Visiting the Florida Keys with kids? From riding the Conch Tour Train and seeing the butterflies in Key West, to learning about turtle conservation at the Turtle Hospital, this guide has all you need to know!
Our road trip through the Florida Keys marked my seventh trip to Florida. It’s a state I know pretty well now. I’ve walked the Art Deco streets of Miami, been swimming with manatees in Crystal River, spotted street art in Stuart, lived the island life in Sanibel and watched rockets launch from the Kennedy Space Center. Oh, and of course I’ve ridden a fair few rollercoasters at Orlando’s theme parks too!
Florida is a destination that just screams ‘holiday’! Bright blue skies, endless days of sunshine and bright turquoise waters you want to dive straight into. When we started planning a road trip through the Florida Keys, I was giddy with excitement!
Yes, I’ve explored a lot of the state, but this was one region that had been on my bucket list for years. I was fascinated by the long highways stretching across bridges and connecting tiny islands. I had dreams of visiting Key West to see Hemingway’s home and taste an authentic Key lime pie. Plus, this time, I had an intrepid explorer in tow – our 16-month-old toddler Cooper.
He’s been on adventures all over the world with us already, but I had a feeling he was going to love this one more than most. I wasn’t wrong! Daily swims, a chance to see wildlife up close and a range of kid-friendly activities makes the Florida Keys perfect for families.
If you’re visiting the Florida Keys with kids (from babies to teens), this guide is packed full of activities, recommendations for where to stay, and a few tips to make your holiday hassle free.
Plus, if you’re looking for some great dining options, don’t miss my Florida Keys restaurant guide.
When To Visit The Florida Keys
One quick note on when to plan your trip for. While many choose to visit this region of Florida between November and April, when temperatures are moderate, it can get really busy. This is particularly true around the Christmas holidays.
We travelled in late July and found this to be a great option too. Not only does this fall within the school holiday period, but we found places weren’t overrun with tourists and prices were a little lower than in peak season.
Top Things To Do In The Florida Keys For Families
Conch Tour Train, Key West
What better way to familiarise yourself with a new destination than with a fun tour? The Conch Tour Train is a road train that takes you around the streets of Key West. While on board there’s an engaging commentary, with fun anecdotes about the landmarks you pass. Most kids love transport, and we definitely saw our toddler’s eyes light up as he saw the train!
One of the best things about the train is that you can buy tickets and then hop-on and hop-off throughout the day. This means you can also use it as transport to save your tired legs if you want to do some exploring too.
We were deciding between the Conch Tour Train and the Old Town Trolley. The trolley has a lot more stops (and goes out of the central zone), and is really handy if you want to use it as hop-on-hop-off transport for the day. However, I’d say the train is more engaging for little ones.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
If you have kids of any age, they will love visiting Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. To be honest, it’s amazing for adults too! There are hundreds of butterflies flying through the glass-domed conservatory, with more than 50 varieties to spot. Co-habiting with them are a range of brightly-coloured tropical birds, two vibrant flamingos and a turtle.
We loved walking through the conservatory, stopping to look at the colourful butterflies or to admire a red canary or bright blue cordon-bleu finch. It was so magical seeing our toddler in awe of the butterflies. There was so much for him to see on his level. Plus, with ‘butterfly’ a recent addition to his vocabulary (sounds more like buffly!) we loved watching him chase after them!
As a little tip, if you spot that it’s likely to rain when you’re in Key West, this is an ideal indoor activity.
Enjoy the resorts
If you’re visiting the Florida Keys with kids, I’d recommend factoring in some resort time. Most hotels have swimming pools, which are great places for children to splash around and have some fun.
Many resorts, such as La Siesta in Islamorada, have kayaks and paddleboards available free of charge for guests. You could hire a two-man kayak and take your little one out to see the reef and mangroves. You might even spot turtles!
Despite being just 16-months on this trip, our son loved being in the swimming pool. On his first day, he was a little apprehensive. But by day two, he launched himself in, splashing, playing and smiling!
