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Think it's time to get away for several days. I am thinking the FL keys because I don't want to fly much more than 2hrs with a 2 yr old. Any suggestions on places to stay and things to do? Doesn't have to be overboard kid friendly like Atlantis or Disney but I need somewhere where we won't feel like a PITA with a 2yr old at dinner. Anything in Isla, Marathon or KW?
Check out the Florida / Georgia regional thread. There was discussion recently about this issue and I think the broad agreement was Hawks Cay Resort just north of Marathon. I've stayed there and it is the most kid friendly resort in the area. Also the Islander in Islamorada is an old style Florida hotel that has been very well upgraded.
I am headed to the Keys Friday with my 18 year old son who is a HS senior. We have been to the Keys many times but his frist trip was when he was 4. At that age, his favorite attraction was always the hotel pool. He did like the Nature Museum with the animals and the Key West Aquarium with the touch tank.
Disney is great but extremely expensive and as the child is only two they may not see or remember too much. But they will still love it as it IS disney! Remember orlando also has Sea World and other theme parks. I've been to Atlantis but only for about two hours (during a cruise) but will be going back at the end of the year for company trip. You may want to seriously consider this as it is beautiful with lots to do. Good luck with your trip
Atlantis is sweet. Keys are about as much fun as watching reruns of the teletubbies (actually, your kid will likely enjoy the teletubbies way more). Seriously, unless your are very into diving or fishing, the Keys pretty much suk.
I have been bringing my kids to Disney since my oldest was abouthey were about 2 years old (they are almost 2 and almost 4 now). Disney with a two year old is cool, for a short period of time. You probably still need naps (both of you) and Disney is a PITA for that, unless you're staying "on property". Also, you could find yourself surprised to find that your kid doesn't "love" Disney as much as he/she loves Target / K-Mart or any other store with a toy section. Happened to me... We were in Disney and the little ingrate (this is a joke) said he wanted to go see toys at Target (that is true). I was bent considering how much dough we had spent to go to Disney, but you can't let the kid know... To this day, my oldest's favorite part of Disney is those damned retail stores at the exit of every ride.
Universal Studios though, is pretty darned cool for the little ones. They have a really cool Cat in the Hat section that is as much fun for the adults as the kids. I had to peel my little ones out of there every time we have gone.
Also, have you considered a Disney Cruise? I have heard those are amazing.
I was also looking into vacations at Beaches. Look them up. Not sure how long the flight is from you, but they have a couple of locations. It is like a Club Med for families and it is extremely kid friendly with Sesame Street characters and planned activities, nannies... for the kids and plenty for the adults. It didn't fit into the budget this year, but I really think it would be a very cool vacation.
If I think of other places, I will post again. Let us know where you decide and give us a review. We can always use new ideas.
Lived in the Keys for 10 yrs. It's a different world there. People who live there live there to escape the constraints of the mainland and have their own culture. Even in a family restaurant you're likely to hear some language you might not want your 2 yr old to hear. It's not a rough place by any means -- I loved it. But there isnt that much to do with kids. We moved to TN to raise ours.
Here is what there is:
KEY LARGO: Pennecamp Park -- has a small beach, glass bottom boat rides, and a small "museum" building with some aquariums. and a nature walk.
ISLAMORADA: Theater of the Sea -- has small dolphin and seal shows where you pet the dolphin and get kissed by the seal (smell like fish the remainder of the day), and swim with the dolphins. Holiday Isle: Stay away from the Bar on the Beach and stick to the Tiki Bar during daytime for the JR and Iwalani show and there used to be a guy who played steel drums and gave their history. Those shows may be gone but Tiki during the day tried to be family oriented. The beach has a lot of thongs.
KEY WEST: Mel Fisher's Museum, Hemingway House (dont go if allergic to cats), and some more. Stuff. Watch out for chickens running in the streets.
Dont know much about Marathon -- never like it there much. Hope that helps.
Well if Disney is a thought, then by all means go there with a 2 year-old. It is the best. Just remember that with a 2 year old the trip becomes about your memories, not the child's. Disney takes on a whole new light when you watch your kid.
We took our son for his first trip when he was 18 months and it was fun. Went back every year for at least a day until he was about 14. Needless to say, we all love it.
On a lighter note, my sister took her three girls ages 2 to 8 several years ago. They stoppped at the official Disney welcome center in Ocala to check in and get tickets. As they walked back to the car the 2 year old looked up and said "Disney World was really great. It was fun". Could have saved a lot of money...
FL Keys vacation ideas with 2yr old? 
