"One of the Sunshine State’s most spectacular stretches of barrier island beachfront serves as a natural playground for families who stay at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, just south of the Georgia border in northeast Florida. The onsite Ritz Kids program focuses on environmental responsibility on this barrier island, which protects a diverse range of wildlife and culture, including Amelia Island’s indigenous Timucua Native American history. One day kids might explore the inner workings of a coral reef to learn who the “doctors” and “security guards” are among the various fish denizens. Another day they might learning about the importance of trees in Florida’s ecosystems through games and lessons inspired by Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein. The Ritz Kids program is open daily, with a full-day program option, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for $175 per child (including snacks and lunch); as well as a half-day program, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., or from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., for $100 per child (including snacks)." - Michelle Baran