Before we had kids, our favorite trips happened each fall. We loved the perfect weather, smaller crowds, and better prices during these shorter-season getaways.  

When our children were approaching school age, I was genuinely concerned that our adventures would come to an end, but there is no need to worry. In recent years, the concept of a fall break has emerged, even in elementary schools, and I wholeheartedly support it.  

Most school districts and private institutions that offer a mid-semester vacation close for two or even three days, offering a much-needed four-day weekend for families to unwind after the back-to-school rush. While the period doesn’t seem extensive, our family strives to make it feel like a genuine escape, especially when considering Thanksgiving family vacation ideas.  

Considering this, I have compiled a list of my top fall breaks for families in this article. The selected locations are easily accessible, offer convenient flight options, and are filled with activities that children and their parents will enjoy. I have categorized the destinations by region to help you choose one that minimizes travel time and reduces the impact of time zone changes.  

I have personally traveled to the locations mentioned with my children, taking the best Thanksgiving family vacation for families. I am confident you will appreciate them, too.  

East Coast Autumn Gateway Suggestions.  

There is no urban environment that can compare to the beauty of New York’s Central Park during the fall season. As the vibrant red leaves drift through the crisp air along Literary Walk, it truly feels like a scene from a fairy tale.  

Moreover, it is far more enjoyable than the humidity and unpleasant odors of summer in the city. In all seriousness, the array of activities available in NYC for families is limitless, and spending 3-4 days is ideal to explore without feeling overwhelmed. When the weather is delightful, you can take advantage of Central Park and its zoo, stroll along the High Line, embark on a Circle Line tour, or visit the Statue of Liberty. Don’t forget to arrange a family photo shoot to capture the memories of your trip. We had a wonderful NYC session with a photographer, and you can receive a $25 discount on your session.  

A rainy day does not pose any issues either, as navigating the city by train allows for easy access to enjoyable indoor attractions such as the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Math (which is exceptionally fascinating), Rise NYC Skyscape, or even Alice’s Tea Cup.  

Accommodation Options: Hotel prices in New York are notoriously high. Do not anticipate spacious rooms. This is a scenario where utilizing credit card points is highly advisable, if possible. Our family had a fantastic stay at Townsend NYC using points transferred from our Chase Sapphire credit card. Large families specifically appreciate TRYP. This hotel has been reserved by Wyndham Times Square as it provides accommodations for 2, 4, 6, or 8 guests. You might be able to reserve this hotel by transferring Capital One Venture X points to Wyndham.  

Washington, D.C.  

Having been raised in the D.C. area, I can confidently say that fall break is an excellent time to visit. Although there are always some crowds, they are insignificant compared to the cherry blossom season in the spring, and the weather is far more pleasant than the humid summers or frigid winters.  

You can spend your days exploring museums without any guilt. Nearly all the major museums, historic sites, and government buildings in D.C. are free to enter, though some may require advance tickets if your children become dissatisfied after 20 minutes. You can simply move on.  

A recent highlight for us was the Monuments by Moonlight tour. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the top five activities for enjoying D.C. with children.  

The wonderful thing about visiting Washington, D.C. with children is that a car is not necessary unless you want to take day trips. You can take the metro directly into the city and walk from there. Take a train or catch a bus to your desired destinations. If you intend to use the metro during peak hours, consider checking the flat-rate passes. Transit fares vary by time of day.  

Should you choose to rent a car, even if just for a day, ensure you visit Shenandoah National Park to drive along the renowned Skyline Drive. It is one of the most breathtaking locations to witness fall foliage on the East Coast.  

There are numerous activities to enjoy in Shenandoah National Park with children for a day or even longer. If you have a 4th grader, do not forget to bring their free national park pass to allow the entire family entry.  

It is advisable to schedule this day trip from D.C. on a weekday, as fall weekends on Skyline Drive can become extremely crowded with locals.  

Where to Stay: Washington, DC, offers a plethora of excellent family-friendly hotels, but the Holiday Inn in Washington’s Capitol Mall stands out for its unmatched convenience. Upon exiting the Starbucks, located in the hotel lobby, you will find yourself just one short block away from the entrance of the Air and Space Museum.  

