The Pride of Key West Glass Bottom Boat, operated by Fury Water Adventures, is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Key West. The trip lets you see coral reefs, sea turtles, and schools of fish through clear glass panels in the floor. Kids love pointing out what they see, and guides share easy-to-understand facts about the ocean and the animals that live there. It’s relaxing, safe, and a great way to explore the water without getting wet.
What Makes Key West a Great Family Destination?
Families looking for sunshine, adventure, and laid-back fun will find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. The island’s small size makes it easy to explore, and its mix of history, wildlife, and hands-on attractions keeps both kids and parents happy.
When planning your trip, it helps to know which activities fit your children’s ages and interests. This guide highlights the best things to do in Key West with kids, from peaceful attractions perfect for toddlers to exciting adventures for older kids. Families will find museums, nature experiences, and historical tours that make learning fun. Each stop combines entertainment and discovery, giving visitors a chance to connect with the island’s past and its vibrant local culture. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a full week, there’s no shortage of ways to make lasting family memories.
What Are Some Gentle and Engaging Things To Do in Key West With Kids? (Ages 2-7)
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
One of the calmest family-friendly things to do in Key West is the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, located right on Duval Street. Inside, hundreds of butterflies drift through a warm, glass-enclosed garden filled with tropical flowers and trees. Parrots and small birds flutter above as families walk the paths together. For little ones, it’s a chance to see bright colors and movement up close, and for parents, it’s a quiet escape from the crowds outside. The conservatory also has a small learning area where staff explain how butterflies grow from caterpillars, making it both relaxing and educational. Many families stop by more than once during their visit, since the ever-changing butterfly population makes each experience a little different.
Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium has been a favorite local attraction since the 1930s and remains one of the most popular things to do in Key West with kids. The exhibits are close enough for children to see every detail, from tiny coral fish to nurse sharks swimming just beyond the glass. Touch tanks let kids gently handle starfish, conchs, and even small stingrays under the guidance of trained staff. During feeding times, guides share quick facts about sea life and how local conservation efforts help protect the ocean around the Keys. The experience is short enough for younger attention spans but filled with sights that leave a lasting impression. Families often visit before exploring nearby attractions in Mallory SquareSM, making it an easy part of a full day downtown.
White Street Pier and Bayview Park
For families who want open space to play, White Street Pier is perfect. It stretches far out into the ocean, offering a safe and scenic spot for a stroller walk or family photo. Right nearby, Bayview Park has a shaded playground, picnic tables, and grassy areas where kids can run freely. Locals often gather here for weekend markets and small community events, giving visitors a glimpse of everyday life in Key West. It’s also a great spot for parents to relax while kids enjoy the playground or feed the birds near the water. If you’re looking for simple, no-cost family-friendly things to do in Key West, this area offers plenty of room for kids to explore, play, and enjoy the island breeze.
What Are Some Fun and Educational Things To Do in Key West With Kids? (Ages 8-12)
When kids reach the preteen years, they’re ready for more adventure and hands-on fun. Luckily, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West that mix learning with excitement. The island is full of places where children can explore history, see marine life up close, and enjoy activities that parents will love too. Most of these attractions are easy to reach, affordable, and welcoming to families of all sizes.
Conch Tour Train
The Conch Tour Train is one of the most popular things to do in Key West with kids. The ride circles Old Town and gives families a close look at some of the island’s best-known landmarks. Conductors share funny stories, local legends, and bits of history that keep kids entertained the whole way through. The open-air cars make it easy to enjoy the island breeze while spotting colorful homes, palm trees, and roosters walking freely through the streets. The train stops at key points, giving families a chance to take photos, grab a drink, or explore nearby attractions before hopping back on to continue their adventure.
Pride of Key West Glass Bottom Boat
For families who want to explore the ocean without getting wet, the Pride of Key West Glass Bottom Boat, operated by Fury Water Adventures, is an unforgettable experience. It’s one of the most exciting family-friendly things to do in Key West because it lets kids look directly into the sea through large glass viewing panels built into the boat’s floor. The trip passes over the only living coral reef in the continental United States, where passengers can spot colorful fish, coral formations, and even sea turtles. Expert guides share interesting facts about the reef’s delicate ecosystem and how it supports so much marine life. The ride is calm, shaded, and relaxing, making it perfect for families who want to stay comfortable while still experiencing the magic of the reef.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach
If you’re looking for things to do in Key West with kids that combine education with adventure, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach is a great choice. The historic fort dates back to the Civil War, and visitors can explore its brick walls, tunnels, and old cannon areas. Kids love imagining what life was like for soldiers stationed there while running across the open courtyards. After exploring, families can enjoy the nearby beach, which has calm water that’s great for swimming or snorkeling near shore. Picnic tables, shady trees, and a snack stand make it easy to relax and spend the afternoon.
