Florida Keys with kids

[Anonymous]

We’re taking our kids, 9 and 6, to the keys for February break. We’re staying in Key Largo, and have reservations to for snorkeling in John Pennekamp State Park and a dolphin interaction at one of the dolphin rescues. We have two full unplanned days and are considering a day trip to Key West. We’re wondering if it’s worth the drive from Key Largo with the kids. I’m a Florida native and have always wanted to go to Key West, but looking at things to do there doesn’t seem to be anything that we can’t do elsewhere in the keys (in or closer to Key Largo) since we’re not going to Dry Tortugas. DH will go but has no particular interest in going.

For folks who have BTDT with kids, how was it? Any compelling reason to make the trip, other than the experience of being there, which is enough for me but not the kids.

[Anonymous]

We stayed for a week in islamorada and did a day trip from there to key west to see it, so I’m going to say yes.

There’s a cool “wrecking” museum.

[Anonymous]

We spent a spring break in key largo and after the drive down there my kids were definitely not up for the drive out to key west. We did a day trip to the turtle sanctuary and they thought that was too much driving. But I know other kids bave more tolerance for long drives than mine do. Mine really liked key largo though — hanging out at the beach mostly. Unfortunately our snorkel trip was cancelled due to high seas but we were able to snorkel in biscayne national park on our way back.
I will recommend this place to eat — we loved it and went back 2-3 times.
https://www.italianfoodcompany.com/

[Anonymous]

We did a road trip through all the keys from Miami and I don’t need to see Key West again. It was cute, but mostly store and restaurants. Also an older crowd. I wouldn’t bother. Love Key Largo. If you need another day trip we also loved Bahia Honda State Park.

[Anonymous]

I swear I am not a judgmental person and never post stuff like this bit ... Please don't do the dolphin thing. It's cruel and your kids may feel bad about it when they are old enough to know better.

[Anonymous]

Key West felt like a long drive from Key Largo. I would not do it as a day trip. I would probably just skip it.

[Anonymous]

You can also play it by ear. I really wanted to go to Key West - still do - but we did not make it due to some bad weather days on our trip.

We found plenty to do in Key Largo, Marathon, and to the middle of the keys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re taking our kids, 9 and 6, to the keys for February break. We’re staying in Key Largo, and have reservations to for snorkeling in John Pennekamp State Park and a dolphin interaction at one of the dolphin rescues. We have two full unplanned days and are considering a day trip to Key West. We’re wondering if it’s worth the drive from Key Largo with the kids. I’m a Florida native and have always wanted to go to Key West, but looking at things to do there doesn’t seem to be anything that we can’t do elsewhere in the keys (in or closer to Key Largo) since we’re not going to Dry Tortugas. DH will go but has no particular interest in going.

For folks who have BTDT with kids, how was it? Any compelling reason to make the trip, other than the experience of being there, which is enough for me but not the kids.

Where are you staying?! I'm trying to book a trip to Key Largo maybe as well. We are planning to stay a few nights in Key West, a few nights in key largo, and then a few nights in Miami.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Key West felt like a long drive from Key Largo. I would not do it as a day trip. I would probably just skip it.

I went to Key West with my four year old. In the morning. Such a bar scene there. It just felt like magically being transported to the morning after a frat party. I mean, it's interesting, but there's not much there for a kid. Or a parent of a small child, honestly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We spent a spring break in key largo and after the drive down there my kids were definitely not up for the drive out to key west. We did a day trip to the turtle sanctuary and they thought that was too much driving. But I know other kids bave more tolerance for long drives than mine do. Mine really liked key largo though — hanging out at the beach mostly. Unfortunately our snorkel trip was cancelled due to high seas but we were able to snorkel in biscayne national park on our way back.
I will recommend this place to eat — we loved it and went back 2-3 times.
https://www.italianfoodcompany.com/

YES to Italian Food Company - they're FABULOUS!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Key West felt like a long drive from Key Largo. I would not do it as a day trip. I would probably just skip it.

I went to Key West with my four year old. In the morning. Such a bar scene there. It just felt like magically being transported to the morning after a frat party. I mean, it's interesting, but there's not much there for a kid. Or a parent of a small child, honestly.

