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Key West is one of our family’s favorite Florida destinations because it’s easy to explore, full of history, and packed with fun activities for all ages. We’ve visited Key West multiple times over the years, and every trip reminds us why it’s such a great place for a family vacation. With each visit, we’ve discovered new places to eat, new tours to try, and even more reasons to come back. And today, I’m sharing some of my favorite things to do in Key West with kids.
One of the things we love most about visiting Key West with kids is that you don’t have to overplan every minute of your trip. Stay in a walkable area, choose one or two activities each day, and leave plenty of time to wander.
Some of our favorite family memories have come from simply exploring the Old Town area, stopping for key lime pie, or stumbling across live music and street performers around Mallory Square.
So, is Key West Good for Families?
I absolutely think so! While some people think of Key West as an adults-only destination because of its lively bar scene and nightlife, I couldn’t disagree more. Key West, Florida, is also an excellent place for families to visit.
From museums and beaches to boat tours and incredible sunsets, there are so many fun things to do in Key West with kids!
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer Florida Keys vacation, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained.
Where to Stay in Key West with Kids
If you’re wondering where to stay in Key West with kids, my biggest recommendation is to choose a hotel in a walkable location. Staying near Mallory Square, the marina, or Duval Street makes it easy to explore many of the island’s best attractions without constantly driving or searching for parking.
One of the best hotels in Key West for families is the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa. Its central location makes it easy to walk to restaurants, shops, and many of the attractions on this list. And, while I haven’t stayed here yet, it’s very high up on my wish list! You cannot beat the location!
We’ve stayed at La Concha Key West, and it’s a great family-friendly option in the heart of Old Town. I also enjoyed my stays at The Marker Key West, although both were solo momcation and girls’ trips to Key West.
Another good nearby option is the Opal Key Resort & Marina. And if you want more of a beachfront experience, consider the Casa Marina Resort by Hilton.
Families who need more space should also check out the nearby Hyatt Residence Club at Sunset Harbor. And the Santa Maria Suites Resort also offers suites and is in a walkable area.
My best advice for where to stay in Key West with kids is to choose a place that lets you explore on foot. That’s one of the things we love most about visiting as a family!
20 Fun Things to Do in Key West with Kids
One of our favorite things to do when we arrive in a new destination is simply explore on foot, and Key West is perfect for that. Stay in a walkable area, and you’ll find yourself wandering the charming streets of Old Town several times a day.
From colorful cottages and white picket fences draped in bougainvillea to local coffee shops with key lime pie, hidden courtyards, and waterfront views, there’s something interesting around nearly every corner.
It’s one of the many reasons we think Key West is such a fun destination for families!
While Key West is a wonderful place to explore at your own pace, I still recommend planning one or two activities each day, especially if you’re traveling with kids. It gives everyone something to look forward to without making your schedule feel rushed.
Most attractions don’t require advance reservations, but I do recommend booking popular experiences like Dry Tortugas National Park, snorkeling and dolphin-watching tours, ghost tours, fishing charters, and parasailing ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons.
To make planning easier, I’ve included links throughout this guide to many of our favorite tours and activities in Key West for families!
So, let’s jump in! Here are 20 fun things to do in Key West with kids this year!
#1 Ride the Conch Train
One of the best things to do in Key West with kids is to ride the iconic Key West Conch Train. We’ve done it multiple times, and I think it’s one of the best ways for first-time visitors to get to know the island.
The fully narrated, 75-minute tour passes many of Key West’s most famous landmarks, including the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, the Key West Lighthouse, the Southernmost Point, and more.
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, consider the Old Town Trolley Tour instead. Unlike the Conch Train, the trolley offers a longer hop-on, hop-off service, allowing you to spend more time at your favorite attractions before continuing your tour. It also covers a slightly larger area of the island.
Whether you choose the Conch Train or the Old Town Trolley, I highly recommend taking one of these tours early in your trip. It’s a fun way to get your bearings, learn a little Key West history, and decide which attractions you want to come back and explore.
#2 Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
If you asked Abby and Matt about their favorite attraction in Key West, they’d both tell you it’s this one. And, it’s not because they are big Ernest Hemingway fans.
