• Introduction
• 1. Astronomy at Hyatt Regency Maui
• 2. Cook at The Essex Resort
• 3. Dolphin Encounter at Hawks Cay
• 4. Golf at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
• 5. Horseback Ride at Vista Verde Ranch
• 6. Nature Adventure at Enchantment Resort
• 7. Sail at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa
• 8. Surf at Hotel del Coronado
• 9. Tennis at Horseshoe Bay Resort
• 10. Water Sports at Madden’s on Gull Lake

Sail at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa

Pirates of the Caribbean spur an affinity for ships, treasure, and all things sea in your little adventurers? Even without booty onboard, there’s something magical about taking to the sea, using only the wind in your sails to power your ship towards the horizon. A great summer activity for kids and families, guests at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa (www.pinkshell.com) in Fort Myers, Florida, can learn how to tack, jib, and eventually man their own sailboat. The popular family resort partners with reputable Offshore Sailing School (www.offshoresailing.com) to offer a variety of sailing courses which leave right from the resort’s own docks. Instruction ranges from a 2-hour introductory lesson ($150 per person with a 2-person minimum) to intensive 7-day programs spent almost entirely at sea. The best option for families is the Learn to Sail course which includes five half days of instruction that culminates in a family sailing trip without the instructors (who’s the captain and skipper in your crew?). Lessons are reserved for those 12 and up, but if the whole family sails together kids as young as 7 are welcome aboard. Best of all, the school’s Kids and Teens Learn Free program allows up to three kids (ages 7–17) to take the Learn to Sail course for free when accompanied by two paying adults (from $3,700 for five nights in a 2-bedroom villa with 5-day sailing instruction). When the kids are not spending the day out on the water, Sparky’s Kids Kampp for 4- to 12-year-olds features activities like beach games and educational nature walks ($35 for the first child and $19.50 for each additional sibling). For teens, there’s a weekly Murder Mystery and glow-in-the-dark capture the flag. Regular summer rates start from $149/night. www.pinkshell.com 

For more trip-planning information, see our Florida Travel Guide.

                                                                             — Liz Webber   

See San Diego Travel Guide | See Sedona Travel Guide | See Texas Travel Guide | See Maui Travel GuideSee Florida Keys Travel Guide