Are you wondering what the best things to do in Key Largo with kids are? Of course, anything is always going to be fun if you’re with them. But if the place offers many activities that kids love, it’s always an added bonus!
You might have been eyeing the Florida Keys for a family vacation for a while now. Well, now is the time to stop scrolling up and down the web for some ideas. We’re featuring the best things to do in Key Largo with kids. Trust me, you’re going to find one or two (or five!) things that your kids will love!
1. Explore the Wonders of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Tent Camping and Snorkeling at John Pennekamp State Park with Kids by Florida Family Adventure
- Location: Key Largo, FL 33037
- Website: pennekamppark.com
The first underwater park in the nation, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, covers an area of around 70 nautical square miles. Although the tropical hammocks and mangrove swamps in the park’s highland parts offer a unique experience, the coral reefs and marine animals still attract the majority of visitors.
Situated in Key Largo, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers an unparalleled perspective of the undersea realm. Below are the park’s admission fees:
Entry | Fees |
Vehicles with more than one occupant (for up to eight people) | $8 plus 50 cents per person |
A vehicle with several occupants (over eight people) | $2.50 per extra occupant |
A single-occupant vehicle | $4.50 |
For bicyclists and pedestrians (per person) | $2.50 |
Boat ramp (per vessel) | $10 |
Large pavilion (max capacity of 60 people) | $53.75 (including taxes) |
Small pavilion (capacity of 12 to 15 people) | $32.25 (including taxes) |
Camping (per night) | $36 plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat, and yurt units. |
2. Witness Marine Life at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park walk in 4K
- Location: County Rd 905 & Mile Marker 106, Key Largo, FL 33037
- Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dagny-johnson-key-largo-hammock-botanical-state-park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park should be one of your top places to visit if you’re traveling to Key Largo with kids.
This amazing Florida Keys state park was supposed to be a condo development project. It’s home to one of the largest concentrations of West Indian tropical hardwood hammocks in the nation. The 84 kinds of protected plants and animals, ranging from wild cotton to the American crocodile, were rescued from this plan.
Explore Dagny Johnson’s hardwood forest on a six-mile nature trek or bike ride to get up close and personal with various intriguing flora and animals. All you have to do on a self-guided tour is follow the directions. As an alternative, get a thorough ecological history of the region from a park ranger.
Admission is $2.50 per person at the honor box.
Discover hidden-gem beaches, explore the Florida Keys food scene, find the perfect accommodation, experience the Keys’ stunning waters, and much more.
3. Support Dolphin Cove Research & Education Center's Initiatives
- Location: 101900 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
- Website: dolphinsplus.com
Most kids LOVE seeing dolphins and interacting with them. It’s what they see on TV or in pictures on the internet, whether it be an advertising commercial or a meme!
Bring your kids to Dolphins Plus Bayside and choose from a bunch of dolphin encounter programs they offer.
Swim Program | Ticket Price |
Signature Swim | $225.00 |
Shallow Water Dolphin Encounter | $185.00 |
Trainer For A Day | Half Day: $350.00 Full Day: $630.00 |
Meet a Dolphin | $79.00 |
Paint With Dolphins | $100.00 |
Dolphin Dockside | $120.00 |
Premier Family Encounter | $475.00 per guest (minimum of 4, maximum of 8) |
Summer Camp | Starting at $375.00 per participant |
Touch Tank (interactive exhibit) | $20.00 |
Behind the Scenes | $20.00 |
For more information about the requirements for each swim program, click here.
4. Dive Into Adventure with Scuba Diving in Key Largo
- Location: John Pennekamp, Molasses Reef, French Reef, Pickles Reef, and more!
- Explore: floridakeyscamping.com/blog/scuba-diving-key-largo
Key Largo is called the “Dive Capital of the World.” Ever wonder why? Well, Key Largo is a diver’s paradise with its colorful coral reefs, abundant marine life, and crystal-clear blue waters.
Numerous scuba diving shops and qualified instructors in Key Largo offer instruction and guided dives for new divers. John Pennekamp is one of the top diving destinations here. You can bring your kids who want to start learning scuba diving with the supervision of a certified instructor.
