Frozen Lemonade with an Umbrella on Duval Street
With more than 300 bars, Key West isn’t thought of as a “kid-friendly” town by many. But I’ve found 10 Ways to Entertain Kids in Key West, if you’re crazy enough to vacation with them there. I did just that recently for a summer weekend escape with my husband and our two tots (2 and 4 year olds) and we had a fantastic time. These 10 things could entertain kids in Key West for a week. Too bad we couldn’t stay longer.
Key West Aquarium
Yes, the Key West Aquarium is old and small, but it’s a great way to entertain kids in Key West for an hour or so. They’ll love the giant shark hanging from the ceiling and taking a picture in a shark’s mouth at the aquarium’s entrance. Be sure to take the tour at 11 a.m. so you can catch the shark feeding and touch a shark’s tail, hear all about the rescued turtles, and feed a few fish.
The Key West Aquarium
Evidently, the Key West Aquarium entertains traveling mommies too.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Walk through hundreds of butterflies and view several varieties of colorful birds, waterfalls, and flowering plants in a glass enclosed & climate controlled tropical habitat at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Don’t miss the gallery too with acrylic cases full of butterflies that are true works of art.
A Walk Down Duval Street
A walk down Duval Street will be quite entertaining for the kids with the “choo choo” Conch Tour Train passing by, fun street vendors, artists, t-shirt shops, and a mega candy store called It’Sugar. Besides that, they’ll definitely witness the most interesting people watching they’ve ever seen. Get them into the true Key West spirit by treating them to their own frozen lemonades with umbrellas and 1/2 pound cookies from Mattheessen’s.
Heavenly 1/2 Pound Cookies at Mattheessen’s
Hit The Beach
Though the destination is not known for this, you can actually hit the beach in Key West. It may be a bit rocky, but Fort Zachary Taylor is known as one of the best beaches in Key West. This beach also has food & drink kiosks, restrooms, and picnic tables so you’ll have everything you need for a day in the sand with the kiddos.
Glass Bottom Boat
A great way to get on the water with kids of all ages is to take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Fury Water Adventures. On their 2 hour afternoon sail, you can choose to sit in their air-conditioned viewing area and peek through the boat bottom at the sea creatures below or enjoy the sun deck and possibly spot dolphins swimming by. Restrooms and a snack bar are also onboard, kid essentials.
The Conch Tour Train
Kids will be thrilled to ride a “choo choo” (and may even catch a nap) and you’ll get a tour of all of Key West and it’s attractions on the 90 minute journey on The Conch Tour Train. Besides, after all the walking down Duval Street, everyone’s feet will need a rest.
The Key West Conch Tour Train
Swim at Dante’s
If you eat (or even just drink) at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant, you can take a dip in the pool too. So, if your hotel doesn’t have a pool (or you just want to switch things up), head to Dante’s for lunch or dinner with the kids and then cannonball! The pool has a waterfall, is surrounded by tiki huts, often has live music, and is open until 11 p.m.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
Entertain the kids for about an hour in Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium. They”ll be attracted to the giant shark alone in the entrance from Duval Street. There are plenty of interactive games, a statue of Captain Jack Sparrow, two-headed animal figures, and plenty of other fun, weird, and spooky sights for the kids.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
The tour guides at the Key West Shipwreck Museum are pretty entertaining for all. Though history buffs and adults in general may get the most out of this attraction, kids will love seeing the cool treasures like the scuba gear & sailboat, trying on the dive helmet, and climbing the tower for a view of Key West from above.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
Kids can try on the Dive Helmet outside the Key West Shipwreck Museum, if they can reach it.
Sunset at Mallory Square
For some of the prettiest views of the pink & orange Key West sunset, head to Mallory Square. The kids will love the Sunset Celebration Performers which include magicians, jugglers, clowns, and local musicians. There are plenty of food vendors and restaurants nearby to fill their bellies too.
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Meet Ashley
Former NYC fashion industry girl, forever traveler, foodie at heart, and now Mom in Miami. My blog, Arrive Chic, covers the style I find in everyday life both on the road and at home, often with my two energetic little boys in tow.
