Classes have started and we are getting organized. Now it is time to plan after school activities. Most schools and preschools have their own programs, however there are plenty of other options and sometimes (my opinion :)) it is great to change environments! Most centers and organizers are offering free trials. Here is a list of some of our suggestions, please add if you have any good ones!

Various Programs:

• Kydoo
• Key Biscayne Community Center
• Zaniac

Karate:

• My Time@ Brickell Key (August 29 Free Trial Class)

Swimming:

• Swim Kids

Tennis:

• Ritz Tennis
• Arraya Tennis Academy

Adventure:

• Miami-Dade Eco Adventures (Little Rangers, Archery, Turtle Awareness, etc.)

Music:

• Singing Workshop with Delfina Pearson

Did you also know that in different Preschools in the area you can enroll your kid for after school even if he/she is not currently a student there? Check them out and contact them if you have any questions!

How can we do a better job of caring for our planet? Teaching our kids to appreciate earth is essential to help them become environmentally conscious. There are so many things we can do in our homes to help the environment.

Here are some small, simple, green actions we can take.  Every issue we will share additional ones, if you have any comments or initiatives you would like to share please send it to us, we’d love to hear from you. Start implementing them if you haven’t until they become a habit!

• Plant a herb garden.  It’s good to be connected and aware of the food you eat.
• Stop using disposable bags. There are so many cute bags like the ones our grandmas’ used to wear.
• Don’t turn on lights if possible—open your curtains and enjoy natural light

We as mothers have a responsibility to get our kids involved by helping them to understand, it’ll be second nature to them when they’re adults.

BKB Moms is organizing a mom and me beach clean up soon. We still do not have date confirmed but please feel free to  sign up at info@brickellandkbmoms.com

Have a great earth time and don’t forget to smell the flowers :)!

Some of you have asked us what a Camp Fair is? Camp fairs are free events that take place on weekends and bring dozens of camps straight to us, allowing us to have one-on-one conversations with many camp directors all within a few hours of time.  Camp fairs give us a chance to explore interests and also provide us with the opportunity to ask key questions about different summer programs. Our 2015 Summer Camp + FUN Fair will be a welcome Summer event – presenting other summer programs as well, such as after school activities and other entertainment options as a family.

For us moms and dads searching for a camp or any summer activities, the fair will be a great way to find out what a program is really like before registering our children.

At the event we will be providing a guide with contact info and descriptions of every program out there. But because we know you are getting curious and perhaps anxious about what is out there, we are including below a list of top camps of which some will be present at the Fair. Bring your family for a day of fun, explore options and perhaps register your kids on site!

 Join Us as we welcome Summer!

Nature & Exploration

• Junior Naturalist Camp Programs @ Fairchild Tropical Botanic: Campers explore nature, science and art at the Naturalist Camp and a Art Camp.

• Camp Seaquarium @ Miami Seaquarium: Sun-and-fun-filled days of education & conservation. The weekly programs vary by age and skill levels. Activities include up-close animal interactions, animal shows, field & art activities, snacks and theme weeks.

• Summer by the Sea Marine Science Day Camp @The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center: Campers will join the center’s lifeguard certified marine biologist for exciting, hands-on marine science explorations. Campers will experience a sea grass adventure, kayak and snorkel alongside our unique fossil reef, paddle board, dissect squid, make beautiful art projects, play fun science beach games.

• EcoAcademy Summer Camp: Hosted by the School of Environment, Arts and Society EcoAcademy features marine science activities, swimming, kayaking, and arts and crafts.

• KBYC SUMMER PROGRAM @ Key Biscayne Yacht Club Sailing: Programs include: KBYC Summer Fun Camp and a Sailing, Kayaking and Marine Science Camp.

• Coconut Grove Sailing Club: Organized to give each camper opportunities for individual growth, learning new skills, making friends, developing teamwork and sailing how to sail safely. Open to children 6 to 14 years old.

