Mile Marker 73.4
Located on the southern end of Upper Matecumbe Key, Anne’s Beach is a natural sandy beach named after local environmentalist Anne Eaton. Walk through mangroves along a boardwalk to find six pavilions with picnic tables which offer the most picturesque spot for a picnic in the Keys. The shallow water makes it ideal for small children or dogs as you can wade out a great distance. Anne’s Beach is also a popular spot for wind surfing.
Mile Marker 77.5 Bayside
(305) 664 8070
7 am – 9 pm
Robbie’s is most famous for its tarpon feeding. You won’t forget the thrill of hand-feeding these gentle but hungry giant tarpons. Relax while enjoying local fish and a loaded Trailer Trash Bloody Mary on the waterfront deck. Robbie’s offers activities for the whole family and include Islamorada Eco Tours, sunset cruises, jet-ski adventures, parasailing, boat rentals, snuba diving and snorkeling, kayak and paddle board rentals/ tours and any fishing tours you can dream of. You can’t miss the souvenir shop and browse for hand-crafted souvenirs at the open-air market from 9am – 5pm.
Mile Marker 84.7
(305) 664 2431
9:30 am – 5 pm
Perfect for families! Established in 1946, the family-owned Theater of the Sea is the second oldest marine mammal park in the world. Swim with dolphins, sea lions, rays or sharks or enjoy shows and performances with sea and land animals.
Mile Marker 87
Sunrise to sunset
The 45-acre Islamorada Founders Park offers an Olympic size pool with diving boards, a splash pool for small children and a beautifully manicured shallow-water beach complete with tiki huts, picnic tables, a pavilion and grills. Other amenities include children’s playground, beach-volleyball court, amphitheater, baseball fields, tennis complex, pickleball, basketball court, fitness and walking trails, outdoor fitness park, fishing jetty, golf driving range, skate park and kayak rentals.
Mile Marker 67.5
(305) 664-4815
8 am – sunset
Long Key State Park is popular for picnics, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, birdwatching and fishing. The park also offers backcountry paddling and a 1.1 mile nature hike. Entrance fee: $4.50 for one, $5.00 for two, plus 50 cents for each additional person.
Mile Marker 61
(305) 289 9975
By reservation only
Get up close and personal with amazing Bottlenose Dolphins, right in their natural lagoon habitat. Choose from 4 interactive dolphin programs, all offering their own unique experiences. Leave inspired to make changes for the greater good of the ocean, environment and all the amazing creatures that call it home.
Mile Marker 58.9 Bayside
(305) 289 1121
9 am – 4:30 pm
The Dolphin Research Center is a great place to visit with the family. This 90,000-square-foot series of saltwater lagoons is home to beautiful Dolphins and California sea lions that offers an educational experience along with activities such as swimming, hand signals, and other interactive adventures.
55.50 Overseas Highway, Marathon
(305) 743 9100
9 am – 5 pm (Sunday noon – 5 pm)
This museum of natural history features fish pedicures, a wild bird center and several beautiful nature trails throughout a 63-acre hardwood hammock. The nature reserve contains evidence of a pre-Columbian civilization and was once the site of an Indian village. Admission: Adult $14.95, Senior – $12.95, Ages 5-13 $9.95 and under 5 – free.
Mile Marker 53 (11710 Overseas Highway)
(305) 407-3262
9am – 5pm
Family-friendly an educational, these unique exhibits feature thrilling attractions sure to inspire. Choose between the “Big Shark Bay Encounter”, “Stingray Cove Encounter” and “Coral Reef Snorkel Encounter”. Voted “best place to take the kids”, 5 years in a row.
2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
(305) 743 2552
8:30 am – 6 pm
Learn how to keep our turtles safe. Guests are invited to take a guided educational tour of the hospital facilities and the sea turtle rehabilitation area. This educational experience lasts approximately 90 minutes and provides a presentation on sea turtles as well as a behind the scenes look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area. At the end of each program guests are invited to feed the permanent residents.
59300 Overseas Highway, Marathon
(305) 414 8245
11am – 6pm
Ride the lagoon. Wake-board, waterski or kneeboard by being towed by cable systems across the lagoon, virtually replacing the need for a boat. Learn to Kiteboard, paddleboard, Fil Board, or Surf. Rates adjust according to time and gear rental.
Mile Marker 50 (200 36th Street, Marathon)
(305) 743 6598
7am – sunset
A lovely sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean frames a shady park with picnic pavilions, volleyball courts, restrooms and showers. Sombrero Beach is a turtle nesting beach. Between April and October it is not unusual to have Loggerhead Turtles (primarily) coming on to the beach at night to lay their eggs. During active turtle nesting season, human activity is limited in the vicinity of active turtle nest establishments.
1316 Duval St,
(305) 296 2988
9 am – 5:30 pm
This is a beautiful stop on your Key West adventure! The Conservatory is home to 50 to 60 different species of butterflies from around the world and allows you to get up close and personal with their colorful residents in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat.
1 Whitehead St.
(888) 544 5927
10 am – 5 pm
Get up close and personal with Key West’s marine life at the Key West Aquarium. Located in the heart of Mallory Square, there are many hands-on experiences like a touch tank, shark and jellyfish exhibits, a sea turtle conservation tour and more. You will meet moray eels, barracuda, grouper, tropical fish, conch and sea cucumbers with narration by the museum’s expert guides.
200 Greene Street
(305) 294 2633
10 am – 5 pm (closed Monday)
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is a not-for-profit organization existing to research, interpret, and exhibit the maritime history of Florida and the Caribbean in ways that increase knowledge and enrich the spirit. The museum is also home to an extensive collection of 17th century shipwreck artifacts, such as the Henrietta Marie, Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita.
A Florida Keys vacation is ideal for families looking to combine relaxation with easy-to-plan adventures. Staying in the Middle Keys places you within reach of family-friendly beaches, marine attractions, and outdoor experiences found throughout the island chain. These nearby destinations allow families to explore at their own pace while enjoying a comfortable home base.
Families planning a vacation in Florida Keys with family can enjoy hands-on experiences such as marine life encounters, calm swimming areas, nature trails, and waterfront parks. Popular Florida Keys attractions like interactive aquariums, wildlife centers, and state parks offer educational and engaging outings that appeal to both kids and adults, making them perfect for half-day or full-day excursions.
From scenic nature stops in the Middle Keys to well-known cultural landmarks farther south, there are many activities to do in Florida Keys that fit a family itinerary. Visitors who wish to explore farther can plan select day trips to experience additional highlights of the Florida Keys, while still returning to a quieter, family-friendly setting at the end of the day.
