Fun Things to Do in the Florida Keys with Kids (Snorkelling, Beaches, Key West & More)
Looking for Fun Things to Do in the Florida Keys with Kids? - Discover snorkelling, beaches, wildlife, robbies marinara, key west and the best activities for children.
NORTH AMERICAFLORIDAWHAT TO DO
6/6/202614 min read
If you’re wondering what there is to do in the Florida Keys with kids, this is for families who want something completely different from the usual Florida holiday.
The Keys aren’t about theme parks or packed attraction days. Instead, they offer a slower, more outdoors-focused experience — think boat trips, snorkelling, wildlife encounters, and small beach and state park stops. It’s a very different kind of trip, but for the right family, it can be one of the most memorable parts of a Florida itinerary.
This guide is for families looking for a clear, practical answer to:
what to do in the Florida Keys with kids
whether the Florida Keys are a good fit for children
the best activities in the Florida Keys for families
and how to plan your time so it feels enjoyable rather than underwhelming
Quick Answer: What Are the Fun Things to Do in the Florida Keys with Kids?
The best things to do in the Florida Keys with kids focus on nature and the water rather than traditional attractions.
Families can expect:
We visited the Florida Keys with our 9 year old son Joshua in Summer 2026. From our experience, the Keys worked best when we treated them as a slower, experience-led part of the trip, rather than trying to fill every day. The highlights were the simple ones — time on the water, spotting wildlife, and stopping at places that felt easy and relaxed rather than overly planned.
Where relevant, we’ve included the tours, stops, and places we either booked or seriously considered while planning our trip. Some of these are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we genuinely believe work well for families and that help make a Florida Keys trip feel smooth, enjoyable, and worth the extra travel.
Boat Trip in Key Largo
John Pennekamp State Park snorkeling
Why Visit the Florida Keys With Kids?
If you're wondering whether the Florida Keys are worth visiting with kids, our answer is an easy yes.
What surprised us most wasn't just the number of attractions, but how varied they were. One day we were snorkelling above coral reefs, the next we were spotting wildlife, relaxing on the beach or exploring Key West. The Florida Keys offer a completely different experience to Orlando's theme parks, with a much stronger focus on nature, outdoor adventures and life on the water.
Many families start by researching things to do in Key Largo, and for good reason. Key Largo is home to some of the best snorkelling, boat trips and wildlife experiences in the Keys, making it a fantastic base for a family holiday. However, there are activities spread throughout the island chain, from beaches in Marathon to historic attractions in Key West.
If you're looking for the best things to do in the Florida Keys with kids, we'd focus on a mix of snorkelling, wildlife encounters, beaches, boat trips and at least one day exploring Key West. That combination gave us the best feel for what makes the Keys so special.
If you’re still deciding whether it’s the right fit, our guide Are the Florida Keys Worth Visiting with Kids? breaks down how it compares to the rest of Florida.
What Part of the Florida Keys Is Best for Families?
For most families, we'd recommend Key Largo or Marathon.
Key Largo is ideal for first-time visitors, snorkelling trips and shorter driving times.
Marathon is a great all-round choice with beaches, family attractions and a central location.
Islamorada suits families looking for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
Key West is best if you want sightseeing, restaurants and plenty of attractions within walking distance.
The good news is that no matter where you stay, many of the top things to do in the Florida Keys are easy to reach via the Overseas Highway.
This guide covers the family activities we genuinely enjoyed, the attractions we'd recommend first, and which experiences are worth prioritising if you only have a few days in the Florida Keys.
For a look at our Florida Key Resort recommendations and where is best to consider staying see: Where to stay in the Florida Keys with kids
Snorkeling in the Florida Keys
Florida Keys snorkeling is easily one of the best things to do with kids and, for many families, it's the activity they'll remember most. Unlike many beach destinations, the real attraction in the Keys is what's beneath the water. Getting out onto the reef on a Florida Keys snorkeling tour feels completely different from the rest of a Florida holiday and gives children a chance to experience marine life up close.
