Things to do with Kids in Florida Keys
The First thing which comes to our mind when we think of Florida Keys is its warm and clear waters with beautiful sunsets. But there is lot more things to do there specially if you are travelling with kids. Here in this Blog I will be sharing ‘Things to do with kids’ which both Kids and Adults can equally have fun and which should be on everyone’s vacation list.
Before i proceed, A Big Thank You to The Florida Keys CVB for Hosting us
Theater of the Sea:
Located in a Village of Islamorada, Theater of the Sea is a small marine park with tons of interactive Shows and Animal Encounters. We did ‘Wade with dolphins’ which is interacting with a dolphin and having some fun in the water which was one of the best experiences we ever had, and also it will be one of the best memories my 3 year old would cherish forever. The trainers were very friendly and informative about the animals and how they rescued them.Your heart will melt to see the beautiful bond they have with these animals.
Location : 84721 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Admission : General Admission Ages 11+ : 40$ ; Kids Ages 3-10 : 23$
Parking : FREE
Follow Theater of the Sea here : Website ; Facebook
Sunset Sails on a Schooner :
There’s nothing better than watching a sunset over the ocean and a schooner ride during that time will be the ‘icing on the cake’. Key West is famous for its Beautiful sunsets and we took a schooner ride with schooner appledore to experience the last minutes of the sun over the ocean . This two hour schooner ride was the perfect relaxation with a great crew who were very informative about the local places and history of Key West. We have been on many small cruises and ferries but a schooner experience was so traditional and different from the regular cruising. It’s basically a sail on wind power. This is a perfect way to relax with kids after a long tiring Day.
Location : 205 Elizabeth St, Key West, FL 33040
Admission : Adult : 75$ ; Child : 4 and under are Free
Parking : 5$/hour
Follow Appledore here : Website & Facebook
Mallory square :
If you wanna catch the last moments of the sun then Mallory Square is your spot. Mallory Square is full of Food spots,Fun activities and Cruises. Just two hours before sunset there is a free nightly art festival which is called Sunset Celebrations is super fun to spend your evening. And because it is one of the best places to watch sunset, it can get crowded in the evenings.
Location: 400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040
Admission : Free
Parking : 5$/hour
Conch Train :
We did this tour after a 4 hours of snorkeling and swimming , so it was perfect for us to relax and it’s great way to get around downtown and see Key West. The driver basically tells you the entire history of Key West while pointing out special landmarks in the area.There are 4 stops where you can get off and look around. You get to see more of the island on this train than on feet if you are short on time.Your ticket price includes entry into the Hemingway museum and rides on the train all day
Location : 303 Front St, Key West, FL 33040
Admission : Adults : 32$ ; Kids (4-12) :16$
Follow Conch Train here : Website; Instagram; Facebook
Climb the Lighthouse:
The 169-year-old Key West Lighthouse is located in the center of the town and was originally built to help ships headed to the US Naval Station. Interestingly, when it opened in 1848, it was helmed by one of the first women to hold that job in US history, Now that makes is a historic site for sure.It is Located across from the Hemingway Museum, where you can climb the 88 steps to the top for a sweeping view of the island and Ocean.
Location : 938 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
Admission : Adults :10$ ; Kids ages 6 and above : 5$
Fury adventures :
We did the Island Adventure Tour with Fury Key west and trust me, This was the Highlight of our entire trip. It’s a 4 hour tour where we were taken to the shallow waters somewhere in the middle of the ocean , parked our cruise s , loaded our kayak with snacks, drinks , beach ball and took a ride in one of the most beautiful crystal clear waters I have ever seen .we literally spent two hours in the water with our 3 year old son and i can say that those were one of the best two hours on our vacation. Infact surprisingly it was my little one who had way more fun than we did.
Location : 0 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Admission : Adults : 107$ ; Kids : 85$
Parking : 5$/Hour
Follow Fury Adventures here : Website ; Facebook ; Instagram
Shipwreck museum :
If you are taking a ride in a conch train then the last stop would be right infront of the Shipwreck Museum .The museum has some interesting artifacts and history of the Shipwreck treasure hunters from years ago and It’s a good place, especially if you are into history and generally curious about the subject of naval development of the area. The main attraction for us was the tower from where you can see beautiful views of the island.It was windy when we went and the tower was shaking,but i guess that’s totally normal and nothing to get scared off.
