East Coast

Disney World and Orlando
September is an excellent time to visit Walt Disney World. Crowds thin and prices are lower after the summer onslaught. The Orlando World Center Marriott is luring fans of the popular Pokémon Go with a special package. If your family is one of the 9.5 million daily users, check out the Catch 'Em All Escape package, valid thru Christmas Day. Accommodations with oversized balconies, two Pikachu-inspired pineapple cocktails, complimentary PokéParking, and a $25 daily resort credit are included in the $214 nightly rate. Use promo code HO9 when booking. Gamers are encouraged to hunt for the hotel’s 10 PokéStops, featuring Pokémon Go characters, so Mickey takes a back seat to Pikachu here. Movies, nightly laser light shows, a shuttle to Disney, and a Splash Zone with water slides make this hotel perfect, even if you don’t give a Poké darn.

Newseum. Photo by Maria Bryk/courtesy of Newseum.

Washington, D.C.
Many of Washington's greatest attractions (The Smithsonian, the monuments) are free, but you need a place to rest your sleepy heads come evening. The new Kimpton Glover Park Hotel has a fourth night free package available through September 6, with rates starting at $179 per night. Use the rate code MORE4 when booking, stay for three consecutive nights and the fourth night is free. The hotel is located in a leafy residential neighborhood near Georgetown, just a quick Metro ride to many attractions. There’s a park and a Whole Foods just down the block, so you can live like locals. The Kimpton chain’s complimentary afternoon reception is loaded with fortifying freebies. While in town, visit the Newseum, free for kids 18 and younger thru Labor Day. This interactive ode to journalism promotes and defends free expression and the five freedoms of the First Amendment. Youth admission is normally $13.95, so it’s a nice savings.

Connecticut Science Center
Hartford’s Connecticut Science Center’s 150 hands-on exhibits and interactive activities are catnip for curious kids. The Science Center Discovery Package includes four tickets to the Connecticut Science Center and overnight accommodations at the Marriott Hartford Downtown, starting at $169 per night and valid until December 31. Use code ZJ% when booking. This modern hotel has an indoor pool and a convenient downtown location.

RELATED: Best US Aquariums for Families

Maine is a perfect fall destination with thinner crowds and changing leaves. Photo by Mike Durkin via Flickr.

Kennebunkport, Maine
This coastal Maine town is a five-hour drive from NYC and 90 minutes from Boston. It oozes New England seaside ambiance, with casual shacks selling lobster rolls, old-fashioned lemonade stands, a scenic harbor, and a lovely beach. The Kennebunk Resort Collection is offering fall savings at several of its eight properties, valid from August 28. Consider The Lodge on the Cove starting at $99 per room per night, valid until December. Use promo code LOC3 when booking. The rustically elegant Hidden Pond resort has a $299 nightly rate valid until October 29. Use booking code Stay & Play. These rates are not available at either property on Labor Day or Columbus Day weekends.

Mystic Aquarium Vacation Package, Mystic, Connecticut
Have fun among the fishes with a package featuring two adult and two children's tickets to Mystic Aquarium, a welcome gift, and accommodations for four at the Howard Johnson Inn-Mystic. Pack your swimsuits; the hotel has an indoor pool. The package rate starts at $188 per night, tax included.

We recently profiled this town and couldn't recommend it more. Fall is a great time to go!

Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach is an easy weekend getaway and there are excellent values this fall. The Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa is offering a stay two nights, get the third night free deal through November 20. The waterfront location, fantasy swimming pools, tennis courts, kids club with a climbing wall, teen program, and hip vibe should score points with savvy young travelers.

West Coast 

Long Beach
Stay on an historic ship in in Long Beach, California. The Queen Mary Family Fun Package includes a one-night stay in a stateroom, Sunday-Thursday and a $100 Queen Mary promotion card to be used for purchases during your stay. Use promo code FAMILYSUMMER when booking. Long Beach is well located for a visit to Disneyland, but it’s a worthy destination itself (check out how much fun we've had visiting the Queen Mary). Cruise the 5½ miles of waterfront by bicycle, blade, or foot, and visit the terrific Aquarium of the Pacific. Valid thru September 8.

Tropical Destinations

Paradise Island
Located in beautiful Nassau Paradise Island, the One&Only Ocean Club is offering a tempting Sweet Family Escape package. This deal includes a fourth night free when you pay for three. The starting rate is $735 per room, per night, plus children eat for free at hotel restaurants. Kids also have unlimited access to homemade ice cream, so eat your hearts out, Ben and Jerry. Several airlines fly to the island from NYC in about 2½ hours, so you can be swimming in the blue sea by lunchtime—perfect for a long weekend. This offer is available until September 30. 

Enjoy pooltime at the dreamy Hilton Barbados Resort.

Barbados
The Hilton Barbados Resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In honor of the milestone it is offering a Breeze into Barbados package. Rates start at $199 per night. Up to two children 18 years and younger stay for free when sharing a room with at least one adult. Book by December 31. Guests who choose the package have pre-arranged access to dedicated immigration lines for quick passport processing, and a reputable private transportation service delivers travelers to the resort for a seamless connection. A full buffet breakfast is included daily. Check out JetBlue’s nonstop flights from JFK to Bridegtown.

Europe

London
If you can sneak away for a jolly holiday from October 21 to November 6, consider London. The exclusive Lanesborough is offering families a second room free during this period. Aside from all that space and extra privacy, it also includes complimentary daily breakfast, VIP amenities, and a welcome gift for the kids.

Top image: Kids will thrill to stay at the historic Queen Mary parked in the Long Beach, California, harbor.