Snorkeling at John Pennekamp State Park
We chose snorkeling at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, which is widely considered one of the best places for snorkeling in the Florida Keys. The trip took us out to the reef, where we saw colourful tropical fish, coral formations and even spotted a sea turtle in the distance. For Joshua, our 9 year old son, it was one of those genuine "wow" moments that made the trip feel special.
What worked especially well was how easy the experience felt. The John Pennekamp State Park snorkeling tour we used provided the equipment, safety briefing and guidance, so there was very little stress involved. As parents, that made a huge difference compared to trying to organise everything independently.
For families researching the best snorkeling Florida Keys experiences, other popular options include Sombrero Reef in Marathon, which is often recommended as one of the best reefs for beginners thanks to its clear water and abundant marine life.
Can you Snorkel from the Shore in the Florida Keys?
One question we researched beforehand was whether there was good snorkeling Florida Keys from shore. While there are a few locations where you can enter the water from the beach, we found the boat trips provided a much better experience. Most of the healthiest reefs and best marine life are located offshore, making a guided Florida Keys snorkeling tour well worth considering.
Who is Snorkeling Best For?
From our experience, snorkeling works best with children who are confident in the water. It's less about high-energy entertainment and more about exploration and discovery, which made it a great fit for our family.
If you're deciding whether it's right for your family, our guide Snorkeling Tours in the Florida Keys breaks down exactly what to expect and how to choose the right trip.
Snorkelling at John Pennekamp is one of the easiest ways to experience the Keys — but timing and conditions matter more than you might expect → Check the snorkelling tour we used in Key Largo
Beaches in the Florida Keys
Beaches are part of the experience in the Keys, but they’re not the main focus in the way they are in other destinations.
You won’t find long stretches of soft sand everywhere — instead, the best beach experiences are usually smaller, more relaxed, and combined with other activities.
Some of the best beaches on the Florida Keys include:
Bahia Honda State Park – one of the prettiest beaches in the Keys, with clear, shallow water that works well for children
Sombrero Beach (Marathon) – quieter, with good facilities and space for a relaxed stop
Fort Zachary Taylor Beach (Key West) – a mix of beach time and history, with calm water areas
In reality, we found that beach time in the Keys worked best as part of a slower day — not a full day of activity, but somewhere to stop, reset, and let Joshua play without feeling rushed.
One thing that surprised us was how much we used our accommodation for this instead. Many places, including where we stayed in Key Largo, have small private beach areas or waterfront access, often with kayaks or calm water spaces.
Those afternoons ended up being some of the easiest and most enjoyable parts of the trip — no driving, no planning, just simple time by the water.
If you’re considering staying somewhere like this, our Kawama Yacht Club Review explains what worked well for us as a family.
Kawama Yacht Club Beach Front
Kawama Yacht Club Beach
Robbie’s Marina (Islamorada)
Stopping at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada with kids is one of those simple experiences that ends up being far more memorable than expected.
The main attraction here is feeding the tarpon — large fish that gather around the dock and leap out of the water to grab food. It’s quick, slightly chaotic, and surprisingly exciting for children.
For Joshua, this was one of those moments where something small turned into a highlight. There’s just enough unpredictability to make it feel like an experience, but it’s still easy and low-effort from a planning point of view.
You can also:
hire kayaks
book boat trips
or spend more time exploring the marina
But in reality, we found this worked best as a short stop rather than a full activity.
We included it as part of a drive from Key Largo to Key West, and it broke up the journey perfectly without needing a big time commitment.
Feeding Tarpon Fish at Robbie's Marina
Robbie's Marina Islamorada
Florida Keys State Parks
One of the best things to do in the Florida Keys with kids — especially if you want something more relaxed and budget-friendly — is visiting the state parks.
They’re not traditional “attractions,” but they often end up being some of the most enjoyable stops because they’re simple, open, and easy to explore.
