There are so many things to do in Florida Keys with kids, but honestly, you can’t fit them all in one day. It depends on the specific activities and accommodations you choose but some activities, like snorkeling or kayaking, may have age restrictions or require adult supervision for younger children.
No matter where you are in the Florida Keys, there’s always something for everyone. I suggest trying out different activities on different islands because there are some things to do in Key Largo with kids that might not be available by the time you’re in Key West with kids.
But here’s our full list of things to do in Florida Keys with kids so you can get a better look at each!
Don’t Miss The Most Amazing Wildlife Encounters
1. Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Full Tour of Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory by Fantabulous Travels
- Location: 1316 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: keywestbutterfly.com
Picture this: colorful butterflies flitting around like tiny fairies, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of butterflies at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory.
Come wander and let’s see how many butterflies you can spot!
2. Turtle Hospital
- Location: 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
- Website: turtlehospital.org
Ready to dive into the world of turtles? Dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of sea turtles, the Turtle Hospital is a unique facility offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the various species of sea turtles, the threats they face, and the hospital’s efforts to rehabilitate injured turtles for their eventual release back into the wild. Think of it like a turtle doctor’s office!
3. Dolphin Research Center
- Location: 58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, FL 33050
- Website: dolphins.org
Imagine hanging out with dolphins who are as curious about us as we are about them. Delve into the world of marine mammals at the Dolphin Research Center, where education, research, and conservation come together. Gain insights into dolphin behavior, communication, and the center’s efforts to promote ocean conservation.
4. Theater of the Sea
Full Tour of Theater of the Sea by TPF! Travel Plus
- Location: 84721 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
- Website: theaterofthesea.com
At the Theater of the Sea, you’re in for a wild adventure with some marine friends. This marine mammal park offers exciting opportunities to swim with dolphins, sea lions, and rays in their natural lagoons. Enjoy captivating animal shows, educational presentations, and interactive encounters with a variety of marine species, providing unforgettable memories for the whole family.
5. National Key Deer Refuge
National Key Deer Refuge by 1ritarob
- Location: 30587 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
- Website: fws.gov/refuge/national-key-deer
Have your kids ever seen a deer in real life? The Florida Key is the best place to introduce them to this specie. This is like a secret hideout for some of the cutest deer you’ve ever seen – the Key deer!
6. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
- Location: 84900 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
- Website: floridastateparks.org/WindleyKey
Explore a former quarry where limestone blocks were excavated to build the Overseas Railroad, revealing a treasure trove of fossilized coral formations dating back millions of years. Hike scenic trails, marvel at geological wonders, and learn about the park’s geological significance through guided tours.
Discover hidden-gem beaches, explore the Florida Keys food scene, find the perfect accommodation, experience the Keys’ stunning waters, and much more.
Take Time To Relax With Some Indoor Activities
7. History of Diving Museum
4K Walking Tour of the History of Diving Museum by Salty Lens
- Location: 82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
- Website: divingmuseum.org
Dive into the fascinating world of underwater exploration at the History of Diving Museum. Discover how people braved the depths, from ancient divers holding their breath to modern scuba gear. It’s like exploring a sunken treasure chest of diving history!
8. Key West Shipwreck Museum
Full Tour of the Key West Shipwreck Museum by Fantabulous Travels
- Location: 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States
- Website: keywestshipwreck.com
By going to the Key West Shipwreck Museum, you may take a step back in time and discover more about Key West’s unique maritime past and how it became the nation’s wealthiest city.
The Key West Shipwreck Museum presents the 1856 sinking of the Isaac Allerton wreck on the treacherous Florida Keys reef using actors, films, and actual artifacts. The wreck was recovered in 1985.
9. Truman Little White House
Inside Harry S. Truman’s Little White House in Key West by Tidy Island
- Location: 111 Front St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040
- Website: trumanlittlewhitehouse.org
Step into a president’s shoes at the Truman Little White House, where history comes alive in every corner. This cozy house holds big stories, from political meetings to presidential vacations. It’s like a history lesson you can walk through!
10. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The Hemingway House in Key West by Kool Buildings
- Location: 907 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: hemingwayhome.com
Picture yourself in the shoes of a famous author, surrounded by six-toed cats and the scent of salty sea air. This house holds the stories of Hemingway’s adventures, from battling marlins to sipping mojitos under the Cuban sun.
11. Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center by Gables On The Go
- Location: 5550 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
- Website: cranepoint.net
The Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys is housed in this multipurpose building, which also features an underwater-feeling marine life display, a seashell exhibit, and educational possibilities for both adults and children.
Explore a 600-year-old dugout canoe, pirate shipwrecks, and much more behind the massive copper doors.
