The Florida Keys are such a special place to visit with kids, and we’ve taken countless trips to explore and enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters. We never run out of things to do and the kids are always trying new activities and becoming more and more brave with their snorkeling as they get older. There’s more to the Florida Keys with kids than just planning a whole itinerary around their interests, because a visit here is something that’s fun for every age. There’s even a National Park in the Keys!
If you haven’t been with the family before, you’ll find that planning the Florida Keys with kids is an easy adventure and is pretty unforgettable. We’ve got lots of great tips for unique and free things to do, where to spend your time (lots of Keys to choose from) and how to keep everyone happy (including the luxury traveler in your group). Please let us know if you have any questions about planning this sort of vacation or need more recommendations for fun things to do in the Florida Keys with kids. Just leave a comment or send us a note and we’ll be sure to share more!
25 Things to Do in Florida Keys With Kids: The Best Family Activities
As you’re considering how you would like a trip to the Florida Keys with kids to go, keep in mind that not every island is created equal and not all Keys offer the same sorts of things to do. We’ve found through many trips that we spend a lot of our time out on the water, but that’s not how everyone travels. In the Florida Keys most activities do include boat trips and tours though, as most things to do with kids or without happen out in the shallows and sandbars.
It’s important to remember to keep your plans flexible, both as you’re booking your vacation in the Florida Keys and once you get here. Between weather and how kids’ energy and attitudes shift, you may need to rearrange some of the activities you have planned, or maybe you’ll fall in love with one particular Key and want to stay there an extra day. The Keys are so different and as you explore you’ll see just how each is a little magical and beautiful in a unique way.
Where Are The Florida Keys
Located south of Miami and the Everglades, the Florida Keys are an island chain stretching 113 miles to the west into the Gulf of Mexico. Starting from Florida City, the Overseas Highway crosses 43 keys via 42 bridges from Key Largo to Key West. If it’s your first time visiting with kids, you’ll likely be looking forward to the beaches the moment you start your Florida Keys road trip. Here’s the thing though: the Keys are NOT a beach destination. Sure, you’ll get the chance to stop off at different beaches but they are not what you’ll find in Naples or Miami. You’ll have plenty of time to be in the water, just not as you might expect.
Heading through the Keys, you’ll come through quite a few towns and “villages,” like the “Village of Islamorada.” Some of them have easy to visit central areas and others are more spread out with interesting places to stop. I feel like a lot of people visiting for their first time have a completely different vision of what they’re going to see driving through after they leave Miami than what the Keys actually are, but that doesn’t make them any less fun or beautiful, just different.
Are The Florida Keys Worth Visiting With Kids
As somebody who’s been to the Florida Keys with his kids many times, I can say that it is and continues to be a wonderful destination for our traveling family. There are definitely things to do and places you might stay that aren’t great or meant for kids (I love an adults-only Florida Keys trip), but then there are some wonderful activities and resorts designed to be engaging for young travelers. What we’ve found is that as long as kids feel safe and included, they are ready for most of the kid-friendly things to do in the Keys. For example, if you don’t normally swim in the open water or snorkel with your family, the kids may not seem like a welcoming destination, but the truth is that the calm water and shallows are amazing for introducing kids to this sort of environment.
Also, there are resorts that are very considerate of kids and how they travel. There’s something to be said about being in a tropical environment that is both amazing and difficult for people who aren’t used to it. We live in FL, so visiting the Florida Keys is just a different version of home. For others who don’t live in the heat, you’ll need to stay somewhere that’s good for kids even in the most intense hot days, and the Florida Keys are good for that. There are plenty of resorts with activities on site that don’t require kids to be in the hot humid sun. The heat and humidity is a big concern for a lot of visitors, so don’t worry if that’s you too. It’s normal.
Are The Florida Keys Family Friendly
Although us adults may enjoy our free-diving days and cocktail bars at night, the Florida Keys are still very family friendly. We’ve found that even the most hardcore diving boats we’ve been on are great for families, with different activities and dive options allowing all skill levels to enjoy being out on the water while the diving travelers get to enjoy their time underwater. There are family friendly activities on land and at sea that accommodate all interests and skill levels (snorkeling/diving). Because the Keys get such a range of visitors, many tour operators and hotels are ready and willing to change things up to accommodate families or more novice Florida travelers.