We visited Long Key State Park, where a short walk along the Golden Orb Trail gave us a really good feel for the landscape and wildlife. It wasn’t a long or difficult walk, but it felt like a proper experience — and for less than $10 to enter, it was one of the best value parts of the trip.
Other options include:
Curry Hammock State Park
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Most offer:
short trails
picnic areas
calm water access
and opportunities for wildlife spotting
From our experience, these parks worked best when used as low-pressure stops between bigger activities — somewhere to slow down, stretch your legs, and let kids explore naturally without needing a structured plan.
Golden Orb Trial Long Key State Park
Long Key State Park Florida Keys
The Turtle Hospital (Marathon)
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is one of the more structured activities in the Florida Keys for families who enjoy wildlife.
It’s a working rescue centre focused on rehabilitating sea turtles, and visits are done through guided tours.
For young children, this can be a really engaging experience because:
it’s interactive and educational
there’s a clear story (rescue and recovery)
and you get to see the turtles up close
Compared to other stops in the Keys, it feels a bit more like a “planned activity,” but in a good way — especially if you want something different from beaches and boat trips.
Dolphin Research Center (Marathon)
For families looking for a slower-paced animal experience, the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon is another option worth considering.
It’s not a theme park-style attraction. Instead, it focuses on:
education
conservation
and observation
Children can:
see dolphins up close
watch demonstrations and talks
and learn about marine life in a structured but relaxed environment
From a family perspective, this works well as a calmer day activity, particularly if you’ve had a few busier days on the water or travelling between islands.
These are just a handful of the fantastic things to do in the Florida Keys with kids. From snorkelling in Key Largo to exploring Key West, there’s far more to see and do than most families realise.
Thing to Do in Key West: What are the Best Key West Attractions for Families?
Visiting Key West with kids is less about one single attraction and more about the overall experience. It’s one of the most vibrant and varied stops in the Florida Keys, with enough to keep children engaged without needing a tightly planned itinerary.
There’s a mix of small, easy activities that work well when combined into a relaxed day:
Duval Street – great for wandering, stopping for ice cream, and letting kids pick out souvenirs
Southernmost Point – a quick and easy photo stop that feels like a “milestone” moment
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square – one of the most memorable parts of Key West with kids, with street performers and a lively atmosphere
Boat trips from Key West – ideal for spotting marine life and seeing the Keys from the water
Key lime pie stops – a simple but fun local experience kids always enjoy
Key West Attractions for Kids
There are also a few more structured Key West attractions for families if you fancy a break from wandering around town.
The Shipwreck Museum was probably the most interesting of the three. It's built around Key West's history as a wrecking port, with interactive exhibits, artefacts recovered from shipwrecks and a lookout tower overlooking the harbour. Older children tend to enjoy the stories of treasure hunting and maritime adventure, and it gives some useful context to the island's history.
The Key West Aquarium is relatively small compared to some of Florida's larger aquariums, but that's actually part of its appeal. You can comfortably visit in an hour or so, making it a good option when the weather is hot or if younger children need a break from walking. The touch tanks and marine life displays are usually the highlights for families.
The Butterfly Conservatory is one of the more slower paced attractions in Key West. Walking through a tropical garden filled with hundreds of butterflies, exotic birds and waterfalls feels very different from the busier parts of town. We found it a welcome change of pace and a nice opportunity to slow down for a while.
Free Things to Do in Key West With Kids
One of the best things about visiting Key West is that many of the most memorable experiences don't cost anything at all. In fact, some of our favourite free attractions in Key West were simply part of exploring the island.
You can wander the colourful streets of Old Town, watch the boats around the harbour, browse the quirky shops and galleries, and enjoy the lively atmosphere along Duval Street without spending a penny. The famous Mallory Square Sunset Celebration is also one of the best free things to do in Key West, with street performers, musicians and a fantastic sunset that children often enjoy just as much as adults.