As a little tip, you might want to pack a few toys that work both in your hotel room, at bath time and on the beach. For little kids, stackable cups, buckets, spades and balls are ideal.
Visit the Turtle Hospital, Marathon
Florida has a varied range of marine experiences on offer, and without going into it too much, I’d say some don’t have the creatures’ best interests at heart. Research, research, research. Try to visit animals in their natural habitats, and whatever you do, don’t support dolphinariums. Even on this trip I was disappointed to see options to swim with dolphins and touch stingrays.
However, there are some amazing ethically-minded options for wildlife lovers visiting the Florida Keys. The Turtle Hospital in Marathon would be one of my top picks. Here, volunteers and turtle specialists rescue injured turtles, then provide medical care and rehabilitation. The eventual aim is to release the turtles (which has worked several times), although some may be too poorly to live normal lives.
A visit to the Turtle Hospital starts with an educational talk. We learned about the different turtles in Florida, how they get injured and man’s influence on their lives. After seeing the operating room, we then visited the outdoor pools to see the injured turtles.
I found it heartbreaking at times, especially when I saw how boats, jet skis and rubbish had such a huge impact on these amazing creatures. Towards the end of the tour there was a chance to drop some turtle food into one of the large pools. Our son loved doing this, seeing the hungry turtles visit for a feed!
If you’re visiting the Florida Keys with kids, a trip to the Turtle Hospital is a great activity to book. I’d say it’s better for children 5 and up, who will have more of an attention span for the tour! However, our toddler loved seeing the turtles, as did we!
Go on a Transparensea Glass Bottom Boat Tour, Islamorada
We boarded the Transparensea at Robbie’s of Islamorada – a colourful spot with restaurants, gift stores and tour operators. Our two-hour tour on the 46-foot glass bottom boat would take us to several locations on the reef, ideal for spotting colourful sea creatures. Plus, we would stop close to the famous Alligator Reef Lighthouse for some iconic Florida Keys photos.
The unique windows in the bottom of the boat allow you to see the sea bed with ease. Considering it’s so shallow in this area, you have a great view! We spotted shoals of tropical fish, interesting types of coral, and even a turtle. The water was the most amazing bright turquoise, especially once we arrived at the lighthouse.
Kids will love looking through the glass, trying to spot creatures below. Even for our toddler, this was a fun activity and a great way to experience some local sea-life in its habitat.
As a unique option, you can also book a night tour on the Transparensea. Early evening is when a lot of marine life is most active. The boat has an illuminated base so you can see what’s happening once night falls!
Relax at Bahia Honda State Park
One of my favourite stops on our Florida Keys road trip was Bahia Honda State Park. This little corner of paradise is located just after the Seven Mile Bridge as you travel towards Key West.
So, what makes it so special? It’s home to the old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, a derelict bridge that had two sections removed to deter intrepid climbers! It’s bizarre seeing a bridge to nowhere, but definitely one to snap a photo of.
The state park is home to beautiful beaches with bright white sand, shallow turquoise water and some of the best snorkelling in the region. Many rate these as some of the best beaches in the USA. Lots of people spend a whole afternoon or day here, but we just stopped by for an hour on our road trip. We had a lovely dip in the water and explored the trails to the bridge.
It’s a great family activity in the Florida Keys. Kids of all ages will love swimming here, and with such shallow water, it’s safe too.
Explore Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
If the fast-pace of Key West has left you craving some peace and quiet, I’d recommend a trip to Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. This picturesque garden is home to native flora and fauna from Florida and has deep roots in plant conservation.
It was lovely to meet executive director Misha, who was passionate not only about the habitat, but also of protecting the region for future generations.
While a visit to some gardens might not sound like something that kids will appreciate, there’s a great playground with a climbing frame, swings and musical games. Our son also enjoyed spotting colourful butterflies, green lizards and wild birds!
See The Tarpon in Islamorada
Continuing the wildlife theme, if you’re looking for free things to do in the Florida Keys with kids, how about showing them the hungry tarpon. Head to Robbies in Islamorada and you’ll see lots of these huge fish circling around the docks. You can buy tarpon food too – just be warned, they really jump out of the water to get to that food!
