Best Things to do in Key West with Kids
Best Things to do in Key West with Kids: Key West is an island in the Florida Keys that is a top vacation destination for a family that is looking for a getaway. This is an island that is attributed to the active scenes present on Duval Street, historic attractions, and its numerous charming hotel and cottages. You will enjoy the sun and beach together with lots of things that will make your vacation memorable. This 4-mile island is connected to the rest of Florida via Highway 1 which begins in Key West.
If you are looking for things to do in Key West with kids, we have got you covered. You can be assured that our guide has included some of the best things that will be fun for your kids while in Key West. There are also good Key West Hotels for Families.
Best Things to do in Key West with Kids
Find some of the things to do with kids in key west. These activities will make your key west family vacation memorable.
Key West Aquarium
One of the best things to do in Key West with Kids is going to the Key West Aquarium. This aquarium was completed in 1934 and opened in 1935 but was closed a few months after due to a hurricane. In 1946, the aquarium was reopened and it has over the years become one of the key attractions in Key west.
It showcases marine life commonly found in the Florida Keys and you will be able to discover the wonder of undersea life.
Things to do in Key West Aquarium
- Get an expert guide to explain the mysteries of the water surrounding the Florida Keys
- Daily shark and turtle feedings
- Visit the Touch Tank that will give you a hands-on experience with sea life
- Alligator Exhibit
- Stingray Bay Exhibit where you can pet and feed cow nose rays
- Watch and learn more about marine animals like moray eels, grouper, barracuda, sharks, tropical fish, parrot fish, tarpon, and more.
Suitable:
For all ages
Southernmost Point
Although there isn’t much activity to do at Southernmost Point, it is one of the most common things to do in Key West for families. The colorful buoy mark indicates the southernmost point of the US United States.
It is located at the intersection of Whitehead and South streets and it is only 1 mile away from Key west, you can access it through a bus. It would be interesting to note that Cuba is only 90 miles from Southernmost Point and to commemorate the lives of Cuban who died trying to reach the US, there is a monument next to the colorful concrete buoy.
Things to do at Southernmost Point
- Photography
Suitable:
- For all ages
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the hidden attractions in the US. It provides some of the Unique things to do in Key West for families. The park is located 70 miles off the coast of key west and it can only be accessed through a boat or a floatplane. Tourists often use the ferry or seaplane which are available at Key west. Advance bookings are required for better planning.
The major attraction in Dry Tortugas National Park is Fort Jefferson. This is a huge citadel that holds hold the award of being the biggest masonry structure in the whole Western Hemisphere. Interestingly the construction of Fort Jefferson began in 1846 and it used 16 million bricks. Its main intention was to handle piracy in the Caribbean and it hosted over 1000 soldiers.
Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park
- Exploring Fort Jefferson itself, marveling at the features of the great structure.
- Snorkeling for a view of most well-preserved Florida’s coral reef and marine life
- Kayaking the water around fort Jefferson although you need permits for boat and kayak
- Saltwater fishing with a license
- Swimming
- Camping is allowed on Garden key where there are 8 camping sites
- Overnight anchorage is permitted in the Sandy Bottom area within 1 nautical mile of the Garden Key lighthouse
- Birding
Suitable:
5 years and above
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park was named a historic national landmark in 1973. The park is well known for its US military history as it was built in 1800s to defend the country’s coastline. After its completion in 1866, the park played it important role in the civil war and Spanish- American war.
It offers one of the best things for families to do in key west
Today, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Is well known for recreation. Visit who visit Key west, often includes this park on their list of things to do.
Things to do in Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
- Daily guided tour inside the Fort
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Fishing
- Picnics
- Nature trails
- Biking
- Bird watching
- Scuba diving
Suitable:
3 years and above
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
If your kids love nature, one of the places you have to visit while in Key west is Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Although there isn’t much to do in this nature conservatory, it is good to note that it has over 60 species of butterfly that your kids will be amazed at their different colors. The educational areas in the museum are common visits for families plus the indoor waterfalls and tropical rain forests make the visit more interesting.
