(photo: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort)
The leaves aren't the only thing falling these days. Prices at some of the country's best kid-friendly hotels are dropping, too, which makes this a great time to plan an escape for Columbus Day weekend or later this fall. Here are five deals to get you packing for a weekend getaway.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort
Where: Cambridge, MD Why: Because this plush Chesapeake Bay resort in historic Cambridge is less than two hours from Baltimore and DC and offers a ton of fun for families, from tennis, miniature golf, and disc golf to a wildlife refuge, game room, Camp Hyatt kids' club and weekend "dive in" movie nights. The Deal: The Luxury on Sale Package starts at $149 a night ($199 on Fridays and Saturdays)--slicing up to 40 percent off regular rates--and includes a complimentary s'mores kit to roast at the property's grand fireplace overlooking the Choptank River. Available Oct. 6, 2013-Mar. 31, 2014. Mention the package by name or use promo code LUXRY4.
Resort at Squaw Creek
Where: Lake Tahoe, CA Why: Because this well-known Lake Tahoe ski lodge and year-round resort is planning a fun-filled Columbus Day weekend including a catch-and-keep fishing derby, kids' duck race, glow ball golf, cookie decorating, pumpkin painting, and more. The Deal: The Annual Harvest Festival Package starts at just $139 per room a night, including weekend festivities. Available Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 11-13, 2013. Use promo code HARVRSC.
Jekyll Island Club Hotel
(photo: Jekyll Island Club Hotel)
Where: Jekyll Island, GA Why: Because this historic and stately resort was once a an elite millionaire's club and today welcomes families with myriad activities ranging from croquet and tennis to beach walks and carriage rides. The Deal: The Fall Getaway Package slices 25 percent off the price of any room or suite. Available through Nov. 26, 2013.
Sunriver Resort
Where: Sunriver, OR Why: Because this family-friendly Oregon resort epitomizes rustic elegance and is heaven for outdoors lovers. This fall, there's a clever package on the table that ties an affordable room rate to a minimum spend on meals and activities that most families would easily hit anyway. The Deal: The Fall Escape to Sunriver Package starts at just $198 a night, billed as a $99-a-night room rate when you spend $99 at the resort's restaurants, spa, marina, golf courses, or shops. Available through Nov. 20, 2013. Use promo code FALESC.
Lutsen Resort
Where: Lutsen, MN Why: Because this family-friendly resort on the shores of Lake Superior promises just the ticket to an ultra-affordable autumn escape. The Deal: Get your third night free, with midweek rates from just $69 a night. Available Oct. 20-Dec. 19, 2013, excluding Thanksgiving weekend.
Suzanne Rowan Kelleher contributed this to MiniTime.com.