Parenting Advice

Family Travel
Contributing Writer - Judy Antell, editor of Big Apple Parent

High school and college students have long converged on Fort Lauderdale for a debauched spring break, rendering the area not the destination of choice for families. But a new luxury remake is underway, spearheaded by the new Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. The company's first city ‘resort' the hotel is sandwiched between two construction sites, a W hotel and a Trump. This is not your fraternity's Fort Lauderdale.

Of course, some of the elements remain unchanged. The white sand is powdery, lifeguards watch the gentle surf, and the mid-size Fort Lauderdale airport offers an easy gateway to the beaches, just 5 miles away.

The hotel, which just opened with 333 suites, all with full kitchens, flat screen TVs and balconies, take special care with young guests. There is a concierge for kids who welcomes children, and personalized gifts are delivered to your room. One night, Nora, my 9 year old, got a plush turtle with a letter addressed to her; another night, photo album with her name spelled out in foam letters.

The hotel also has a concierge who will fill the kitchen for you; it's great to have that refrigerator, even better when it's already stocked with skim milk, (or whole, or soy - really whatever you want) fruit and cheese.

The Ocean Explorers Club, for ages 6-15, introduces kids to area attractions. There is water instruction, from snorkeling to wind surging and kayaking. We took a "hook the Future" fishing clinic with Dan Dingman, where Nora learned how to tie knots and cast her line. I just observed, but on Tuesdays, "family" days, parents can participate in whatever's in store. Other activities include golfing, learning about ecology and conservation, and babysitting certification classes for ages 10-15.

The Club visits Joe Picasso's, a create-your-own studio and coffee shop in the downtown area, but you can also go on your own. There is pottery that you paint and have fired, which take a couple of days; for more immediate gratification, you can make a mosaic, with bits and pieces of glass, stone and ceramic; picture framers, boxes and mirrors are available. We got to Joe's by water taxi, along the Intracoastal Waterway, which offers a glimpse in to the private villas seen only from the water.

If you have a rainy day or have had too much sun, Wannado City is the place for 3-13 year olds. The giant indoor theme park offers kids the chance to role play at a huge variety of jobs: fire fighter, singer, baker. When you enter, kids are given a check, which they cash at the bank for "Wonga' currency - some activities, like having your nails done, or rock climbing, require paying in Wonga dollars. At some jobs, you make money; Nora was a dentist and got paid for cleaning the teeth of a dummy. And since she didn't have enough time to perform onstage, she became a reporter and interviewed the actors (after she wrote her story, she got a broadsheet with her article, and more ‘money'). There is an emergency room (kids get to ride in the ambulance through the city ‘streets; a Coca Cola bottling plant where kids make flavored soda and a store where you can spend some Wongas (and cash). You can leave kids over age 8, and shop at Sawgrass Mills, the tremendous mall attached to Wannado City. If you stay in Wannado, know that for most activities, kids go inside and parents watch through windows. Also note that it is rather loud, and usually pretty crowded.

Hilton, 505 North For Lauderdale Beach Blvd., (800) HILTONS; Rooms range from mid $200s to $800/night. Ocean Explorers, which runs form 9am - 3pm is $80 for the first child, $65 for a second and $50 for each additional; lunch is included.

Joe Picasso's, open daily, 888 East Las Olas Blvd. (954) 462-2551

Water Bus (954) 467-6677

Wannado City is about 30 minutes from the resort. $19.95 for kids, plus $2 for a security bracelet; parents pay just the $2 bracelet fee. (888) Wannado

For more info: visitflorida.com

If you have a question or comment about this article, send an email. Remember to include your first name, city and state.