• Summer Camp @ the Miami Rowing Center: Geared both to novice rowers looking to learn to row and experienced competitive rowers trying to hone their skills.  Sweep, Sculling and land training.

• Escudero Paso Fino Riding School Summer Camp: Learn to ride with the experts. 20 years of experience. Specialized instructors. Equitation practice; horsemanship activities: groom, bath & catch horses, saddle up and more; team building activities with horses; horse painting.

• Miami Equestrian Center: Campers will have the opportunity to experience the joys of horsemanship, and the responsibilities of horse ownership. Campers will also have fun with mounted and unmounted games, arts and crafts, and plenty of water-balloon fights.

Sports & Movement

• Crandon Golf Academy: Different junior golf programs available.

• Tennis Arraya Academy: Train with Pablo Arraya and his team in a world class, high intensity, fun Summer Camp for all levels and all ages.

• Tennis Camp @ Crandon Park Tennis Center:  Campers train with Cliff Drysdale Tennis at the Home of the Sony Open

• Summer Tennis Camp @the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne: Different programs available according to age of camper. Intense tennis skill development with the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center pros. The Camp takes place the nearby Crandon Park- home of the Sony-Ericsson Open.

• My Swim Academy: Onsite private, semi private and group swimming lessons, mommy and me classes, technique improvement and training.

• Super Soccer Stars: Different camps available: Mini Camp (3 hours of soccer fun and arts & crafts), Kick it Camp (4 hours of soccer skills development, individual and team activities, small-sided games), Premier Camp (exclusively to Super Soccer Stars Premier players and Travel Team players).

Indoor Centers

• Kydoo Kids Club & Café: Mini and Big Kydoo program Summer Camp. A little bit of everything Sensory games, dancing, music, sports, story telling, etc.

• Play-In: The activities included are art activities, yoga, movement and games

• My Gym: A half-day of games, relays, songs, dances, story time, music, sports, and much more. Designed to enhance physical growth and a sense of individual success.

Girls-Only Summer Camps

• Furia Flamenca Dance & Music: Girls will explore the wonderful art of flamenco dance, ballet, jazz, acting, music, singing, crafts, cooking, history and theory of flamenco dance, spanish culture and theater.

• Carrollton Summer Program for Girls: Girls from all over the world enjoy artistic, athletic and educational experiences while creating new friendships and wonderful memories. Four different options: STEM Camp (Grades 5-8), Around the World Camp (PK3-6), Academic Super Camp (Grades 3-6), Summer Sports Camp.

• First Girls Club Camp: Themed Two week sessions: musical theatre, art classes, fashion/etiquette. water day, arts & crafts, dance and field trips

School-Based Summer Camps

• Christopher’s by the Sea Episcopal Montessori Summer Camps: Different programs available (Let´s Learn the Montessori Way, America the Beautiful, Maker Kids Club)

• Adventurous Splish and Splash Summer Fun & Swim Camp: Campers will learn different fitness programs as they venture through physical activities and movement through music. Bounce Houses, PE & Camp Swimming Lessons

• KBPC School Summer Camp:  A popular one for little ones in Key Biscayne

• Miami Country Day School Summer Camp Programs: Camp offerings include; Day Camp, Basketball Camp, Soccer Camp, COEP Treks, Aquatics, Summer Studies and many more.

• KLA Schools Summer Camp- Adventure Land: Campers will explore the world of Miami by engaging children through fun games, arts and craft.

• The Factory of Fun Bilingual Camp @ Brickell International Academy: Themes will include activities in music,film-making, artists in action, Spanish games, hands-on young chefs, fun water play, arts & crafts, science fun, special visitor, campmemories, tennis lessons, swimming lessons, field Trips, movies, relay races and Hollywood in action.

• The Learning Spot: Catch up or get ahead in reading, writing, or math or any subject.

• Tiniciti: Campers will have the opportunity to discover and investigate their deepest curiosities through The Wonders of Art, Water, and Nature.

