Our family has loved trips to the Florida Keys for years, and now that we are going with teens, it’s become an even better vacation destination. I know that traveling with teens can feel awkward and they may not be into participating in everything, so for us that means that we have to find a balance of the fun family things to do and activities and downtime that our teens will appreciate. We’ve got a great plan that can work with any ages, but that is really good if you’re planning to visit the Florida Keys with teenagers.
I think the Keys make for such a good trip because it’s not just one type of activity and it’s not all big fancy resorts, but things can be mellow and unique. We’ve got some great ideas for teen travel in the Florida Keys and ways to make the trip enjoyable for parents too. If you have any questions about our itinerary or need some more recommendations for your own planning, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always glad to chat about the Florida Keys and traveling with kids!
Are the Florida Keys a Good Family Vacation?
100%, we love the Florida Keys as a family, especially as the kids have gotten older. We’ve found that we’re able to enjoy everything from snorkeling off Key Largo to celebrating Pride in Key West. With so many people visiting from all around the USA and the world, the Keys is a destination that attracts diverse families and is consistently welcoming for all sorts of travelers doing the Florida Keys road trip.
When it comes to things to do in the Florida Keys with teens, it’s nice that there is a balance of adventurous activities and easy ways to lounge about and have quiet time. For us, we have found that planning one big activity per day and then set chill time is a good balance for everyone feeling like they’re getting the most out of their vacation in the Keys. We like to do a snorkel tour and then have scheduled hotel time (pool, swim, games…), or if we’re going to be gone all day, we like to get back to our resort or hotel and have dinner onsite instead of being out with crowds or in busy restaurants. The Florida Keys are such a good vacation destination with teens because you can be very considerate of everyone’s interests and expectations.
Note: I talk a lot about teens not wanting to be a part of travel experiences, but our kids are really great about it, so take my advice with a grain of salt. We have friends who really are facing the struggle of teen ennui or apathetic attitudes about participating in family things, so I share my thoughts and suggestions for them.
How Long for a Florida Keys Family Trip
I think that the Florida Keys should be no less than five days when it’s a family trip. I know that for us it takes a day or two to get into vacation mode or to switch gears to the pace of the Keys, so just visiting for a short trip of two nights doesn’t cut it for us. Now, if you only have two nights and want to feel like you had a good Keys trip, take the family to Key Largo and enjoy the activities and vibes there. This will keep you from having to drive the whole Overseas Highway and you’ll still have the fun and turquoise waters of a Keys vacation.
Ideally though, a six or seven (oop, six-seveeennnn) night family trip is best so that you do have plenty of time to unwind, acclimate, enjoy and relax. We like doing the week long trips because it also allows us to visit the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys, as each region is actually pretty different. The Upper Keys including Key Largo and Islamorada are very active with snorkeling, diving and boating. The Middle Keys are all about the fishing and kayaking, with quiet resorts. Then the Lower Keys get you into the fun of more hardcore reef adventures (I love Looe Key reef) and Key West’s things to do. Giving yourself time to explore each area is a great way to have a good family vacation in the Keys, especially if you have teens who you hope will engage with the family in all things.
Should We Visit Dry Tortugas National Park?
This is a good question. We love visiting Dry Tortugas National Park, but it is a big journey and takes some far-in-advance planning. It’s also very costly. Adding Dry Tortugas to your Florida Keys trip with teens may not be the hit you hope it will be. The boat ride out to Garden Key and Fort Jefferson takes a long time and the sea can be very rough. Once out there, it’s beautiful and interesting, but it’s not epically thrilling for a lot of teenagers. There are things to learn when you visit and some great potential for wildlife and snorkeling, but it will take up an entire day of your trip.
If you’ve been to the Florida Keys before, it could be very worthwhile to dedicate a day to visiting Dry Tortugas NP, but if this is your first experience, I would wait. You’ll see when you get to our itinerary at the end, we do not include a Dry Tortugas trip, but this is your vacation, so plan what you think is best for your crew!
