Fun Things to Do in the Florida Keys with School-Aged Kids (Everglade airboats, Miami beaches, Snorkelling Florida Keys and more)

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What is there to do in the Florida Keys with kids?

The Florida Keys are very different from Orlando and other theme park-heavy areas. Instead of rides and attractions, the focus here is on nature, water activities, wildlife, and relaxation. Families can enjoy boat trips, snorkelling, and exploring small state parks, making it ideal for school-aged children who love being outdoors. For an overview of whether this destination fits your family trip, see Are the Florida Keys Worth Visiting with Kids?.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is one of the most rewarding activities in the Keys.

• John Pennekamp State Park (Key Largo) is highly recommended. We took a boat snorkelling trip here, and it did not disappoint — colourful coral, tropical fish, and even a distant bobbing sea turtle.

• Sombrero Reef (Marathon) is another popular spot for families looking to explore marine life.

For a deeper dive into trips and family suitability, see Snorkelling tours in the Florida Keys – are they worth it with kids?.

Beaches in the Florida Keys

The Keys are not known for vast sandy beaches, but there are some very family-friendly options:

• Bahia Honda State Park – clear water and shallow areas for kids

• Sombrero Beach (Marathon) – a quiet beach with picnic areas

• Fort Zachary Taylor Beach (Key West) – historic surroundings and calm waters

• Many hotels, including the one we stayed in Key Largo, have small private beaches with kayaks, perfect for relaxing afternoons: see Kawama Yacht Club Key Largo Review: Beachfront Family Accommodation in the Florida Keys

Robbie’s Marina (Islamorada)

A short stop here is a fun wildlife experience for children:

• Feed the tarpon fish

• Kayaking and boat trips are available for longer stays

• We treated it as a quick, memorable stop during a day trip from Key Largo to Key West

State Parks

The Florida Keys have several low-cost state parks worth visiting:

• Long Key State Park – a 30-minute walk along the Golden Orb Trail gave us a great sense of the local wildlife and natural environment for less than $10

• Other parks include Curry Hammock State Park, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, each offering trails, picnic areas, and wildlife spotting

The Turtle Hospital (Marathon)

The Turtle Hospital is a popular stop for kids who enjoy wildlife:

• Rescue centre for sea turtles

• Guided tours that are both educational and engaging

• A hands-on, memorable experience for school-aged children

Dolphin Research Centre (Marathon)

Another alternative for animal lovers:

• See dolphins up close

• Educational talks and shows

• A slower-paced activity that doesn’t feel like a theme park but is highly engaging for kids

Key West

Key West is rich with kid-friendly exploration and culture:

• Duval Street – shops, ice cream stops, and souvenirs

• Southernmost Point – iconic photo opportunity

• Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square – street performers and local culture

• Boat trips – great for spotting marine life and exploring nearby islands

• Key lime pie – a must-try local treat

• Museums like the Shipwreck Museum and attractions like the Aquarium or Butterfly Conservatory make for educational stops

• Riding the tram or hop on hop off bus saves your legs as many of the sites are quite spread out

Check Driving the Overseas Highway with Kids: Key Largo to Key West for our full overview of driving from Key Largo to Key West for the day.

Final Tips for Visiting the Florida Keys with Kids

• Include the stops or activities that appeal most to your family, you can't fit in everything

• Include pool or beach time to keep kids refreshed

• Drive slowly along the Overseas Highway and enjoy the scenic route

For families planning a longer trip, see our 2-Week Florida Family Itinerary: Everglades, Florida Keys and Theme Parks or the shorter 5 day Everglades, Florida Keys and Miami itinerary for families for context on how to include the Keys as part of a South Florida road trip.

Final Verdict – Is the Florida Keys Worth It with Kids?

• Yes, especially for school-aged children who enjoy wildlife, snorkelling, and outdoor exploration

• Works best as part of a road trip through South Florida

• Key Largo or Marathon are excellent base choices for families, providing easy access to attractions and family-friendly accommodations

Planning a Family Trip to the USA

If you’re planning a family trip to the United States, we’ve created a collection of practical guides based on our own experiences travelling there with a child. In our USA Travel Hub, you’ll find advice on everything from ESTA requirements and travel insurance to driving, healthcare and managing jet lag with kids, alongside destination guides for places we’ve explored including New York, Colorado, South Dakota and Florida. It’s a useful starting point for parents researching how to plan a smooth and enjoyable family trip to the USA.