Travel Tips for Key West with Kids
Top twenty tips for family activities in Key West
I always thought Key West was a grown-up playground until I visited there recently with a friend. Several years ago, my son and I stopped there briefly when our cruise ship pulled up to port, but with just six hours of exploring, our options were limited. From my first experience with my child, I only remembered the rowdy bars, Duval Street, and some interesting street characters weaving hats out of palm fronds. My most recent visit to Key West changed my opinion-there’s so much to do with children, the options are almost limitless.
The Journey Down
Expect the drive to take about 3 1/2 to 4 hours from Ft. Lauderdale or Miami airport to Key West. No need to rush, the journey down is part of the experience. Each of the different islands of the keys has a unique flavor from areas like Marathon and Key Largo which are busy and somewhat industrial to tiny keys which have a true tropical vibe with beach resorts lining both sides of U.S. Highway 1. Travelling the 110 miles on this mostly single lane highway, you’ll cross 42 vaulted bridges over crystal clear, azure blue waters. If the kids need to stretch their legs and play in the sand, two state parks are worth a visit: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo and Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key at mile market 36. For more detailed information about each of the keys and the trip down Highway U.S.1, the internet has a wealth of information. Check out www.fodors.com for more information about points of interest on the drive south.
Top 20 Things to Do with Kids in Key West
1. Conch Tour Train and Old Town Trolley-This is a great way to get oriented upon arriving in Key West. Both offer narratives about the history and culture of Key West. $29 for adults and $14 for children gets you a 90 minute ride, and the trolley allows you to get on and off at certain points of interest.
2. Aquarium-Opened in 1934, it’s one of the oldest aquariums in the states. It was the first major attraction in Key West. It’s located on Whitehead Street near Mallory Square. Prices range from $5 for children to $12 for adults.
3. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory-This is a gem! Located at 1316 Duval Street, you’ll see 50-60 different species of butterflies in climate controlled indoor gardens. Fees range from $8.50 for children to $12 for adults.
4. Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum-located at 108 Duval Street, this museum contains 12,000 square feet of the odd and unusual. Fees for children are $11.95 and for Adults $14.95.
5. Pirate Soul-Billed as the ultimate pirate museum, this is where you can find rare and real artifacts from early Key West history. Pirate Soul is located at 524 Front Street.
6. Sunset, Glass Bottom Boat or Snorkeling Cruises-Several companies offer powerboat or sailing cruises. Head to the historic seaport for more information. There are also kiosks around Duval street where you can pick up brochures or sign up for the next cruise. Many private companies also offer snorkel day trips and provide many options of watersports. Some may be more appropriate for kids. We’ve rented from Floridays and Fury Cat and have been very pleased.
7. Dry Tortuga national park-located 70 miles west of Key West, is this 97 acre national park. With four hours of boat travel (two hours each way) and nearly five hours of time visiting the park, playing on the beach and touring Fort Jefferson, this is a complete day trip away from Key West. Schedule this after you’ve been in town for a couple of days and need to change your venue. We recommend the fast catamaran tour company to speed up your trip to and fro by several hours.
8. Duval Street-Daytime and nighttime are both perfect for shopping, eating, browsing, and people watching on Duval Street. Older kids will love the ubiquitous gift shops that line Duval and other side streets.
9. Hemingway House-Kids aged ten and older might enjoy a tour of the house where Ernest lived and wrote the draft of “A Farewell to Arms.” Tours cost about $10 dollars and discounts are often available on the internet. This is also home to 50 of the six toed cats, original descendants of the cats given to Hemingway when he lived here.
10. Key West Lighthouse-Just across the street from the Hemingway House. Provides a great perspective of the island.
11. Southernmost Point-Stroll to the famous marker which marks the southernmost spot of the United States. You can also tell your friends and family back at home to simultaneously view you on the webcam positioned at this point.
12. Mallory Square-When in Key West, you are obligated to see the sunset at least once from here! Beginning about one to two hours before sunset, artisans set up shop and musicians and performers entertain you.
13. Beaches-If you’re looking for vast expanses of fluffy sand, you’ll be disappointed by the beaches in the keys. Beaches here are narrow, crunchy with coral, and hard to find. But locals swear by the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor. Rent a bike because it’s a bit too far to walk if you’re carrying beach gear. Also visit Higgs Beach Park, which offers a rental shack for snorkeling gear and beach chairs. The water is clear and shallow and there is a roped off protected area for swimming.
14. Kayak Eco Tours-Several companies offer eco tours of the mangroves near Key West. Many will pick you up directly from your hotel or inn. Tandem kayaking is offered for younger kids and their parents. Most recently we chose Blue Planet Kayak and enjoyed an excellent and informative three hour tour.
15. Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum-at the corner of Green and Whitehead, this museum focuses on treasures and archeology of the deep. Prices for admission are $12 adults and $6 for children.
16. Florida Key Eco-Discovery Center-Part of NOAA’s educational services. This center has 6,000 square feet of interactive exhibits including a living reef and aquarium. It’s near Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, so it’s a little off the beaten path, but admission is free. For more information floridakeys.noaa.gov is the website.
17. Ghost Tours-What’s a trip to Key West without a ghost tour? These family friendly tours depart nightly at 8pm and 9pm. Dress appropriately for the weather and expect to walk for about 90 minutes. Prices are typically $15-$20 for adults and $10 for kids.
18. Shipwreck Museum-located at 1 Whitehead Street, it bills itself as a “historeum” with live actors taking you back to the Key West of 1851. It’s a fun way to immerse the kids in history. There’s also a 65 foot lookout tower for a full view of old town Key West. This was a hit with my ten year old son!
19. Pirate Walking Tour-If you still don’t have your fix of everything pirate, take this evening ninety minute walking tour that describes Key West’s maritime history.
20. Dolphins, Dolphins and more Dolphins-there are options to 1) swim with dolphins (more expensive) or 2) simply view them in their natural habitat. The powerboat and sailing companies mentioned above are a good starting point for your search.
Money saving tip: nearly every service and company offers on-line coupons. Before you leave home, check Key West websites for the latest deals and begin your journey with a fist full of money saving deals!