• Coconut Grove Montessori School: Campers have the opportunity to work with Montessori lessons as well as take part in a variety of fun and enriching activities, as field trips, athletics, visual and performing arts, science, music and movement and swimming instruction at the University of Miami.

• Mandelstam School: One of the oldest Summer Camps in Miami!! 21st year for the camp. Integrated program @ South Miami Gymnastics Center – gymnastics, dance, tennis, ceramics and swimming.

• Alexander Montessori Camp: Camp provides activities geared to the child’s age, developing and encouraging them individually. They alternate between indoor and outdoor events.

• Camp Gulliver: Long-standing summer program featuring swimming, tennis, gymnastics and sports. Different programs for different age groups and interests. From Jump Start into Camp Gulliver, Engineering Camp, Broadway, Academics and Athletics.

• STEM Summer Camp @ Village Montessori: This camp will integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Our students will still have a 3-hour uninterrupted work cycle as well as water play.

• Miami Country Day School Summer Camp Programs: One of the oldest camps in Miami includes; Day Camp, Basketball Camp, Soccer Camp, COEP Treks, Summer Studies and so many more!

• The Cushman School: Variety of innovative summer programs, both fun and academic – offered to current students and the community in general. Each session will culminate in students creating a product, delivering a performance or participating in a healthy sports related competition encompassing the designated theme.

• St. Thomas: Several incredible programs for every child’s enjoyment.  STEPS summer camp programs are staffed by qualified and experienced teachers whose reassuring attitudes encourage creativity and exploration.

• St. Philips: Variety of Camps available including Young explorers, Junior Sports Camp, Art & Engineering Camp, Ready-set-go.

• Key Point Academy´s Summer Activities: Camp is designed to foster each child’s creativity and problem-solving skills. Preschool students learn through guided investigations, interactive movement games, music, and art activities. Program also includes outdoor science exploration, guest performers, special projects and activities such as splash days and sports.

• Patrick Catholic Preschool:  “SEUSSICAL SUMMER” Camp based on the books of Dr. Seuss will feature a different book each week and have activities, crafts, games, songs, role play and projects.

• Champs Brickell Summer Adventure: Summer camp will be filled with creativity, imagination, explorations and wonder.
  

• Baby Scuola Summer Camp: Fieldtrips, fun game activities, art classes and face painting, sports, theme parties and celebrations, water days, bounce house days and more.

Science, Education & Fun

• FunCamps: Educates and engages campers from Magicamp, Funcamp and Jurasiicamp to Science Camp and GameTech computer camp.

• Nutty Scientists: Science, Art and Robotics through interactive and hands-on award winning methodologies. Crazy experiments, planetary visits, ghymkanas demonstrations, and daily topics, allow children to live science every day.

• Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science Camp: Unique and fun-filled experiences include drones, disasters, dinosaurs, ecology, engineering, field trips and more.

• Kids World Summer Camp @ Miami Children’s Museum: This summer experience early cultures and time periods through interactive stories, hands-on projects, performances, and more.

• Around the World French CAMP: Campers will enjoy daily French classes, etiquette, arts and crafts, theater, culture, food tasting, yoga, sports, outdoor French games, weekly field trip, splash days and a parents show. Beginners and bilingual children welcome.

• Zoofari Camp @ ZooMiami: Learning about animals, conservation and appreciation for wildlife.

• “Viva el Español” Camp: “Viva el Español” Drama, Fun, Culture, Arts & Crafts, guided conversation, pair work, language games & indoor and outdoor activities

• VS Brain Camp: Through interactive and fun games, brain programs, and specific interventions, children will improve their language, math, and behavioral skills necessary for learning. Neuropsychology and positive psychology approach. Dedicated to children who need to improve their academic or behavioral skills

• Organic Kids Camp: Inspire your child to use his or her imagination and be as creative as possible. Some of the enrichment classes your child will be doing each week are: Science Experiments, Dance, Arts & Crafts, Clay, Music, Creative movement, Yoga, Learning centers, Acting, Swimming, Splash day, Dancing, Sports.