5. Paddle Through Nature with Mangrove Kayaking in Key Largo
- Location: Anywhere in Key Largo
- Explore: floridakeyscamping.com/blog/mangroves-in-key-largo
Mangrove kayaking in Key Largo is also one of the most popular things to do with kids. Kayaking in Key Largo is very spectacular in itself, especially because it’s only a short drive from the mainland and the busy city.
The numerous rivers near the coast that are lined with mangroves instantly transfer you into a tranquil setting, even if you are never too far from civilization! Occasionally, the sound of motorboats from other touring parties serves as a helpful reminder that you are not alone.
Remember to consider the tides when planning your mangrove trip!
6. Discover Underwater Marvels with Snorkeling in Key Largo
- Location: John Pennekamp, Sea Gardens, White Banks, etc.
- Explore: floridakeyscamping.com/blog/the-best-key-largo-snorkeling-tours
Searching for the top Florida Keys snorkeling tours might be necessary if you want to have an incredible experience while visiting the Florida Keys. This will boost your appreciation of the Keys’ abundant marine life and crystal-clear seas.
The northernmost and longest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo, is a well-liked location for snorkelers and divers. You can easily explore the best reefs by boat, as all snorkeling tours leave from Key Largo.
Given that the Florida Keys are home to the only live coral reef in the United States, snorkeling at Key Largo will surely be one of your trip’s highlights. Sail a catamaran or yacht to the best reefs to appreciate them. The shallow seas make snorkeling fun for families and beginners.
7. Take a Refreshing Dip at Key Largo's Beaches
- Location: John Pennekamp, Cannon Beach, Sunset Cove, and a few more public and private beaches…
- Explore: floridakeyscamping.com/blog/beaches-in-key-largo
The beaches of Key Largo, which are part of the breathtaking Florida Keys archipelago, are known for their pristine seas and are considered to be a tropical paradise.
This quaint island provides a wealth of outdoor activities and natural delights for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike, thanks to its colorful marine life, lush mangroves, and intriguing coral reefs. Key Largo features some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys for families!
8. Savor Culinary Delights at Key Largo's Top Restaurants
- Location: Skipper’s Dockside, Snappers Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar, Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe, and many more!
- Explore: floridakeyscamping.com/blog/waterfront-dining-at-key-largo
You can’t miss a satisfying food trip with your kids! Key Largo offers some of the best waterfront restaurants.
Waterfront dining at Key Largo is a charming and captivating tourist experience that’s perfect for families on a weekend getaway, newlyweds on their honeymoon, groups of friends, or even lone travelers on a spiritual journey. If you’re craving for international cuisines, you’ll surely find the best Mexican, Asian, or Italian food in Key Largo.
Local restaurants are challenging Key Largo’s claim to be the “diving capital of the world” and arguing that, in fact, the city may be one of the world’s culinary capitals—especially when it comes to seafood and key lime pie.
Action-Packed Things To Do In Key Largo With Kids
There are numerous action-packed things to do in Key Largo with kids. From exploring vibrant coral reefs to encountering playful dolphins and embarking on thrilling scuba diving excursions, your kids will surely have the best time!
With its stunning natural beauty, educational opportunities, and family-friendly attractions, Key Largo is an ideal destination for creating unforgettable memories and fostering a love for adventure and marine conservation in children of all ages.
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Things To Do In Key Largo With Kids FAQs
Key Largo is not typically considered a highly walkable town. While there are sidewalks in some areas, the main attractions and amenities are spread out along the Overseas Highway (US-1), making walking between them less practical. However, certain areas, such as downtown Key Largo, may offer more walkable options for dining and shopping.
Key Largo is famous for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. It’s also known as the “Diving Capital of the World” due to its world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities.
The best time to visit Key Largo is typically during the winter and spring months, from December to April, when the weather is mild and dry, and the waters are calm for snorkeling, diving, and other outdoor activities.
However, Key Largo can be visited year-round, with summer months offering warm temperatures and opportunities for water sports despite the possibility of occasional rain showers.
Yes, the Florida Keys are kid-friendly and offer a wide range of family-friendly activities and attractions. From snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours to wildlife encounters and educational museums, there’s something for children of all ages to enjoy in the Keys.
