Kick Back

With the Kids (in Florida!)

When the wind is harsh and the snow is deep, escaping to a sunny, warm climate is exquisite— but when the kiddies come along, relaxation can be hard to find. Here are some destination resorts with dedicated kids’ programs to keep the little (and not so little) ones busy and afford you some much-needed quiet time.

CASA YBEL RESORT

SANIBEL ISLAND

(about 45 minutes from Ft. Myers)

Each day at Casa Ybel’s Casa Kid’s Club follows a different theme, such as Wet n’ Wacky, Pirates or Luau. It is a great time for kids ages 4 to 11, with three-hour programs consisting of indoor and outdoor games and various craft projects. In addition to the Casa Kid’s Club programs, the recreation department also offers activities throughout the afternoon, including tie-dyeing, shark tooth jewelry-making and sand-dollar painting. 800-276-4753;

www.casaybelresort.com

SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT

CAPTIVA ISLAND

(about 60 minutes from Ft. Myers)

Newly renovated, this resort offers two lagoon-style pools overlooking the beach, including a family pool with a kid’s castle and waterslide. The Tiva Kid’s Club, geared toward children ages 4 to 12, takes an active approach to its activities. Kids pretend to be pirates searching for buried treasures or compete in wild water games. There’s also a “Kid’s Night Out”-themed dinner party. The separate teen program, the Captiva Teen Club, offers kayak trips, beach parties, cinema night and more. The cost is $35 per child for a session (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday; lunch is included). 866-565-5089;

www.southseas.com

TRADEWINDS ISLAND GRAND

ST. PETERSBURG BEACH

(about 45 minutes from Tampa)

This resort offers family games, raft races, a pirate show and dive-in movies. KONK (Kids Only, No Kidding!) Club, designed for kids between ages 4 and 11, has themed programs, like Finding Nemo Fun Day. Activities for teenagers include dance parties, glow-in-the-dark volleyball and mini-golf. 800-360-4016;

www.tradewindsresort.com

NAPLES BEACH HOTEL & GOLF CLUB

NAPLES

(about 45 minutes from Ft. Myers)

Well-known for its world-class spa and championship golf course, the resort features the Beach Klub for Kids, which offers complimentary activities for children ages 5 to 12, like buried treasure hunts and a weekend “Kid’s Night Out.” Teen-friendly activities include volleyball tournaments, and golf and tennis clinics. 800-455-1546;

www.naplesbeachhotel.com