• Coral Gables Museum: City Trekker Summer Camp offers fun, educational activities while exploring the city of Coral Gables through a variety of disciplines and takes advantage of all the cultural destinations and activities that the city and the museum offer.

Performance, Dance & Movement

• Actor’s playhouse: Campers will learn to take an original show from concept to stage

• Coconut Grove Ballet Intensive: The program allows children to explore various types of dance forms such as ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, acrobatics and flamenco.

• Alper JCC Summer Camp: General day camp & specialty camps. Including: Sports, Performing Arts.

• GYM KIDZ: Participants will improve technique, physical strength flexibility, and coordination in progressive gymnastics while enjoying fun activities like arts and crafts, games, movie time, music and more.

• Thomas Armour Youth Ballet: Creative movement, pre-ballet and ballet programs available.

• YMCA Miami Camps: Variety of camps available at different locations throughout Miami.

• IDEA @ The Bass: Campers will be grouped according to age and will participate in museum exploration, painting, drawing, 3D design and theatre arts!

• Miami Dade Parks Summer Camp: Offers a wide range of outdoor camps to kids at park locations throughout the county. Camps include programs for general activities, swimming, sports, environmental and children with disabilities.

• Creative Camps @ Miami Children´s Theater: Acting summer camps where students work on a musical production.

• PAMM Museum: Art Camp offers an opportunity to explore weekly themes through arts-based activities and works on view in our galleries.

• University of Miami Summer Programs: The University of Miami offers a wide range of summer programs including reading programs for grade-school children and a variety of enrichment programs for high school students. Some of the many programs include:  Summer Theatre Academy @UM, Mini Canes Recreational Sports Camp, Frost Music Time Summer Camp, Hurricane Aquatics, Young Musicians’ Camp,

• Rock Music Camp @ Center Tone Music School: Students will learn the basics of putting together a real rock//pop band, basic instrumental instruction on electric guitar, electric bass, drums, keyboard, latin percussion, stage presence, music production, DJ, singing, recording, iPad recording.

• School of Rock Music: The school offers summer, winter and spring break rock music camps, designed for musicians of all skill levels who play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and vocals. Beginner Camp, Performance Camp and heavy metal camp programs.
• Art & Rollerblading Summer Camp 2015: A little bit of everything, art, rollerblading, science, water, fun. 5 to 9 year olds.

Parks & Recreation – Community Centers

• KBCC SUMMER CAMP @Village of Key Biscayne Community Center: Different programs available. Fun different activities for your kids, from swimming classes, to music, volleyball and yoga. . Field trips every Tuesday and Thursday.

• Coral Gables Parks & Recreation: Different programs available. Open for members, residents as well as non-residents.

• Village of Pinecrest Parks & Recreation: Different programs available for different age groups.

Photo Credits: Paso Fino, Super Soccer Stars, PAMM

Note: The 70 Summer Camps list was put together by BKB Moms. We have made every effort to include relevant info, however we are not responsible for any of the changes in rates, prices, schedules of the different summer camp options. We encourage you to attend our SUMMER event to meet with Camp representatives and expose your kids to the many activities and sports available. If you would like to share please credit BKB MOMS.

Did you know that Brain Awareness Week is March 16-22? The Brain Awareness Campaign is a worldwide celebration of the brain that brings together scientists, families, schools, and communities. Although Brain Awareness Week is officially March 16-22, 2015, there are many ways to get involved throughout the year.

The global celebration presents an opportunity to bring attention to brain science advances and research. It also serves as a launching point for year-round Brain Awareness activities. Brain Awareness events are limited only by your imagination. We know of a great local BRAIN event that is happening March 21st!

Our friends at the Patricia and Philip Frost Museum of Science  are inspiring you to get your thinking cap on for Brain Day. Presented by Baptist Health South Florida, Brain Day is a fun family day that will truly stimulate your brain:

• Discover how the brain works
• Tantalize your senses while learning how they are linked to your brain
• Map your homunculus
• Dissect a sheep brain
• Explore the latest science and prevention methods related to stroke and concussions
• Meet real neuroscientists
• Learn about neural networks
• Get a FREE bike helmet and much more!