Things to do in Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- Learn more about the butterflies
- Watch the Conservatory’s resident flamingos
Suitable:
All Ages
Mallory Square
Mallory Square is not just your ordinary square, it is a spot for a beautiful sunset view that draws tourists from various places including passenger cruise ships. If you want to experience the beauty of Key west sunset, be ready to include this spot for your evening stop-over.
Not only is the square famous for sunset celebrations, but its environment also has lovely restaurants, theaters, museums, shops, and live entertainment that you can like visiting with your family.
Things to do at Mallory Square
- Enjoy the beautiful sunset
- Watch the sunset celebration which is a free art festival
- Explore the Arts and crafts exhibitions
- Enjoy the Street Performers
- Dining experience for various foods like Seafood, Mexican, Cuban, Italian, Pizza, Barbecue and others
Suitable
All ages
US Coast Guard Cutter Ingham maritime museum
Another thing you can do in Key West Florida is a visit to the perfectly restored historic vessel. This massive coast guard was formerly known as USCGC Samual D. Ingham. Today, it is a National monument and an honored museum.
Things to do at USCGC Ingham (WHEC-35) Museum
- Get some great into the history of brave men who fought for the U.S during the World War
- There are gift shops that consists of various souvenirs
- A great spot to also watch the sunset.
Suitable
All ages
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is one of the key west activities for families that creates an opportunity for you to learn about the sea life in Florida key. It is a first-class visitor center, with over 6400 square feet of exhibits and displays. They also have a remarkable 74-seat movie theater screening a wonderful high-definition film about the fragile Florida Keys ecosystems. Additionally, in the center, you will find various types of fish and plants.
Things to do in Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
- Learn about Florida Keys Eco-system
- See-through an underwater video camera that allows guests to observe the Florida sea world
- Watch a stunning 20-minute high-definition film on Florida’s habitats
- Computer interactive exhibits of Florida’s habitats
- Watch 3D underwater video filmed at Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas National Park.
Suitable
All ages
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
Another interesting place to visit in Key West is Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum. . The famous Mel Fisher was an American treasure hunter well known for finding the 1622 wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha in Florida waters and the estimated value of the treasure was $450 million.
As a fully accredited museum, some of the exhibits include the Spanish galleons that were discovered by Mel fisher.
Things to do at Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
See over 100,000 pieces of coins, glassware, tools, jewelry, cannons, iron shackles, and anchors that were all found on sunken ships
See the Fleet exhibit of the Spanish galleons discovered by Mel Fisher and his crew from 1622 shipwreck
Other exhibits include Key West African Cemetery, Spanish Coins in the New World, the Real Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Science of Shipwrecks.
Lab tour to see how history is revealed through excavation and conservation of shipwrecks.
The Overseas Highway
The fun in Florida is unending. Your family can actually enjoy a road trip on a “highway that goes to sea.” Driving from mainland Florida down the Overseas Highway will be enjoyable and once you get to the southernmost leg of U.S. Highway 1 you will see why it is commonly referred to as the “Highway that Goes to Sea.”
The long drive from Key Largo down to Key West is 113 miles of roadway and has 42 bridges.
Things to do on The Overseas Highway
Enjoy a beautiful drive with plenty of beautiful views, topical corals, and numerous opportunities to pull off from the highway for better exploration.
Suitable:
All ages
Is Key West a Good Family Vacation Spot
Yes, it is. There are lots of fun things to do in Key West for families. There are lots of free and cheap things to do in Key West. There are Good Key West Resorts for Families activities for the whole family.
Conclusion: Best Things to do in Key West with Kids
Whether you are traveling with a toddler or teenagers there are numerous things you can do in Key west. From kid-friendly snorkeling water, calm and clear waters for swimming, family-friendly resorts and hotels, historical structures and museums, and many others, your vacation’s itinerary list will be jam-packed. Key west vacation with kids will require you to plan well. Ensure you get kid-friendly hotels or resorts, understand the activities suitable for your kids, and finally know the necessary requirements to visit each place. All the best as you enjoy your trip to Key West.
