Fall Vacation Sales for Young Families

Aug. 6, 2010, 2010— -- If your kids are too young to be worrying about pencils, books, and teacher's dirty looks, think about planning for a vacation instead. For families with preschoolers, fall is the very best time of year to grab a getaway at a top family resort.

The back-to-school season has always offered a bang for your buck. When school kids clear out and prices come down, it's easier to land not only a room but a super deal. In fact, many resorts now promote autumn as a time for preschoolers -- not only with lower prices, but with special events and activities created just for wee ones. Here's a sampling of destinations rolling out the red carpet for the under-5 crowd this autumn:

Where: Martha's Vineyard, Mass. Why: Because this exceptionally kid-friendly resort (see our review) is at its most divine when crowds are gone but the ocean water is still warm. Rates dip after Labor Day (and plummet a week later), letting families save more than 50 percent compared to peak summer prices. A great list of complimentary perks makes this resort a standout. For starters: Help-yourself bike rentals, fitness and yoga classes, and a parent-and-toddler activity program through mid-September.

Where: Four Caribbean locations. Why: Because this chain of kid-friendly all-inclusive resorts (see our review of Beaches Boscobel) is heaven for the preschool set, thanks to its partnership with Sesame Street, a super daycamp and terrific waterplay areas. Through the end of November, the "WonderFall" season delivers a line-up of special events, including live stage shows with Elmo, Big Bird, Gordon, and Abby Cadabby. Best reason to book: You can save up to 65 percent on stays of at least three nights.

Where: Jeffersonville, Vt. Why: Because this award-winning family ski resort (see our winter review) offers fantastic active vacations year-round. From Sept. 6 to Oct. 11, the "AutumnFest Vacation" package allows families with small children to get in a good mix of family time and adults-only time, thanks to an exceptional children's program (infants through 5-year-olds), a nice roster of adults-only hikes and walks, and many family-together activities. Pay for three nights and get the fourth for free.