Which Florida Key Is Best For Families
So when you’re planning a Florida Keys trip with kids, where do you stay? I like to split our time between two or three destinations depending on how long we have for our visit. Ideally we’ll spend a couple of days at the start of the Keys in Key Largo, and then have a few days in Key West being really active and then wrap up our time with a couple of days in Marathon or Islamorada. You have to choose where you want to spend your time and what’s most important to you.
Key Largo for Snorkeling and Nature
Key Largo is the locals’ way to enjoy the Florida Keys with kids. We like to arrive at the first of the Keys, check into our resort or hotel, grab our favorite bite and then relax. Key Largo is great because it’s got some fun activities and is the launch point for snorkeling the Molasses Reef and John Pennekamp State Park. Key Largo is also the easiest of the Florida Keys destinations because it’s so close to Miami and the Everglades that you can add time here and enjoy the vibe and experiences of the Keys without driving a few more hours to Key West.
Islamorada for Calm Waters and Family Resorts
If you’re doing the Florida Keys with kids, you likely want to have a few days somewhere with nice, calm waters and some good options for family resorts. Islamorada is a great choice since it has such great sandbars on both sides of the islands and it’s very easy to either rent a boat yourself or join different tours that are family friendly. Because Islamorada covers several different keys you’ve got a lot of options for accommodations and quiet passages for kayaking or just being out on the water.
Marathon for Beaches and Attractions
We love staying on Marathon when we visit the Florida Keys for a stay-put vacation. While it doesn’t have some of the restaurants or historic sites like you’ll find in Key West, Marathon is a treasure trove of state parks and water access points. Sombrero Beach and Curry Hammock State Park are both beach spots that are kid-friendly and easy to access without needing a sandbar tour to get there. Also, attractions like the Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital and Crane Point Hammock offer great things to do with kids (or just adults). Marathon is wonderful to plan your family vacation to.
Is Key West Good with Kids?
Yes! Key West with kids is awesome! I know that Key West has a reputation for Fantasy Fest, the Hemingways and Pride celebrations, but none of that impacts the town as being a good family destination. When we stay in Key West we’re usually pretty busy because there are so many museums and water activities. Some of our favorite snorkeling and wildlife tours go out of Key West, which means we tend to stay busy. Having said that, we’ve gotten to enjoy so many trips here that we can now roll into town and just enjoy the vibes and visit our favorite spots.
What To Do In Florida Keys With Kids
We’ve split up our picks for what to do in the Florida Keys with kids by the style of travel, so whether you’re looking for the budget travel options or you want to have the most fun possible no matter the price tag, we’ve got you covered. And keep in mind that every family and every kid is different, so even if something doesn’t sound like your bucket list Florida Keys experience, it may be amazing for somebody in your travel group.
Unique Things to Do in the Florida Keys
I think we all know that the Florida Keys are not your normal Florida vacation because they’re such an unusual collection of island destinations. And with such a different sort of place you get some wonderfully unique things to do, and with kids this can make the Florida Keys magical. It’s why our family keeps returning.
Glass Bottom Boat in John Pennekamp State Park
It may sound cheesy but the glass bottom boat tours from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park are awesome. They get you out on the water and are affordable AND you get to cruise around slowly exploring the incredible underwater world of the reef. Seeing sea turtles and rays, tropical fish and a whole other side of the Keys is unforgettable. This is a great activity with kids and can fit with most budgets.
Book a Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Tour here!
Crane Point Hammock Fish Pedicures
Kids and adults will love visiting the Crane Point Hammock on Marathon. It’s one part marine science museum and one part nature park. It’s full of trails through the hardwood hammock forest, across tidal marsh, and out to the water. There are historic sites and even kayaking and snorkeling available. We saw a huge school of parrot fish and a shark just from the shore. The really unique thing to do at Crane Point Hammock is the fish pedicure though. Dangling your feet while small fish come and kiss your toes is unique and a fun experience with kids.
Dry Tortugas National Park Day Trip
The first time we visited Dry Tortugas National Park we knew it was special. This is one of the most unique National Parks to visit, and is a bucket list thing to do both for Florida Keys visitors and National Park lovers alike. This is a big-ticket activity though, so you’ll need to both budget and plan far in advance for it. To get to Dry Tortugas National Park you either need to take the 90 minute catamaran ferry out to the islands from Key West or fly on a seaplane. The seaplane is significantly more expensive but the views are incredible and it’s, without a doubt, one of the most unique things to do in the Florida Keys.
