Having children doesn't mean you have to abandon all your holiday pleasures and cater for the lowest common denominator. You can enjoy a stylish break, and keep the kids happy if you mix sand and city in Miami

Admittedly, Miami may not be the first place you think of for a family holiday, but if you think about the pristine sandy beaches, interesting street-life and outdoor activities that kids will enjoy, coupled with a cosmopolitan city atmosphere, you may want to think again.

Miami has shed its reputation as murder capital of the United States and has re-invented itself as an international destination with lots to offer. Florida's weather means this seaside destination has almost permanent sunshine, and the combination of bustling city with peaceful beach resorts is a definite winner.

If you want to base yourself on the beach, head to South Beach, with its long stretch of elegant Art Deco buildings. There really is a feeling of stepping back in time, as this is the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world, and their pastel colours and wavy lines dazzle in the sunlight.

We stayed at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, on Collins Avenue, where children are made very welcome. This relaxed hotel has a large pool, with private cabanas (little tents that you can rent for extra privacy and more importantly, shade), and direct access on to the beach. There's also a fabulous Elemis spa here, with a private roof terrace on which to relax after your treatment.

The bars and restaurants are as stylish as you'd expect from this landmark hotel. The Hemisphere Lounge boasts the most extensive martini menu in all of Florida, and although I didn't have time to sample all 240 combinations, I'm sure you'll find a favourite among them! Preston's, the restaurant, sports an ocean view, and a delicious menu. Try Brett's pomegranate grilled ribs for a tasty treat.

If you can drag yourself away from the white sands, Lincoln Road is a great place to while away a few hours, enjoying the al fresco cafe lifestyle, shopping and some incredible people-watching!

Sushisamba, with its trademark fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian foods, is great for lunch or dinner, and offers special Bento Boxes with teriakyi chicken and purple mashed potato for the discerning youngster! Another dining option is Lucky Strike on Michigan Avenue. Here you can enjoy ten-pin bowling and dinner in one spot - top tip, take wipes to clean foody fingers between strikes!

Head to Ocean Drive for some early evening entertainment. This is where many young Miamians come to party, but the bars are quieter in the early evening and people-watching is great. Watch in-line skaters, skateboarders and the young and beautiful parade along the sidewalk as you sip your cocktail.

For more shopping and eating opportunities, try Bayside Marketplace. This waterfront mall promises street entertainers as well as the traditional shops and food outlets. With Miami's large Cuban-American population, expect to find excellent Cuban food - try La Carretta for authentic dishes and incredibly sweet coffee! Alternatively, eat at Bubba Gumps - a Forrest Gump themed shrimp restaurant.

For a splurge, visit Azul restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental. Chef Clay Conley's blend of Asian and Mediterranean ingredients creates truly delicious meals, while the floor-to-ceiling windows allow a great view over the bay. The Mandarin Oriental also welcomes children and has a kids' club, MiniMo.

Another fun activity around South Beach is GoCar GPS-Guided Tours. These two-seater carts are a cross between a golf-buggy and a motorbike and have a GPS system that pinpoints where you are and gives you directions for how to see the best bits of South Beach, with a commentary about the buildings you're looking at.

They're great fun to drive, but you do have to remember that you're on the main roads, so make sure you're familiar with the driving regulations before you set off! You need a full UK driving licence to hire these and the distinctive yellow carts attract attention as you drive along.

There are also plenty of opportunities to get close to animals and nature. You can organise eco-adventure tours at Crandon Visitors and Nature Center at Miami-Dade Park. We kayaked to a sheltered spot and snorkelled, with our guide providing information about the sealife we encountered.

Alternatively, you can swim with dolphins at Miami Seaquarium, or take the VIP safari tour at Jungle Island - a 90-minute behind the scenes tour of the animals and their trainers, where you can get up close to several of the animals, including the twin toddler orang-utans Peanut and Pumpkin.

Need to know

American Airlines offers daily flights from Heathrow to Miami from £523 per person return. For bookings visit www.americanairlines.co.uk

We stayed at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel which has a special summerfest offer valid for stays from 1 June to 30 September with luxury double rooms from $279 per night (approx £143) for minimum of three nights including the 'SoBe' kids camp and a $75 hotel credit valid in restaurant/bars/spas. For bookings visit www.loewshotels.com, and The Mandarin Oriental Miami has a 'Mini MO' package valid for stays from 26 May - 30 September for $808 (approx £410) for a two-night stay including bed and breakfast accommodation, bathrobes to take away, Kid's Club, entrance to Miami Children's Museum with one rock climb, parents have choice of yoga/pilates/tai chi at the spa. For bookings visit www.mandarinoriental.com

For visitor information on Greater Miami visit www.MiamiandBeaches.com or call 01444 443355 for a free travel planner.