South Florida Children

South Florida for Children - MSN Travel Articles

Sunshine State vacation activities with big appeal for children range from butterfly-watching to hands-on science museums, from first-class zoos to a wooden roller coaster, from nature walks among hundreds of alligators to beaches, beaches, beaches.
Most families with children visit South Florida during the summer months, when the region is hot and humid. So, before starting off on a day of touring or a visit to the beach, head off potential problems.
Sunburn, overheating and Dehydration
Sunburn in young children can cause lifelong problems. Doctors advise putting sunscreen on every morning before breakfast. Sweat, friction, and rain dilute sunscreen, so it must be reapplied throughout the day.
SPF 15 and above is appropriate for tan skin and 30 and above for fair skin. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on the neck, top of the shoulders, tops of feet, and scalp, if hair is thin or absent. Sunscreen should include the UVA blockers Parsol or Avobenzone. Remember sunglasses and hats, and be especially careful in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Don’t count on keeping small children properly hydrated with soft drinks and water fountains. Long lines at popular attractions often make buying refreshments problematic, and water fountains are not always handy. What’s more, excited children may not inform you or even realize that they’re thirsty or overheated. We recommend using a stroller for young children and carrying plastic water bottles.
The beach
Don’t let kids swim alone; don’t even leave them alone on the beach. Practice the buddy system (good advice even for adults); it’s easy to become disoriented in the water. Pay attention to lifeguards, who warn of hazards like rip tides.
Blisters
Wear comfortable, well-broken-in shoes or sandals. If you or your children are unusually susceptible to blisters, carry some precut moleskin bandages; they offer the best possible protection, stick great, and won’t sweat off. When you feel a hot spot, stop, air out your foot, and place a moleskin over the area before a blister forms. Moleskin is available by name at drugstores.
Sometimes small children won’t tell their parents about a developing blister until it’s too late. We recommend inspecting the feet of preschoolers at least twice a day. Athletic socks absorb perspiration and might be your best bet.
Glasses
If you want your smaller children to wear sunglasses, or if they wear prescription glasses, it’s a good idea to affix a strap or string to the frames so the glasses won’t get lost and can hang from the child’s neck while indoors. Remember, ultraviolet coating is advised for sunglasses.