For families, we'd also recommend taking time to stroll along the waterfront, look out for the free-roaming chickens that seem to appear everywhere, and stop at the various viewpoints around the island.
Getting Around Key West Without a Car
One thing we underestimated slightly was how much walking is involved.
Although Key West looks compact on a map, in reality:
sights are more spread out than expected
the heat can make walking more tiring
and kids can lose energy quite quickly moving between stops
What works really well for families is using the tram or hop-on hop-off bus. If you’re planning a day in Key West, it’s genuinely worth looking at the tram. It takes the pressure off walking, makes it easy to move between key stops, and gives kids a chance to sit and reset — which makes a big difference to how enjoyable the day feels.
If you’re visiting as part of a wider trip, our 1 day Key Largo to Key West itinerary explains how to plan the journey and make the most of the drive.
What Key West Is Actually Like With Kids (Our Experience)
There’s no doubt that Key West is worth visiting with kids. We had a brilliant day exploring at our own pace, ticking off some of the main Key West attractions, trying the famous Key lime pie and stopping at a few family-friendly sights along the way.
What stood out most was how easy it was to enjoy without following a strict itinerary. The streets are lively, there’s always something interesting to look at, and the mix of shops, waterfront views and attractions kept Joshua engaged throughout the day.
That said, there are a couple of things worth knowing before you visit. We went in August, and the heat combined with the amount of walking can be tiring, especially for younger children. I'd strongly recommend starting early, taking regular breaks and making use of the cafés and shaded areas throughout the town.
The other thing that surprised us was the cost. Compared to other parts of the Florida Keys, Key West is expensive. Food, drinks, parking and attraction tickets can add up quickly, particularly for families. I'd recommend planning a rough budget before you go so the costs don't come as a surprise.
Overall, we found Key West to be one of the most enjoyable and unique stops in the Florida Keys. It's less about one specific attraction and more about soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the streets and discovering what catches your eye along the way.
Final Tips for Visiting the Florida Keys with Kids
When planning your time in the Florida Keys, it’s worth being selective. You won’t be able to do everything — and you don’t need to.
Focus on the stops and activities that genuinely appeal to your family, and build your days around those rather than trying to fit everything in.
From our experience, it also really helps to balance activity with downtime. Including pool or beach time each day kept Joshua refreshed and made the more active parts of the trip much more enjoyable.
The Overseas Highway is a big part of the experience, so don’t treat it as just a drive. Take it slowly, stop along the way, and enjoy the scenery — some of the best moments come from the journey itself rather than the destination.
For a detailed look at how we combined these attractions into a single day, see Key Largo to Key West: One Day Road Trip Itinerary and Activities With Kids.
If you're planning a longer family holiday, our 5-Day Everglades, Florida Keys and Miami Itinerary for Families shows exactly how we structured our trip across South Florida.
Final Verdict: What Are the Best Things to Do in the Florida Keys With Kids?
The Florida Keys are absolutely worth visiting with kids, particularly if your family enjoys beaches, wildlife, snorkelling and outdoor adventures. While there aren't huge theme parks or major attractions around every corner, that's part of the appeal. The Keys offer a slower pace and some genuinely memorable experiences that feel very different from the rest of Florida.
Some of the best things to do in the Florida Keys include snorkelling the coral reefs, visiting Bahia Honda State Park, exploring Key West, taking wildlife boat trips and driving the spectacular Overseas Highway.
For most families, we'd recommend basing yourselves in Key Largo or Marathon, as these areas provide easy access to many of the top things to do in the Florida Keys, along with family-friendly accommodation and a relaxed atmosphere. If you're wondering what part of the Florida Keys is best for families, those would be our starting recommendations.
The attractions below are the experiences we genuinely enjoyed most and would prioritise on a first family trip to the Florida Keys.
plan your South florida trip
If you’re planning your South Florida trip, these guides will help you decide what’s worth doing — and what actually works with kids:
About Plan Family Escapes
We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.
Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.
