10 Best Things to Do in Key West with Kids
Key West may be best known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, but it’s also a great destination for families. From spacious vacation homes with pools and plenty of space to play to family-friendly restaurants and fun activities like butterfly gardens, aquariums, and museums — Key West has the family vacation covered!
Ready to plan the ultimate family-friendly vacation itinerary for sunny, beautiful Key West? Here are the 10 best things to do in Key West with kids.
1. Gets Hands On at the Key West Aquarium
- keywestaquarium.com
- 1 Whitehead Street, Key West
Home to colorful fish, crustaceans, sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and other marine life, the Key West Aquarium has been delighting visitors of all ages for nearly a century. It’s one of the island’s oldest and most beloved family-friendly attractions and one of the best things to do on rainy days.
Kids especially love the touch tanks, educational presentations, and shark feedings. The Key West Aquarium is a must-do when visiting Key West with kids!
2. Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- keywestbutterfly.com
- 1236 Duval Street, Key West
Once named “The Best Place to Take the Kids” and “The Best Attraction” in Key West, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a favorite of all ages.
Stroll the gardens to see hundreds of colorful butterflies and birds, watch as caterpillars undergo their transformation, and learn about interesting insects from around the world. Be sure to stop by the gift shop and gallery, where you’ll find unique, butterfly-themed art, toys, souvenirs, and more.
3. Check Out the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
- keywestshipwreck.com
- 1 Whitehead Street, Key West
Step back in time and learn all about shipwrecks, treasure hunting, and nautical history at the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum.
Explore remnants of a Spanish Galleon, artifacts, and exhibits outlining the “wrecking” history of Key West. Kids will especially enjoy the interactive displays, “pirate” treasures, and climbing up the 65-foot observation tower to see the very waters where many shipwrecks took place.
4. Relax at the Truman Waterfront Park
- cityofkeywest-fl.gov/facilities/facility/details/Truman-Waterfront-Park-52
- End of Southard Street, Key West
The perfect spot for some free, family-friendly fun, Truman Waterfront Park features lots of green space, a large playground, a walking/biking trail, picnic areas, and a splash pad to cool off in — a favorite among younger kids.
You’ll also find plenty of parking, restrooms, tables, and other amenities. Pack some sandwiches, grab the kids, and enjoy a fun, relaxing family picnic at the park!
5. Take a Tour on an Old Town Trolley
- trolleytours.com/key-west
- 1 Whitehead Street, Key West
One of the best ways to go sightseeing with kids in Key West is by taking the Old Town Trolley Tours, which offer several tour options, including the world-famous Conch Tour Train — a visitor favorite.
You can hop on and hop off to explore landmarks around Key West, such as the Key West Lighthouse, Old Town Key West, the Southernmost Point, Sails to the Rails Museum, the Shipwreck Museum, the Truman Little White House, and so much more.
And if you’re traveling with older kids who love a little spooky fun, Old Town Trolley Tours also offers one of the most popular Key West ghost tours, the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour, to explore Key West’s darker side.
6. Get Out on the Water With Fury Water Adventures
- furycat.com
- Tours depart from several marinas around Key West
What’s a visit to Key West without exploring the water? No matter what age or comfort level your child has in the water, Fury Water Adventures has a tour for you. From glass-bottom boats that explore the coral reefs in air-conditioned comfort and dolphin-watching tours, to snorkeling, parasailing, and playing on giant inflatable water toys, there are so many fun things to do on the water with Fury.
Fury Water Adventures offers several kid-friendly tour options led by experienced captains and crew, with top-of-the-line equipment, life jackets, and safety measures in place. It’s the ultimate family-friendly adventure!
7. Go Snorkeling at Higgs Beach
- monroecounty-fl.gov/235/Higgs-Beach
- 100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West
Part of the Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park, Higgs Beach features calm, shallow waters that are perfect for little ones to splash, play, or even snorkel.