Additionally, you can kick off your morning with their complimentary breakfast and conclude your day with a refreshing swim in the National Rooftop Pool, which offers views of the US Capitol. Although the standard rooms are somewhat compact, the king-plus sofa bedrooms provide ample space.  

Check the prices for Holiday Inn Washington D.C. If you are working on a tighter budget, you might want to consider a hotel in northern Virginia that is conveniently located near the metro. The Hamptons in Alexandria is situated directly on the yellow line, in the family-friendly Old Town Alexandria, a pedestrian-friendly area with its own unique attractions. Old Town also serves as a practical base if you intend to visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon.  

Popular Destinations for Family Fall Breaks in the Central United States  

After relocating to the Midwest, we have enjoyed more long weekends in Chicago than I can count. There’s always something new for families to discover:  

• Countless fantastic interactive museums  

• Navy Pier  

• A large aquarium  

• Two zoos, one of which is free  

• An amazing playground located in the city centre  

• A plethora of sports teams  

• The entire lake front  

For families with children, you can also explore the remarkable Art Institute of Chicago or embark on an architecture boat tour throughout downtown. It is this extensive range of activities that positions it as one of the finest kid-friendly destinations.  

One of the most advantageous aspects of visiting Chicago with children is the ease of avoiding car rentals, which saves both money and inconvenience. Simply fly into Midway or Seattle and use your Southwest Companion Pass to bring your child for free. Then board the Orange Line train headed towards the Loop. From that point, you can either walk or use public transportation to reach nearly any destination you desire during your fall break gateway.  

Where to stay: If you are inclined to indulge a bit, consider booking a room at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile. Although standard rooms are expensive, the suite costs only slightly more and is always a favorite among both children and adults.  

Opt for the Hyatt Regency Chicago for a complimentary stay. It is located just across the river and offers far greater convenience to numerous attractions.   

This hotel represents a relatively low redemption value when transferring from this card. Or, if you are a loyal Hyatt member, you can utilize your 1-4 Free Night Certificate here for excellent value.  

Cleveland  

Although Cleveland may not initially appear as a top choice for a fall break with children, it surprisingly offers a wealth of enjoyable activities. In the easily navigable downtown area, you can take younger children to the Great Lakes Science Center (which offers free reciprocity with other ASTC museums) or visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next door with your tweens and teens.  

Additionally, it is an enjoyable area to explore on foot. Whether you are appreciating the detailed architectural designs or capturing memorable photos in front of the iconic Cleveland signs on social media, you can even stroll to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to treat sports enthusiasts to a pre-season Cleveland Cavaliers game.  

For a change of scenery, venture outdoors and embark on a brief day trip from Cleveland to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s only about 30 minutes away. Admission is complimentary as the park is jointly managed by the local park system. Autumn is the ideal season to visit, when you can enjoy vibrant foliage and cascading waterfalls (provided there is no drought). Alternatively, you can just travel east to the Holden Arboretum, which features a delightful canopy walk and a nature play area, along with rotating special exhibits.  

Where to Stay? One of the remarkable hotels in Cleveland is the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade. Its entrance is located in the city’s first building to be included in the National Register of Historic Places. This 1890 landmark was the first Indoor Shopping Center in America and showcases the city’s historic wealth and influence. Additionally, it is conveniently situated for dining, attractions, and leisurely walks.  

Check prices for Hyatt Regency Cleveland. A beloved choice of families in the Middle East/Midwest is Drury, which has a stunning location at the Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland downtown. It occupies the city’s former Board of Education building and features elegant marble columns and original murals. However, as a Drury guest, you will also enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, free heavy appetizers (often sufficient for children) and drinks at 5:30 p.m. daily, along with an indoor pool and spacious rooms and suites.  

If you are planning a Thanksgiving family vacation in the USA, it is best to choose your destinations carefully, whether you are flying or going on a Thanksgiving road trip. However, we are confident the destinations on this list will not disappoint you and will help you make the most of your Thanksgiving vacation with your family.