We stop here every time we visit because we enjoy touring Hemingway’s historic home, but if we’re being honest, the famous six-toed cats are our favorite part!
The Hemingway Home & Museum is home to dozens of cats, many of them descendants of Hemingway’s original six-toed cat, Snow White. If you’re an animal lover, this is one of the most unique things to do in Key West with kids.
For more photos and planning tips, be sure to read my complete guide to visiting the Hemingway House cats. This tops my personal list of my own favorite things to do in Key West!
#3 Take a Seaplane or Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park has been at the top of my Key West bucket list for years, and it’s still one experience I can’t wait to do. I recommended it to one of my friends before her trip, and after seeing her photos, my FOMO only got worse!
If you have a few extra days in Key West, I truly think this is one of those unforgettable adventures worth planning.
You can visit Dry Tortugas by taking a 40-minute seaplane ride or aboard the Yankee Freedom III ferry. Once you arrive, you’ll have time to explore historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel in the crystal-clear water, relax on the beach, and enjoy one of the most remote national parks in the United States.
Because it requires a full or half day and transportation is limited, I think this experience is best suited for families with older kids. Whether you choose the ferry or the seaplane, be sure to book well in advance, as both options often sell out months in advance.
#4 Go on a Key West Snorkeling Tour
I know the seaplane outing is a big one, but there are many other ways to get on the water! One of our favorite things to do in Key West is get out on the water, and a snorkeling tour is a great choice for families.
On two separate trips to Key West, I enjoyed both a daytime snorkeling tour and an evening sunset catamaran cruise. Spending time on the water is one of our family’s favorite things to do in Key West, and I highly recommend adding a snorkeling tour to your itinerary.
Most snorkeling tours in Key West take you out to the coral reef, where you can swim among tropical fish and other marine life. While dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins, sea turtles, or rays along the way, making the boat ride just as memorable as the snorkeling itself.
If you’re looking for one of the best overall family activities in Key West, this is always a must-do for our family. I recommend booking your snorkeling tour in advance, especially during spring break, summer, and holiday weekends.
#5 Experience Mallory Square and the Sunset Celebration
Mallory Square and Sunset Pier sit side by side at the end of Duval Street, and there’s almost always something happening. During the day, you’ll find shops, restaurants, museums, and plenty of places to pick up a souvenir or grab a bite to eat.
In the evening, this is the place to be. Every night, locals and visitors gather for the famous Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, where you’ll find street performers, local artists, musicians, and one of the best sunsets in Key West.
We make a point to stop here on every trip—it’s the perfect way to end the day! And, honestly, Sunset Pier is one of the most timeless traditions and top things to do in Key West year after year.
#6 Eat Authentic Key Lime Pie
No family trip to Key West is complete without trying authentic Key Lime Pie!
In fact, many people believe that Key Lime Pie was invented right here in Key West. One of our favorite things to do is try a different slice each day and compare them. Make it a family challenge and let everyone vote for their favorite!
One morning, during a trip to Key West, I was walking back to my hotel after breakfast when I unexpectedly ran into Kermit from Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shop. Moments like that are one of the reasons we love Key West so much. There always seems to be a fun surprise waiting around the next corner!
#7 Visit the Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium may not be the biggest aquarium you’ll ever visit, but it’s a fun stop for families, especially when you need a break from the Florida heat. It has been open since 1934 and was the very first attraction in Key West.
Kids can get hands-on with marine life, watch daily animal feedings, and learn about sharks, sea turtles, and the unique mangrove ecosystem of the Florida Keys. The 50,000-gallon Atlantic Shores exhibit is especially fun for children who love ocean animals.
This isn’t a full-day activity but is one of the most popular indoor things to do in Key West!
#8 See the Southernmost Point
No trip to Key West is complete without stopping at the iconic Southernmost Point Buoy. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Florida and marks the southernmost point in the continental United States—just 90 miles from Cuba.
The line for photos can get long, especially during the middle of the day, so I recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the evening if you can. Even if you have to wait a few minutes, it’s worth it for the classic Key West family photo!