Visit the Truman Little Whitehouse and Neighborhood
You might not think of visiting the Truman Little Whitehouse, and maybe hadn’t even heard of it until now, but this is a great, unique activity while you’re in Key West. So many museums and homes you can tour with kids date back to the early 1900s or before. It’s rare to visit a historic site that’s a snapshot in time of history that’s very recent. The Truman Little Whitehouse is just like it was in the 1940s and 50s and it makes history seem much more recent and relatable for kids. It’s not exciting, but it’s very unique and interesting. Read some reviews here!
Free Things to Do in Florida Keys
I don’t think I need to tell you that the Florida Keys are an expensive destination, with or without kids, so finding fun free things to do is a great way to make it a more family friendly trip. We’ve picked some of our favorite free activities in the Keys that are easy to add to your travel plan when you come down here.
Ocean Murals Through the Florida Keys
Something cool to do and totally free as you’re driving the Overseas Highway is to stop and enjoy the many murals. One of the best free things to do with kids in the Florida Keys, the murals make for great photo ops which become wonderful souvenirs. From the Wyland and Guy Harvey murals that cover entire buildings to the smaller murals on the sides of small businesses, there is so much wonderful public art in the Florida Keys to enjoy along the way.
Walk the Key West Historic District
While there are tons of great things to do with kids in Key West, it’s free to walk the historic district of the town and enjoy the sights. The houses are colorful and cool, the gardens are overgrown and awesome, and there are lots of unique sections of the neighborhood. Walking through Key West’s historic district takes you from the Seaport to the Southernmost Point. You can see the Key West Lighthouse, walk through the all above-ground cemetery, stop and get snacks and ice cream… It’s a great way to enjoy the vibe of Key West and doesn’t have to cost you a thing.
Beach Stops and Tide Pools in the Lower Keys
We all know that the Florida Keys are not really a beach destination, but there are some beaches that you can visit that will get you that fix. When you’re doing the Florida Keys with kids you need these free, wild activities to let the kiddos release some energy and cool off. Sombrero Beach, Coco Plum Beach, Bahia Honda State Park and more all have good beach areas to visit. Also, on the south end of the Bahia Honda Bridge is the pull-off for the Old Flagler Railroad Bridge, which is both a cool sight to see AND it’s got amazing tide pools full of fish.
Visit the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key
When you’re looking for free things to do in the Florida Keys, you’ll see that many of them are focused on nature, and rightly so. One of the more unique (and free) things to do is to visit the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key. This is part of the National Key Deer Refuge and is actually great for wildlife watching. The Blue Hole is an old quarry pit that filled with fresh water… and then somebody released some alligators into it. Yes! You can see alligators in the Florida Keys! There are also lots of unique birds here, big fish, and of course, Key Deer all around the Blue Hole. It’s great with kids!
Resort Amenities: Biking and Kayaking through your Stay
Y’all, take advantage of the resort amenities available to you when you’re in the Florida Keys. One of our favorite resorts, the Blue Flamingo Key West, has so many amenities on site that it’s easy to keep the kids entertained and have a great, relaxed visit. Another favorite, the Casa Morada on Islamorada, has free kayaks and SUPs for paddling all around and seeing wildlife. Other hotels we’ve enjoyed have free bikes for guests, evening wine hour, outdoor movies and much more. When you’re visiting the Florida Keys with kids, take advantage of the things that you’ve already paid for.
Cheap Things to Do in Florida Keys
Yes, I’m always down for saving money by choosing something fun and cheap over expensive and just as fun. You can ABSOLUTELY do the Florida Keys with kids and not break the bank daily, and they’ll love it.
Kayak Rentals at Pennekamp or Curry Hammock State Parks
Florida State Parks are awesome and the Keys have some great ones. Both John Pennekamp and Curry Hammock State Parks offer kayak rentals and tours for a good price. These spots are ideal for new paddlers or if you’re kayaking with kids because they’re calm, protected, and have lots of wildlife to see. Bahia Honda State Park also offers kayak rentals, but the waters there are a little more complex, so for a cheap thing to do that you’ll all love, kayak at the other two state parks.