Get Some Sun With These Outdoor Adventures
12. Seven Mile Bridge
- Location: Florida, United States
- Website: ci.marathon.fl.us/community/page/old-seven-mile-bridge
This bridge isn’t just a road – it’s a gateway to adventure, connecting the tropical islands of the Florida Keys like a string of pearls. Spend time with your kids walking, biking, or boating here. Aside from getting that exercise, the kids will surely have fun doing these activities.
13. Florida Keys Camping
- Tent Camping: floridakeyscamping.com/blog/tent-camping-in-the-florida-keys
- RV Campgrounds: floridakeyscamping.com/blog/top-rv-campgrounds-in-the-florida-keys
- Glamping: floridakeyscamping.com/blog/glamping-in-the-florida-keys
Get ready to pitch your tent or park your RV and sleep under the stars in the Florida Keys Camping experience. You can also level it up and experience glamping in the Florida Keys with your kids.
It’s like a slumber party! Imagine roasting marshmallows over a crackling campfire, listening to the gentle lullaby of the ocean waves.
14. Tarpon Feeding
- Location: 77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
- Website: robbies.com
Feeding tarpons in the Florida Keys are suitable for young tourists. Imagine standing on a dock, watching as massive silver fish leap out of the water like acrobats in a circus show. These hungry tarpons are like underwater vacuum cleaners, gobbling up fishy snacks faster than you can say “fish fry!”
15. Mallory Square
- Location: 400 Wall Street, Key West, FL 33040
- Website: mallorysquare.com
As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky above Mallory Square erupts in a fiery display of colors that will leave you speechless. Experience a bustling crowd, surrounded by colorful characters, live music, and street performers juggling fire and dancing during the Sunset Celebration.
World-Famous Key West Sightseeing Tours Aboard The Conch Train by HistoricTours
- Location: Key West
- Website: conchtourtrain.com
Imagine hopping on a train that’s not on tracks but chugs along the streets of Key West like a giant, colorful caterpillar. With its cheerful conductor and open-air carriages, this train isn’t just a mode of transportation – it’s a rolling history lesson, taking you on a whirlwind tour of Key West’s most famous sights and hidden gems.
17. Pigeon Key
- Location: 1090 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
- Website: pigeonkey.net
At Pigeon Key, history meets paradise on a tiny island in the middle of the ocean! The Old Seven Mile Bridge, the final segment of Henry M. Flagler’s Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway, was built and operated by railroad workers out of this five-acre property, which is recognized as a National Register of Historic Places.
18. Indian Key Historic State Park
Exploring a Hidden Island in the Florida Keys – Indian Keys by The Risell Chronicle
- Location: Indian Key State Historic Site Outstanding Florida Water, Offshore Island, Islamorada, FL 33036
- Website: floridastateparks.org/IndianKey
Take a kayak at Indian Key Historic State Park and immerse yourself in nature while reliving history. From 8 AM to sunset, this 11-acre abandoned island—once a thriving town and the historic county seat of Dade County—offers the perfect setting for a variety of outdoor pursuits.
19. Curry Hammock State Park
- Location: 56200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
- Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/curry-hammock-state-park
Curry Hammock State Park is the largest uninhabited area between Key Largo and Big Pine Key. The seagrass beds, rockland hammocks, and mangrove swamps preserved by the park are essential to the ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Curry Hammock State Park offers miles of natural shoreline, a charming mangrove creek, and shallow, safe waters ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.
20. Long Key State Park
- Location: 67400 Overseas Hwy, Layton, FL 33001
- Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/long-key-state-park
Formerly a well-liked vacation spot for wealthy and well-off travelers, Long Key State Park is now a serene haven where you can go kayaking, swimming, birdwatching, or just relax on the shore and enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean.
21. Snorkeling in the Florida Keys
Snorkeling is among the most popular activities in the Florida Keys. The clear water and diversity of aquatic life make it the perfect location to explore the underwater world.
There are numerous Key Largo snorkeling tours and guides who offer boat trips. You might also be interested in a Biscayne National Park snorkeling experience.
22. Florida Keys Scuba Diving
The Keys are a top diving destination for divers of all skill levels because they have some of the country’s most colorful and diverse marine life. Divers can enjoy scuba diving in Marathon Key, the best Key West scuba diving experience, and scuba diving in Key Largo.
The knowledge of qualified dive instructors or guides, rental equipment, and transportation to and from the dive locations are usually included in these tours.
23. Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
Did you know that you can explore the Florida Keys’ ocean floor without even needing snorkeling gear? Take a glass-bottom boat tour!
Glass or other transparent material viewing ports located below the waterline are a feature of a glass-bottom boat. A trip gives you a different viewpoint, allows you to cover more land, and makes it easier to share the experience with people who are not divers. It combines underwater sightseeing with an enjoyable, tranquil boat ride.
