From Teresa Plowright,
Your Guide to Family Vacations.
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If you find it hard to take long vacations, you're not alone: the trend these days is toward shorter and weekend getaways.

Below, find suggestions, by region and time of year.

• Northeast US: Weekend Getaways
The Northeast US has terrific resorts -- even some all-inclusives-- with kids' programs and many outdoor activities; see many ideas for Weekend Getaways. Sample spots:

• Vermont: Smuggler's Notch- promises "the most fun your children ever had"; snow sports; summer fun, too; AutumnFest low rates.
• NY: Catskills: Rocking Horse Ranch, Mohonk Mountain House...
• Pennsylvania: Hershey PA, Poconos, and more.

• Fall Weekend Getaways
A bunch of suggestions, from fall foliage in New England, to YMCA of the Rockies. And don't forget the Corn Mazes.

• Florida Weekend Getaways
Any time of year, families flock to Florida; and many can get there on flights of 4 hours or less, which makes a 3-day trip do-able.

Check out Florida weekend getaways: classic resorts such as The Breakers (with family entertainment complex) ; giant recreational properties such as Sandestin; and Orlando, of course.

• Southeast US - Weekend Getaways
Fly-and-drive to popular spots such as Hilton Head Myrtle Beach in South Carolina; Outer Banks, NC; Sea Island, Georgia, and more.

• Wisconsin Dells
Wisconsin Dells-- population, 4000-- is the water park capital of the world: over twenty resorts have an indoor water park, and some have amazing outdoor waterparks in summer, too. Very popular for weekend getaways, Wisconsin Dells is mainly a drive-to destination; but if you fly to Madison WI you could rent a car and drive 55 miles to the Dells.

• Halloween Weekend Getaways
Like a giant pumpkin that keeps on growing, Halloween gets bigger every year, and many events extend right through October. Head to a city that has celebrations; or to country inn with haunted hayrides; or to Salem MA, for spooky events and costume ball.

• The Atlantis, Bahamas
Most Caribbean destinations need to be more than a weekend getaway, given the time needed for flights plus ground transport. But the Bahamas are a mere 50 miles from Florida.

The unique Atlantis has waterfalls, lagoons, underwater viewing areas; lazy river; thrill waterslides that end in a clear tunnel in a shark-filled lagoon; Discovery Channel kids' camp. Tip: guests staying at certain other resorts have access to the Atlantis, such as the adjacent Comfort Suites.

• New England Summer Weekend Getaways
When the kids are out of school, it's easy to tack on an extra Friday or Monday, and make a three or four-day weekend getaway. Many places add kids programs in summertime; and a select few are all about kids, all the time, with an amazing array of activities.