Rent Bikes in Key West to Ride the Seawall to Southernmost Point
We tend to travel with our own bikes, but if you don’t have them with you there are cheap bike rentals in Key West and it’s a good spot for biking with kids. One of the best areas to ride bikes is the Jimmy Buffet Memorial Highway, and specifically the stretch from Roosevelt Blvd to Smathers Beach. You can enjoy the views, go swimming, and then continue riding bikes to the Southernmost Point and eventually Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. It’s a blast and it’s a great cheap thing to do with kids.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park for Beaches and Bunkers
Yes, you can ride bikes into Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and on a busy day that is the way to go. You can also walk or drive in, and it’s not expensive. This is a fun place to visit with kids because it’s both a beautiful beach full of picnic spots and there’s a big Civil War Era fort to explore. There are exhibits and iguanas and so much more. You can’t go wrong spending half a day here.
Most Fun Things to Do in Florida Keys
Not all fun is created equal, and depending on the age of your kids you may not be up for our top picks. Having teens/preteens, what our family considers the most fun things to do with kids in the Florida Keys are pretty adventurous in some people’s eyes.
Snorkeling Tour to Sombrero Reef
Anyone can ask me and I will always say that this is my favorite snorkeling tour in the Florida Keys and it’s a great adventure with kids. Sombrero Reef is off the coast of Marathon and it’s gorgeous, but it’s the journey getting out there that is half the fun. The Starfish Catamaran is an unsuspecting boat that leaves from Marathon and tackles the oncoming waves with bravery and speed. You get just as wet on the ride to the reef as you do snorkeling in the water. We love it and it’s the most fun tour in the Florida Keys.
Free-diving or Open Water Snorkeling off Key Largo
Whether you’re a snorkeler or diver (free or scuba) the reefs, banks and shipwrecks off of Key Largo are really cool to explore. Companies like Horizon Divers take mixed groups out to several sites where you can snorkel or free dive from the same boat as scuba divers. If you are bold and skilled for open water, this is a fun and unique way to enjoy the wildlife off Key Largo.
Parasailing with Kids in the Florida Keys
A more tame activity, parasailing is one of the most fun things to do with kids in the Florida Keys. There are a few places you can go parasailing, but our favorite is out of Key West. The views are beautiful and there are a few options for guides that do it. This is a great family friendly activity if you have a group of mixed ages, as young as seven, I would say. We love parasailing in the Keys.
Luxury Things to Do in Florida Keys
We don’t all get to enjoy luxury trips through the Florida Keys, especially if we’re traveling with kids, but if you have the time and the budget, there are some wonderful ways to enjoy the luxe side of the island chain.
Responsible Dolphin Encounters in the Keys
I’ve always been very cautious with tourist activities that involve dolphins, and for good reason, but there are some caring, responsible options to be able to meet and interact with dolphins in the Florida Keys. This can be a very relaxed and bespoke activity (that’s why I’m calling it luxury) and it also falls at the higher end of the budget. Dolphin Life Key Largo was a truly unique experience for our family and it was absolutely special for the kids. An afternoon of hanging out with dolphins, both in and out of the water, was unlike anything else we’ve gotten to do in our travels as a family. 10 out of 10 stars from us.
Book this dolphin experience here!
Family Down-time and Spa Day
When you’re in the Florida Keys with kids, you can absolutely squirrel away for a spa day. I know it sounds not very family friendly, but it is. If you’ve got another adult or if you have a kiddo that enjoys the quiet luxury of a spa, plan an afternoon escape for some pampering. Throughout the Keys there are lots of options, but I really like the Ocean Spa at the Faro Blanco Resort on Marathon. You can just get a day pass and enjoy the amenities or you can book treatments. Do what you want to make it a special spa day for your trip.
Private Sandbar Charter
Doing a private sandbar charter in the Florida Keys is both an absolutely luxury activity and can be a wonderful budget hack. We’ve enjoyed some excellent adventures with different captains, and both Island to Island Charters and Lazy Dog Adventures in Key West really make a day out on the water special. You can tell the captain what sort of trip your group wants and they make it happen. And if there are quite a few of you, this can be the same price or cheaper than booking everyone to be a part of a larger sandbar tour.
Sailing / Kayaking Combo Tour with Danger Charters
Of all the things to do with kids in the Florida Keys, going out on the sailing ship with Danger Charters is one of the most special and memorable. A masted sailboat departing from Key West, Danger Charters feels like a vintage adventure out into the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. Sailing and kayaking with wildlife and sipping wine when you’re done: it’s perfect for anyone that wants a little luxury mixed with adventure.