Children 12 years old and younger are free with paid adult admission.

WHEN? Saturday, March 21, 11 AM – 4 PM

WHERE?  Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science –  3280 South Miami Avenue

CONTACT: 305.646.4200

Credit: ABC.es

Quizás una de las tradiciones mas dificiles de mantener en los Estados Unidos sea el de la venida de los Reyes Magos. Es una fiesta muy popular en España y también en Latinoamérica. Por ejemlpo,  la cabalgata de reyes se celebra en todas las ciudades españolas, y algunas mexicanas, la tarde del 5 de enero. Los tres Magos, acompañados de sus pajes y ayudantes, desfilan en carrozas por las calles de los municipios lanzando caramelos a todos los niños, representando el camino que recorrieron en su día hasta Belén.

Cuando mi hija tenía recién 1 año es que me di cuenta que en Miami no habia muchas formas de exponerla a esta linda tradición. Hoy,  ya he encontrado formas en las que puedo trasmitir esta parte de mi infancia a mis hijas. Hay varias maneras en las que podemos contar a nuestros niños la historia y hacer que esta bonita tradición se mantenga en tu familia y por que no en Comunidad!

Aqui algunas sugerencias!

Unos días antes puedes comenzar a leer algún libro infantil o compartir un video – como este

(está genial!) que te ayude a explicar con ilustraciones la historia de los tres mágicos magos. El mundo de fantasía que representan los reyes esta de acuerdo con el proceder del pensamiento de menores de 7-8 años de acuerdo a expertos en psicologia infantil. A traves de la historia de fantasia es que pueden conocer el mundo de los reyes.

Una vez que conocen la historia podemos contar las formas en que nosotras de niñas festejábamos en familia. Como por ejemplo, en la noche del 5 de Enero nunca nos olvidábamos de dejarles algo de comer y beber a los Reyes y sus camellos.  Muchos deciden dejarles cesped, pasto o hierba o tambien dulce o frutas con un poco de agua para reponer fuerzas despues de un camino muy largo!

También puedes ayudarlos a escribirles una carta como muchos niños lo hacen a Santa o Papa Noel.  Otra forma linda de integrar a los chicos es ayudando a preparar la rosca de reyes. El roscón de reyes es el protagonista en el rubro comida en estas fiestas El roscón es un bollo de masa fina con forma de anillo, más o menos redondeado, decorado con trozos de frutas confitadas de muchos colores. Este dulce típico del 6 de enero esconde dentro de la masa un pequeño regalo. Nuestros amigos de vive mejor tienen una receta rápida y sencilla para hacer con los chicos.

Finalmente llega la mañana del día 6 de enero que es lo que todos los niños esperan! cuando los Reyes dejan los regalos, Obviamente a cada uno en sus zapatos! Según la tradición, una de las cosas exigidas por los Tres Reyes para que los niños reciban sus regalos es que se hayan portado correctamente y hayan sido buenos durante el año. Los que se portan bien reciben regalos, pero los que no se comportan como deberían, en lugar de regalos reciben pedacito de carbón como bien cuenta la historia.

Todavía mejor y como novedad, este año en Key Biscayne los reyes estarán presentes en Village Green esta tarde debajo del árbol de Navidad desde las 4 hasta las 6:30 pm con Roscón y todo!

Por nuestar parte les deseamos muy felices Reyes y que puedan trasmitir esta tradicion a sus hijos disfrutando de cada momento compartido!

Brickell  Happenings:

Saturday, Oct 25 – Start early at 10:30 am at the Brickell Pooch Parade@Mary Brickell Village,  bring your doggie. bkbmoms will be there!

