Planning a family trip to Florida? I’ve put together this guide on key west things to do with kids so you don’t have to spend hours searching. From sea turtles to glass-bottom boats, Key West packs a lot into a small area.
I’ll cover 21 tried-and-true activities that work for toddlers, tweens, and teens alike. Having traveled to the Keys with my own family, I know how fast kids lose interest, so every pick here is hands-on, fun, and worth your time.
I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Let’s get into it.
Why Key West Is a Great Destination for Families
Key West is compact, walkable, and full of things that genuinely hold a child’s attention.
Short, walkable sightseeing areas mean you’re not dragging tired kids across a huge city. Most of Old Town fits into a short walk.
Many outdoor and animal-focused attractions keep kids curious and moving. From butterflies to tarpon to sea turtles, nature is always close by.
Simple half-day tours fit younger kids’ attention spans without wearing anyone out. Most boat trips and train rides wrap up in one to two hours.
Beaches, boats, and interactive museums all sit close together. You can pack a morning full of activity and still be at the beach by noon.
21 Best Key West Things
From sea turtles and sunset shows to boat trips and key lime pie, here are the top 21 activities that make Key West unforgettable for families.
1. Famous Key Lime Treats at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
No trip to Key West is complete without tasting Key lime pie on a stick.
Kermit’s is a local institution where kids and adults line up for this tangy, chocolate-dipped treat. The shop is small, fun, and right in the heart of town.
You can grab a slice of pie, a cookie, or a bar. Everything is made fresh. It’s a quick stop, but one the kids will talk about long after you’re home.
2. Feed Giant Tarpon at Robbie’s of Islamorada
This one is a must if you’re driving down the Keys before reaching Key West.
At Robbie’s, you buy a small bucket of fish and feed tarpon that are as big as your child. These silver fish are enormous, and kids go wild for it.
The dock is casual and easy to access. There are also small shops and food stalls nearby. Plan to spend about an hour here. It’s low-cost, high-fun, and unlike anything most kids have seen before.
3. See Rescued Sea Turtles at The Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon gives families a close look at sea turtles being treated for injuries and illness.
Guided tours run throughout the day and explain how each turtle was rescued and what care it needs. Kids leave knowing something real about ocean conservation.
The staff is friendly and the turtles are visible up close in outdoor tanks. Book your tour in advance, especially during school holidays.
4. Walk Among Butterflies at Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Inside a glass-enclosed habitat, hundreds of butterflies fly freely around you.
Kids can stand still and watch them land on their hands or shoulders. The conservatory is calm, colorful, and easy to walk through in about 45 minutes.
There’s also a small learning center at the entrance with displays about butterfly life cycles. It works well for all ages, including toddlers.
5. Ride the Conch Tour Train Around Old Town
The Conch Tour Train has been running through Key West for decades.
It’s an open-air ride that loops through Old Town with a guide pointing out historic buildings, stories, and local landmarks. Kids enjoy the novelty of riding an actual train through city streets.
The full tour takes about 90 minutes. You can board at several stops, which makes it flexible for families.
6. Take a Narrated Key West Trolley Sightseeing Ride
The Old Town Trolley is a hop-on, hop-off option that gives families more freedom.
You can ride the full loop to get a sense of the city, then get off at stops that interest you most. The narration is lively and often funny, which keeps kids engaged.
Stops include the aquarium, Mallory Square, and other popular spots. Tickets can be bought online or at the main depot.
7. Watch the Nightly Street Show at Mallory Square
Every evening before sunset, Mallory Square fills with performers, food carts, and local artisans.
Jugglers, tightrope walkers, trained cats, and fire performers all set up along the waterfront. It’s free to watch and completely open to everyone.
Arrive about 45 minutes before sunset to get a good spot and let kids wander between the acts.
8. Join a Glass-Bottom Boat or Snorkel Trip Near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp in Key Largo is the gateway to some of the best reef viewing in the country.
Glass-bottom boat tours let younger kids see coral and fish without getting wet. Older kids and teens can try snorkeling with a guided group.
Tours typically last two to three hours. Book ahead in summer, as spots fill up fast.
9. Visit Touch Tanks at Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium is one of the oldest in the United States, and it still draws steady crowds for good reason.
The touch tanks are the highlight for most kids. They can put their hands in and feel starfish, horseshoe crabs, and other sea creatures.
There are also shark feedings and live animal talks throughout the day. The aquarium is indoors, making it a smart stop during the hottest part of the afternoon.
10. Book Animal Encounters at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
Located in Marathon, this spot goes beyond typical aquarium viewing.
Kids can get in the water with stingrays, feed sea turtles, or watch live shark demonstrations up close. The encounters are hands-on and run by trained staff who keep things safe and educational.
Sessions book up quickly, so reserve your spot before your trip. Plan on spending two to three hours here.
11. Tour the Six-Toed Cat Home at Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The Hemingway Home is best known among adults, but kids get a kick out of the cats.
About 60 polydactyl cats live on the property, many of them descended from Hemingway’s original cat. They roam freely through the gardens and house.
The grounds are shaded and well-kept, making it a pleasant stop even on a warm day.
