August 2010 Strategy File Little Kids, Big Savings Resorts woo preschoolers in autumn Courtesy, Winnetu Oceanside Resort Are your kids too young to be stocking up on notebooks, pocket folders, and No. 2 pencils? Then consider shopping 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 delivered 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. What’s new is how big-name resorts are promoting 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: Winnetu Oceanside Resort Where: Martha’s Vineyard, MA 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% compared to peak summer prices. A great list of complimentary perks makes this resort a stand-out. For starters: Help-yourself bike rentals, fitness and yoga classes, and a parent-and-toddler activity program through mid-September. Beaches Resorts 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% on stays of at least three nights. Smugglers’ Notch Where: Jeffersonville, VT Why: Because this award-winning family ski resort (see our winter review) offers fantastic active vacations year-round. From September 6 to October 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. Nickelodeon Suites Resort Where: Orlando, FL Why: Because the popular Nick Hotel (see our review) knows how to lay out the orange-and-lime green carpet for preschoolers, from Nick-themed arts and crafts and scavenger hunts to character parties with Pablo from The Backyardigans, Dora the Explorer, and other beloved stars. There are several hot fall deals, from a $79 rate on weeknights to a “Free-for-Fall” package that delivers a free fourth night plus a $50 resort credit. Club Med Where: Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean Why: Because this family-friendly chain off all-inclusive resorts (see our reviews of Club Med Cancún Yúcatan, Club Med Ixtapa Pacific and Club Med Sandpiper) caters especially well to families with young children. Book by August 30 to take advantage of the exceptional “Wow Sale for Families” deal, where seven-day, all-inclusive packages start at $805 per adult with a 50% discount for kids 2 to 15 years. The kicker: This deal is valid for travel dates through April, 2011. What’s your favorite destination for preschoolers? Please tell us. More on Traveling with Young Children: Flying with a Baby or Toddler Road Trips with a Baby or Toddler Tip Sheet: Flying with Kids Tip Sheet: Road Trips with Kids