In the afternoon if you are a resident of Brickell Key join the halloween party with kids @6 pm Brickell Key Halloween Party (Brickell Key residents only)

Key Biscayne Happenings:

MSQ HALLOWEEN MONSTER BASH @ Miami Seaquarium     

Friday, Oct 24 2:00p

Little ghosts & goblins get set for big fun at Miami’s biggest kid-friendly Halloween Extravaganza, Monster Splash Daytime Splash & Nighttime Bash!

Key Biscayne Trick or Treat and Dinner

Friday, Oct 31 – Start the afternoon with the classic trick or treat throughout the KB famous blocks to later join bkbmoms and kids for dinner at Milanezza (special menu for kids and scary cartoons!)

Beyond Our Communities:

PUMPKIN PATCH @Little Farm Miami Dade

October 4-31, 2014 3:00-7:00p. No entry fee, but fees for individual activities: pony rides $2, one pony ride free with pumpkin purchase, pumpkins $7 – $30. The Little Farm: 13401 S.W. 224 Street, Goulds, Florida 33170

SPOOKY ZOO NIGHTS @ Zoo Miami

Saturday 24 7:00p Miami. The $10.95/person admission ($8.95 for zoo members) includes entry into Dr. Wilde’s Creepy House, spooky tram rides, ghoulish carousel rides, and chilling story-telling.  Goodies and roving street theatre will add excitement to the pathways!

JUNGLE ISLAND’S SPOOKTACULAR @ Jungle Island

Saturday, Oct 25 10:00a Miami

Jungle Island is calling all princesses, goblins, superheroes and angels for the attraction’s annual Halloween Spooktacular!

A SPOOKY SYMPHONY @ Gusman Center for the Performing Arts

Sunday, Oct 26 4:00p Miami

“A Spooky Symphony”, by The Greater Miami Youth Symphony and the Alhambra Orchestra, is a free Halloween family concert with thrilling excerpts from Pirates of the Caribbean, Lord of the Rings!

FALL FRENZY @ Christ Fellowship Coral Gables

Sunday, Oct 26 10:30a Coral Gables

FREE FUN and TREATS for the whole FAMILY! Kids, get ready for the FRENZY FearBusters style!

IDEA@thebass family day

Sunday, Oct 26 Spooky art projects 2-4pm all ages free admission all day!

Neiman Marcus Halloween Make-Over Madness Event

Sat, Oct 26 from 12 pm – 6 pm Halloween Make-Over Madness Event @Neiman Marcus. Join NM for a day of fun, let the makeup artists transform you into your evening’s Halloween Look! Kids can visit NM Halloween Face Painting Station from 2pm to 5 pm RSVP to 786.999.1000 ext 1321

JUNGLE ISLAND TERROR IN THE JUNGLE @Jungle Island

October 2 – November 1, 7:30 p to midnight

A pulse-pounding Toxic Zombie Jungle Entrance which leads to five acres of terrorizing jungle paths and a 10,000 square-foot Ancient Ruins Pyramid Haunted House. All meshed into the theme of an airplane that crashed with toxic chemicals, jungle animals mutated by those chemicals and natives turned into zombies. Only teens and adults will be allowed into the haunted areas. Cost: $45 – $55 depending on night. Fast pass $20 $30.

If you know of any other fun events, please share with us!

Your precious ones are heading back to school in less than a month!

Thinking of school anything? No worries! I have just met two wonderful moms that decided to share their spark with us. Belina and Jessica inspired by their own kids create modern and super cute personalized goodies our kids will enjoy throughout the year. What I love the most is that unlike the typical mass produced merchandise their products bring originality and feeling to everyday moments.  They have many matching designs (sweet butterflies, peace and love, astronauts, car racing, etc.) and various types of products such as Personalized Lunch Boxes, Notebooks & Journals, Waterproof Labels, Insulated Thermos, Toddler Snack Bowls, Toddler Cups, Bag Tags and more!

