Exploring the quaint town of Key West has always been a dream of ours, basking in its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. While many might perceive it as a haven for adults, there’s a treasure trove of fun and thrilling family-friendly activities that children will love. From magical underwater explorations in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to the enchanting tales spun at The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Key West promises a memorable family vacation. The aim of this article is to guide families through the best experiences the town offers, turning your trip into an unforgettable adventure.
Visit the Key West Aquarium
Overview of the aquarium
Being one of the oldest aquariums in Florida, the Key West Aquarium located at 1 Whitehead Street is a must-visit destination. Not only does it offer a spectacular display of marine life, but it also provides enlightening information on ocean conservation efforts. A unique feature of this aquarium is their touch tanks where we can actually feel the starfish, conchs and sea cucumbers! Let’s force ourselves to disconnect from our screens for a while and engage with life beneath the ocean.
Types of marine life to see
There’s so much to delve into here. The Key West Aquarium is home to a variety of animals like the Atlantic Shores exhibit that showcases various types of marine life including turtles, sharks and fish. We even have the opportunity to help feed the fish and touch the stingrays. The aquarium also introduces us to the mysterious creatures of the deep sea including moray eels, barracudas and groupers.
Timings and ticket prices
The aquarium is open seven days a week, so you can choose any day that works best for you. The opening hours are from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Ticket prices are reasonable, kids under 4 are free and discounts are offered for seniors, locals and military veterans.
Enjoy a Day at Smathers Beach
Overview of Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach, Key West’s largest public beach, offers a slice of paradise. With its soft white sands and clear waters, it’s a picturesque location perfect for a family day out. It’s surrounded by palm trees and tropical foliage, making it an oasis within the city.
Activities for families
There are plenty of activities for us at Smathers Beach. We can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, or if we’re up for some excitement, we can try our hands at water activities like parasailing, jet-skiing or kayaking. For the younger ones, building sandcastles or snorkeling would be an absolute joy.
Good times to visit
Though the beach is open throughout the year, the best time to visit Smathers Beach is during spring break or summer when the weather is just right for a swim.
Explore the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
About the conservatory
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory located at 1306 Duval Street is a tranquil and serene environment that houses some of the world’s most exotic butterflies and birds. It’s perfect for families who are keen to learn more about these beautiful creatures.
What to expect
Within its climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat, we can see around 60 species of beautiful butterflies fluttering about along with a variety of birds from around the globe. We can also admire the expertly maintained gardens that have a variety of nectar plants for the butterflies.
Visitor information
The Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is open every day from 9:00am to 5:30pm. It’s advisable to allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the conservatory’s diverse population of species.
Get Close to Nature at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
Introduction to the botanical garden
The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden is the only frost-free tropical moist forest garden in the continental United States. This subtropical, urban oasis is a refuge for endangered plants and wildlife that are unique to Florida and the Keys.
Plants and animals to see
While exploring the garden, we can see a variety of flora and fauna including wild coffee, gumbo limbo, butterflies, birds and more. The garden’s lush ecosystem is untouched and includes wetlands, mangroves and mature silver palms.
Visitor information
This botanic garden located at 5210 College Road is open every day from 10:00am to 4:00pm, it hosts plant sales on the first and third Saturday of each month where we can purchase plants, propagate them, and extend our own gardens.
Cruise on the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
About the museum
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum located at 1 Whitehead Street is both a museum and a live action experience. Here, we can explore the wrecking industry that once made Key West the richest city in the United States.
Highlights for families
Our theatrical guide, dressed as a 19th-century wrecker, takes us back to the time when salvage from shipwrecks made Key West a bustling trade hub. The kids will particularly enjoy climbing the 65′ lookout tower and calling, “Wreck Ashore!” as they spot a ship in danger.
Visitor information
Make sure to include this place in your itinerary as the museum opens daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Have Fun at the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Description of the event
The Mallory Square Sunset Celebration is a Key West tradition not to be missed. It’s a street carnival that starts a couple of hours before sunset every day on Mallory Square Dock.
Activities for the whole family
We can enjoy performances by jugglers, magicians, clowns, musicians and street artists. The grand finale is the stunning Key West sunset setting into the Gulf of Mexico. Here, we can capture some memorable family photographs.
Best times to go
As the name suggests, the best time to experience this celebration is at sunset. However, we should aim to arrive early to enjoy all the activities.
Go on a Family Adventure with Fury Water Adventures
Water-based activities offered
At Fury Water Adventures located at 0 Duval Street we can choose from a wide variety of water-based activities like reef snorkeling, parasailing, jet-skiing and dolphin watching. No matter what action we’re eager to try, there’s something for everyone.
Safety measures for families
Safety is a priority for Fury Water Adventures. They put in place extensive safety measures and explain clearly what to do and what not to do during the expedition. Plus, kids’ life jackets are provided for all water activities making it fun and safe for our little ones.
Booking information
It’s advisable to book your adventure in advance on their website or through a phone call to assure your preferred timing and activities.
Discover the Conch Tour Train
About the train tour
The Conch Tour Train has been showing visitors the beauty and charm of Key West since 1958. This 75-minute narrated tour is an excellent way for us to get to know the city’s history, culture, and best spots.
What sites one can see
We can see the city’s key highlights, including the historic Old Town, the Ernest Hemingway Home, the Key West Lighthouse, the Southernmost Point, and much more.
Tickets and schedule
Tickets can be purchased at various locations around town or online, and tours run daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Family vacations in Key West will undoubtedly be filled with fun-filled activities, historical wonders, nature preserves, and endless ocean views. Let’s pack our bags and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
