The Florida Keys, a string of idyllic islands just off the southern tip of Florida’s coast, offers various indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. The kids will love snorkeling, learning about marine mammals, and riding the conch train. Continue reading to find out the Top things to do in the florida keys for families.
Things to do in the florida keys for families | Top 12 places
Go snorkeling in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located in Key Largo, is the nation’s only underwater park. It spans 70 nautical miles. You can explore the mangrove swamps, tropical hammock forest, and seagrass beds by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard tour, or you could rent a paddleboard and take a snorkeling trip past colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.
Children will love cruising on a glass-bottom boat, marveling at the natural wonders below, and it’s a great way to take in the sights.
Marvel at fish tanks in Key West Aquarium
Key West Aquarium is Florida’s oldest aquarium and has the best things to do in the florida keys for families. It has been a delight to visitors for over a decade with its hands-on exhibits. The Tide Pool Touch Tank is home to a 20,000-gallon saltwater Coral Reef and Predator Reef tank.
Kids can touch and hold live starfish, sea cucumbers, and horseshoe crabs. You can also see the large aquariums that house jellyfish, seahorses, eels, and lobsters, as well as the feedings of sharks and stingrays.
Explore Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park offers a unique combination of history and a rich underwater world with marine life. First, visit the seven islands of the park and Fort Jefferson National Monument. Next, visit a bird sanctuary filled with native birds.
You can enjoy the sun on the beaches, and children can snorkel in the coral reefs only 10 feet away.
Enjoy water sports at Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Key West. It is the perfect place to relax in the sun. You’ll find many family-friendly amenities at Key West’s largest park, including volleyball courts and picnic areas.
There are also a variety of water sports rentals. In addition, the beach has a sidewalk and bike trail that run the length of it. You can also walk or bike along the sidewalk.
Camp overnight at Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park is Big Pine Key’s best escape from the hustle and bustle. It boasts one of the most things to do in the florida keys for families. Family-friendly activities include snorkeling, fishing, and swimming in the warm, clear waters.
Campsites and rentals of cabins are available for overnight adventures. You can also find scenic hiking trails, and a nature center offering talks and ranger-led activities.
Marvel at winged creatures at Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Children will be captivated by the vibrant gardens of butterflies at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. They can also view colorful birds, koi fish, and pink flamingos.
The tranquil environment is filled with tropical plants, waterfalls, and flowering trees that will make you feel like you have stepped into another dimension. In addition, a Learning Center allows you to learn more about butterflies’ life cycle and behavior.
Discover treasures in the Key West Shipwreck Museum
If planning a family vacation to the florida keys you should visit Key West Shipwreck Museum. The Key West Shipwreck Museum has no boring exhibits. Kids will be fascinated by the shipwreck artifacts. You can watch a live storytelling presentation and then visit the museum to view 17th- and 18th-century objects.
Finally, you can climb the 65-foot tower lookout tower to enjoy spectacular views of the southernmost keys. A scavenger hunt is available for children, and there’s a tour guide who will tell you engaging stories about famous shipwrecks.
Take a ride on the Conch Tour Train
The Conch Tour Train is a scenic way to see Key West. Take a ride on it for a tour around the city. On a 30-minute journey, you will discover areas of Key West that you may not have known about. There is a stop for ice cream along the way.
Children can also wear junior conductor hats while aboard. Since 1958, the brightly colored train has delighted visitors with its unique views of the historic district and points of interest.
Learn about Florida’s history at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West, is home to the most extensive Civil War sea-coast cannons collection. It’s a beautiful place to discover the area’s history and enjoy a beautiful stretch of beach. Enjoy a day of swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking at the beach.
Then, take a guided tour to discover the significance of Fort Taylor. Finally, for ice cream, stop by the beachside cafe if you feel like cooling off.
Interact with sea mammals at the Dolphin Research Center
The Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key is a non-profit educational and research facility. It allows you to get up close and personal with beautiful sea mammals. Family members can spend a memorable day with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins or California sea lions and many things in florida keys with toddlers.
A fun water slide accompanies the narrated sessions, and the kids can play in the playground. A “Researcher for a Day” program is also available.
Learn about the ecosystem at Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is located near Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. So take a break and enjoy the cool breeze. Interactive exhibits will help you learn how to conserve and protect South Florida’s ecosystem.
The reef tank is filled with tropical fish and corals. Next, you will see a replica of an underwater laboratory. Finally, learn about the life below the water for scientists on research expeditions.
Have a marine adventure at Theater of the Sea
The Theater of the Sea, Islamorada, is one of the most critical marine mammal facilities around. It has been operating since 1946. Islamorada things to do family include dolphins, sea lions, sharks, turtles, and alligators.
Many of these animals were rescued from the wild after they had been injured. You can enjoy shows by reptiles, sea lions, and parrots, as well as relax on the beach and take a bottomless boat ride with dolphins.
Things To Do In The Florida Keys For Families
This will surely give you a brief detail of things to do in Florida keys for families.
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