We saw lots of excited kids watching the fish and pelicans here. It’s pretty fascinating watching the huge tarpon eat too! They look ferocious, but I soon found out that they don’t have proper teeth, so they’re not going to chomp down on you in a hurry!
Visit Key West Shipwreck Museum
For slightly older kids, I’d recommend a trip to the Key West Shipwreck Museum. From rum-running, pirates and sunken treasure, to stories of amazing heroes, this is a museum filled with fascinating tales. On your way around, you’ll encounter a few live actors too, who really bring the old tales to life.
As a fun addition, you can climb the outdoor tower of the museum for one of the best views over Key West.
Enjoy lots of beach time
One of the best things to do in the Florida Keys for families is to spend a day on the beach. While I’d say the beaches in the Florida Keys are stunning… did you know that some of them aren’t real! Many are man-made and feature imported sand. This is because the Florida Keys are coral islands, so their coastline is typically rocky rather than sandy.
However, don’t let this put you off, because natural or not, the beaches are one of the best things about the Florida Keys! The crystal-clear shallow water makes them pretty safe for little ones too (obviously with adult supervision).
One of my favourites from this trip was Calusa Beach, which is within Bahia Honda State Park. There are shady palm trees, natural sand and calm waters. It’s paradise! No wonder it’s been voted as one of the best beaches in the whole of the USA!
If you’re staying in Key West, I’d recommend a trip to Smathers Beach. It’s popular for a reason! Alternatively, Sombrero Beach is a great pick if you’re looking for a beach in the Marathon area.
Don’t forget to pack or buy a few toys for your kids to play with on the beach.
Try Key Lime Pie
Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory was one of our first stops in the Florida Keys. We thought this was a stop for us parents to refuel. After all, a sugary treat always helps us get through a day with an energetic toddler!
However, our son had other ideas. We chose a slice of Key lime pie topped with meringue, sat down in the Serenity Garden and had our first tastes of the deliciously zingy dessert. No sooner had the fork left my mouth, my son was pointing for a sample. One little taste and he was hooked. “More, more, more” he said as he pointed at the pie!
Obviously, we limited his intake / worked through it quickly so he didn’t have a chance to devour the whole thing! But, kids will be kids, and I can guarantee they will fall in love with this tasty pie. You’ll see it on menus across Florida, but its origins are in the Keys.
For an extra special treat, don’t miss the chocolate covered Key lime pie on a stick (like an ice cream) at Kermit’s in Key West. I’d recommend sharing one as they’re pretty rich!
Which is the best Florida Key for families?
Hopefully my guide to visiting the Florida Keys with kids is helping you plot out your itinerary. One question that has been asked a lot is “which is the best Florida Key for families?” Well, it’s a tough one to answer as they all offer something different! However, if you’re looking to base yourself in one, here’s a quick rundown on what makes each special.
My personal opinion? Choose two places, perhaps Islamorada and Key West, so you can enjoy a bit of everything the Florida Keys has to offer!
Key Largo
Around 1 hour 20 by car from Miami Airport, this is the most convenient area to reach. It’s got great marine life, calm waters and plenty of resorts. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is popular with families who are looking to relax on the beach, see wildlife, swim or snorkel.
Islamorada
Compared to the likes of Key West, Islamorada has a quieter, more laid-back vibe, making it easier for families with young children to relax.
If you’re looking for public beaches, I’d recommend stopping by Anne’s Beach, which has calm waters ideal for small children to splash around safely. Founders Park is another spot in the area with plenty of activities for families.
Marathon
Marathon is centrally located in the Keys, making it an ideal base for day trips all over the region. It’s known for beautiful beaches and a wide array of family-friendly attractions. I’d recommend visiting the Turtle Hospital and Sombrero Beach if you stay around here.
Key West
While many think of Key West as an adult’s playground, there are more family activities in the southernmost point in mainland USA, than in any of the other Keys! Our toddler seemed to really enjoy this area.
