The Best Things to Do in Key West with Kids
From incredible sunset celebrations to a remote national park, we’re sharing the best things to do in Key West with kids!
Due to its never ending festivities and seemingly endless number of bars, Key West has gotten a bit of a party reputation.
However, I’m here to assure you that Key West is a GREAT place to travel with the entire family.
Below, you’ll find unique and memorable activities that will have your kids begging for another visit to the southernmost Florida key!
This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links, I will receive a small commission at no charge to you.
Is Key West Kid Friendly?
Yes, really!
Palm tree inside Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West
As a town known for Sloppy Joe’s Bar, you won’t be alone in thinking that Key West is best left to the bachelorette parties and college spring breakers.
However, there are so many reasons to visit Key West with kids.
First of all, the island has an amazing history (and, if you’ve been around this blog for any amount of time, you’ll know that I LOVE history!). You’ll have multiple ways to explore everything from pirates to Ernest Hemingway to US railroad expansion with your family.
Secondly, the architecture is adorable. Purely from an aesthetic view, your family will be dreaming about exploring all of the little island cottages.
Thirdly, most of the wild and crazy stuff doesn’t happen in Key West until late night. If your family is anything like mine, you’ll already be asleep by midnight!
Plus, Key West residents and patrons are respectful of others: if there’s a party or function that would make your family feel uncomfortable (or that’s not appropriate for families), you can be sure that it will be happening off the streets, on rooftops, or other areas where you can’t just happen into it.
Finally, the island is big enough to have plenty to do while being small enough to be easily accessible even with little kids.
If you stay in a Key West hotel in the historic district, you’ll be able to walk just about everywhere.
Best Things to Do in Key West with Kids
Now that you’re onboard with the idea of a Key West family vacation, let’s explore my favorite kids activities on the island!
Celebrate the sunset at Mallory Square.
Performer juggling fire at the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Mallory Square is right on the water’s edge at the end of Duval Street, the main thoroughfare across Key West.
Each night, everyone gathers to see the vibrant sunsets over the Florida Gulf, and Key West puts on an amazing party every time.
We used the weather app to check what time the sunset would set that day and made our way over to the square.
There are booths with jewelry, paintings, t-shirts, and other souvenirs placed around the edges of the square.
Grab a prime seat right on the edge of the performance area and take in the jugglers, musicians, and more as the sun is setting.
Address: at the intersection of Wall Street and Tifts Street
Hours: varies throughout the year; celebration typically starts about 1 hour before sunset
Admission: free
Explore the beautiful waters with an ecotour.
While the island of Key West is fun and exciting, there’s an entire watery world surrounding it that most visitors don’t bother to explore.
With an ecotour, you’ll set sail across the blue-green waters surrounding Key West. You’ll definitely see dolphins, fish, gulls, and more as you make your way to the living reef off of the coast.
Once at the reef, you’ll be able to jump in and snorkel for a bit.
As long as your kids can swim, they’ll love this tour. I know that not all children will want to try snorkeling, but I encourage you to try it out with your little ones!
It is an easy enough activity that even younger elementary aged kids can get a handle on it.
This ecotour is a great way for your family to learn about the animals and the reef, and how to protect them for future generations.
Address: Corner of Greene and Elizabeth Streets at the Historic Seaport
Hours: 3 tours depart daily at 9 AM, 12:30 PM, and 5:30 PM
Check your dates below for availability and to purchase tickets:
Climb to the top of the Key West Lighthouse.
Key West Lighthouse from a nearby street
You’ll be able to see this stark white lighthouse from most areas of Key West, and it’s a memorable experience to climb to the top!
The 88 stairs of the Key West Lighthouse are manageable for most, even kids. Don’t be afraid to take the climb slowly and pause if necessary.
I promise, no one is running to the top, and everyone else will be taking it easy, too.
The reward for your climb is a view of the entire island—and beyond.
Once you’ve accomplished that, your family can then explore where the lighthouse keepers lived and worked.
Address: 938 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida
Hours: 10 AM-5 PM daily
Admission: $17/adults, $12/seniors, veterans, college students, $8/kids 7-18, free for kids under 7 and active military
Go to the southernmost point in the US!
If your kids are geographically minded—or you just want a cool picture for the family photo album—head to this marker.
The large red and yellow marker is iconic, and there’s often a line for a picture.
It’s worth the wait, and the experience is free.
Address: corner of Whitehead Street and South Street
Hours: open 24 hours a day
Take the Key West Conch Train Tour.
Key West Conch Train | source
I went to Key West for the first time as a young teenager, and I remember loving this introduction to the island.
The tour is comprehensive and takes visitors by the majority of the points of interest on and around Duval Street.
Plus, the little tram is one of the most adorable things for kids to do in Key West!
Kids who won’t remember every detail of the narrated tour will remember cruising the streets of the island in their own tiny train.
On a hot day of sightseeing, the entire family will appreciate the cool breeze you’ll get while sitting in the tram.
The Key West Conch Train Tour is a hop-on, hop-off tour, so make use of it in the heat of the day.
Address: 303 Front Street, Key West, Florida
Hours: 10:15-4:15 PM daily
Check your dates below for availability and to purchase your tickets!
Make it to mile marker 0.
MM0 | source
This is one road sign you’ll want to seek out!
Mile marker 0 indicates the beginning and end of US 1, which is the highway that stretches through most of the East Coast.
