Dear Liz,

Thanks for writing in, and for turning my mind towards warm, beachy thoughts! When I received your query, I immediately thought of my talented friend Roxanna, a local mother of three boys and Miami native who pens the awesome blog Everyday Treats. Roxanna kindly agreed to write a guest post to offer some ideas about visiting Miami with kids. (Thanks, Roxanna!)

I may be a little (OK, maybe a lot) biased, but Miami in February is a perfect place to vacation with your kids. It's warm and just exotic enough to make it an adventure. And with many direct flights from Boston, it's an easy to get to destination as well. Here are some recommendations for fun stuff to do with kids in Miami:

BEACH/WATER TIME

The main thing to know about Miami Beach is that the entire strip is open to the public. We love to set our umbrellas on the beach by the Delano Hotel, so the kids can explore the hotel's orchard garden while we buy drinks at the pool bar. A great kid-friendly resort is the Loews South Beach.

Lots of hotels in the art deco district have amazing pools. Here are a few of the most famous: Delano South Beach Hotel, The National Hotel, and The Raleigh (this pool was made famous by Esther Williams!).

However, the atmosphere on South Beach is not exactly relaxing. If you're looking for a low-key beach, I recommend you do what the locals do and go to Crandon Park in Key Biscayne. It's an easy drive from Miami.

Miami only has one waterpark, but it's a good one! Grapeland Water Park features designs by Brazilian/Miami artist Romero Britto and is a lot of fun.

ANIMALS

If your kids love animals, then you're in luck! Miami is positively teeming with family-friendly places where the kids can get up close and personal with animals. Check out: Jungle Island, Miami Seaquarium, and Zoo Miami.

MUSEUMS

Too much outdoor time? Escape the heat at the Miami Children's Museum or the Miami Science Museum.

I hope you have a great time in Miami!

Image credit: Miami Beach Hotel

Have a question for Christine? Drop her a line! And of course feel free to comment in if you have recommendations beyond those made above.