Wholeheartedly disagree. If you stick only to Duval street - well, yeah, it's a lot of bars. But if you exert even a modicum of adventurous attitude, there's tons to do.

- The Butterfly and Nature Conservancy is amazing and even has two roving flamingos. Kids love it! https://keywestbutterfly.com/
- The aquarium https://www.keywestaquarium.com/
- Climb the lighthouse - 88 steps for an incredible view! https://www.kwahs.org/key-west-lighthouse-keepers-quarters/
- Check out the Southernmost Point & Mile 0 signs for photo ops
- The Shipwreck museum https://www.keywestshipwreck.com/
- Rent bikes or a golf cart and cruise the town
- Stroll through the Truman Annex and the Winter White House (the real one)
- Visit the polydactyl cats at the Hemingway House
- Sunset in Mallory Square watching the street performers
- plenty of places where you can listen to live music while eating lunch or dinner - try Hank's/Garbo's or Schooner Wharf for a start
- collect shells and play at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach (and tour the fort)
- wander the streets and look at houses, gardens, art galleries, etc.
- So much good family friendly food. Try Blue Heaven or Banana Cafe or Moondog
- go down to the marina near Conch Republic and marvel at the yachts!

There's so much to do. My family loves it there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Key West felt like a long drive from Key Largo. I would not do it as a day trip. I would probably just skip it.

I went to Key West with my four year old. In the morning. Such a bar scene there. It just felt like magically being transported to the morning after a frat party. I mean, it's interesting, but there's not much there for a kid. Or a parent of a small child, honestly.

Wholeheartedly disagree. If you stick only to Duval street - well, yeah, it's a lot of bars. But if you exert even a modicum of adventurous attitude, there's tons to do.

- The Butterfly and Nature Conservancy is amazing and even has two roving flamingos. Kids love it! https://keywestbutterfly.com/
- The aquarium https://www.keywestaquarium.com/
- Climb the lighthouse - 88 steps for an incredible view! https://www.kwahs.org/key-west-lighthouse-keepers-quarters/
- Check out the Southernmost Point & Mile 0 signs for photo ops
- The Shipwreck museum https://www.keywestshipwreck.com/
- Rent bikes or a golf cart and cruise the town
- Stroll through the Truman Annex and the Winter White House (the real one)
- Visit the polydactyl cats at the Hemingway House
- Sunset in Mallory Square watching the street performers
- plenty of places where you can listen to live music while eating lunch or dinner - try Hank's/Garbo's or Schooner Wharf for a start
- collect shells and play at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach (and tour the fort)
- wander the streets and look at houses, gardens, art galleries, etc.
- So much good family friendly food. Try Blue Heaven or Banana Cafe or Moondog
- go down to the marina near Conch Republic and marvel at the yachts!

There's so much to do. My family loves it there.

I took my kids at OP's age and did about half of what's on the list. Kids want to go back! They are now 11 and 14.

[Anonymous]

We have gone to the Keys often for Spring Break - especially when our kids are younger. When they are younger - we much prefered Marathon - easier to do things with them. Key West while fun can be too chaotic and hot for younger kids.

Middle Keys:
- Great Aquarium just North of Marathon. Nothing that amazing but lots of fun interactive activities for kids. Perfect size. https://floridakeysaquariumencounters.com/
- State Parks are great - Bahia Honda is one of my favorites but we checked out We liked Curry Hammock too for how deserted it was - great place for smaller kids in the water.
- Divey florida bar/restaurants which are fun even with kids. Sunset Grill Marathon https://sunsetgrille7milebridge.com/ is cool in that it has a pool - we would get a table, order lunch and send the kids off to swim. https://www.sparkyslanding.com/ is fun too - live music.
- Turtle Hospital in Marathon is worth a visit too.
- do a mangrove tour on a kayak - shady respite.

The snorkeling and diving is not very good anymore as most of the coral has been destroyed

[Anonymous]

Kids that age would love theater of the sea. I would skip key west with young kids. Save it.