Whether you've got one kid or an entire brood, you and the little ones are probably itching to get away this summer. If you like beaches, you're in luck.

Summer is the least expensive time to go to the Caribbean, so you can afford to bring the whole family. And no need to worry about antsy children on long plane rides; you can be at some of these destinations within a couple of hours.

Beaches Turks Caicos (ENLARGE)

The pirate island water park in Turks & Caicos will offer little landlubbers plenty of room to swim and play.

Franklyn D. Resort (ENLARGE)

Full-time nannies are part of the package at the Franklyn D. Resort in Jamaica.

Cocanut Bay and Spa (ENLARGE)

CocoLand water park will keep the kids entertained at St. Lucia's Coconut Bay Resort and Spa.

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A lot of places in the Caribbean actually want your kids to stay there. In fact, they go to great lengths to build water slides and play lands and offer kid-friendly activities just to lure your clan. And if you pick an all-inclusive resort — where meals, drinks recreation equipment and entertainment are included in the nightly rate — you'll know what you're going to spend on the vacation.

Carl Howard, a travel consultant with All Points Travel in Midtown, says Jamaica is always a good bet but not to forget about the Dominican Republic. "In my personal opinion, for a short trip ... Dominican Republic offers the best value. The beaches are gorgeous, the people are delightful, and it definitely has a foreign feel because Americans make up a minority of the population."

We took Howard's advice and checked out family-friendly all-inclusive resorts all over the Caribbean, making sure to note the ones that had grown-up activities, too.

Jamaica

Starfish Trelawny

Not only is Jamaica easy to get to and one of the more affordable Caribbean islands, according to Howard, but this property in particular also has a watery wonderland that wears kids out after a few hours. The giant pool features water spouts, fountains and a 124-foot water slide. There's also a kids' club with supervised activities so parents can take advantage of the adults-only pool.

Summer price: Rooms range from $99-$260 per night. www.starfishresorts.com

St. Lucia

For family-friendly fun, this may be the best in St. Lucia. In fact, the resort boasts two sides: an adult oasis and a family playground. Over on the family side, kids can enjoy Coco-

Land water park. Plus, the staff entertains kids with games and eco-friendly activities.

Summer price: About $300 per night. www.coconutbayresortandspa.com

There's even a Web site just for CocoLand: www.coconutbayresortandspa.com/cocoland

Dominican Republic

Not only does this resort have activities for the little kids, they have a whole separate area just for teenagers. At "Passworld" teens are separated into two age groups where they can hang out in a lounge, dance or skateboard on the resort's giant ramp.

Summer price: About $500 per night. www.clubmed.com, www.clubmed.us

Turks and Caicos

Parents will love T&C's white, sandy, uncrowded beaches. Kids will love Beaches' Pirates Island water park, complete with two huge water slides, a rain forest game room, a 50s-style diner and a disco.

Summer price: About $650 per night

Jamaica

This resort's claim to family fame is that they offer a full-time nanny for your kids throughout your stay. Your "vacation nanny" will care for your children and only your children (by taking them to the pool, the beach or playing games) all day long. For an extra charge you can reserve your vacation nanny in the evenings as well.

Summer price: About $420 per night. www.fdrfamily.com

IF YOU GO

Getting there

Unless you have frequent flyer miles or snare a sale, airfare will drive up the cost considerably for a family of four. Expect to pay at least $400 round trip per person to the islands from Atlanta. Last week, American Airlines offered one-way rates of $109 (plus taxes and fees) to Caribbean destinations. Also, check with the resort or a travel agent to see if an airfare/resort package might cut costs.

Tourism information

• Dominican Republic, www.godominicanrepublic.com

• Jamaica, www.visitjamaica.com

• St. Lucia, www.stlucia.org

• Turks and Caicos, www.turksandcaicostourism.com