You don’t need to do this on every trip, and honestly, if you have young kids, I wouldn’t wait in line for a photo longer than a few minutes. But you can still see it quickly. For me, this Key West landmark is one of those things to do in Key West that is a one-and-done!
#9 Take a Jet Ski Island Tour
If you’re visiting Key West with teens, a jet ski tour is one of the most exciting adventures you can book. These guided tours circle the entire island, giving you a chance to enjoy beautiful ocean views while learning a little about Key West from your guide along the way.
We had a blast on our jet ski tour, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Most tours allow older kids and teens to ride with an adult, while older teens may even be able to drive their own jet ski if they meet the age requirements. Be sure to check the operator’s policies before booking.
I recommend reserving your tour in advance, especially during busy travel seasons, since this is one of the most popular water activities in Key West.
#10 The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Located just off Duval Street, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is still on our family’s Key West bucket list. It has been recommended to me countless times, and it’s easy to see why. It has even been voted “Best Place to Take the Kids” and “Best Attraction in Key West.”
Inside, you’ll find dozens of species of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, and two famous pink flamingos named Rhett and Scarlett. For an extra-special experience, up to six guests each day can book the 75-minute Flamingle, an up-close encounter with the flamingos. If that’s on your wish list, be sure to reserve it well in advance.
Even if you don’t book the Flamingle, the conservatory looks like a wonderful place to cool off, enjoy nature, and take beautiful photos. If you’d like a preview before your visit, you can even watch the live webcam on their website.
Click here to buy Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory tickets in advance.
#11 Book the Key West Ghost and Graveyard Tour
This is another great activity for families with older kids and teens! We’re big fans of Old Town Trolley Tours and have taken their tours in several cities, including St. Augustine. In Key West, they also offer the popular evening Ghosts & Gravestones Tour, which is a fun way to experience the island after dark while learning more about its fascinating history.
During this one-hour tour, your guide shares Key West’s supernatural history, local legends, and infamous ghost stories. You’ll even step inside the haunted Shipwreck Treasure Museum to hear the eerie story of Count Carl von Cosel and Elena de Hoyos.
I wouldn’t recommend this tour for young children, but it’s a fun evening activity for older grade-school kids and teens who enjoy spooky stories. The guides do a great job balancing the ghost stories with humor, making it entertaining without being overly frightening.
For families with older kids, I think this is one of the most unique things to do in Key West!
#12 Visit Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is one of our favorite places to spend a few hours in Key West because it offers a little bit of everything. You can tour the historic Civil War-era fort, relax on one of the island’s best beaches, snorkel from shore, or enjoy a picnic under the shade of the trees.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great place to slow down after a few busy days of sightseeing. The beach is known for its clear water and excellent snorkeling, so don’t forget to pack water shoes and your snorkel gear if you have it.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply spending a relaxing afternoon by the water, Fort Zachary Taylor is well worth adding to your Key West itinerary.
#13 Relax at the Best Family-Friendly Beaches
If your kids are happiest with sand between their toes, don’t expect the long stretches of sugar-white sand you’ll find on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Key West has a few sandy beaches, but much of the shoreline is rocky or lined with marinas.
Our favorite family-friendly beaches are Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. Smathers Beach is the largest and most popular, while Higgs Beach is a quieter option with a playground and picnic areas nearby.
Fort Zachary Taylor, which I mentioned above, combines one of the island’s best beaches with excellent snorkeling and a historic fort, making it a great choice if you want more than just a beach day.
#14 Explore the Key West Shipwreck Museum
I mentioned a stop at the Key West Shipwreck Museum earlier. This place does get “haunted” at night, but during the day it’s an interactive museum dedicated to all the shipwrecks in the Florida Keys.
The Key West Shipwreck Museum is a fun stop for families who enjoy history with a little adventure mixed in. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and live actors, you’ll learn about the island’s fascinating shipwrecking past and why salvaging cargo was once one of Key West’s biggest industries.
Be sure to climb the 65-foot lookout tower for panoramic views of Key West and the surrounding water. It’s one of the best views in town and a fun reward for kids after exploring the museum. If you’re visiting with school-aged children or teens, this is a great way to experience a different side of Key West’s history.