Which Florida Keys are Best with Teens (Where to Stay)
Our standard when we are planning a family Florida Keys trip is to get to Key Largo and spend our first few nights there, but only because that’s the start of the Keys and it means the shortest drive to begin our vacation. We’ve come to learn as the kids have gotten older that it’s actually a better experience as a whole to get to Marathon and the Middle Keys first because it’s so chill and we can spend a few days getting into the swing of an active vacation. From there we spend a few nights in Key West, and then we end our trip by heading up to Islamorada or Key Largo, which finishes with a big adventure.
Marathon: Top Pick, the Faro Blanco Courtyard Marriott
In the Middle Keys you’ll have lots of resort hotel choices, but we really like the Faro Blanco Resort, and specifically the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco. Yes, there is their sister property next door, and yes, it’s wonderful to stay at too, but the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco is more centered around a teen/all ages stay than the Faro Blanco Resort. Both properties give you access to the other, including the swimming pools at each, but it’s nice to be close to the game courtyard and game room when you’re traveling with teens.
The Florida Keys have lots of snorkeling tours, but it can be tricky to snorkel from shore. At the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco, there is a cove that’s a part of the property and it has lots of good structure for underwater life, making it a snorkeling spot you’ll enjoy. When the waters are calm it’s very clear and there are lots of fish, but when it’s rough, snorkeling within the jetty is best and you’ll be able to see all kinds of beautiful nudibranchs as you explore.
We also enjoyed the restaurant onsite at the Courtyard Faro Blanco, the Blue Waters Bar & Grill. Poolside dining is a hit with kids of all ages, and as an adult who sometimes just wants to have things be easy, I can’t complain about not having to shift everyone for mealtime. The Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco really is a good place to stay with teens.
Book the Courtyard Marriott Faro Blanco here!
Note: if you are planning for a longer stay in the Middle Keys, the Hawks Cay Resort is also a good option, as they have townhouse style vacation rentals. Some families like that sort of stay for longer visits, and Hawks Cay is nice.
Key West: Best Resort Hotel with Teens – Hyatt Centric
We’ve enjoyed some wonderful hotels in Key West, but considering visiting with teenagers, the Hyatt Centric KW suits the need for fun, independence and a nice hotel best. With a central swimming pool lounge area and lots more chill space all around, it’s easy to relax here as a family and not be all in each others’ space. There are loungers out on the dock, in the sand and around the pool, and there are hammocks in the shady courtyard. Sometimes there is live music and sometimes it’s just a good beat that is pleasant but fun. The vibe is great for adults and for teenagers.
The rooms all have balconies or terraces, so whether you have multiple rooms for your family or if you’re sharing a room, you don’t end up on top of each other. I felt very comfortable letting the kids roam the hotel on their own and find their own place to hang out instead of them disappearing into technology in our room. It’s nice to have options to have time apart… together.
The real winner for our family, especially the kids, was the snorkeling right off the pool area. There are steps leading down to a nice little cove that is loaded with wildlife. We saw parrotfish, stingrays, crabs, angelfish of different sorts and more. It’s pretty incredible what lives just at the edge of the Hyatt Centric. Can you see why this is such a great hotel with teens?
Book the Hyatt Centric Key West here!
Islamorada and Key Largo Resort Picks
There are two resorts that really stand out as being great with teens in the Upper Keys. The first is the Casa Morada Resort in Islamorada. I love it here so much, and while it’s considered an adults only resort, if you have older teens, they are allowed (typically 16+). The Casa Morada feels like you’re in another world with lots of outdoor space, a private patio or deck depending on your room, and it’s another hotel with awesome snorkeling from the property. Also, they have kayaks and paddleboards available, which is always great for giving teens something to do when you’re in the Florida Keys.
Our other pick for a great place to stay with teens is in Key Largo, at Bakers Cay Resort. If you’re doing an adults-only Florida Keys trip or if you’re visiting with kids that want their alone time, Bakers Cay is a beautiful property with hammocks over the water, snorkeling, a good beach, fun swimming pools, and it’s very Instagrammable, which is something a lot of teens are hoping for.
