Typically known for its rich (really – with treasure!) history and vibrant party scene, it’s actually one of our favorite family-friendly destinations.
Know Before You Go
This 112-mile long chain of islands below mainland Florida is a bit of a drive (you can also take a ferry from Ft. Myers) but it’s definitely worth it for its laid-back feel, world-class fishing, and amazing snorkeling and kayaking. Got kids who would go stir-crazy at a formal resort with few activities? The Keys are a no-brainer for an active family! I pick up some sea animal toys and this Keys coloring book for each kiddo and make sure we have Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, Pirates of The Caribbean, Dolphin Tale…. you get the idea.
Stay
In Islamorada, check out The Moorings and Cheeca Lodge, two very popular resorts located in a choice part of the Keys. Cheeca Lodge has a camp for kids age 5-12 where they do all kids of fun activities. Note with Cheeca there is a newser building and an older building. The newer building is closer to the events space, so you might have wedding festivities around.
For a super family-friendly hotel, filled with activities (think: swimming with dolphins and paddle boarding in a lagoon), Hawks Cay continues to appeal to those looking for a resort with lots for the kids do. We are HUGE fans of this spot. They have really family friendly accommodations from hotel rooms by the pool to 2-4 bedrooms (and more) with full kitchens and laundry.
Do
Book a charter for deep sea fishing, visit the Turtle Hospital or Dolphin Research Center, snorkel on Sombrero Reef, feed the enormous tarpon at Robbie’s in Islamorada (they have a great breakfast too!), drive to Key West and visit Hemingway’s Home and The Key West Shipwreck Museum, take a kayak tour with Marathon Kayak and drive across the 7-mile beach for a visit to Bahia Honda state park (kayaks are available to rent and they also offer snorkel trips). Our crew really enjoyed the Dolphin Research Center, which is way more fun than the name lends itself to. Theater of the Sea in Islamorada and the Ship Wreck Museum in Key West are also great options. A must do is sunset at Mallory Square in Key West. Nightly for about an hour before sunset there are street performers,
Eat
There’s nothing formal in the Keys—enjoy Tiki Hut style dining and tons of al fresco options. We love Morada Bay for the perfect sunset, great vibe and rum punches (a great spot for the kids to run around on the beach as well). And, on either side, you have two other great options with Pierre’s if you are looking for gourmet cuisine and Islamorada Fish Company for you guessed it, an amazing selection of seafood! In Marathon, lunch at either Burdine’s, Sparky’s Landing or Keys Fisheries Market for an authentic Keys experience and for dinner Lazy Days (they will cok your catch too!) or The Lighthouse Grill are both great choices for nice water views. While in Key West Louies Backyard is great food and wonderful views and Blue Heaven is a must – their breakfast is amazing but the live music with lunch and dinner is pretty rad too….
