The "sharkologist" tells the kids that sharks – unlike humans – constantly shed their teeth and grow new ones. Wearing his comical, oversized shark head, he imparts gentle bites of knowledge about this misunderstood creature, while the little ones sink their teeth into digging in the shark tooth-seeded sand box on the beach. Then they're off and scooping, thrilled with their treasures, which they'll later turn into jewelry.

The beach is where kids want to be, and Trump International Beach Resort, which hosts the shark tooth hunt as part of its kids program, sits right on the coast in Sunny Isles Beach. Close to aquariums, museums and other family-friendly attractions in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Trump also offers little ones the VIP treatment with an environment and world culture-centered Planet Kids program just for them. Planet kids, designed for ages 5 to 12, and its junior equivalent Planet Little Kids, for ages 2 to 4, not only reflect South Florida's global ethnicity, but its precious subtropical sea and Everglades environment, too.


What's blue, green and round all over?

Globie, Trump's Earth-shaped mascot, helps give Planet Kids its environmental spin. The program takes kids to the beach to learn about shells and marine habitats. On occasion, the group heads off-property to Jungle Island in Miami. Formerly Parrot Jungle, its winding paths explore native and exotic creatures tucked into lush gardens.

Given Miami's year-round toasty climate, the area hosts incredible wildlife in the wild and in attractions such as Jungle Island and Miami Seaquarium, where whales and dolphins perform. With the Atlantic Ocean for a front yard and the untamed Florida Everglades out back, the ecology of South Florida fascinates kids with its toothy alligators, fabulous birds, smiley dolphins, blimpish manatees and other intriguing creatures.
In addition to its eco-attractions, South Florida shines in the museum department. Its art and historical museums illuminate the area's rich, multicultural complexion.

One of the coolest ways for families to explore what's below the ocean's surface is Trump's kayak snorkeling excursion, which teaches first-timers about technique and the multihued fish they're going to see on the reef to which they paddle.


Kid culture

In addition to its eco-attractions, South Florida shines in the museum department. Its art and historical museums illuminate the area's rich, multicultural complexion. People from all over the world live and visit in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, offering kids an opportunity to experience many international customs in one destination.

Kids even have two museums of their own to explore. The Meet Miami exhibit at Miami Children's Museum introduces them to Native American, Hispanic, Caribbean and other cultures that make the city so vibrant. At the Museum of Discovery and Science and AutoNation® IMAX® Theater in Fort Lauderdale, hands-on exhibits teach visitors about nature and gadgets. Kids from many nations meet at Planet Kids, where the half- and full-day programs incorporate the art, dance and musical traditions of local cultures.


Together time

Planet Kids' morning session (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), afternoon session (1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and Friday/Saturday night sessions (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) give parents a chance for alone time to enjoy the area's adult pastimes. But Trump International also affords plenty of ways for families to interact with each other in the coolest ways. The inflatable Nemo's Water Park, for instance, lets everyone spring on a trampoline and tumble down a slide into the ocean. The normally small-wave waters of South Florida make a day at the beach just that.

The second favorite place for kids to hang with their parents is the 24-hour family pool, where they can order up a burger from Gili's Pool Bar & Grill when hunger strikes and never even have to change out of their swimsuits.

For the utmost in family gathering, rent a cabana on the beach or poolside. They are air-conditioned, big enough to accommodate a baby crib and are equipped with a TV, fridge, CD player, sink, microwave, soft drinks and more.

Trump International keeps kids happy with programming that is obviously more than an afterthought. They love to hear parents tell them their kids begged them to come back to the resort.

For more information on planning a family getaway to the Miami area, call Trump International Beach Resort at 866-708-7867 or visit www.trumpmiami.com. This summer, Trump makes it even more attractive to bring the kids with a special family package that runs through Sept. 30 and features an in-room family pizza-and-movie party and $50 of free gas.