The Spread:
The slide whooshes out of a huge nautilus shell at Sundial Beach Resort's main swimming pool, one of five on the property. About 30 miles from the international airport in Fort Myers, Sundial stretches along shell-studded sands and placid Gulf Coast waters. The property has 261 spacious one- and two-bedroom condos with full kitchens. Evening supervised

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programs at weekends allow parents to take advantage of the resort's teppanyaki and other fine-dining restaurants. Twelve tennis courts, all manner of non-motorized water sports, and golfing privileges nearby round out the activities.

Why Families Love It:
Explorer Kid's Camp convenes weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children ages four to 11. On Friday and Saturday there's Kid's Night Out, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday is Luau Night and Saturday is Lost Treasure Night. Cost for day and night programs is $25 each for guests and Explorer Club members, including lunch or dinner. For more flexibility and family together time, the recreation department also schedules a variety of daily activities, including windsurfing lessons and Segway tours for teens, seashell hunts, hermit crab races, and the Family Beach Olympics. Fees range from free to $40 per activity.

Special Activities & Events:
One of the best aspects of Sanibel Island for families is its 23 miles of paved bike paths, which lead you to shopping, dining, and nature refuges. Sundial rents bikes, helmets, and baby trailers. On Thursdays, a bike tour heads to the historic lighthouse park and beach at the end of the island; cost is $17.50, including rental.