This museum is located at the center of it all, at Mallory Square. The Conch Train and Trolley Tour depot is here; there is much to see and do in this area. It’s also a place to hop on or off those tours, so consider the museum as your final stop on one of those before grabbing dinner and heading to catch the sunset.
#15 Go Kayaking in the Mangroves
An eco-kayaking adventure is at the top of my list for our next trip to Key West! Several companies offer guided tours through the beautiful mangrove forests of the Florida Keys, with outings ranging from a couple of hours to half-day adventures. Some tours even combine a catamaran cruise with kayaking, making for a fun day on the water.
As you paddle through the mangroves, keep an eye out for sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, and a variety of coastal birds. It’s a peaceful way to experience a different side of Key West that many visitors never see.
These tours typically have smaller group sizes than snorkeling excursions, so I recommend booking in advance, especially during busy travel seasons. Many tours also offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, giving you flexibility if the weather changes.
#16 Go Fishing in the Florida Keys
With so much water surrounding Key West, it’s no surprise that fishing is one of the island’s most popular activities. Whether you’re interested in an inshore fishing trip, an offshore deep-sea charter, or even a family-friendly reef fishing excursion, you’ll find plenty of options departing from the local marinas.
Since every charter offers a different experience, I recommend reading recent reviews before booking to find one that best fits your family’s interests, budget, and the type of fishing you’d like to do. If you’re visiting during a busy season, it’s also a good idea to reserve your trip in advance.
Click here to browse fishing charters in Key West!
#17 Tour the Truman Little White House
I finally toured the Truman Little White House during a recent trip to Key West, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve even written a complete Truman Little White House Guide with photos and tips if you’d like a closer look before your visit.
While younger kids may lose interest, I think this is an excellent stop for families with older children and teens. Our guide was both entertaining and knowledgeable, and we learned so much about President Harry S. Truman and the important role this home played in American history.
The guided tour is fairly short but not stroller-friendly, and there are a few tight spaces inside the historic home. If your family enjoys history, this is definitely worth adding to your Key West itinerary!
#18 Eat a Cheeseburger in Paradise
One of our favorite things to do when we travel is eat! Fortunately, Key West has no shortage of great restaurants, and most are very family-friendly. You’ll find everything from fresh local seafood to casual cafés, and don’t leave without trying the conch fritters!
Many restaurants also feature live music, which is right up our alley. For our family, a casual dinner, live music, and letting the kids order dessert while we enjoy a cocktail is the perfect way to end the day. There are so many great places to eat in Key West that you’ll never run out of options.
And you’ve got to ask yourself… what would Jimmy Buffett do?
#19 Go Parasailing in Key West
If your family is looking for a thrill, parasailing is one of the most exciting activities in Key West for teenagers. Head out on a speedboat and take turns soaring hundreds of feet above the turquoise water while enjoying incredible views of the island and the surrounding Florida Keys.
Most parasailing companies in Key West welcome older kids, but children under 4 are typically not permitted. Be sure to check the operator’s age and weight requirements before booking, as they can vary slightly by company.
Since parasailing tours have limited space, I recommend reserving your spot in advance, especially during spring break, summer, and holiday weekends.
#20 Wander Along Duval Street
No matter how many activities you have planned, make time to simply wander along Duval Street. Pop into local shops, grab some ice cream or Key lime pie, listen to live music, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Sure, you might see a few interesting characters, but that’s all part of the fun—and it will make for some unforgettable family memories!
Honestly, some of our favorite family memories in Key West have come from slowing down and exploring without an agenda.
Have Fun Visiting Key West with Kids
After visiting Key West multiple times over the years, it continues to be one of our favorite family destinations in Florida. Whether you’re exploring Old Town, snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, watching the sunset at Mallory Square, or simply wandering Duval Street, there really is something here for everyone.
I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable family vacation. If you’ve visited Key West with kids, I’d love to hear about your favorite attractions, restaurants, or hidden gems. Leave a comment below and share your best tips—I always enjoy discovering new places to add to our list for the next trip!
What did you like, and what did you love? Do you have any tips for first-time visitors to Key West?
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