Cool Things to Do in Florida Keys
There are lots of cool things to do in the Florida Keys with kids, but only some that are uniquely the Keys. Sure, you can see butterflies anywhere and every small town is haunted, but they don’t hold the cool quirkiness that you get with visiting the Florida Keys.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Like I said, this is different from other butterfly experiences you find. We love visiting the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory for the beautiful butterflies and cool gardens, but the show stopper really are the flamingos. Where else can you wander off the street and happen into a magical conservatory with giant pink birds screaming at you while blue morpho butterflies land on your head? It’s way cooler than you might think. Read reviews here!
Ghost Tours in Key West
Whether you’re jumping on a nighttime walking tour or riding the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour trolley, Key West has some of the weirdest ghost stories. Seriously, I don’t like creepy stuff but my family loves dark humor and ridiculousness and that’s just what you’ll find with a ghost tour in Key West. And they’re mostly family friendly, so it’s a fun addition to your trip.
Book Ghosts and Gravestones here!
Jet Ski Tours in Islamorada or Key West
Some people love speed and others not so much. Jet ski tours and rentals can be fun if you like being on the water and going fast. Islamorada and Key West both have plenty of options for both tours and jet ski rentals (wave runners), and while this may not seem like something that’s great with kids, if you have brave kiddos and they’re up for a new experience, the Florida Keys is a great place to be introduced to jet skis.
Walking Tour in Key West
If you’ve never done a guided walking tour before, Key West is a great place to try it. Whether you’re interested in doing a historic, food or literary themed walking tour, there are quite a few choices when you’re here. Not every walking tour is kid-friendly, but most are and often the guide will tailor their stories to their group, making sure everyone is enjoying themselves and learning something.
Looking for Hemingway in the Keys
I’ll be honest, kids may not be too into this, but as a book lover I think finding all things Ernest Hemingway in the Florida Keys is awesome. From visiting the Hemingway Home in Key West to boarding his boat, the Pilar at Worldwide Sportsman in Islamorada… or even staying in Hemingway theme accommodations, there are lots of ways to seek out his history and impact on the Florida Keys. Read reviews of Hemingway House here!
Non Touristy Things to Do in Florida Keys
Everyone wants to visit a place and not look or feel like a tourist, and that can be hard to do in the Florida Keys, but it is possible! One of the best ways to enjoy non-touristy things is to just pretend like you live in the Keys and go about your day like you would on a day off at home. So what would you do?
Thrift Stores and Book Shops in Key West
This might sound weird to some people, but a great, non-touristy thing to do in Key West is to walk about visiting the vintage stores and bookshops throughout town. There are some really good stores that have cool Florida Keys garb, art and local authors. Did you know that Judy Blume, author of every kid’s favorite YA book Superfudge (or just mine), founded a bookstore here in Key West? Books & Books is a must stop when you’re walking around the historic district on the way to the Southernmost Point, and you might even stumble into an author event!
Cooking Classes in Key West
Maybe it’s because we live in a tourist town ourselves, but cooking classes are a great way to immerse yourself in the local food scene, and in Key West specifically you have several options, in particular for learning about Key Lime Pie or Caribbean cuisine. While this may seem touristy, it’s not really. Learning a cooking skill is a universal joy and a great way to expand your horizons on vacation. You can also take cocktail classes, so there are options.
Book a Key West cooking demonstration here!
Pier Fishing Throughout the Keys
Sometimes we travel with our own fishing gear and sometimes we don’t, and in the Florida Keys either way is fine to roll. There are lots of fishing gear rental shops from Key Largo to Key West, and as long as you have the gear and the appropriate Florida State Fishing License, you can find yourself a pier or a stretch of the old Overseas Highway to fish from. There are also spots where you can fish from the shore, but wherever you’re casting, be sure you’re following the fishing regulations of that area and the Florida Keys in general.
Visit the Bass Pro Shop Worldwide Sportsman
I mentioned visiting the Worldwide Sportsman to see Ernest Hemingway’s boat, the Pilar, but there’s more to this unique Bass Pro Shop location than this. This is a spot where the locals grab lunch on the water. You can get your outdoor gear refreshed and then go feed the tarpon at the dock. It’s a nice stop to break up the drive through the Keys and kids will love it!
Clearly there are tons of great things to do with kids in the Florida Keys, and it’s an unforgettable destination for a family vacation or even just exploring on your own. If you have any other questions or need some more specific recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note so we can help YOU plan an awesome Florida Keys adventure!
