Boston

The Westin Waltham Boston invites families to take advantage of its Splash Pool Package.  The overnight stay in a newly renovated guest room plus one medium pizza, complimentary in-room high-speed Internet access and daily parking are all included. The Westin Waltham is pet friendly, so no need to leave a pouting pup at home.  The price starts at $114 nightly, valid Thursday-Sunday through April.  Visit www.westin.com/waltham to book your stay. Reference rate plan DAILY0A.

Washington, D.C.

Spring in Washington, D.C. means the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a terrific family event. The Embassy Row Hotel is located in the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood, steps from the metro and central to many attractions. It is offering a Springtime Cherry Blossom Weekend Package, starting at $206 per night.  This includes deluxe accommodations, 2 all-day metro passes, breakfast and valet parking.  Package will be valid for stays between March 20-April 13, weekends only.

Diamond Mills Hotel, Saugerties, NY

Saugerties is a hip Hudson River town located 100 miles from NYC.  It offers families lots of outdoor activities, plus excellent shopping and dining options.  The Diamond Mills Hotel is perfectly situated, next door to the irresistible hand-dipped goodies that crowd the shelves at Krause’s Chocolates.  All thirty rooms have balconies with panoramic views of Esopus Falls.  The staff here goes out of their way to satisfy guest’s every whim, so each member of the family will be spoiled.  An overnight stay Sunday-Thursday starts at $131, courtesy of the Mid-Week Special, including continental breakfast, cookies and milk at turndown and wine and cheese in the evening.  The onsite restaurant, The Tavern, has a well-rounded children’s menu, free for kids under four. The menu features locally sourced edibles from the fertile surrounding farmlands.

Martha’s Vineyard

Consider spending Easter at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown. They are offering 50% off on one, two and three-bedroom suites.  Their annual Easter egg hunt features an appearance by the Easter Bunny himself.  Easter Brunch presents island-to-table dining, with seasonal favorites including Marcho Farms Lamb Leg and Honeysuckle Oysters crowding the menu.  Bruch costs $55 for adults, $25 for kids 12 and under.  To find out more about Harbor View Hotel or to reserve a room, click here or phone 800-225-6005.

The Tides Inn, Irvington, VA

The Tides Inn is a waterside retreat with activities for family members of all ages.  Try stand-up paddle boarding, or sail the waters of Carter's Creek and the Chesapeake Bay.   Enjoy the resort's complimentary bikes or a game of golf. Little ones can play at Crab Net Kids club, and teens and tweens can take advantage of the activities desk by signing up for Frisbee Golf or hanging out by the fire pit with complimentary s'mores severed on silver platters.  The Family Vacation package costs $385 per night, based on a family of four.  It includes deluxe accommodations with two queen beds, full daily breakfast, one-hour water cruise, tickets to the Steamboat Museum and more perks.

Wild Dunes Resort, Charleston, SC

Located minutes from downtown Charleston, Wild Dunes Resort is the place for kids to swap school for an unforgettable family vacation.  The Do-the-Duney Family Vacation package is available from April 7-20, starting at $439 per family per night.  It includes five nights in a two-bedroom condo, $250 to spend on resort dining and activities, and two kid’s recreation passes.  The passes give kids access to non-stop activities such as crafts, bingo, origami, marshmallow roast and much more.  Swim, play tennis or golf and explore gracious Charleston.

Dallas, Texas

Dallas is chock-full of family attractions.  The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Zoo and Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum are some of its best.  The Dallas Arts District is surprisingly cosmopolitan and urban Klyde Warren Park offers many possibilities, from drum lessons to yoga to concerts, all free. There is good public transportation including a light rail system, so it’s easy to get around. My family had a great time during our recent visit.  Stay at the chic Hotel Zaza in Uptown Dallas and book the Stay & Play package. You get a luxury room, $50 food and beverage credit, $60 spa credit, two cocktails and more, starting at $355 per night.  Trendy, artsy and fun, you may have trouble dragging the kids away from the fabulous pool.  Service is terrific.

IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts, Mexico and the Caribbean

IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts is offering kids stay free at select all-inclusive resorts. Up to two children ages 12 and under can enjoy a free stay when visiting with two adults paying full price.  The promotion is valid for travel from May 1-December 23, 2014, but you need to book by April 30.  Participating properties include the brand new IBEROSTAR Playa Mita on the Riviera Nayarit near Puerto Vallarta.  My family was there in December and we had a ball enjoying the pristine beach, pools, non-motorized water sports and excellent and varied culinary offerings.  IBEROSTAR resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and other parts of Mexico are also offering this special deal.  

Costa Rica

Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is offering families affordable escapes to Costa Rica with a variety of educational activities to keep the kids in an academic state of mind.  Families booking the “Sand Dollar Package” will receive their fourth night free, a $100 resort credit and complimentary breakfast for two adults and two children (under twelve years old) at their signature La Vista Restaurant.  Nightly rates for the packages start at $189 nightly. The oceanfront property offers up a variety of onsite learning experiences such as complimentary Spanish lessons, introductory golf excursions and a “La Iguana Experience” hike where a resort guide leads families throughout the property for the chance to spot iguanas, toucans, scarlet macaws, monkeys and the occasional sloth.  The Sand Dollar Package is bookable through May 31, 2014 at www.lossuenosmarriott.com or by calling 1-800-228-9290 and mentioning the rate code S29.

Norway

If your family loved the movie Frozen, perhaps you are dreaming of a trip to Norway? You might just win one in the Frozen Adventures Sweepstakes.  Click here for details and you may find yourself the winner of an eight- day trip for two.  The trip is an Adventures By Disney itinerary, so it is fully escorted.  For more information, click here.

Philadelphia

With official debut of Rocky on Broadway in New York City on March 13 and the recent release of the Rocky Heavyweight Collection featuring all six Rocky films on DVD and Blu-Ray, fans of the beloved character Rocky Balboa have the perfect excuse to re-explore Philadelphia, the city the championship boxer called home.  You can enter to win an Ultimate Rocky Weekend (to be redeemed August 7-9, 2014) until April 4.  The prize package includes a one-night stay at the New York Marriott Marquis, a two-night stay at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Amtrak tickets to Philly, two tickets to Rocky on Broadway, two tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a tour of the Italian market, dinner at Victor Café and more.  For more information, click here.