This article is brought to you by The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort.

Elegant and venerable resorts on upscale beaches are often anything but family-friendly. Sure, adults will find themselves treated to fine dining, seaweed wraps, golf tourneys on fabulous courses and the kind of swank shopping that dreams are made of, but the kids often get little more than a chic pool and a team of babysitters.

Not so at The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, where it's entirely possible to spend the afternoon in your chaise on the beach while your kids learn tennis, hit the playground or swat a volleyball around – and take part in a dozen other activities.

Located on the picturesque Gulf coast of Longboat Key, a destination known for its expansive white beaches and sense of seclusion, the resort is stylish but unassuming. It comes with exactly the kind of reputation you'd expect from an established private resort long visited by politicians and film stars looking for a quiet escape.

Recreational Retreat

The Colony is a tucked-away retreat offering everything on an adult's wish list, including luxury suites, gorgeous beaches, a full-service spa and fitness center and exceptional tennis on 21 courts (10 are soft-hydro). Not to be outdone, the dining has won accolades from Zagat and Wine Spectator.

And yet a kid's wish list is easily fulfilled too. Impressed by its free year-round programs for kids and efforts to comfortably accommodate families, Child magazine named it the No. 5 Top Family Friendly Resort in the U.S. in both 2006 and 2008. Family Travel Forum called the resort a Top 10 Getaway for Family Travelers.

It comes with exactly the kind of reputation you'd expect from an established private resort long visited by politicians and film stars looking for a quiet escape.


Beyond all the resort's activities and programs, families can explore the nearby city of Sarasota, including The Ringling Museum of Art, G.WIZ Hands-On Science Museum, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota Children's Garden and scores of well-kept parks and playgrounds.

Tennis and More

One of the stand-out programs at The Colony is Tiny Tots Tennis, a 30-minute class for the smallest backhanders (ages 3-6). In groups, kids get to play motor-skill enhancing games with top instructors. Older kids and teens of all experience levels can participate in a variety of junior tennis classes and clinics, and the resort organizes matches for Colony guests too. It's a great way for kids to make new friends.

Once they've done the courts, kids can enjoy the freshwater pool (nicely heated to make those December dips comfortable) overlooking the Gulf and near the playground. The Colony's private beach is stacked with kayaks, aqua cycles and catamarans, as well as inviting thatched hut areas, those coveted chaise lounges and rafts for floating on the waves.

Kids' Camps

The resort's Kinder Kamp and Kidding Around Camp are offered daily for kids ages 3-6 and 7-12 years. The cleverly designed, all-day programs offer art activities, games and play on the beach, fishing, swimming and shelling. Trained and knowledgeable staff teach campers about the Gulf and help them explore the resort's environment safely.

Check the resort calendar for seasonal offerings for teens like Kids Corps and LBK/FLA or Family Fare, where parents are invited to participate. If older kids want to tool around the resort grounds, they can rent a bike, go for walks or just get some sun. Adventurous teens can take sailing and kayak lessons.

Accommodations

Rooms at The Colony take advantage of all the natural light – think lots of windows, sunshine pouring in and balconies with views of the Gulf, tennis courts or gardens. One- and two-bedroom suites are larger than you would expect and come with living areas, kitchens and master baths. Looking for more privacy? Arrange for a private beach cottage. For dinner, head to Colony Restaurants, with indoor seating as well as a patio.

Get ready – your kids are sure to clamber up from the beach, eager to regale you with stories from a fun day well spent.

To plan your own family getaway to The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, call 800-4-COLONY or visit www.colonybeachresort.com.

For current specials and value packages, visit www.colonybeachresort.com/specials.html.

Amy Nance was born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Florida. She has an MFA in writing from Columbia University and is now a freelance writer based in Sarasota.