Things to Do in the Florida Keys with Teens
Time to dig into the fun things to do in the Florida Keys with teens. Now, keep in mind that every kid has different interests, but most are still willing to try something new, especially if there’s a little twist of adventure or great photo ops. We’ve enjoyed so many trips through the Keys with our kids over the years that our recommendations for things to do really are tried and tested. Teen approved!
Key Largo and Islamorada Activities with Teens
Key Largo is where we go for a little lowkey adventure. You’ll have the chance for boat activities or some fun things to do on land. See what your teen is most interested in and then weigh it against your budget. There are cheap ways to enjoy Key Largo or you can go all in. We’ll start with the most cost-effective and up from there.
Rowell’s Waterfront Park for Seahorses and Cool Fish
I love looking for seahorses and nudibranchs with our kids. It’s like an underwater scavenger hunt, and if you have your own snorkeling gear it’s free! Rowell’s Waterfront Park in Key Largo is one of the best places to do this because it’s such a well sheltered area with calm water. Looking for the small seahorses takes patience and a trained eye, but once you see them everyone will be excited. This is a great activity with teens because it gives them a chance to show off their sharp, young eyes.
Tip: you can look for seahorses in other places too, such as Founders Park in Islamorada, usually where there are docks and rocks with some algae or vegetation growing on them. NEVER TOUCH!!!
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Beach, Kayaking and Snorkeling
Pennekamp State Park is such a good Florida Keys destination with teens. There’s space to roam and lots of things to do. For just relaxing, there are several different beaches (remember though, Florida Keys beaches are not always sugar-fine sand) that you can relax on or snorkel from. There are kayaks to rent or you can join a guided tour through the mangroves. And then there are the trips out to the reef. Tours from Pennekamp fill up usually a few days in advance, so book it when you know you’ll want to do it.
Marine Biologist-led Snorkeling at Marine Lab
Marine Lab offers one of the most unique snorkeling experiences in the Florida Keys and it’s a great thing to do with teens, especially if they’re interested in marine biology or marine sciences. Here you can actually do a snorkeling tour either in the Marine Lab lagoon or on Largo Sound with a marine biologist, learning about the creatures and ecosystem all around the Keys. This is a great way to plant a seed for a teen who isn’t sure what they want to pursue in school or just needs a little push to get into environmental sciences. It’s such a great experience for everyone!
Book marine biologist-led snorkeling at Marine Lab here!
Free Diving or Snorkeling Tours to the Reef
Now, this is where some families choose to split up for the day, depending on everyone’s experience level or interests. Snorkeling is the most popular thing to do in the Florida Keys, and it really is fantastic with teens. Doing a tour out to the reef gives kids a chance to show their skills or sense of adventure, and even though there are beginner tours that will visit the different reef snorkeling areas, there are some more advanced tours as well. From Key Largo you can explore the reefs or several shipwrecks, the latter being a more advanced trip that’s great with experienced snorkelers.
Book a 2-reef snorkel tour here!
I think the free diving / snorkeling experience with Horizon Divers is exceptional, as they are a diving company first and a snorkeling operation second. They know how to make the trips interesting and they visit some really cool sites, so if this sounds like something that would be a hit with your teens, check it out and put it on your Florida Keys itinerary.
Dolphin Encounters and Swims
You might initially be thinking that doing a dolphin swim or encounter isn’t really a teen thing, but it actually is. There’s just something about getting to be up close with a large mammal that captivates every age, and the interactions with dolphins feel very special. Feel out the interest level with your kids, because this is one of the most special things to do in the Florida Keys and really, you can’t imagine how into it and how in love everyone falls with the dolphins they meet.
We’ve done dolphin swims with both Dolphin Life Key Largo and Dolphins Plus, and they both are solid facilities. They are both research organizations, so the dolphins in captivity are serving a purpose beyond human entertainment, and you’ll learn about that as part of the experience.
Marathon and the Middle Keys with Older Kids
The Middle Keys are, I think, the most mellow part of the Florida Keys, making them a great place to spend a few days with your teenagers. The activities are more mellow, there are some beaches you can easily access, and the hotels are chill. I think Marathon and the Middle Keys are a good place to have peaceful family time that teens won’t object to.
