SAWGRASS MARRIOTT

GOLF RESORT & SPA

Ponte Vedra Beach

Golf is king at this resort near St. Augustine, with eight world-class championship golf courses, including the world-famous THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and a mini one designed by Arnold Palmer. But that doesn't mean kids are left out:Four pools, 26 miles of private beach, shark-tooth hunts, freshwater lake fishing, bike rentals, nature hikes, pajama parties and a kids program make it fun for them, too.

• Details: 1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach; 800-457-4653; www.sawgrassmarriott.com. Rooms start at $157.

THE RESORT

AT SINGER ISLAND

Near Palm Beach, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, this sophisticated, modern resort offers another world close to home. A pool with waterslide and waterfall makes the kids happy; a second infinity pool with stocked cabanas keeps the adults smiling.

Facilities include a spa, fitness center, beach, four restaurants and a kids program (ages 4-12), with a Saturday night option so parents can have a date night. One- and two-bedroom suites come with equipped kitchens, and washers and dryers.

• Details: 3800 North Ocean Dr., Singer Island; 561-340-1700; www.starwoodhotels.com (search for hotel name Singer Island). Rooms from $183.

DISNEY'S ANIMAL

KINGDOM LODGE

Orlando

The African lodge-style resort on a 33-acre wildlife preserve is one of Disney's best. Wildlife roam on three tropical savannas surrounding the lodge, which has close-up viewing areas so guests can watch the giraffes, zebras, ostriches, waterbucks, impala and other animals 24/7. Thatched ceilings, large beams and a big mud fireplace in the main lobby keep the African theme going, along with two restaurants that serve African cuisine.

Facilities include a 24-hour high-tech game room, a supervised activity center for ages 4-12, a playground and several pools, including one that has a 67-foot-long slide. In May, the first round in a resort expansion called Kidani Village opens, with new, two-bedroom villas, an African-Indian restaurant, extra pool and waterplay area, fitness center and shop.

• Details: 2901 Osceola Pkwy., Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-7429; http://disneyworld.disney.go.com. Resort-wide room rates in summer start at $240 per night; ask about Florida resident rates.

MARRIOTT AT

GRANDE LAKES

Orlando

Your kids might forget the theme parks lie nearby when they're at this 500-acre resort, with its lazy river pool, canoe and kayak eco-journeys, surrey bikes, arcade room, life-size chess board and ladybug release program. The Marriott shares the property with a Ritz Carlton, which has a spa, two of its own pools and the Ritz Kids program, which Marriott guests can use.

The resort features architecture mimicking an Italian palazzo, an 18-hole championship golf course, fitness center, tennis courts and 11 restaurants. No beach, but Disney World is 10 miles away. There are 1,000 guest rooms, including 64 suites.

• Details: 4040 Central Florida Pkwy., Orlando, 800-682-9956; www.grandelakes.com. Rooms from $200.

DISNEY'S VERO

BEACH RESORT

Although Vero Beach is part of the Disney Vacation Club line, you don't need to buy into a time-share to stay at this Old Florida-style resort. Kids take center stage, with a Mickey Mouse-shaped swimming pool, water slide, nine-hole Peter Pan-themed miniature golf course and fishing pier. Free activities -- sing-alongs, s'mores around the campfire, family beach walks with nature experts and a toddlers' craft hour -- focus on family fun rather than on meeting Disney characters.

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