12 Amazing Weekend Getaways for Families This Fall

Seeking an affordable fall getaway in the Midwest? You'd be hard pressed to beat Traverse City, in Michigan's "True North," voted one of America’s Top 10 Fall Foliage Destinations on TripAdvisor. Visitors can take advantage of fantastic fall savings throughout the season.

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You could argue that San Diego is fabulous year-roound, but in October crowds have thinned and the city hosts its annual Kid Kingdom, when hotels and attractions offer great kids-go-free deals all month long.

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Autumn is arguably the best time to visit Zion National Park. Whether it's watching the leaves change while hiking throughout the park or taking advantage of the milder temperatures (which allows you to pack more into the day), Zion in the fall is prime time to avoid the crowds and get maximum enjoyment out of the park.

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Cooler weather signals that it's time for leaf peeping, the perfect excuse to plan a weekend road trip to view fall foliage. So pack the car and grab the kids for these stunning road trips in all regions of the U.S.

Another affordable Midwestern option is a stay at one of the Ohio State Park Lodges, which are offering fall packages with savings up to 30 percent on stays this fall. These lodges offer an affordable year-round resort-like experience complete with full-service dining rooms, golf courses, and a raft of family-friendly amenities and activities. Most of the lodges overlook a large lake and offer a marina with boat rentals.

All over the country, giant corn mazes crop up every autumn to the delight of families who flock to this quintessential fall experience. Grab the kids (and don't forget your cell phone), and have fun getting lost one gorgeous fall weekend.

Famous for its majestic gardens and Victorian-era pedigree, the 35-acre Mount Hope Estate & Winery hosts food and music festivals year round, but autumn is its banner season. For 13 consecutive weekends, the grounds are transported back to 16th century England for the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire,

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Whether you're looking for trick or treating, spooky haunted houses, or full-blown theme park scarefests, the Halloween season delivers with many events for kids and parents alike. Here's your guide to finding Halloween fun in any state.

Are the Northern Lights on your bucket list? You don't have to cruise to Alaska, fly to Scandinavia, or drive to Canada. You can stay put in the Lower 48 and head to the Great Lakes region for fantastic viewing of the Aurora Borealis.

Looking for a place to take the kids in November? You'd be hard pressed to find a better place to visit than Jacksonville, which offers a whole month of free admission for children at some of the city's most popular family attractions.

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Want to celebrate Thanksgiving like a pilgrim? Head to where it all started for an annual celebration that brings history to life. Highlights include special dinners where you can step back in time and enjoy an evening of entertainment and hospitality with the residents of 17th-century Plymouth.

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The holiday season is arguably the most exciting time to visit New York City. Beginning in late November, the Big Apple is transformed into a festive holiday destination, from the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and the beautifully decorated storefronts along Fifth Avenue.

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