Parents, we love to travel with our kids. Expose them to new adventures and so much more. Why not consider Key West? It offers a lot of really fun, kid-friendly options. Best, part? These kid friendly activities in Key West will be a lot of fun for the parents too! How many have you tried?
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#1 Conch Train Tour
Ride Key West history. The Conch Train has been serving Key West since 1958 and still offers a fun way to see the Island. Buy tickets here.
#2 Old Town Trolley
The Old Town Trolley explores Key West from Old Town to Mid Town. With 13 stops, you will have plenty of places to hop on and off to explore. Buy tickets here.
#3 Shipwreck Museum
With over 400 shipwrecks in the Florida Keys, there is still so much to discover. But, stop by the Shipwreck Museum to learn the history of wrecking and climb the 65-foot lookout tower. It’s a lot of fun! Buy your tickets here.
#4 Florida Keys Eco-Discover Center
The Florida Keys Eco-Discover Center provides visitors a way to learn all about the eco-systems of the Florida Keys. Check out the replica of the Aquarius underwater ocean laboratory and the 2,500-gallon reef tank. Best part? It’s free. Learn more here.
#5 Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
This is much more than a beach. Be sure to check out the Fort and learn all about its contribution to Key West and the Keys. But, if you simply want to spend time at the beach, then plan to snorkel, play in the water and enjoy a wonderful time. Plan to stay for sunset. Learn more here.
#6 Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
One of my favorite spots in Key West. The butterflies are mesmerizing and it’s a great way to expose kids to nature and the local flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett. Buy your tickets here.
#7 Higgs Beach
This beach offers a lot for families. There are volleyball courts and a playground for the kids. Grab your beach stuff and plan to spend the day enjoying the sun and sand.
#8 Key West Aquarium
Originally opened in 1935, the Key West Aquarium is unique to the Keys. Its open-air style building lets visitors see fish and other creatures from the areas around Key West. Buy tickets here.
#9 Sunset Celebration – Mallory Square
Key West is known for its sunset set views. One of the best places to see a Key West sunset is from Mallory Square. Every evening you can come down and watch the sunset, and celebrate. Vendors and entertainers fill the area and provide great entertainment to people of all ages.
#10 Key West Firehouse Museum
If you love to visit firehouses or have a kid that dreams of being a fireman, this is a must-do. Learn more here.
#11 Key West Historic Seaport
This area of Key West is a lot of fun to explore. See the boats, browse the shops, and enjoy a great meal with amazing views. Learn the history of the turtle kraals and be sure to check out the Turtle Museum.
#12 West Martello and Key West Garden Club
Tour the West Martello and check out the KW Garden Club. These amazing volunteers tend to these gardens and they are truly amazing.
#13 East Martello
The East Martello Museum features exhibits on Key West history and, of course, Robert the Doll. Want to meet Robert the Doll and go on a ghost hunt in the Fort? Check this out!
#14 Rent Bikes
Rent bikes and go explore Key West. Check out the beaches, see if you can spot an iguana, and be sure to head over to White Street Pier. Ride your bike on the pier and maybe try your hand at some fishing.
#15 Dry Tortugas
This is an excellent trip to explore the Fort and snorkel in crystal clear waters. Head out on the Yankee Freedom for a full day of fun and adventure. Or, maybe think about an overnight camping trip. Buy tickets here.
#16 Key West Wildlife Center
Located on White Street, the Key West Wildlife Center has a seven-acre indigenous park. They have a nature trail that includes a freshwater pond and two aviaries which are great spots to see migrating birds in spring and fall. They also have a wildlife rehabilitation center. Great place, centrally located in Key West to check out with the kids. Learn more here.
#17 USCGC Ingham Museum
Located in Truman Annex, the USCGC Ingham is one of only two preserved Treasury-class United States Coast Guard Cutters. She is the most decorated vessel in the Coast Guard fleet and is the only cutter to be awarded two Presidential Unit Citations. You can check out the museum during the day and on Friday and Saturday nights enjoy a sunset from her deck. Learn more here
#18 Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden
This is a must-stop for anyone visiting Key West. As their tagline says, come talk to, dance, and talk to orphaned parrots. Learn more here.
