Discovering Key West’s Kid-Friendly Activities

Key West is a popular vacation destination for families with young kids. With its beautiful beaches, unique attractions, and year-round sunshine, it’s the perfect place to create lasting memories with your children. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a full week, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep your family entertained. From theme parks to water sports, here are the top kid-friendly activities in Key West.

Theme Parks

Key West has several theme parks that are perfect for kids. The most popular is the Pirate Soul Museum, which is a hands-on museum designed to bring the swashbuckling life of a pirate to life. Kids can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, dress up in pirate costumes, and even take part in a treasure hunt. The museum also features a live show with a real pirate, as well as a gift shop where kids can purchase souvenirs.

Another popular theme park is the Key West Aquarium. This interactive aquarium offers a variety of exhibits, including a touch tank where kids can get up close and personal with the creatures of the sea. The aquarium also features a live show, a petting zoo, and a gift shop.

Finally, kids can experience the magic of the circus at the Key West Circus Arts School. Here, they can learn how to juggle, ride a unicycle, and perform a variety of other circus tricks. The school also offers a variety of classes, including aerial silks and trapeze.

Water Sports

Key West is also home to some of the best water sports in the world. Kids can explore the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys on a variety of different watercrafts. Popular activities include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and jet skiing. There are also several companies that offer guided tours and lessons, so even novice adventurers can get in on the action.

If your kids are looking for a more hands-on experience, they can explore the waters on a glass-bottom boat tour. These tours offer an up-close look at some of the area’s most vibrant coral reefs and sea life. There are also a variety of tour companies that specialize in snorkeling and scuba diving, so your kids can get an even closer look at the underwater world.

Finally, kids can explore the waters on a guided fishing tour. These tours offer a chance to catch a variety of fish, including snapper, grouper, and tarpon. Fishing tours are a great way for kids to learn about the local wildlife and have some fun in the process.

Beaches

Key West is also home to some of the best beaches in the world. Kids can spend the day building sandcastles, playing in the waves, or simply soaking up the sun. The most popular beach is Smathers Beach, which is located on the south side of the island. This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports.

Another great beach for kids is Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. This beach is located on the north side of the island and is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach also has a playground and picnic area, perfect for a family day out.

Finally, families can explore the beaches of the Dry Tortugas National Park. This park is located about 70 miles west of Key West and is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for bird watching and wildlife photography.

Museums

Key West is home to several unique museums that are sure to entertain kids. The most popular is the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum. This museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits, including a lighthouse simulator and a virtual tour of the keeper’s quarters. The museum also features a variety of artifacts and a gift shop.

Another popular museum is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Ernest Hemingway and offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. Kids can explore the grounds of the home, learn about Hemingway’s life and work, and even take part in a scavenger hunt.

Finally, families can explore the wonders of the marine world at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. This interactive museum features a variety of exhibits, including a touch tank where kids can get up close and personal with the creatures of the sea. The center also offers a variety of educational programs, perfect for kids of all ages.

Outdoor Activities

Key West is also home to a variety of outdoor activities that are perfect for kids. Popular activities include biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Families can explore the island’s trails on guided tours or rent bikes and explore the area on their own.

Kids can also explore the area on a guided kayak tour. These tours offer a chance to explore the waters of the Florida Keys and see some of the area’s most vibrant wildlife. There are also a variety of tour companies that specialize in snorkeling and scuba diving, so your kids can get an even closer look at the underwater world.

Finally, families can explore the area on a guided fishing tour. These tours offer a chance to catch a variety of fish, including snapper, grouper, and tarpon. Fishing tours are a great way for kids to learn about the local wildlife and have some fun in the process.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Key West is home to a variety of kid-friendly restaurants that offer something for everyone. Popular options include Sloppy Joe’s, which is a popular spot for burgers and sandwiches, and the Half Shell Raw Bar, which is a seafood restaurant with a variety of fresh catches. For a more unique experience, families can enjoy a meal at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, which features a live butterfly exhibit.

Other popular restaurants include El Siboney, which is a Cuban-style restaurant, and La Te Da, which is a fine-dining restaurant with a variety of international dishes. For a unique dining experience, families can also enjoy a meal at the Schooner Wharf Bar, which is located on a historic schooner and offers a variety of seafood dishes.

Finally, kids can enjoy a meal with a view at the Sunset Pier. This restaurant is located on the pier and offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as amazing views of the sunset. The restaurant also features live music and a variety of activities for kids.

Live Entertainment

Key West is also home to a variety of live entertainment venues. Popular venues include the Red Barn Theater, which is a popular spot for musicals and plays, and the Key West Theater, which is a live music venue. The Florida Keys Community Theater also offers a variety of family-friendly shows.

Kids can also enjoy a unique experience at the Key West Aquarium. This interactive aquarium offers a variety of live shows, including a mermaid show and a sea lion show. The aquarium also features a touch tank, where kids can get up close and personal with the creatures of the sea.

Finally, kids can experience the magic of the circus at the Key West Circus Arts School. Here, they can learn how to juggle, ride a unicycle, and perform a variety of other circus tricks. The school also offers a variety of classes, including aerial silks and trapeze.

Forts

Key West is home to a variety of historic forts, perfect for kids who are interested in history. The most popular is Fort Zachary Taylor, which is a 19th-century fort that is now open to visitors. Kids can explore the fort’s grounds and learn about its history.

Another popular fort is the West Martello Tower, which is a 19th-century fort that is now home to a variety of exhibits. Kids can explore the fort’s grounds and take part in a variety of activities, including a scavenger hunt and a live show.

Finally, families can explore the forts of the Dry Tortugas National Park. This park is located about 70 miles west of Key West and is home to several historic forts. Kids can explore the forts and learn about the history of the area.

Shopping

Key West is home to a variety of shopping options, perfect for kids who want to take home souvenirs. Popular stores include the Key West Candle Company, which offers a variety of handmade candles, and the Key West Rum Distillery, which offers a variety of local rums. Kids can also explore the galleries of Duval Street, which feature a variety of local art.

Kids can also explore the shops of Mallory Square, which is home to a variety of souvenir shops. Popular stores include the Key West T-Shirt Company, which offers a variety of unique t-shirt designs, and the Key West Chocolate Factory, which offers a variety of handmade chocolates.

Finally, families can explore the shops of the Key West Historic Seaport. This area is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, perfect for a family day out. Popular stores include the Key West Shipwreck Museum, which offers a variety of artifacts, and the Key West Maritime Museum, which offers a variety of interactive exhibits.

Outdoor Adventures

Key West is also home to a variety of outdoor adventures, perfect for kids who want to explore the area’s natural beauty. Popular activities include biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Families can explore the island’s trails on guided tours or rent bikes and explore the area on their own.

Kids can also explore the waters of the Florida Keys on a variety of different watercrafts. Popular activities include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and jet skiing. There are also several companies that offer guided tours and lessons, so even novice adventurers can get in on the action.

Finally, families can explore the area on a guided fishing tour. These tours offer a chance to catch a variety of fish, including snapper, grouper, and tarpon. Fishing tours are a great way for kids to learn about the local wildlife and have some fun in the process.

Conclusion

Key West is the perfect destination for families with young kids. With its beautiful beaches, unique attractions, and year-round sunshine, it’s the perfect place to create lasting memories with your children. From theme parks to water sports, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep your family entertained. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a full week, Key West is sure to provide your family with an unforgettable experience.