Old Town Trolley Tours
A ride with Old Town Trolley Tours® is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Key West for seeing the island without worrying about parking or long walks. It’s a fully narrated sightseeing tour led by friendly and knowledgeable guides who share Key West’s fascinating history through live narration. Families can use the hop-on and hop-off feature to visit favorite attractions like the Ernest Hemingway Home, the Key West Lighthouse, and Mallory Square Festival Marketplace. Kids stay entertained by the stories and characters, while parents appreciate how much of the island they can see in one day. It’s fun, convenient, and an easy way for everyone to experience the best of Key West together.
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square Festival Marketplace
End the day with the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square Festival Marketplace, one of the island’s most beloved things to do in Key West with kids. Every evening, crowds gather by the water to watch the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico. Street performers juggle, play music, and entertain visitors while artists display handmade jewelry, paintings, and local crafts. Families can grab conch fritters, popcorn, or ice cream from nearby vendors as they watch the sky turn shades of pink, orange, and gold. The music, laughter, and ocean breeze create the perfect ending to a family day in paradise.
Where Can I Find Thrills for Older Kids? (Ages 13+)
As kids grow older, they look for a little more independence and adventure. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of family-friendly things to do in Key West that keep teenagers engaged while giving parents a chance to enjoy the fun too. These experiences blend history, excitement, and just the right amount of challenge for older kids who are ready to explore beyond the basics.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach
One of the top things to do in Key West with kids who enjoy exploring is Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach. Teens can walk through the old Civil War-era fort and learn how it helped protect the coastline. The wide open areas make it easy to explore, and the views from the top of the fort are worth the climb. Once the history lesson is done, families can head down to the water for snorkeling, swimming, or a relaxing picnic under the trees. The beach is known for its calm, clear water and soft sand, creating an ideal balance between fun and downtime.
Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour
For older kids who enjoy a good scare, the Ghosts & Gravestones® Frightseeing® Tour is a highlight of any trip. This tour takes place aboard the Trolley of the Doomed and offers an engaging mix of humor and haunted history. Guests are guided by costumed Ghost Hosts who share real stories about the city’s most haunted spots, including old cemeteries and historical buildings where strange events were once reported. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in Key West with kids who love spooky tales and local legends. The ride is both eerie and entertaining, giving families a fun way to explore the island’s darker past while staying comfortable and safe.
Key West Cooking Show
If your family enjoys hands-on experiences, the Key West Cooking ShowSM is a fun and interactive choice. It’s one of the most unique family-friendly things to do in Key West, giving teens the chance to learn how to prepare local favorites like Cuban sandwiches, conch fritters, or Key lime pie. The show combines humor, storytelling, and island flavors, creating a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Guests can watch, taste, and even participate while learning about the food that defines Key West’s culture. It’s a fun way to connect as a family and pick up a few new skills to take home.
Fury Water Adventures
Older kids who love the ocean will find plenty to do with Fury Water Adventures, which offers snorkeling, parasailing, and watersports excursions. It’s a great way to explore the reef, swim in clear blue water, and make unforgettable memories together. Fury’s experienced guides make sure everyone feels comfortable, whether they’re first-timers or seasoned swimmers. It’s easy to see why this remains one of the most popular things to do in Key West with kids who want a little thrill and a lot of fun out on the water.
What Makes Key West the Perfect Family Destination?
Key West is one of those places where families can relax, explore, and have fun at their own pace. The island has a friendly, easygoing feel that makes it great for all ages. There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West, from beaches and museums to animal encounters and boat rides. Parents can rest easy knowing there’s something for every kid to enjoy, whether they love adventure or learning something new. There’s no shortage of things to do in Key West with kids, which helps families make lasting memories together.
FAQ'S
Yes, you’ll find plenty of free family-friendly things to do in Key West. Families can visit Mallory Square Festival Marketplace in the evening to watch street performers, musicians, and artists during the nightly Sunset Celebration. The playground near White Street Pier is a fun place for kids to burn off energy, and nearby Higgs Beach has calm waves that are perfect for wading or playing in the sand. These spots are great ways to enjoy the island’s beauty without spending money.
If your kids like exploring, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Beach are one of the top things to do in Key West with kids. Families can walk through the old fort, climb the steps, and see real cannons while learning about local history. Afterward, you can swim or snorkel right off the beach. Another fun stop is the Harry S. Truman Little White House, where kids can see where a U.S. president once stayed. These attractions make history easy to understand and fun to experience.
The Conch Tour Train is one of the easiest ways to see Key West with little ones. It’s comfortable, open-air, and filled with fun stories about the island’s past. The conductors are friendly and great at keeping kids entertained. Families who want to explore more on their own can ride with Old Town Trolley Tours, which offers hop-on and hop-off service and live narration from friendly and knowledgeable guides. Both tours are great ways to see the island without tiring out younger kids.
Yes, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is one of the most peaceful family-friendly things to do in Key West. Families can walk through an indoor tropical garden filled with butterflies, birds, and flowers. It’s air-conditioned, stroller-friendly, and perfect for all ages. Kids love how close they can get to the butterflies, and parents appreciate the calm, relaxing setting. It’s a simple way to enjoy nature together while visiting Key West with kids.
