FLORIDA Q&A

Hi Jill,Thanks for the helpful advice in your Q&A and the blog. We are planning a week long south Florida vacation over the Christmas break (may be 24-30 Dec) with 2 boys (10 and 5). Can you give us some ideas on what we can do that will interest them in Miami, the Keys, and Everglades and where we can stay?Thanks for the help.

Hi there Raj~

You have definitely come to the right place to have your quetion answered - this one is especially right up my alley since I live in South Florida and have two boys the same age as yours! While in Miami, I would highly recommend visiting Jungle Island. Here, you can see a liger (half lion half tiger), monkeys, parrots, kangaroos and all kinds of animal shows. The Miami Seaquarium is another right-of-passage where you can see Lolita the Killer Whale, dolphins, sea lions, and lots more. Miami MetroZoo just opened a brand new Amazon and Beyond adventure - 27 acres of wild fun! Rent a bike big enough for four and pedal your way around for a super enjoyable time. Also, on Christmas Day, the animals at MetroZoo get "presents" of food and you can get there early and watch them open their gifts! Heading south, stop for an airboat ride in the Everglades and a fresh, homemade strawberry shake at Robert is Here fruitstand (you'll drive right past it on your way to the airboat). Soooo good! Moving on to the Keys - John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo offers glass bottom boat rides, a beach, snorkeling, diving. Stop to feed the tarpon at Robbie's in Islamorada and Theatre of the Sea is pretty cool, too. Key West has lots for kids as well. Visit Mel Fisher's Treasure Museum, Pirate Soul Museum, the Aquarium (the oldest attraction in Key West) and take a Conch Tour Train around to get a great history lesson and get your bearings. Key Lime Pie is a must. You can even swim with the dolphins at Hawk's Cay Resort at mile marker 60 on Duck Key. As far as accommodations, you're going to need to start making phone calls or checking out things online as this can be a busy time. The Chesapeake in Islamorada is great for families, Hawk's Cay, and the Hampton Inn and Suites at mile marker 80 are my personal favorites. and here's a link to more Keys accommodation options. In Miami, I'd stay somewhere centrally located unless you prefer to stay on the water. The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables has the largest swimming pool in the U.S.! The Marriott at Doral is a great option, too. One last thing, while you're here, you can see the Miccosukee Indian Village and Arts Festival. Enjoy your holidays in South Florida.

Jill Martin, Family Travel Expert, VISIT FLORIDA