Kid-Friendly Fall Holidays

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

I may be in the minority here, but I'm going to say it: I am so glad that Summer is coming to an end. It's hot, it's sticky, everywhere seems to be more crowded, and boredom tends to rear its ugly head with my kids more easily and more frequently than any other time of year. Seriously, I'll take the Fall season over Summer any day. The leaves, the crisp air, boots, cosy sweaters, and pumpkin spice everything are only a few of the things that make Fall the best of the four seasons. It also happens to be, in my opinion, the best time of year to travel.

Flights are cheaper, many hotels are offering off-season deals, weekend traffic is lighter, the crowds are gone, and, if you really aren't ready to let go of Summer, it's still pretty easy to track down.

So whether you're looking to take advantage of a long weekend or planning a weeklong getaway, here are some of the best places to take your family this Fall.

Image Source: Getty / Ippei Naoi

The Outer Banks, North Carolina

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!

Image Source: Flickr user James Jordan

Boston, Massachusetts

If you're pulling the kids out of school for a trip, you might as well make it an educational one. With scores of historical sites, museums, and monuments, there's no better choice than Boston, Massachusetts.

Boston has something for everyone. Your entire family will enjoy spending the day at The Boston Children's Museum or the New England Aquarium, while sports enthusiasts will love taking a guided tour of Fenway Park. If you're looking for something more educational, then don't miss Boston's Museum of Science or the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

If you prefer to spend the day outdoors, plan a visit to the Franklin Park Zoo or take a guided tour of The Freedom Trail before visiting the shops at Boston's famed Quincy Market.

When it comes to accomodations, we recommend the Loews Boston Hotel. It's centrally located to many of Boston's key attractions and offers valet parking during your stay. With kids in tow, not having to worry about where to park the family car is a huge perk!

Image Source: Unsplash / Sahaj Bedi

Palm Beach, Florida

If you're not letting Summer go without a fight, then head to Palm Beach, Florida for a luxurious and laid-back family holiday. Palm Beach's Worth Avenue boasts some of the most impressive shopping and dining experiences in the country, along with a bevy of other antique and boutique shops. And as soon as you lay eyes on one or two of Palm Beach's 160 golf courses, you'll understand exactly why Palm Beach is referred to as Florida's Golf Capital.

Check into the EAU Resort & Spa for a truly relaxing experience (yes, even with the kids in tow!). After a morning playing on the beach, engageing in water sports, or taking a family walk down the city's Selfie Trail, kids ages 5 to 12 can play and create at the resort's state-of-the-art AquaNuts facility while parents go indulge in some poolside drinks, fitness classes, or spa treatments.

Image Source: Unsplash / Natalya Zaritskaya

The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

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!

Image Source: Flickr user Nicholas A. Tonelli

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Newport, Rhode Island

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.

Image Source: Flickr user pshutterbug

Mystic, Connecticut

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.

Image Source: Flickr user Ken Mist

Chicago, Illinois

Fall is the perfect time to visit The Windy City, as the Summer heat has died down but the Winter chill hasn't yet hit. Stroll Navy Pier and get a bird's eye view of the city from the top of the Centennial Wheel. For a more Fall centric experience, the Lincoln Park Zoo hosts it's annual Fall Fest during the months of September and October. And, the best part about the Lincoln Park Zoo? It's free! If Chicago's Fall air is a little too brisk for you, animal lovers will also enjoy a visit to the indoor Shedd Aquarium.

If you're looking for some culture, be sure to catch a show at the iconic Chicago Theatre before ending your day with a visit to the famed Gino's East for some of their signature deep dish pizza.

Stay right in the heart of Downtown Chicago at the Loews Chicago. Not only do children under the age of 18 stay for free, but if you left something behind (hello, Mom brain!), don't sweat it. They offer everything from cribs, baby bath amenities, and nightlights to family activity guides who will help you make the most of your visit.

Image Source: Unsplash / Antonio Gabola

Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts

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.

Image Source: Flickr user Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism

Highland, New York

Driving through New York's picturesque Hudson Valley in the Fall will make you and your family excited to be putting another Summer behind you. It's simply stunning!

Really enjoy the Fall with a stay at the all-inclusive Rocking Horse Ranch. There's plenty of activities — including an indoor water park, horseback riding, and mountain tubing — to keep everyone in your family happy and busy. Daily childcare is included with your stay for children ages three and older, so parents can sneak away and enjoy a quiet meal, spa treatment, or a fun activity of their choice.

On your way home, stop at DuBois Farms and pick your own fruit and vegetables. Tomatoes, apples, grapes, pumpkins, and gourds are all ripe and ready to pick during September and October. Admission is free!

A Short Cruise

Really looking to get out of town? Depending on where you live, you may be just a short drive away from a cruise ship terminal. Many cruise lines offer last minute deals on their two to five night cruises, so be sure to check out your favourite ship's website to see what they have to offer. We love Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian Cruise Lines for families!

Of course, if you've never had the pleasure of taking a Disney cruise, then that's definitely an experience worth looking into!

Image Source: Unsplash / Alonso Reyes