Shore snorkeling is very popular for all ages at Higgs Beach. You can rent or buy a snorkel mask from nearby vendors and look for tropical fish, conchs, crustaceans, and more.
When you need a break from the water, the park also features a playground, picnic areas, and other family-friendly amenities.
8. Learn at The Hemingway Home and Museum
- hemingwayhome.com
- 907 Whitehead Street, Key West
Once home to the famous novelist, Ernest Hemingway, the Hemingway Home and Museum takes you back in time to learn about his life and literary works.
While the history, artifacts, and architecture can be fascinating for most kids, if you have high schoolers currently enthralled in Old Man and the Sea, they’ll really enjoy their visit. And of course, the famous six-toed cats that roam the grounds are always a hit with kids of all ages.
9. Take in the Sights with Jolly II Rover Sailing Adventures
- schoonerjollyrover.com
- 631 Greene Street, Key West
For a swashbuckling good time, book a sailing tour aboard the Jolly II Rover, an 80-foot tall topsail schooner reminiscent of something you’d see in a pirate movie — complete with working cannons!
Take in the sights around Key West from the sea as you sail through the Historic Seaport, Mallory Square, a Navy Submarine Base, and more, on a two-hour tour. The boat is family-friendly, offering plenty of seating, onboard restrooms, and the option to bring your own snacks.
10. Be Entertained at Mallory Square
- mallorysquare.com
- 400 Wall Street, Key West
A large open-air plaza overlooking the Gulf, Mallory Square is a great place for the whole family to spend an afternoon.
Stroll by the water to see the cruise ships go by, watch the street performers work their magic, check out the unique shops, and grab a bite to eat. And of course, the nightly sunset celebration is not to be missed. As the sun goes down, downtown’s Mallory Square comes alive with music, food, and live entertainment.
Where to Stay in Key West with Kids
Space, comfort, and consistency are essential when traveling with kids. Forgo noisy, crowded hotels and opt for a vacation home instead.
Vacation homes around Key West offer a home-away-from-home experience with comfy, spacious properties with amenities like pools and outdoor spaces to relax and play. And while dining out is fun, having a fully-equipped kitchen also allows for easy meal and snack prep, so kids can still have their familiar favorites while on vacation.
Getting Around Key West with Kids
Key West is a relatively small island, making it easy to get around, even with kids. Here are your best options:
- Walking: Many Key West attractions are within walking distance of your vacation home.
- Biking: Bike rentals are available throughout the island and can be a fun way to explore with older kids.
- Duval Loop Bus: A cheap and convenient option for getting around downtown Key West.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Available all over the island for getting to longer distances or when those little legs get tired!
Finding Family-Friendly Dining in Key West
It’s easy to dine out with kids in Key West. Most restaurants are casual and have kid-friendly foods like chicken fingers, fries, burgers, and more — and you’ll find a sweet shop on nearly every corner, offering candy, ice cream, and/or Key lime pie.
A few of our favorite kid-friendly restaurants in Key West include:
- Blue Heaven: A tropical oasis known for its “breakfast with the roosters.” Kids love eating their pancakes and watching the roosters wander about.
- Fisherman’s Cafe: A historic, outdoor spot serving up kid-friendly favorites like quesadillas, grilled cheese, and hot dogs.
- Hogfish Bar & Grill: A casual, waterfront seafood spot with kid-friendly items like fish and chips, burgers, nachos, and more.
- Mattheessen’s: A must-stop for dessert, this family-owned spot serves up homemade ice cream, fudge, Key lime pie, and more.
Plan the Perfect Family Vacation in Key West
Ready to plan your perfect family vacation in Key West? Book your stay with VHKW to enjoy all the comforts of home, plus kid-friendly amenities like swimming pools, spacious living rooms with large-screen TVs, kitchens, and dining rooms for family meals, and more.
From crib and stroller rentals to seamless transportation and curated family excursions, our concierge service handles every detail with care. At Vacation Homes Key West, we specialize in creating effortless, worry-free vacations for families of all sizes. start planning your Key West adventure today!
