The Florida Keys With Kids

The Florida Keys are an excellent family destination if you plan around the heat, the water and children's attention spans. The Upper and Middle Keys offer boat rides, marine life, easy nature stops and resorts with pools and lagoons. This guide suggests activities by age and ways to keep days relaxed.Gentle water days. For young children, a glass-bottom boat ride in Key Largo shows the reef without anyone getting wet, and a shared sandbar trip in Islamorada lets children wade in shallow, clear water with an adult. Pontoon snorkel trips in Marathon are stable and spacious, and crews help with vests. For older children who swim well, a reef snorkel trip is often a highlight. Always check age and swimming requirements, and bring a child-sized mask if you have one.Wildlife without a wetsuit. Robbies in Islamorada lets children watch giant tarpon take fish from the dock, which is thrilling and quick. The Turtle Hospital in Marathon offers a guided tour that teaches conservation and shows injured sea turtles recovering. Theater of the Sea and the Dolphin Research Center provide marine mammal experiences with shows, touch tanks and educational talks, though some families may prefer wild dolphin watching on a bay cruise. Kayaking in the mangroves offers glimpses of herons, rays and jellyfish for older children.Rainy-day backups. Thunderstorms and cold-front winds are common, so keep a list of indoor options. The History of Diving Museum is air-conditioned and has helmets and tools to try on, Crane Point has a hands-on children's area and trails when weather allows, and the Windley Key quarry is a short, shaded outing. Resort pools and lagoons also solve many long afternoons.Heat and sun. The Keys are hot and humid for much of the year. Schedule outdoor activities in the morning, build in shade and water breaks and apply reef-safe sunscreen often. Hats, sun shirts and water shoes are worth packing. Watch for signs of heat illness, such as flushed skin, headaches or lethargy. Keep a cooler in the car with water and snacks, and never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.Where to stay. Resorts with pools, lagoons and children's programs are the easiest choice, such as Hawks Cay near Marathon or the larger Key Largo resorts. Units with kitchens help families control costs and handle picky eaters. If you stay in a smaller hotel, check whether it has a pool and a refrigerator in the room. Book early for school holidays, and ask about cribs, rollaways and family rooms.Driving with children. The Overseas Highway is slow, and traffic can back up on weekends. Pack snacks, books and audio, and plan stops at parks, beaches and playgrounds. A short audio driving tour can add stories about the railroad and the bridges. The Seven Mile Bridge is a highlight for children who like long views, though you should not stop on the span itself.Food. Most restaurants welcome children, with simple options such as fish sandwiches, shrimp, chicken fingers and key lime pie. Outdoor seating and waterfront views keep little ones entertained, and early dinners avoid the busiest hours. Bring snacks on boat trips if the operator allows them, and carry a refillable water bottle.Safety and etiquette. Teach children not to touch coral or chase wildlife, and make sure they wear life vests on boats. Supervise closely near docks and marinas, where the water can be deeper than it looks. Listen to crews, stay seated when the boat is moving and respect other guests. With a little planning, the Keys offer memories that children carry for years.A sample family day. Start with a morning glass-bottom or sandbar trip while the sea is calm and the air is cool. Return for lunch and a pool break, then take a short afternoon outing to a shaded spot such as a museum, nature trail or turtle tour. Finish with an early dinner on the water and a sunset walk. This rhythm of one big activity, one small activity and plenty of rest keeps tempers calm and memories good. Pack a few small toys, a deck of cards and an extra change of clothes for each child, and the day will run more smoothly than you expect.