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Ritz Kids
At Ritz Kids, The Ritz-Carlton's signature supervised program for children ages 5 to 12, kids can play Wii, computer or board games and participate in planned activities, from crafts and cookie design classes to fish-feeding. Regular hours are 12 to 6 p.m. daily. From 6 to 10 p.m. the center hosts a "Kids Night Out" program. Dinner is included in the evening program. Advance reservations are requested.
Nature Rangers
On select days, Ritz Kids offers special two-hour "Nature Rangers" programs. Activities include a surrey-bike ride, a scavenger hunt, a private fish-feeding session and ice cream making.
The Ritz-Carlton Pool
Large and serene, this immaculately maintained pool overlooks Grande Lake and the signature 18th hole of The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes Golf Course. Depth ranges from 3'6" to 5'6". For children, gradual entry via stairs is available. Use of body-size swim floats is complimentary, and chair-side drink and dining service from Bleu is available. Lounge chairs are plentiful and lifeguards are on duty. Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Splash Pad and Playground
Behind Ritz-Kids, a gated pirate-ship playground and a splash-pad with spraying fish provide a safe sanctuary for smaller children. Lounge chairs are nearby.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Salon
An oasis from the theme parks, or a well-earned break after a long day at a conference, the expansive 40,000-square-foot resort spa offers a variety of treatments for children, teens and adults, as well as facilities for fitness, pampering and relaxation. Try a "Bee Pampered" treatment, which incorporates honey from the resort's onsite apiary. Use of relaxation spaces, snacks and drinks is included for those enjoying a treatment. Be sure to allot some extra time to take advantage of this complimentary perk. For guests ages 16 and up who wish to use the facilities but are not enjoying a treatment, admission is available for a daily fee.
Spa Pool
Behind The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a dedicated Spa pool is a serene spot to relax, thanks to an out-of-the way location and an adults-only policy. Use is complimentary for guests ages 16 and up who are enjoying a treatment.
Cabanas
Available at the main Ritz-Carlton pool as well as at the Spa Pool, luxury rental cabanas contain lounge chairs, a ceiling fan, a flat-screen TV, a safe and a mini-refrigerator. There is a food and beverage minimum. Advance booking is recommended during holiday periods.
Fish Feeding and Ladybug Releases
Join staff on the Lakeside Terrace for fish-feeding and ladybug-release programs. Fish species commonly seen in Grande Lake include Florida-spotted gar, bluegill and Florida-largemouth bass.
Additional Activities Near the Pool
Near the pool, rent a one or two bench surrey bike by the half-hour. Closed toe shoes are required. Ask a pool attendant or Bleu staff member for assistance. On the DaVinci Lawn, families will find a bocce-ball court. If you're a newcomer to the game, directions are posted nearby for your convenience. Bocce balls and other equipment, from soccer balls to wiffle balls, can be checked out at Ritz Kids.
Eco Adventures
Onsite options include eco-tours of Shingle Creek by kayak or canoe, nature hikes and fly-fishing or fin-fishing excursions. Expert-guided Shingle Creek tours are approximately two hours in duration and feature an overview of local eco-systems and wildlife, from alligators and barred owls to bald eagles and osprey. On this tour, the first junior (ages 5 to 16) is free with a paying adult. Guided flat-water kayaking on Grande Lake is also available. Guided nature hikes, recommended for adults and children ages 12 to 16, begin at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and follow a 2.5-mile loop around protected lands. Bird watching tours are also available. Advance reservations are recommended.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
At the 18-hole, par-72 Greg Norman-designed golf course, kids-play-free with a paying adult. In early 2011, a Golf Digest School debuted. Caddie Concierge Service is unique to the property and is required before 1:30 p.m.
Activities at J.W. Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
At the adjacent JW Marriott property, families can float their cares away on a magnetic meandering 24,000-square-foot lazy river pool, participate in organized pool games and activities, play tennis or stage a family sand volleyball tournament. Facilities include an arcade and an activity center. Parental supervision is requested for activities.
Area Attractions
The resort is two miles from SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica; seven miles from Universal Orlando Resort parks; and twelve miles from Walt Disney World Resort. Complimentary transportation to all but Walt Disney World parks is provided. Contact the Concierge for reservations and a schedule. Families wishing to visit Walt Disney World Resort theme parks can contact the Concierge to arrange for Town Car service. Alternatively, a Hertz car rental desk is onsite on the JW Marriott Lobby Level.
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