12. Learn Local Shipwreck Stories at Key West Shipwreck Museum
The Shipwreck Museum tells the story of Key West’s history as a center for salvaging wrecked ships.
It’s interactive and theatrical, with actors playing historical characters who guide visitors through the experience. Kids can climb a lookout tower for views over the town and waterfront.
The whole visit takes about an hour, making it a solid mid-morning stop before heading to lunch.
13. Beach Time at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zach, as locals call it, is the best beach in Key West for families.
The water is clear, the sand is calm, and the fort itself adds an extra layer of interest for older kids. You can tour the Civil War-era fort, then head straight to the beach.
There are shaded picnic areas, a snack bar, and calm waves that work well for young swimmers. Arrive early on weekends to get a good spot.
14. Family Boat and Dolphin Trips From Key West Harbor
Several boat operators run dolphin-watching and reef tours out of Key West Harbor.
Wild dolphins often swim alongside the boat, especially in the morning. Some tours combine dolphin spotting with a snorkel stop.
Choose a tour with a smaller group size so kids have more space. Pack sunscreen, snacks, and a light jacket for the ride back.
15. Evening Trolley Ghost Tour for Older Kids
Key West has a well-known reputation for ghost stories, and the evening trolley tour leans into that fully.
The tour runs through the oldest parts of the city after dark, stopping at locations tied to local legends and historical mysteries. It’s theatrical rather than terrifying, but best suited for kids 10 and older.
The guide keeps the energy up with stories about pirates, duels, and haunted buildings.
16. Photo Stop at the Southernmost Point Buoy
The Southernmost Point Buoy marks the southernmost tip of the continental United States.
It’s a large red, black, and yellow marker right on the waterfront, and virtually every visitor gets a photo there. Lines can get long in the afternoon, so go early in the morning.
It’s free, takes only a few minutes, and always worth including on day one.
17. Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas is about 70 miles west of Key West and accessible only by ferry or seaplane.
Once there, families can snorkel in some of the clearest water in Florida, tour the massive Fort Jefferson, and spot tropical birds.
Book ferry tickets months in advance, especially in winter and spring. It’s worth every bit of planning.
18. Bird Sanctuary Visit at Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
This small but meaningful center in Tavernier cares for injured birds before releasing them back into the wild.
Visitors can walk a free boardwalk trail and see pelicans, herons, owls, and other native birds up close. It’s quiet and takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
There’s no charge to visit, though donations are welcome.
19. Flamingo Experience at Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Inside the same conservatory where butterflies fly freely, there’s also a small habitat where flamingos live.
The birds are bright pink and move calmly through a garden-like setting. Kids can watch them from just a few feet away.
The flamingo area is a highlight for younger kids who may not fully appreciate the butterflies. Budget about an hour for the full conservatory experience.
20. Pool, Lagoon, and Family Programs at Hawks Cay Resort
Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key offers a full resort experience built around the water.
There’s a saltwater lagoon, multiple pools, a water slide, and a dolphin interaction program right on the property.
The dolphin program is run by trained staff and gives kids a structured, safe way to interact with dolphins. It’s pricey but well-organized.
21. Resort Beach Time at Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo
Baker’s Cay in Key Largo sits at the northern end of the Keys and works well as a first or last stop on a Keys road trip.
The resort has a private beach, kayak rentals, paddleboards, and a pool with waterfall features. It’s relaxed and well-maintained.
Kids have room to move, and parents can sit back near the water. It’s a good choice if you want a slower, beach-focused day without driving all the way to Key West.
Tips for Visiting Key West With Kids
Key West is family-friendly, but a little planning makes the trip run much smoother.
- Book animal centers and boat trips early, as spots fill up fast from December through April.
- Plan outdoor activities before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid the worst of the midday heat.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and water bottles, and reapply often, especially on boat trips.
- Stick to tours of 60 to 120 minutes for younger kids so no one gets worn out.
- Keep one slow, beach-only afternoon free with nothing scheduled and nowhere to be.
Conclusion
I hope this list of key west things to do with kids makes your trip easier to plan. Honestly, the Keys surprised me the first time I visited with my family. I expected it to feel too small, but it delivered far more than I thought possible in such a compact area. The turtle hospital alone was worth the drive.
Start with one or two activities per day and leave room to breathe. Don’t try to do it all. If something on this list feels right for your family, book it early.
Drop a comment below and tell me which activity your kids are most excited about.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best key west things to do with kids on a tight budget?
Mallory Square sunsets, the Southernmost Point Buoy, and the Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center are free. Fort Zachary Taylor beach has a small entry fee but gives you a full day out.
How many days do you need in Key West with kids?
Two to three days covers the highlights comfortably. Add one more day if you plan to do the Dry Tortugas trip.
Is Key West safe for young children?
Yes, Key West is very family-friendly. Just be mindful that Duval Street gets lively at night, so stick to Old Town during evening hours with little ones.
What is the best time of year to visit Key West with kids?
November through April has the best weather. December through March is peak season, so book early.
Are there indoor activities in Key West for kids on rainy days?
Yes. The Key West Aquarium, Shipwreck Museum, and Butterfly and Nature Conservatory are all great indoor options when the weather turns.
