by Emily Krause
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Wed November 28, 2018
My family and I just got back from a relaxing trip to the Florida Keys and Key West, and I'm still dreaming of the bright colors, fresh pineapple juice and impossibly blue water.
Though late-night party and revelry may come to mind when you think of Key West, it's actually an incredibly family-friendly destination whether you're looking to lay out on the beach, stroll through town or get active with water sports.
Here are some of the top things we found to do with our kids in the Florida Keys that I think you and your family will love, too!
Road Trip Through the Keys
Usually, while road tripping with my kids, the goal is to get to our destination as quickly as possible. When driving through the Florida Keys, however, we took our time and enjoyed the scenery. The drive from Miami to Key West takes about 3 hours without stops, but you'll definitely want to budget time for some of the quirky attractions along the way.
Alabama Jack's in Key Largo is an open-air restaurant on the water that is famous for its delicious conch fritters. If your kids are a bit older and love the water, stay in Key Largo a bit longer to snorkel or scuba dive at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
One place you must stop, in my opinion, is Robbie's Marina of Islamorada. Visitors can feed the massive tarpon hanging out around the dock. It's at once thrilling and a bit scary, especially when the aggressive pelicans come for your bucket of fish. We took all three kids onto the dock with us with no issues. If you're not interested in feeding the tarpon, there's some great shopping around the marina and some delicious Key lime pie bars for the kids.
Take a Tour of Key West
Once you arrive in Key West, consider taking a tour of the island to get the lay of the land. Our family loved the Old Town Trolley Tour and found all of our drivers to be humorous and knowledgeable about the area. You can stay on for the entire 90-minute tour or use the trolley as hop-on-hop-off transportation to get to great Key West attractions.
Another way to see the island is from the sky with Air Adventure Helicopter Tours. The most popular option is the Eco Tour, a 20-minute jaunt over the island then through the backcountry where you can see reefs, shipwrecks and marine life swimming below. The helicopter tour is perfect for adventurous families looking for a unique experience.
A third option is the Conch Tour Train, a 75-minute ride on an open-air train with 3 stops along the way.
Fort Zachary Taylor Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is one of the best beaches in Key West and has excellent snorkeling and diving thanks to the nearby coral reef. Plan a picnic in the shade with a view of the clear blue water where the Atlantic meets the Gulf of Mexico.
When you need a break from the beach you can explore Fort Zach, which was built during the Civil War. Take a self-guided tour or wait for one of the guided tours led by park rangers. Kids will love colorful stories of life at the fort along with the displays of cannons and cannonballs.
Dry Tortugas National Park
If you want to check a remote National Park off your list, plan for a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. The only way to get there is by taking the Yankee Freedom III ferry boat or a seaplane to cross the 70 miles of ocean between Key West and the Dry Tortugas.
Once you reach the park you can snorkel in the turquoise sea, tour Fort Jefferson, relax on the beach, walk the moat wall or even set up camp and stay overnight. Snorkel gear is included in the price of the ferry ticket, and breakfast and lunch await on the boat. Make sure kids fill out the workbook and turn it in at the visitor's center to become a Junior Ranger!
Southernmost Point
Sure, the buoy at the Southernmost Point of the continental U.S.A. in Key West is a touristy photo opportunity, but that's part of its charm! If you get there early in the morning you'll be less likely to encounter long lines. It's absolutely free to do, and a fun memory for the whole family.
Mallory Square
The Sunset Celebration is a can't-miss activity in Key West, and it takes place every evening in Mallory Square. Families will be entertained by street performers and musicians while sipping fresh pineapple juice or coconut water from vendors in the plaza. Make sure to find a spot to stop and enjoy the spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
There's plenty to do around Mallory Square during the day, too. Shop the marketplace for souvenirs, grab a slice of Key lime pie or visit the Key West Aquarium for shark feedings and touch tanks.
Enjoy Key West Attractions
Even if your kids aren't yet fans of Ernest Hemingway's books, they'll still enjoy Hemingway Home and Museum, especially finding the numerous descendants of his cats roaming the house and yard. For those of us who admire this great author, it's a chance to soak up a slice of what his life was like while he was penning some of his greatest works. You're free to wander the property and learn at your own pace or follow one of the guided tours.
Stroll along the famous Duval Street for great shopping and restaurants. You'll also find the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory on Duval. Your whole family will delight in the many exotic birds and butterflies. Make sure to check out The Learning Center where kids can find out more about these beautiful creatures.
Finally, don't miss the Key West Shipwreck Museum where you'll climb the 65-foot lookout tower, hold a bar of silver and do a deep dive into the history of shipwrecks around Key West.
Relaxation and sunshine await in the Florida Keys. All you have to do is get your family in the car and keep driving south until you're in paradise.
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