They even have products for grown-ups! I love my personalized iphone case. What is even better, Spark and Spark is giving us a special discount! because they are part of our network, Brickell and KB moms can enjoy 25 % off with special code (kbk25)

Check out their website @ SparkandSpark.com

]]> http://www.brickellandkbmoms.com/2014/08/01/personalized-school-essentials/feed/ 0 http://www.brickellandkbmoms.com/2014/06/23/sun-beach-and-fun-our-5-top-summervacation-spots-for-the-family-in-the-caribbean/ http://www.brickellandkbmoms.com/2014/06/23/sun-beach-and-fun-our-5-top-summervacation-spots-for-the-family-in-the-caribbean/#comments Mon, 23 Jun 2014 20:03:58 +0000 http://www.brickellandkbmoms.com/?p=3149 Traveling with kids can be a challenging experience but also one of the most fun and rewarding ones. Most of our childhood memories are of summer vacations and family times. So let’s make them special but also let’s plan ahead and choose a place where every member of the family can enjoy, have fun and relax. If you have the time and can afford it, the Caribbean all-inclusive resorts are a great option for families.

We did a little research and our number one spot this summer is the Carlisle Bay Resort in the Caribbean Island of Antigua. While Mom and Dad relax at the beach, the kids can enjoy the kids club for children starting at 6 month.  The Carlisle Bay kids club is free for children 2 years old and older.

Our second choice is Buccament Bay Resort on the beautiful island of St Vincent. The property’s 95 villas are located on an unspoiled, uncrowded coast. Kids will love that Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed in this area. And Buccament Bay even has its own Pirates’ ship. Other attractions include the resort’s partnership with Liverpool Football Club Soccer School, which offers kids ages 5 and up a chance to train with professionals. With the excitement of the World Cup in Brazil, kids will be thrilled to train and play!

Our third choice is Beaches Turks and Caicos, an all-inclusive on beach-blessed Providenciales (the most populated of the 40 Turks and Caicos Islands, located just a 100-minute flight from Miami). Beaches Resort is full of delighted parents who can’t quite believe that they’re on vacation with their kids and things are going well. Four distinctive themed enclaves share a 45,000-square-foot water park (Pirates Island is a fantasy world filled with gigantic waterslides, kid-friendly pools and swim-up soda bars, as well as the Caribbean’s only surf simulator) and for those of you still wanting to dance the night out – a 21-and-under nightclub! Beaches Turks & Caicos has been awarded #1 top family hotel in the Caribbean by Travel+Leisure and Best All-Inclusive by Caribbean Travel+Life. Plus, the resort is located on a stretch of beach so perfect that it was voted “Best of all island beaches worldwide” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.

Our fourth choice is Round Hill in Jamaica. Families have long retreated to Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where they go to great lengths to please even the smallest guests. They warmly welcome everyone to enjoy their on-site activities and amenities to ensure that a good time is had by all. Their special children’s programs offer fun-filled opportunities for kids to be active, creative, adventurous, and imaginative which is one of the many reasons they are a favorite amongst family resorts in the Caribbean. Round Hill is situated on a private peninsula with 110 acres, children are free to explore the resort and it only takes a few hours for the Round Hill staff to learn everyone’s name and look after them while they enjoy everything that this spacious Jamaica family resort has to offer. Round Hill is also large enough to allow couples and families to enjoy their own private time in equal measure.

Finally, we vote for Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, just a short flight away from Brickell and Key Biscayne. The coral-pink fantasy castle of the Bahamas’ only megaresort is visible from miles away (by land or sea). The main resort has some 2,300 guest rooms, a massive casino, a 63-slip marina filled with luxury yachts, 40-odd restaurants and bars, and too many activities and entertainment options to count (did we mention the 63-acre waterpark?). It’s Disney World in the Caribbean!

Finally and as always, these are just a few of the many beautiful kid-friendly resorts. We bet you can share with us other wonderful vacation spots! Let us know which one is your favorite and recommend us fellow moms!

Pic Credit: Carlisle Bay Resort

Kids colored at our Surf’s UP Art tent and took pictures with Penguin and his surfboard! We later had popcorn and watch the movie under the stars of Brickell’s beautiful spring weather. What else could you ask for?