Beaches in the Florida Keys for Families
24. Anne’s Beach
- Location: Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida
Anne’s Beach is a naturally occurring sand beach located close to Upper Matecumbe Key’s southernmost point at Mile Marker 73.5. With a variety of attractions that can make for an even more delightful day, it is frequently named among the best beaches in the Florida Keys.
Bring your kids and pets along for lunch by the shore and a chance to unwind in the knee-deep water.
25. Key West Dog Beach
- Location: 1500 Vernon Ave, Key West, FL 33040, United States
- Website: cityofkeywest
Your dog will love lounging in the sun at Key West Dog Beach, but be mindful of their surroundings as the beach is rugged. After working up a sweat on the beach, stop by Louie’s Backyard, a pet-friendly restaurant and bar, for a cool drink and something to eat.
26. Sombrero Beach
- Location: Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon, FL 33050, USA
- Website: ci.marathon.fl.us/parksrec/page/sombrero-beach
Sombrero Beach is ideal for spending the day with your furry friend. It’s one of the best things to do in Marathon. It offers visitors a ton of entertainment options.
Unlike many other surrounding beaches, Sombrero Beach doesn’t have mangroves. The beach is silky, and the ocean has a beautiful blue color. The beach has playgrounds, picnic tables, volleyball courts, restrooms, and showers.
27. Smathers Beach
- Location: 2601 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040, USA
- Website: cityofkeywest-fl.gov/facilities/facility/details/Smathers-Beach-5
The gem of Key West’s public beaches, Smathers Beach is renowned for its calm, blue seas, lively atmosphere, and smooth, imported white sand from the Bahamas. It is the largest beach in Key West, where visitors can enjoy water sports, including parasailing and kayaking.
28. Bahia Honda State Park
- Location: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key FL 33043
- Website: floridastateparks.org/BahiaHonda
Situated at Mile Marker 37 in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda is a well-liked destination for your travels in the Keys due to its award-winning beach and historic bridge. Everyone can find something to enjoy, whether they are adventure seekers searching for a paddle and snorkel or families just wanting to enjoy the beach and peaceful seas.
29. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
- Location: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, USA
- Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/fort-zachary-taylor-historic-state-park
In Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach offers a unique combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and history. Bright coral reefs just offshore entice snorkelers to explore a thriving underwater world, and the calm waters are ideal for swimming.
30. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Location: 102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
- Website: pennekamppark.com
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a popular place to go snorkeling. There are rays, needlefish, sponges, and vibrant fish of every hue imaginable. Don’t forget to swim a short distance offshore to see the anchor and cannon from a shipwreck from 1715.
31. Calusa Beach
Calusa Beach and Bahia Honda Rail Bridge by Sights of Universe – EXPLORING THE EARTH
32. Founders Park Beach
Founder’s Park in Islamorada, Florida Keys by TV88 MarathonFlorida com
- Location: 87000 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States
- Website: islamorada.fl.us/249/Founders-Park
A hive of activity and recreation, Founders Park Beach in Islamorada has plenty to offer everyone under the Florida sun. It has shade trees, kiddie playgrounds, picnic tables, grills, a pavilion, a beach volleyball field, Tiki huts, outdoor showers, and restrooms.
Best Restaurants in the Florida Keys That Kids Will Love
33. Square Grouper
- Location: 80460 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
- Price: $$ – $$$
- Website: squaregrouperislamorada.com
The Square Grouper in Islamorada serves creative food with an emphasis on quality. They have some of the best craft cocktails, a superb wine list, fresh, local seafood, and excellent service.
Favorite menu item: Seafood Stew – Local fish, scallops, shrimp, and calamari in a spicy creamy red broth
34. Italian Food Company
- Location: 98070 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037, United States
- Price: $$ – $$$
- Website: italianfoodcompany.com
The Italian Food Company prepares more than a dozen Neapolitan pizzas, and they taste amazing! This restaurant serves a variety of Italian regional specialties, salads, pasta, appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts. You can’t miss this if you’re craving Italian food in Key Largo.
Favorite menu item: Pasta – Penne alla Vodka, Rigatoni Bolognese, Gnocchi Sorentina, and many more!
35. Porky's Bayside Restaurant and Marina
Porky’s Baby Back BBQ Ribs Challenge in Florida Keys by Randy Santel
- Location: 1410 Overseas Hwy MM47.5, 1400 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
- Price: $$ – $$$
- Website: porkysbaysidebbq.com
If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious lunch, Porky’s Bayside has some of the best Key Lime pies in town and some outstanding BBQ. They really do have everything, including fresh fish and freshly smoked meats daily.
Favorite menu item: Baby Back Ribs – Porky’s famous fall-off-the-bone ribs. I heard it’s very juicy, too!
36. Glazed Donuts
Image Source: Julie D. – Yelp
- Location: 420 Eaton St, Key West, FL 33040
- Price: $
- Website: glazeddonuts.com
Breakfast on-the-go is made better at Glazed Donuts. In 2012, it was a secret known only to the locals, but now everyone visiting Key West comes here to eat.
