single mom and 2 boys - where to go?

[precioso]

My sister is newly separated and has two boys, ages 6 and 9. We want to go somewhere fun but where she'll also get a bit of a break. I figure we can hire babysitters if we're in a larger resort-type hotel. Does anyone have any ideas about where to go in Florida? A kids program would be nice but not essential. We are looking for something in the moderate price range so places like the Westin or Hyatts are not an option.
Thanks!

[jfrenaye]

Club Med might be a consideration. It will be more than the Westin or Hyatt but it is all inclusive so when you add in your meals and so forth it might be more cost effective. It is in Port St. Lucie and IMO is the worst CM there is as it is on the river and not the beach, but there are a ton of activities and a great kids program.

Looking to save a few bucks, maybe try the Panhandle like Destin or FWB or Panama City? There are also some small fun places in the Keys but probably not the best solution if you are looking for some down time for your sister!

[katria]

Here's another idea that you might try that has been successful for a friend of mine. She travels with another mom and her kids, and they like to rent a condo or a house so they have more space and a kitchen for breakfast and lunch. Then they call childcare centers in the places they plan to visit and hire a babysitter through them. That way they get experienced caregivers. They figure they save so much on food by cooking in (and they often have the babysitters help with food) that they can splurge on babysitters. They offer enough money to make it worth their time. Plus the caregivers sometimes bring toys and crafts projects to do with the kids.