It connects Fort Kent, Maine to the southernmost place in Florida, Key West in the longest north-south highway in America.
On the corner of Whitehead Street and Flemming Street is a fun photo-op for the whole family.
It can be a popular spot, so be prepared to wait if there’s a crowd.
The best time to go is about an hour before sunset, which is called “the Golden Hour” in photography!
>> Read more of my travel photography tips for beginners! <<
Visit a 200 year old fort.
Beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park takes up most of the land on the upper western side of the island, making this a valuable natural part of Key West for families.
Here, your family can spend an entire day soaking up the beauty of this area.
You can bike along the wide, paved paths, or have a picnic at one of the many picnic areas.
The beach here is great for swimming, and you can rent an umbrella and chairs on site.
Don’t forget to learn a bit about the history of the fort with a ranger tour.
Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, Florida
Hours: 8 AM-5 PM daily
Admission: $6/car
Learn about the local ecosystems at the Key West Aquarium.
At this point, the Key West Aquarium is a local institution!
Entrance to the Key West Aquarium | source
It’s been helping visitors learn about and respect the Keys’ wildlife since 1946, and that tradition continues to families today.
As one of the best Key West kids activities, the Aquarium has interactive exhibits on jellyfish, sharks, and sea turtles.
For kids who want more of a hands on approach, there’s a touch tank to gently interact with conches, horseshoes crabs, sea cucumbers and more.
Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida
Hours: 9:30 AM-5:30 PM daily
Check your date below to grab your admission tickets!
Get a Junior Ranger badge at an incredible national park.
Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortugas National Park
The Dry Tortugas National Park is way out of your way—a 2.5 hour boat ride, in fact—but I cannot stress what an incredible experience it will be for your family.
We’ve been to Key West multiple times, and, each time, I make sure we allot a day to visit Dry Tortugas National Park.
The boat ride is an adventure unto itself as it gives you unprecedented views of the Florida Gulf.
When you get to the fort, you won’t believe your eyes: stuck in the middle of all of this water is a 5-sided fort!
Built as a prison, Fort Jefferson dates to the mid-1800s. Today, kids can earn not one but TWO different Junior Ranger badges as they explore the property.
The first is the typical Junior Ranger program which gets families learning about the history, construction, and use of the fort over time.
The second is the unique Underwater Junior Ranger program where kids can (literally) dive down into the incredible ecosystem right outside of the fort’s walls.
NOTE: you must book a ferry ride to the fort. Other than a private plane charter, the ferry is the only way onto the island.
Kid Friendly Key West Places to Eat
Kids are always hungry.
And they’re doubly so on vacation.
Make sure you keep them fueled up during your Key West kids activities with these fun restaurants and treats!
Grab a slice of Key lime pie.
Dessert is a can't miss meal when you are in Key West! (Your kids definitely won’t complain about this feature of their vacation.)
You have to try Key Lime Pie with your kids. It’s super tart and delicious with a buttery, flaky pie crust.
I’m practically a Key lime pie connoisseur at this point in my life, and I’m here to tell you that the pie is NEVER green. If you get something that’s green, they’ve added unnecessary food coloring.
If you’ve never had this Florida Keys treat, Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe on Duval Street is a great place to try it.
Key lime pie is a Key West staple, and you’ll see it on the menu all over the Keys. It’s fun to try different twists on the traditional pie!
Eat a Mattheessen's cookie.
Cookies cooling at Mattheeseen’s Candy Kitchen | source
The sugary fun doesn’t stop there!
Stop by Mattheeseen’s Candy Kitchen for giant cookies on Duval Street.
The half pound cookies at this legendary bakery are sure to be like nothing you’ve ever seen—or tasted.
You'll want to eat the entire cookie it even though it is huge.
If that’s not enough sweetness in your day, you can also sample their fudge, selection of candies, and homemade ice cream.
Address: 419D Duval Street, Key West, Florida
Hours: 9 AM-midnight daily
Have brunch at Firefly.
Chicken and waffles at Firefly | source
Skip brunch at the more well known Blue Heaven and head to Firefly instead.
Firefly is located just a block away from Blue Heaven on Petronia Street, and it serves up Southern themed food.
As someone from South Carolina, I’ll be the first to tell you that “Southern food” in Florida doesn’t always equal what I can find back home in Charleston, but I'm happy to report that Firefly has Southern cuisine down.
Their chicken and waffles is high on the list of the best I've ever had.
The chicken has a crunchy exterior and juicy insides with a little Sriracha kick.
The waffles have pecans, which makes for a deliciously crunchy counterpart to the fluffy waffle.
Don’t forget to try their famous biscuit! It’s fluffy, delicious with strawberry jelly, and almost as big as a toddler’s head.
Address: 223 Petronia Street, Key West, Florida
Hours: Brunch is served 10 AM-3 PM daily
Indulge in an authentic crêpe.
I first introduced my kids to crepes on a trip when they were small, and they’ve never looked back.
Now, we seek out places like La Crêperie in Key West to try new sweet and savory versions of a family favorite!
La Crêperie has delicious options for breakfast or lunch including the aforementioned crêpes, galettes, salads, and sandwiches.
Your kids will want to sit outside on the patio, though the entire restaurant is casual and super kid friendly.
Address: 300 Petronia Street, Key West, Florida
Hours: 7:30 AM-3 PM daily
Which of these things to do in Key West with kids would be at the top of your family’s list?
