Vacations and weekend getaways don’t have to take you out of your comfort zone and to a different continent for them to be fun. Many of the most popular holiday destinations already exist in the United States, and with some planning, you can have one of the best getaways of your life.
Key West is an increasingly popular holiday destination for families, with attractions that include the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy and the great Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center.
photo source: Flckr.com via Max and Dee Bernt
Here are some of the best things to do in Key West with kids.
Is Key West Good with Kids?
Yes, Key West is one of the best vacation destinations for families with kids of all ages.
There’s something to see for everyone in Key West, including some of the best restaurants, nature attractions, and beaches you will experience anywhere in the United States.
Toddlers and younger kids can have a great day at adventure parks and museums. Older kids and teenagers will love the walking trails, restaurants, and stores found all around Key West.
One of the best merits of Key West is that it’s safe. Key West has a lower crime rate than the national average, and it’s one of the best places for kids and teens to hang out.
Unique Things to Do in Key West with Kids
Mel Fisher Maritime History Museum
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Mel Fisher Maritime History Museum is there to tell you and the kids more about maritime history and the extensive history of how Key West came to be. The exhibits are engaging, the content is interesting, and you can take a tour with an experienced guide or make your way through the museum at your own pace.
The Key West Shipwreck Museum
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Key West Shipwreck Museum is the place to be if you have anyone in the family who is a fan of shipwrecks, pirates, and maritime history. Explore some of the United States’ coastal history with an up close and personal look at recoveries from real wreckages.
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is one of the best places for families who want to spend time in nature. Admission is cheap, and you can learn more about the wildlife and nature found in Key West.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy
photo source: Flckr.com via C Watts
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy is an affordable day out that gets you and the kids to experience nature like never before. One of the healthiest and most vibrant butterfly populations you will ever see in one place, nature lovers can’t afford to miss a day trip to this great place.
Where Should I Eat in Key West with Kids?
Caroline’s Cafe
Caroline’s Cafe is one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Key West, with a five-star rating and a menu that can fit everyone in the family. While you’re there, introduce the kids to some of their great desserts and milkshakes.
Bagatelle (Seafood)
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The Bagatelle is famous for serving some of the best seafood on this side of the coast, though parents with fussy eaters in the family will be glad to know that the Bagatelle also serves up a lot more than just seafood dishes. Even vegetarians are catered to here, and kids will love the few kids’ menu options.
Blue Heaven
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Blue Heaven is one of the most popular restaurants in Key West, with an American-Caribbean fusion menu with some of the best cuisines you will get to see anywhere. The atmosphere has been called fantastic, and the friendly vibe is one of the best things about going here. Blue Heaven has their kids’ menu and some great desserts for when you’re done.
Free Things to Do in Key West with Kids
Mallory Square
photo source: Flckr.com via Roger W
If you don’t have a huge budget to spend on vacation, then Mallory Square is one of the best attractions for the whole family. There’s a great view from here, and plenty of affordable stores and restaurants are just around the corner. The entrance is free, but make sure you have a small spending budget.
Duval Street
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Duval Street is where most of the stores and markets in Key West are hiding away, but this isn’t the only thing you can access from here. It’s one of the busier Key West streets, with a lot to take in if you only want to take a walk and drink in the scenery.
Higgs Beach
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Going to the beach can still be a lot of fun, and Higgs Beach is one of several beaches you can find around Key West. Higgs Beach is free to visit, and you can have a quiet beach picnic or stroll and take in the beautiful sights.
Smathers Beach
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Smathers Beach is the largest public beach in Key West, and the entrance to see the massive beachfront is free. If you and the kids want to have some fun in the sun and waves, then going to Smathers Beach is recommended at least once during your trip.
Things to Do in Key West with Toddlers
Oldest House Museum
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Oldest House Museum is just what it says, and it stands as the oldest house in Key West that has been converted into a full museum tour that can teach you and the kids more about the area’s history. The tour isn’t just great for older kids and can entertain toddlers and young ones.
Key West Lighthouse Museum
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The Key West Lighthouse Museum is one of the must-visit attractions for anyone who wants to know more about the colorful history of Key West. The Maritime Museum is considered one of the best attractions for the entire family. Sometimes, there are even special events — and most of the time, you can find a guided tour to lead you through.
Sheriff’s Animal Farm
If you have young kids or toddlers and want a fun day out, then Sheriff’s Animal Farm is a reputable petting zoo where everyone can have fun. Get together and meet some of the cutest animals you can see in one place in person. Admission is affordable, and everyone will enjoy it.
Things to Do in Key West with Teenagers
Higgs Beach Dog Park
Higgs Beach Dog Park is one of the best places to visit, and you can stop by even if you don’t have a dog but are an animal lover. Get to see some of the best Key West offers and make new friends while you’re there.
Ernest Hemingway House
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
If you have a teen in the family who is a fan of writing or literature, you should make a trip to the Ernest Hemingway House to see where one of the greatest American Writers made their home.
Touch of Key West Photography
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Artists and photographers will love the Touch of Key West Photography gallery, just a stone’s throw away from the beach and filled with some of the best artists that Key West has to offer.
Adventurous Things to Do in Key West
Fury Water Adventures
If you have more of an active family to keep busy on vacation, one of the most adventurous activities can be going to Fury Water Adventures. It’s a fully-equipped water park that’s considered friendly for kids and adults alike.
Wild Dolphin Adventures
photo source: Flickr via Jay Ebberly
While in Key West, Wild Dolphin Adventures offers one of the best ways to see the beach and its animals up close and personal. Going out on the water several times daily, Wild Dolphin Adventures can give you and your family an experience you’ll never forget.
Lost Reef Adventures (Scuba)
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If you’ve always wanted to go scuba diving, then Lost Reef Adventures is the getaway that gives you the chance to do just that. With gear rentals and lessons, you’ll have fun under the water in almost no time.
Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Key West in December
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
photo source: Flckr.com via NOAA’s National Ocean Service
If you and the kids want to spend a day with nature and don’t necessarily want to get as close as a dolphin tour, then there’s also the great Florida Keys National Maritime Sanctuary. It’s one of the best places to visit if you want to learn more about local animal conservation.
Key West Aquarium
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
You can also find the Key West Aquarium some time away from the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary. Guided tours and exhibits teach visitors more about the environment — and what they can do to help preserve it for the next generation of visitors!
Key West Cemetery
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Even though a cemetery isn’t the traditional place to take kids out on a vacation trip, it is a place you might want to visit if you think you could have any ancestors that have lived their lives in Key West. If you want to learn more about your roots, take a trip through Key West Cemetery.
