I still have pretty “little” ones, even though my 9-year-old wears a size-6 shoe.  My dilemmas when I travel usually consist of which parent will sit between my boys so they don’t fight over the Nintendo DS. 

But, from what I gather from the mail pouring into my inbox for VISITFLORIDA.com, parents traveling with teens have a set of very intense challenges. The teenagers often don’t want to participate in activities other than sunbathing and texting their friends.

 The voice of the often-neglected demographic of family travelers – the teenager – has finally been “heard.”

Resorts in Florida are thinking one BIG step ahead of the parents! The Ritz-Carlton Resorts, Naples, for example, has put together what I think every family-friendly resort should have: “The Ultimate Teen Survival Guide in Naples, Florida.”

The handy pamphlet is given out by the concierge upon arrival.

In addition, Hotel Manager David Rothwell has put his personal touches all over the Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples.  He has taken on a passion project of turning the kids’ club into “Nature’s Wonders,” a science and discovery camp for the younger set (which I will feature in an upcoming blog). He made sure not to overlook the teenage set.

Rothwell introduced THE SPOT to the Ritz, which is like a heaven-sent gift to kids ages 13-18 (and their parents, of course).  

A hotel staff member supervises the totally outfitted hotspot/lounge, where teenagers can play Wii, check e-mails with computer access, enjoy a juke box, play Play Station 2, Play Station 3, Game Cube, watch big screen TVs, relax, order food, and just plain “hang out.” The room, decked out with white leather furniture, has a club feel.   Teen magazines are scattered about on side tables.

Kids can also venture over to the arcade, which I have dubbed “Vegas for Kids.”  The hotel named it more appropriately: “Loggerhead’s Arcade.” My boys had to trade good behavior for tokens and it worked like a charm.

For daytime activities, the teenager's Survival Guide pamphlet features plenty to do:

• Rentals for Beach Watersport Activities like: Bodyboards, Snorkels, Skimboards, kayaks, paddleboats and sailboats for rent. (Parents need to sign a waiver for rentals)
• Tennis (lessons from Pros or ball-machine rentals
• Spa Services (Teens have to be at least 16 for a manicure or pedicure.)
• Teen fitness (with permission from parents, teens 16 and up can use the fitness center.)
• Golf (Again, 16 is the magic age to have access to a cart or guests must be accompanied by someone with a license.)

Outside of the property, teens have plenty of options as well in the surrounding area:

• Water Park: Sun-N-Fun, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples
• Skateboard Park, 3500 Thomasson Drive Naples
• BMX Park, 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples
• Shopping at Waterside Shops , Venetian Bay, Fifth Avenue or Tin City
• Movie Theaters
• Bowling
• Bike Rentals

The only question I have is how come no one made a “Survival Guide For Parents"?

Learn more at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Naples/Default.htm