeping hike through Bushkill Falls, commonly referred to as the Niagara of Pennsylvania.

After you're done enjoying the great outdoors, check in to Great Wolf Lodge, where there's round-the-clock entertainment and dining for kids of all ages. When they're not splashing around in the resort's 79,000 sq. ft. heated, indoor water park, children will love the resort's daily activities such as story time, character meet and greets, and arts and crafts sessions.

Older children will love playing MagiQuest: a game in which they select a magic wand and set off on a quest through the resort to defeat a Goblin King! And if you're searching for even more adventure, head out to the resort's own Howler's Peak Ropes Course for some sky high fun!

Newport, Rhode Island is the ideal holiday spot for a family with older children. In the morning, grab some coffee and biscuits at Stoneacre Brasserie before heading out to enjoy the brisk ocean air as you make your way down Cliff Walk. Then, step back in time as you tour some of Newport's famous mansions. The Breakers even offers a family tour with a special guided experience just for children.

After you make your way through the mansions and choose your favourite, head to the Newport Car Museum where you can pick out a dream car to match your dream house.

If you're a family of foodies, you won't want to miss Newport's Annual Wine and Food Festival, which takes place the third weekend in September. But if you're in the mood for something more casual, then grab a bite to eat at The Red Parrot. This festive restaurant is located in a former meat packing house which employed hundreds during Newport's Gilded Age.

As for accommodations, Gurney's will give you and your family unparalleled views of Newport's stunning Narragansett Bay. Although their Kids Club closes at the end of Summer, your children will still enjoy splashing around in their freshwater, heated, indoor pool.

There's plenty to do in the small harbour town of Mystic, Connecticut. Your family will love exploring the world's last wooden whaling ship or strolling around a recreated 19th century village, which is comprised of authentic New England buildings from the 1800s at Mystic Seaport.

From there, take a short drive over to the Mystic Aquarium, which is home to New England's only Beluga Whales. After a day at the aquarium, walk across the street and peruse the shops in Mystic Village, including Connecticut's famous Munson's Chocolates. But save your dessert for after dinner!

While you're in Mystic, be sure to visit S&P Oyster. They're a true farm- (and sea) to-table restaurant, and once you have a taste, you'll understand how they've stayed in business for over 25 years! It's a good opportunity to expand your kid's taste buds.

After dinner, head "home" to the heart of downtown Mystic at the historic and recently renovated Spicer Mansion.

Located just an hour outside of Boston, Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts is New England's largest outdoor living history museum. If you're planning a visit between September 27 and November 3, then be sure to purchase tickets for their spooky and interactive Sleepy Hollow Experience.

A stay at The Old Sturbridge Inn will help you feel like you're living back in the 19th century with 21st century amenities.

Before you leave, don't miss one of Massachusetts' breathtaking sunflower fields, which begin blooming in September. Colby Farm is located about an hour and a half away from Old Sturbridge Village, but the photo ops will make the perfect Fall addition to your Instagram feed.