Curry Hammock State Park for Kayaking and Beach Time
It may not seem like a large State Park, but Curry Hammock is pretty spread out and easy to enjoy, no matter the mood. We like the beach here, as it’s got nice white sand and a dune separating it from the rest of the park. There are picnic areas and a playground for younger kids. And the best part is actually the kayaking. You can bring your own or rent them here and then set off on the paddling trail. Curry Hammock State Park has a beautiful mangrove tunnel that turns into quiet bays full of wildlife. Spending a half or whole day here is one of the best things to do in the Florida Keys with teens.
Crane Point Hammock Preserve for Fish Pedicures
Hear me out: wild fish pedicures. Crane Point Hammock on Marathon is a great place to visit with kids and teens because it’s got so many different experiences. The highlight is, of course, sitting on the dock for wild fish pedicures, but there are trails, there’s kayaking and snorkeling (limited each day), and there’s a nature center. Crane Point Hammock is a very good all-ages activity and there’s nowhere else like it in the Florida Keys.
Bahia Honda State Park for Beaches and Snorkeling
Probably the most famous beaches in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda is always a hit with our kids, since they were little and now as teens. There are three different beach areas: Loggerhead Beach (the most beautiful sandbar at low tide), Calusa Beach (the best snorkeling and view of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge), and Sandspur Beach (remote and the least visited). You can have a beach day, enjoy snorkeling, rent kayaks or even do the snorkeling trip to Looe Key Reef from here. I will say, the backdrop of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge makes this spot pretty Instagrammable, which I know a lot of teens appreciate (ours does).
Marathon Mermaid Sandbar Trip
For the mellow outing that’s a hit with teens and totally doable with young kids too, the Marathon Mermaid is one of the best things to do for all ages in the Florida Keys. Think of this tour as a bit of a party boat but also just a fun water bus to one of the pretty sandbars in the Keys. The shallow waters are awesome to splash in and you can walk the sandbar for what seems like forever. There is plenty of shade onboard and lots of fun to be had by all.
Book the Marathon Mermaid here!
Sombrero Key Snorkeling with the Starfish – My FAVORITE Boat Trip
We’ve been on many boats in the Florida Keys and this one is my favorite. The Starfish Catamaran is the most fun boat trip, not just from Marathon, but in all the Keys. The reason for the fun, and it’s also the reason that I recommend this as one of the best things to do with teens, is because the boat ride out to the Sombrero Key Lighthouse is kind of wild. The Starfish Catamaran takes on the waves like a maniac, water flowing over the front and splashing you all the way out. And then the snorkeling is pretty epic too. It’s such a blast!
Book Starfish Catamaran Snorkeling here!
Key West Things to Do with Teens
Key West is a fun town in of itself, but visiting with teens is a little different. As adults, we love just walking around the neighborhoods looking at the cute, colorful houses or through the marinas admiring the boats we’ll never own. With kids, they need something a bit more engaging, so we picked the activities that our teens have enjoyed the most in Key West.
Conch Train or Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
I know it may sound cheesy, but the Conch Train or Ghosts and Gravestones tours are actually great with older kids. This is an easy way to see all around Key West and each tour offers a different spin that older kids connect with. The Conch Train tour is funny and quick-witted. The Ghosts and Gravestones tour is a little creepy and also full of jokes that are just snappy enough that teens will laugh. Both are fun options that are good with older kids.
Book the Conch Train here! Book Ghosts and Gravestones here!
Rise and Reef Snorkeling Tour (Sunset Watersports)
You can’t go wrong starting your day with snorkeling. I know, asking teenagers to wake up a little early might not fly, but the water clarity and calm that comes with being on a boat early in the day is worth it. Sunset Watersports makes the morning snorkeling trip really easy with a fun catamaran trip out to the reef off Key West, with continental breakfast onboard, and then beverages for the adults after everyone is done snorkeling. I think this is one of the best snorkeling tours in the Keys simply for the early time on the water and fun crew.
Book the Rise and Reef Snorkeling here!