#19 Explore a SandBar
Just 20 minutes from Duval is magic. Book a private charter and go explore the sandbars around Key West. Have a picnic, fish, or just play in the water. Your kids will talk about this experience … forever. Learn more and book your charter here.
#20 Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
View a collection of artifacts and treasures from sunken ships valued at over $20 million. Learn all about Mel Fisher and his treasuring hunting. Buy tickets here.
#21 Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
Come explore the gardens. The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden is the only frost-free garden in the Continental US. Who knows what you will see! Learn more here.
#22 Ernest Hemingway Home
If you have tweens and teens that are into literature, or cats… this is a great place. See how Hemingway and his family lived while in Key West. Plus wander the gardens and see six-toed cats. Learn more here.
#23 Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters
Step back in time and learn the role the lighthouse and its keepers played. Climb the 88 steps to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of Key West. Buy tickets here.
#24 Go on a Ghost Tour/Hunt
Key West is known to be haunted. Why not check it out for yourself? Choose from a ghost tour that takes you through Old Town aboard a bus, with a ghostly tour guide (plus you can see Robert the Doll). Or choose a walking tour through Old Town with ghost hunting tools.
Book your ghost hunt walking tour here.
#25 The Oldest House
On Duval Street is the Oldest House. Stop in the General Store for a bit of shopping and then check out the tour of the home. The Captain, his wife, and nine daughters lived here. Learn more here.
#26 Little White House
Located in Truman Annex, the Little White House is where President Truman spent a lot of time, thus the name. Today you can tour the home and learn how Presidents since Truman have enjoyed the property. Buy tickets here.
#27 Learn To Make Key Lime Pie
If you want to learn how to make Key Lime Pie, then head over to the Key Lime Pie. You can not only learn how to make a key lime pie, but you can eat what you make. Great activity for kids. Learn more here.
#28 Water Activities
There are so many to choose from:
- A full day of activities on the water
- Dolphin Watching
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour
- Jet Skiing
- Sandbar Chillin
- Parasailing
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
#29 Enjoy the sweets of the Island
Walk around Old Town and try ice cream, huge cookies, freshly made donuts, buy candy by the point, or enjoy a slice of Key Lime pie. This is perfect for kids of any age.
#30 Shop
Wander down Duval and check out all of the stores. Or head over to Mallory Square and wander through the Sponge Market and the other vendors. I am sure you will not leave empty-handed.
#31 Get a Picture at the Southernmost Point
Remember your awesome Key West vacation with a picture of everyone by the Southernmost Point. Early morning is usually less crowded.
#32 Ride the Duval Loop
The Duval Loop is a free bus service that takes you around Old Town. It’s a great way to rest tired feet and still see the Island. Not only is the service free, but the buses are air-conditioned. Learn more here.
#33 Smather’s Beach
Head over to Smather’s Beach and enjoy a day relaxing on the beach or trying your hand at many water activities. Learn more here.
#34 South Beach
Want to stay closer to Old Town, then check out South Beach. It’s a small quiet area with the Southernmost Beach Cafe onsite.
#35 Go Explore the Keys
Want to see Key Deer, dolphins, or maybe an alligator? Then you need to go on a tour with Up the Keys. They will transport you in their very comfy air-conditioned van to see the Key Deer Refuge, Bahia Honda, the Dolphin Research Center, and many other options. Choose from half-day to full-day tours. To learn more and book, click here.
#36 Go on a Bike Tour with Lloyd
Spend a morning on a bike tour with Lloyd. See the off-the-beaten-path Key West and be entertained while on this amazing bike tour. To learn more or book click here.
#37 Last but not least…..
Spend time with your kids hanging out by the pool or water. Every kid remembers the pool. Trust me on this one.
So, how many of these kid friendly activities in Key West have you done?
