Miami or Key West with kids Dec 27-Jan 3??
 

Hi,
We have airline tickets to Miami that we can't change without fees. It's looking like we might need to back out of the cruise we're booked on for financial reasons.
Since we have the tickets, we'd like to vacation in Miami, or drive to Key West (and risk the traffic on the 2 lane highway). We'd really appreciate any recommendations-where to stay, what to do, etc. Kids are 5 and 8. (Mom & Dad would like to have fun, too!)

I've spent lots of time in Key West so I'll limit my comments to it. We've only been there once or twice over New Year's Eve and I'm sorry to tell you that it's REALLY expensive that time of year... accommodations are probably double what they normally are. There's also a minimum stay of 3 or 4 nights.

On the bright side there are lots of things to entertain children, including wonderful sunset celebrations, street entertainers, glass-bottom boats, an aquarium, etc. etc.

The Hyatt on Front Street has lots of families and is in a great location, but it may be pricey. Another place that's popular with families is the Casa Marina, but its location (in my opinion) isn't very good. It's not within walking distance of the tourist activities that center around the Gulf, and you'd either have to rely on a shuttle or - worse still - try to find parking, which is scarce and expensive. The Hilton is also in a wonderful location as is the Ocean Key Resort. The Ocean Key has some suites with kitchens, so that might be an ideal situation for a family. Good luck!!

Thanks for the great suggestions. Have you usually flown to Key West, or driven the highway?

Just my .02 but I think a family vacation in Key West or Miami is going to be very pricey and probably more than a cruise which are usually all inclusive. The drive from Miami to Key West is usually about 4 hours. Christmas time is a very busy time for South Florida so not only will things be pricey but they will also be busy.

I've both flown into Key West and driven down from Miami. I much prefer to save the 4 hour drive and fly in, but that little flight is often very expensive.

I dunno about either place-- both will be expensive, and I think of them as decidedly adult destinations. Would a 30-minute schlepp up to Fort Lauderdale be more family-oriented/economical...?

I second the suggestion of Ft. Lauderdale. While I love Miami and Key West, neither (especially South Beach) would be too kid friendly on New Years Eve.

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I had wondered if Fort Lauderdale would be a better choice.
I know it will be an expensive time to visit. The cruise is all-inclusive, which would probably be better in most cases--except that it's the most expensive week to cruise, too!
Another destination I saw recommended is Key Biscayne, but I can't find it on Fodor's. Is it near Miami? Would anyone recommend a stay there?

Key Biscayne is across a bridge from Miami. It's nice, but in my opinion not an interesting tourist destination for families with children. For tourist activities, you'd do better with Key West...or probably Ft. Lauderdale, though I have NO knowledge of it!

I'm assuming you have about a week since you were coming on a cruise. I'd suggest you don't spend it all in one place! Start on Key Biscayne at the Silver Sands. Key Biscayne has a beautiful beach. Try to arrange a "sea grass adventure" at the Biscayne Nature Center - you go into the sea grass beds and scoop up critters. The naturalist will tell you what you've found. After a couple of beach days, head to the Florida Everglades (about 1 and 1/2 hour drive). Search Everglades on this board for tips on the Anhigua trail (Florida City entrance). Spend the night in Key Largo (another 1 or so drive). Snorkel at Pennekamp. Rent two kayaks and explore. Eat at the Fish House. If you want to head towards Key West, Parmer's Place is a good, relatively inexpensive spot. You are 28 miles from Key West. Be sure to stop at Robbie's on the way down the Keys (MM 77 or so) and feed the wild tarpon.

Keysmom had some good ideas for going south and west from Miami. I can help you with Ft. Lauderdale. If you come here, the beaches are beautiful. There's an Embassy Suites on SE 17th Street not far from the beach (a 5 minute drive.) Downtown Ft Laud is easy to get around by car. The Museum of Discover and Science is near the Riverwalk and is attached to the IMAX theater. Kids & adults love this place. You can go to the museum or theater, or get a package for both. You need to get your tix early for IMAX if it's a weekend because they sell out fast. You can take the Water Taxi to different areas of Ft. Lauderdale and see the beautiful homes as well as stopping here and there to see sites or grab a bite to eat. Since you'll have a car, head out west past U.S. 27 and see the Everglades. The kids can see the sites without going to Everglades Nat'l Park (although that's a very nice park from what I understand.) There are airboat tours the kids would love. In Pompano Beach there is Butterfly World. My family has visited this place, but I missed going each time (probably had to WORK! ugh!!) Across from the beach at Sunrise Blvd is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. If you want to stay on the beach, check out Holiday Inn at A1A and Sunrise Blvd. Their rates might be pretty good. Go to Expedia and see what you can find for places to stay. You can also get a room on Priceline.com by requesting a RESORT. I've heard of $200+ rooms going for under $75 (off-season) and this is a great deal at ANY resorts on Ft Laud beach.

We went to Key West for Christmas a couple years ago and it was extremely expensive for rooms. We needed a suite so we stayed at Ocean Key Resort and the prices this year are alot higher than what we paid. Unless the kids like shopping, boating or seeing historic buildings, they might not enjoy KW very much (the beaches aren't good for swimming and the sand is hard.) I think this time of year they'd prefer to spend the time exploring some of the natural stuff South Florida has to offer.

Wherever you decide to go, I'm sure you'll have fun.

If travelling with kids over the holiday, I t hink Miami would be better. Lots to do and the price is not as high as Key West.

Key West beaches are not great. Hotels and restaurants would be more expensive than Miami. Good Luck!

Thank you everyone for the great suggestions. It sounds like we can still have a great time, even if we don't go on that cruise!

Topping for Keygal - see Heartburn3's response