LETS TALK TRAVEL
Needless to say this winter has been pretty harsh, with record breaking cold temperatures, an ice storm and we can’t forget all that snow. So I am not surprised that many of us are heading down south or to some other tropical paradise to seek some much needed warmth.
I’ve been calling Miami, Florida our vacation home for the past two years. My family purchased a property there in 2011 shortly after my youngest son was born. To tell you the truth I had no desire to purchase anything permanent in Florida. I had not visited Florida since 1999 during my first wedding anniversary, returning after 15 years was a shock to the system. I didn’t realize how family friendly it had become.
The short 3.5 hour flight sealed the deal especially since my folks love cruising and usually depart out of Miami. So now it is our go to destination with the boys.
My boys love travelling and getting out. Miami offered quite a bit for the kids too. Here are a few suggestions.
The Miami Children museum (located on Biscayne Blvd) is a great place to spend the day or a few hours with the kids. Great Interactive exhibits, arts and crafts for the kids and preteens to participate in. There is an onsite food lounge too.
Next up The Miami Seaquarium it a 38-acre ocean aquarium located on the island of Virginia Key in Biscayne Bay, Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is located near downtown Miami. Founded in 1955, it is the oldest ocean aquarium in the United States. (15min ride from the Children’s Museum)
There are many wonderful animal attractions to enjoy.
South Beach is my next stop, I usually hit the beach at Ocean and 5th. There is a parking lot across the street. Great parking. Then we usually grab a picnic lunch of kebabs and wraps from a great restaurant called “ Freshi”. Chairs on the bench rent for $10.00 each. These spots are not associated with any hotels. However, if you are looking to quench your thirst with an alcoholic beverage or two there are servers available. They also have a menu for food but I found it very pricey. There are tons of kids shovels and pails available at no charge for the kids to build their sandcastles or bury their dads.
There is also a grocery store called “ PLUBIX” where you can pick up some fruits and drinks as well. Its like are big grocery chains.
As far as dining goes kids are welcome everywhere. P.F. Changs near the Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall. Try any of the restaurants on the South Beach strip on Ocean Drive. The cuisine is usually Italian food. My boys love the South Beach strip for dinner for people watching and checking out the muscle cars on display. “ LIME” is a Mexican chain that is fabulous.
Feeling the HEAT, check out a basketball game at the American Airlines Building with the MIAMI HEAT!
To wind down the day take an evening boat cruise and tour the fabulous waterways featuring some incredible water front properties.
Other destinations I have travelled with kids are St. Maarten we stayed at the Princess Heights Hotellocated on Oyster Pond Road #156 | Dawn Beach,
St Maarten-St Martin. Its sits hillside above the Hilton hotel . www.princessheights.com
Great amenities. Groceries can be preordered to your suite.
Turks and Caicos was also another favourite destination for us when I was about 4 months pregnant with my youngest .
We stayed at the Seven Stars Resort Grace Bay Rd, Turks and Caicos Islands
Phone:+1 649-941-7777.www.sevenstarsgracebay.com
Great amenities once again, the grocery store was literally across the street and the beach was private and perfect.
Even though we did visit The BEACHES RESORT in Turks and Caicos I realized it wasn’t’ for us. Very noisy and expensive considering what you had for food and amenities.
So as you can see its easy to still travel and soak up the sun with kids. We just do it a little differently now.
Its all good, safe travels
KJ