We're considering a vacation in the Florida keys this summer. The laid back, Jimmy Buffet-esque pace sounds really appealing to the wife and I. Questions is, aside from the beach, are there things to interest the kids?

I hate you. have fun.

Be prepared if you go to Key West. Very, very few beaches and they are small. We went snorkeling, walked and walked, went to Hemingway's House (Key West), etc. That's the only Key I've been to, but would go back in a heartbeat.

how old are your kids?

14 and 10

Do you know yet where in the Keys you are planning to visit/stay?

Love Key West! Ernest Hemmingway's house with all those 5 0r 6 toed cats, the Truman Whitehouse, the Lighthouse,Standing on the pier toasting the sunset.... good things for all ages. There are also boats to be rented - fishing. There's a glass-bottomed boat out of Key Largo, I believe that you can take tours on and see the reef. There are all types of wildlife sanctuaries in that area.

Just below Islamorada is Theatre of the Seas- great shows and interesting exhibits with sea life. You can also swim with the dolphins, sea lions or rays. There are several other places you can swim with the dolphins. Key Deer wildlife refuge is interesting. It has a few hiking trails and we saw some awesome iguanas. In Key Largo there is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park where you can go out on a glass bottom boat and see the reef as well as go snorkeling. Check out guidebooks for the turtle hospital and there is a bird rescue place where you can go at 3:00 every afternoon and feed the pelicans. There are also places to go and feed the tarpon. Don't forget jet skis. If you are in Key West, go to Pepe's Cafe on Caroline Street. Don't forget to watch the sunset from Mallory Square in Key West.

I'm renting a house in Conch Key in April. The house is on stilts over the bay- can't wait.

Thursday is always thanksgiving dinner!