Location : 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
Admission : Adults : 16$ ; Ages (4-12) – 10$
Follow Shipwreck Museum here : Website ; Facebook ; Instagram
Key West butterfly and Natural Conservatory Gardens :
This is One of the most peaceful and beautiful places in Key West with tons of lush green tropical plants, Birds and of course loads and loads of Butterflies. This place is small with Climate controlled glass enclosed habitat which makes you feel like you are in a wonderland.
Location : 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
Admission : Adults : 12 ; Kids(4-12) : 9$
Follow Butterfly and Natural Conservatory Gardens here Website ; Facebook & Instagram
Aquarium encounters :
If you wanna keep your kids busy for a while then Aquariums would be the best place. You can never go wrong with it as it keeps kids entertained for couple of hours. Aquarium Encounters is the best place if you want to have a very close and personal encounter with Animals like sting rays,crabs, star fish, urchins and a few other critters.Not just that, you can also feed turtles, tortoise, sting rays , fish and get a chance to touch a baby alligator. It’s much smaller and more intimate, so it has a completely different feel.
Location : 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Admission : Adults : 22$ ; Kids(4-12) :15$
Parking : FREE
Follow Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters here Website ; Facebook & Instagram
Hotel Recommendation :
Parrot Key Hotel and Villas :
I would highly recommend staying at Parrot key Hotel and Villas for so many reasons – These hotel is newly renovated which means full points to its Cleanliness,tons of palm trees,Ocean view rooms, your own private lounge chairs , Hammocks , sand , 4 pools and jet skiing . In-short , Parrot Key Hotel & Villas are exactly what you would need for your next Vacation. And last but not the least, It’s nearly impossible to find a Free parking when in Key West but Parrot Key Hotel has Free shuttle available in the area which can save your $$.
Location : 2801 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
Follow Parrot Key Hotel & Villas here Website; Facebook; Instagram
9 Comments
Pooja Samtani
I too travel with my kid so the first thing I do when I visit a place is to find the kid friendly activities. I am bookmarking this post for future. I would love to explore the Theatre of the sea. The aquarium encounters are always fun and engaging.
Laura Pedlar
It’s a great post to help families plan their trip to Florida. I think I would want to head to Mallory Square as it seems like a place with lots going on. I think the Fury Adventures Tour sounds like a good choice too.
Anahita Irani
This post has so much information and fun things both kids and adults can enjoy when on a vacation to Florida
Jane Dempster-Smith
Parrot Keys Hotel looks the perfect place to stay in Florida Keys. It is an area that I have not visited as such. The Sunset Schooner Sail would be the perfect end of the day. I am interested in climbing the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse for the views. Thanks for sharing.
Paul Healy
It looks like a great trip for the whole family. The view at the top of the lighthouse must have been amazing, it looks like such a beautiful spot from your photos. Do you think the dolphins were treated well in the enclosure? Doesn’t look like they have much space to move around.
Sinjana
Travling with kids has its own challenges. you have carefully picked places with an universal appeal and special appeak to kids. Watching the sunset in a schooner is a certain bucket-list item. I love aquariums and that also is on top of my list of things to do in Florida.
Mijia Eggers
We have been to Florida three times. But we haven’t done anything from your list. It is good to know now so the next time when we are there again, get to do some new things with our kid.
Ambica Gulati
I was just visualising what it feels like to touch a baby alligator. Sounds super thrilling to me. And the schooner just seems like a perfect evening thing– so romantic and fun at the same time. This has so many experiences in one place.
AMAR SINGH
I visited Miami a few years ago but would love to explore Florida keys specially with the kids after reading this post. There is so much on offer when it comes to kids from just enjoying the beaches to activities with the marine animals. I would love to try the Dolphin experience which is on my bucket list of activities. In terms of accommodation the Parrot Keys hotel looks absolutely perfect to send a few days. Thanks for sharing a great holiday idea specially with the kids and one to add to y diary.