Kid-friendly activities include the Conch Tour Train, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, Florida Keys Aquarium and the Key West Shipwreck Museum.
Plus, there are plenty of options for water activities, including boat tours, snorkelling and beach time. The downside is that it’s the furthest area in the Keys to reach, with a driving time from Miami Airport around 3 hours 20. Also, you may find prices a little higher in Key West, as it’s so popular.
Family-friendly Resorts In The Florida Keys
To help you with your planning, I wanted to share the resorts we booked for our trip, and what makes them suitable for a family holiday in the Florida Keys.
La Siesta Resort and Villas
With a lovely lagoon-style pool, colourful beachfront villas, a range of beach games, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, La Siesta is one of the most family-friendly resorts in the Florida Keys. We stayed in a yellow duplex villa right on the beach, and I have to say, waking up to that view was absolutely magical.
On our first day in paradise, our toddler was our alarm clock. Jet-lagged and sleepy, we all staggered out onto the sand and watched the golden sunrise over the dock. It was spectacular… and we quickly forgave him for the early wake up! One of these villas is ideal for a family as it has a dining table, microwave and fridge, so you can rustle up some basic meals.
The lagoon-shaped swimming pool has a beach-style section, gradually getting deeper. This was great for our little one, as he had an area he could play safely. There were plenty of toys and floats to use too.
We loved that we could take him out in a kayak here at La Siesta. They had a range of life jackets, suitable for babies to adults.
This was my favourite place we stayed in the Florida Keys. It was peaceful, had character and charm, and was small enough that it never felt busy.
Oceans Edge Resort & Marina, Key West
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel in Key West, Ocean’s Edge is a great option. There are six swimming pools lining the edge of the marina. We liked that there were steps in, so little kids can perch on the edge and play, without going in deep water.
There are a range of poolside games, such as cornhole and giant chess. You can also rent bikes, kayaks and paddleboards for free. The rooms were large and comfortable, and the hotel provided us with a pack-and-play cot.
Oceans Edge isn’t in the city centre, which has its pros and cons. Obviously, you can’t walk to the main attractions, but we really liked being able to escape the hustle and bustle from time to time. Also, there’s a complimentary shuttle in and out of the centre, so you don’t have to worry about driving or parking.
Hawk’s Cay Resort, Duck Key
This resort is located in the middle of the Florida Keys, between Islamorada and Marathon. It’s in a great location for exploring the region. It feels more like a village than a hotel, with lots of amenities within walking distance.
In the centre is Coral Cay – an amazing area for kids and teens, with a pirate ship pool and games room. If your children are between the ages of 5-12, there are extras you can pay for, such as fish feeding and arts and crafts. There was also a daily schedule of activities for kids and adults. It really looked like you could spend days at the resort and you little ones would be entertained throughout.
Near the accommodation is a large swimming pool, plus a natural seawater lagoon. This was idyllic – a place children can get in the water and swim, look for fish, build sandcastles or try their balance on a paddleboard.
I hope you’ve found my guide to visiting the Florida Keys with kids helpful! If you’re planning a family vacation or holiday anytime soon, feel free to email me with any questions. Also, the Florida Keys website is packed full of practical info and inspiration.
Plus, if you’re looking for some great dining options, don’t miss my guide to the best places to eat in the Florida Keys.
If you’re looking for information to make the most of your time in the Sunshine State, don’t miss my Florida travel guides:
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Wow, your guide to the Florida Keys with kids is fantastic! I love how you highlighted family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. The Conch Tour Train sounds like such a fun way to explore Key West—perfect for keeping little ones entertained. I especially appreciate your tips on the Turtle Hospital; it’s great to know there are ethical options for wildlife encounters. Bahia Honda State Park looks like a hidden gem too! Your insights on when to visit and where to stay make planning a family trip so much easier. Can’t wait to make our own memories in the Keys!
Thank you so much! We really loved this trip and in many ways, seeing it through our son’s eyes made it even more special! I hope you have a wonderful trip!