GREECE

If you can get away on October 18, Mark Warner is offering almost 30per cent off a week at San Agostino Beach Resort, above, near Kalamata, Greece. Sailing and tennis are particularly good here, there's windsurfing and lots of activities too. A kids' club for two-year-olds upwards included babycare at extra charge. From £575 for adults from £477 for children, including half board, sailing and windsurfing tuition, and flights from Gatwick. Details: 0871 7033944, www.markwarner.co.uk

Families who already know the ropes can catch the last flotillas of the season in the Ionian islands with Sailing Holidays, departing on October 26. The cost for a family of four in a three-cabin yacht is £395pp (down from £595pp), including flights. Boats with similar-aged children all sail together, and can take part in the local end-of-season regatta. Details: 020-8459 8787, www.sailingholidays.com

CANARY ISLANDS

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• Half-term breaks by ferry

The five-star Los Geranios on Fuerteventura in the sunny Canary Islands beckons. Located on Costa Caleta by a sandy beach, it has three pools and a spa. A family of four can stay for a week on half board for £1,656, including flights from Gatwick on October 18. Details: 0871 6647625, www.airtours.co.uk

The four-star Barcelo in the north of Lanzarote has mini-golf, bikes to rent, three pools and a kids' club for 2 to 12-year-olds as well as a baby-sitting service. Grown-ups can play golf, tennis or go scuba diving. From £1,906 for a family of four with half board and flights on October 19. Details: 0871 6649011, www.firstchoice.co.uk

SPAIN

Majorca stays warmer longer than mainland Spain and sea swimming is still pleasant in late October, but just in case, La Residencia has an indoor pool, as well as an outdoor one. The swanky hotel is usually off limits to families with children under 10. However, this bar is lifted from October 21 to 31. What's more, Kirker Holidays is offering five nights for the price of four, from £1,160pp including flights, B&B and transfers or car hire. Details: 020-7593 2283, www.kirkerholidays.com

The Thomson Family Club at the four-star Fiesta Palm Beach Club in Playa d'en Bossa on Ibiza runs a day and evening programme, including kids' club and evening supper parties. There is a large pool with built-in children's pool. From £484 for adults (£120pp off brochure price), from £369 for children aged 2-12, including flights from Stansted or Luton on October 25, half-board and transfers. Details: 0871 2315595, www.thomson.co.uk

ITALY

Little chefs can make their own pizzas in the garden pizzaria of Kings Hotel, in South Campania, two hours' drive south of Naples. The hotel has a pool and private beach and is near Palinuro, a charming town with harbourside restaurants. Scuba diving, riding and sailing can be booked locally. From £436pp for a week (one night free) for a family of four on half board, including flights and car hire. Details: 01694 722193, www.long-travel.co.uk

CYPRUS

The four-star Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows is a favourite retreat for Cypriots, meaning prices of food, drinks and other extras aren't as inflated as some tourist resorts on the island. On a sandy beach, near the museums, shops and restaurants of Larnaka, there's a kids' club for 4-12s, pools, sports, gym and spa. Riding and go-carting near by. Fly from Gatwick on October 25 for a week from £1,019 per adult and £569 per child, including breakfast and transfers. Details: 0844 5762386, www.olympicholidays.com

EGYPT

Use half-term to get them some first-hand material for that pharoah project. On the Go Tours has a nine-night group tour for families. The holiday starts in Cairo with a camel ride at the pyramids, travelling to Aswan, the Nile, Luxor and mummies' tombs in the Valley of the Kings, by air and train. Minimum age is 6, departure is on October 18. From £964 for adults, £874 for children up to 12. The cost includes flights, travel, guiding and some meals. Hot-air ballooning and trip to Abu Simbel can be arranged at extra cost. Details: 020-7371 1113, www.onthegotours.com

UNITED STATES

Take them to the circus - in Las Vegas. The Circus Circus Hotel and Casino has clowns, trapeze artists and tightrope walkers, an indoor theme park and the world's largest buffet. A family of four sharing a room can have a dazzling week from £431pp, including flights from Gatwick on October 18. Details: 0871 2770090, www.opodo.co.uk

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