Double Dip Snorkel Trip (Fury Water Adventures)
Visiting multiple sites on one snorkeling trip is pretty cool. The Double Dip Snorkeling tour from Fury Water Adventures is a more advanced tour than the usual snorkel tour you might get from Key West. Because you get to visit two different reef sites you have a lot more time in the water with slightly different terrain to explore. Our kids like the Double Dip Snorkeling because it’s fun and gives you a break between bigger swims. Us adults like it because it’s more time we get to spend doing something adventurous with our kids.
Book the Double Dip Snorkel tour here!
Speed Boat Safari Eco-Tour
Saving the most unique Key West activity for last, there’s a speed boat tour through Sunset Watersports where guests get to drive their own boat to explore the sandbars and mangrove islands around Key West. You do have to be the right age and have a boaters safety course completed to drive (adults born 1987 and earlier don’t need the course), but whether you’re the driver or the passenger, zipping through the turquoise waters of Key West is awesome and unlike any other activity you can do in the Florida Keys. This was a big hit with our kids.
Book the Speed Boat Safari here!
Florida Keys with Teens Itinerary
Here’s an easy to work with itinerary for spending a week enjoying the Florida Keys with teens. It includes many of the suggestions above and can be adjusted to suit the interests of everyone you’re traveling with.
Start in the Middle Keys / Marathon
We like to begin in Marathon and the Middle Keys because it’s more quiet and you’ll have the chance to mentally relax before jumping into the adventures on the water.
Day 1 – drive to Marathon and check into your resort hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing around the pool or snorkeling from shore. Keep today simple and mellow to get into the Florida Keys vibe. Let your teens settle into vacation mode.
Sleep in: Marathon or the Middle Keys
Day 2 – Explore Marathon and the Middle Keys with a visit to Crane Point Hammock, Curry Hammock State Park, or Bahia Honda State Park. Mix in some downtime at your resort.
Sleep in: Marathon or the Middle Keys
Day 3 – Before you depart Marathon, do the morning Starfish Snorkeling Catamaran or the Marathon Mermaid Sandbar trip. Either will end around lunch, and then you can head to Key West. Get acquainted with your Key West hotel and maybe enjoy the Ghosts and Gravestones tour tonight.
Sleep in: Key West
Exploring Key West
Day 4 – This is a good day to have some time apart if that’s what your family likes. Adults can visit the Hemingway Home and Key West Lighthouse, or everyone may enjoy the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum (lots of treasure!). The Key West Butterfly Conservatory is also an all-ages hit. Do an evening snorkel tour, such as the Fury Double Dip Snorkel trip, and wrap up with a light dinner.
Sleep in: Key West
Day 5 – Today is a great day to walk around Key West or do the Conch Train tour. Enjoy some more downtime at your hotel, and if you’re feeling up for it, do another snorkeling tour or the speed boat safari.
Sleep in: Key West
Islamorada and Key Largo
Day 6 – If you aren’t planning on snorkeling when you get up to Key Largo, fit in a morning Rise and Reef Snorkel before you leave Key West. You’ll be glad you did. When you drive north to Islamorada, watch for Key Deer on Big Pine Key and make stops at some of the roadside attractions that catch your eye. Settle into your Islamorada or Key Largo resort or hotel, ready for a big day tomorrow.
Sleep in: Islamorada or Key Largo
Day 7 – Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for a morning trip out to Molasses Reef and snorkeling at Christ of the Abyss. In the afternoon, do a self-guided snorkel on the bayside of Key Largo at your hotel or Rowell’s Waterfront Park to find seahorses.
Sleep in: Islamorada or Key Largo
Day 8 – Today you leave the Florida Keys, but not before doing either a dolphin swim or one find snorkeling tour that suits your group. You can do a big finale of visiting a shipwreck or do the marine biologist-led snorkel with Marine Lab. You choose. When you’re done, hit the Overseas Highway and say farewell, but not goodbye to the Florida Keys.
I hope you’re excited to plan your family Florida Keys adventure. You’ll see that there are tons of things to do with teens and that it’s a really fun destination for all ages. If you have any questions about logistics or planning your trip, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great vacation together!
PS: Did you know we also have a dedicated Florida Keys website? Be sure to check out TheKeysExplored.com!