Favorite menu item: Yep, you guessed it right, donuts! You can get treats like a Key lime pie doughnut with torched meringue on top and other fresh fruit-filled treats like a peach blessed dossant and pineapple upside down brulée.
37. Banana Cafe
- Location: 1215 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
- Price: $$ – $$$
- Website: bananacafekw.com
Some of Key West’s best breakfasts can be found at the French restaurant Banana Cafe, which is located in the heart of the city. The menu features traditional cuisine with a touch of the Caribbean.
Favorite menu item: Breakfast Crêpes and Savory Crêpes – you can add mushroom sauce or béchamel sauce.
38. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Image Source: Ryan and Katy S. – Yelp
- Location: 200 Elizabeth Street, Key West, FL 33040
- Price: $
- Website: keylimeshop.com
The greatest Key Lime Pie on a Stick can be found at Kermit’s in Key West; it’s a delightful and fun treat to have on a hot Florida day. The building itself is beautiful as well—a little Key Lime Cottage situated on the stunning beachside strip in Key West.
Favorite menu item: Obviously Key Lime Pie! They come in traditional, strawberry, and coconut flavors. They can be purchased whole or as a delicious frozen dessert covered in chocolate.
39. the breakfast club, too
Image Source: Mike L. – Yelp
- Location: 610 Greene St, Key West, FL 33040
- Price: $$ – $$$
- Website: thebctoo.com
Try the breakfast club, too if you’re searching for best place to eat breakfast in Key West. It offers hearty portions of local delicacies that will lift your spirits as well as your stomach.
Favorite menu item: Pancake Charcuterie Board – 14 mini pancakes, fresh strawberries, blueberries and bananas, raspberry jam, peanut butter, Nutella, homemade pastry cream, maple whipped cream, and pure ADK maple syrup
40. Moondog Cafe & Bakery
Image Source: Kate H. – Yelp
- Location: 823 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040
- Price: $$ – $$$
- Website: moondogcafe.com
In a charming garden house sits the charming Moondog Cafe. There’s always something delicious on the menu, no matter what time of day. Cats and a French bulldog can be seen peering through the stylized flowers and vegetation.
Favorite menu item: Moon Burgers – 1/2 pound house blend burger on brioche with potato chips that can be upgraded to fries, sweet potato fries, petite salad, or truffle fries
41. Harriette's Restaurant
Image Source: Angela B. – Yelp
- Location: 95710 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
- Price: $
- Website: harriettesrestaurant.com
Built on the location of a former modest family home with two bedrooms and one bathroom, Harriette’s Restaurant first welcomed patrons on May 17, 1982. The back of the home is practically where you can picture Grandma making the huge muffins, and the dining room still exudes a warm, welcoming feeling.
Favorite menu item: Homemade Biscuits – need I say more? Everyone always loves anything authentically homemade!
42. Mattheessen's
Image Source: Jamie Y. – Yelp
- Location: 106 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040
- Price: $
- Website: mattskeywest.com
Two Mattheessen’s restaurants are on Key West, Florida’s renowned Duval Street. Their cookies, ice cream, key lime pie, and marble slab fudge are all handmade with love using the best ingredients.
Favorite menu item: Fudge – choose between chocolate, rocky road, chocolate pecan, and peanut butter flavors!
Have Fun in the Florida Keys With Kids
Visiting the Florida Keys with kids offers an unforgettable adventure filled with diverse attractions, engaging activities, and breathtaking natural beauty. Planning your trip according to your family’s interests and needs is essential to ensure a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
With kid-friendly attractions, accommodations, and dining options, the Florida Keys offer a perfect destination for families seeking excitement and relaxation in a tropical paradise. Just a little tip: Ask your kids what they want to do – whether they want to meet dolphins, go island hopping, or eat some good food – before you start planning!
Florida Keys With Kids FAQs
Yes, the Florida Keys offer a wide range of family-friendly activities and attractions suitable for kids of all ages. From exploring marine life at aquariums and nature reserves to enjoying outdoor adventures like snorkeling and kayaking, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Key West is often considered one of the best Florida Keys for families due to its diverse range of attractions and activities. Families can explore historical sites, visit museums, enjoy water sports, and relax on family-friendly beaches. Additionally, Key West offers a variety of accommodations and dining options suitable for families.
Yes, bringing kids to Key West can be a fantastic family vacation experience. While known for its vibrant nightlife and adult-oriented attractions, Key West also offers numerous family-friendly activities and attractions, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
Bahia Honda State Park is often considered one of the best kid-friendly beaches in the Florida Keys. With its calm waters, soft sandy beaches, and opportunities for snorkeling and swimming, it provides an ideal environment for families to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Keys together.
