Kicky Keys resorts for Kids and Their Families: SouthFlorida.com

The snowbirds have flocked homeward leaving the Keys to canny Floridians who know that the seas are more settled now, waters clearer and resorts ready for the off-season. Here's a rundown on what's hot for Summer 2006 in the close-to-home Keys.

Cheeca Lodge
Book a room or suite at this 27-acre resort where a long, palm-fringed beach awaits your bare toes. The adult pool is surrounded by cabanas where guests can summon a masseuse, and there's also a nine-hole golf course. Kids have their own pool, and at Camp Cheeca, children ages 5 and up do arts and crafts, go on scavenger hunts, snorkel in the lagoon, learn sand sculpture and explore the beach ecosystem. Friday and Saturday evening programs allow grownups to have a romantic dinner while children play pirate, watch a movie and eat pizza. An outstanding tennis program has lessons at every skill level including children and beginners.

Hawk's Cay Resort & Spa
Sleep in the inn or one of the villas, where you'll also have a kitchen. For parents, the Indies Spa & Salon has a full menu of treatments plus a teen spa for ages 10 to 17. The fitness center is equipped with Cybex equipment and the watersports program lists everything from flats fishing and eco-kayaking to offshore fishing. Ask about family reunion plans offering a full range of housing options plus group activities and dining.

The resort has two Har-Tru tennis courts, six Laykold courts and a USTA/PTR pro on staff. Swim in a choice of five pools or the saltwater lagoon. Kids have their own clubhouse, treehouse, basketball court and programs grouped by ages. There are three dolphin interaction programs and an eco-awareness program.

The Moorings Village
A charming cluster of 18 homes and cottages are planted on a former coconut plantation and surrounded by sandy beach. Play tennis, enjoy the 25-meter swimming pool, have a massage in the beach cabana and dine just across the road in Pierre's Cafe or the Morada Bay Beach Cafe.

All the cottages are different, ranging from cozy and quaint to luxurious new beach houses with large-screen TVs and big soaking tubs.

Sunset Key Cottages at Hilton Key West Resort
At the Hilton, guests are in a full-service hotel in the heart of Key West within walking distance of sightseeing and restaurants. Just a 10-minute hop across the water, you're still in Hilton country (room service, daily maid service, baggage handling, valet), yet you're on an island surrounded by white sand beaches. Book a cottage with one to three bedrooms. All have a kitchen, living-dining area and TV with DVD. Eat on the beach at Latitudes or catch the continually operating shuttle boat back to the Hilton, where you're off for a day of fun in laid-back Key West.