You are in town with the kids. Maybe down for a weekend or spending the afternoon ashore from the cruise ship. Now what? Check out these 7 kid friendly activities while in Key West.
1. Beaches
There are many beaches to choose from in Key West.
Ft Zachary Taylor State Park
Bring your fishing pole because fishing is allowed on the west side or take a narrated tour of the Fort. Ft. Zach offers rentals, restrooms, and a restaurant. Rent snorkeling gear and plan a full day of exploring. Be sure to stay for sunset as the park offers really great views of the Key West world famous sunset.
South Beach
This is a local favorite. Located on the Atlantic side of the end of Duval Street. It offers a concrete pier but no restrooms or facilities.
Dog Beach
A favorite of dogs since the others in town don’t allow dogs. No restrooms or facilities are here, but it is next to Louie’s Backyard (Vernon & Waddell)
Higgs Beach
Located at the end of Reynold’s Street this beach offers restrooms, picnic tables, a restaurant, and rentals. It also has a long wooden pier.
Smather’s Beach
This is a 1/2 mile manmade beach. It offers restrooms, concessions, and rentals. Located along South Roosevelt Blvd.
2. Southernmost Point
This is the iconic buoy indicating the southernmost point in the Continental US. Be sure to check out the live webcam while there so the kids can show off to their friends where they are.
3. Mallory Square
This is the place to be to watch sunset. The carnival atmosphere starts about 1 hour before sunset and finishes about 1 hour after. Wander the square and watch the performers … be sure to tip well.
4. Historic Seaport
Talk a walk along the Historic Seaport. Watch the charter boats come back in with their haul for the day. At 4pm each day, in front of Alonzo’s, they feed the tarpons which are always exciting to watch.
5. Aquarium
Located along Front Street, the aquarium is a great way to entertain the kids for an afternoon. If you are in town for more than one day keep in mind your tickets are actually good for 2 days. Take the tour and learn about the native fish in the Keys. Meet the turtles and watch the shark feeding.
6. Conch Train
Well, this is a train ride – what kid wouldn’t love that? Take the tour and learn about the history of Key West. See the interesting architecture that is Key West. Kids will enjoy riding through town on a train. The Conch Train offers the ability to hop on and hop off to fully explore Key West.
7. Museums
Key West offers an opportunity to learn all about the people who made it their home as well as the history of the Keys. Check out some of the Island’s museums.
Shipwreck Museum – The view from the tower is one of the best in town. Learn about wreckers and how Key Westers lived.
Mel Fisher Museum – See some of the treasures that Mel Fisher and his team have pulled from the ocean.
Little White House – Visit the vacation spot of Harry Truman and others.
Ernest Hemingway House – Learn about Hemingway and meet his 6-toed cats.
Butterfly Conservatory – Immerse yourself in a calming environment filled with beautiful butterflies.
As you can see, there are many activities that are kid friendly in Key West; after all, it is a place where people live and raise their own families. Plan to spend your next family vacation in Key West.
