Here in Miami, we are not only lucky to have beautiful beaches and sunny weather (almost) all year round, but we also have a lot of other gorgeous destinations just a car drive away. One of my favorite Florida road-trip places is the Florida Keys. The drive over the Seven Mile Bridge is a treat in itself as you get to see breathtaking views of the water and landscapes. Here are some suggestions for family fun in the Florida Keys.
Key Largo
Key Largo is the first Key you will enter when making your way down from Miami. And there is plenty of family fun to find in Key Largo!
Swim with Dolphins in Key Largo – A Must-Do Family Experience
One of the absolute highlights of our trip to the Florida Keys was swimming with dolphins at Marine Mammal Responders in Key Largo. Their “Connect to Protect” program offers an unforgettable, hands-on experience that’s perfect for families with kids aged 7 and up. My 7-year-old was in awe the entire time!
From giving dolphin kisses to swimming alongside them while holding onto their flippers—and even getting a playful push through the water—this experience was magical from start to finish. What makes it even more special? 100% of the proceeds support dolphin rescue efforts, including the development of a much-needed dolphin hospital currently underway in Islamorada. It’s fun with a purpose—and a meaningful way to teach kids about marine life and conservation.
We recently bought a Groupon for the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat. It was a ton of fun! This 2-hour cruise takes you through the water of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you get to see the beautiful marine life through the boat’s glass bottom. Rather get inside the water? No problem at all. Key Largo has plenty of opportunities to go snorkeling. And there is a lot to see in the world’s largest artificial coral reef, such as the Christ of the Abyss statue and underwater life.
If you are in Key Largo, I highly recommend treating yourself to a delicious Key Lime Pie On A Stick popsicle from Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory. This place takes the key lime game to a new level. Not only do they sell the most delicious key lime pies but all sorts of key lime products (including key lime cookies) ready to wow your taste buds.
Islamorada
Just south of Key Largo, you will find beautiful Islamorada, my favorite Florida Key. One of the must-dos there is to visit the Theater of the Sea. It is such a fun place to take your kids to. They get to see lots of animals and even hop on a quick glass-bottom boat ride. The admission includes animal shows with parrots, dolphins, and sea lions. For an extra charge, you can have a dolphin encounter, which includes a 30-minute swim, dolphin kisses, and more! Miami Mom Collective Founder, Cierra Bragan, recently took her kids and highly recommends a visit!
A “must do” on your drive through the Florida Keys is a stop at Robbie’s Marina! For a few bucks, you can feed the massive tarpon (if a pelican doesn’t snatch your bait first!). There’s also a gift shop, restaurant, bar, and plenty of opportunities to savor island time. Robbie’s also offers chartered boat tours and snorkeling,
Since we love it so much in Islamorada, I surprised my husband for his birthday with a boat ride at A Family Fun Boat Tour. We did the four-hour trip, and every minute of it was so much fun. They provide life jackets even for babies and kids, as well as a cooler. The tours are customized and you get to decide where the captain takes you. We spent our time on the fun Islamorada sandbar and concluded the day with a quick eco-tour through the mangroves in the Florida Keys.
To end the day, I highly recommend eating at Lazy Days. The view of the sunset is gorgeous. There is a small beach where the kids can play and watch the pelicans that like to chill around there. Plus, the coconut fried fish and frozen drinks are delicious!
For more on places to stay, family-friendly things to do, and places to eat, be sure to check out our Islamorada destination guide.
Marathon and Grassy Key
Two things should be on your to-do list when making your way down South: The Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key) and The Turtle Hospital (Marathon). The Dolphin Research Center is a non-profit and educational dolphinarium where you get to book encounters with dolphins and sea lions. The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a very unique institution. This small non-profit organization is dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. They rescue, rehab, and release sea turtles in the Florida Keys. Visitors can book a tour around the facility.
Key West
On my previous trips to the southernmost Key, I got the impression that Key West is a drinking paradise and popular Bachelor(ette) party destination. So when I had to go there for work, I was inclined to go without my family. But last-minute, I decided to go with my husband and son, and it ended up being an amazing, fun time for our family. We stayed on Stock Island just north of Key West at the Perry Hotel. Not only is it a gorgeous boutique hotel, but if you get to snag a room on the first floor, you can enter the pool right from your balcony.
We ventured out to Duval Street and surrounding areas and visited the Hemingway Home & Museum. My son loved to watch the six-toed kitties. Another popular family-friendly destination is the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, a tropical paradise with hundreds of butterflies and birds.
Where to Stay In The Keys
If you’re looking for a great place to stay on your visit to The Keys, we suggest Lime Tree Bay Resort, located between Islamorada and Marathon.
This tropical oasis is the perfect retreat for being in the middle of all the action but also in quiet seclusion, where you can enjoy the slower pace of life The Keys has to offer. Lime Tree Bay has waterfront hotel rooms as well as 3-bedroom canal-front townhomes.
It’s a favorite place for families because there’s plenty to do on site, including a jumbo chess set, ping pong, hammocks, and water activities galore–including kayaks and paddle boards–all included in your stay. If you stay on the canal side, you can enjoy the most beautiful sunsets right from your balcony, and the main hotel side offers a white sand beach with boat access and a waterfront pool. We highly recommend a getaway to Lime Tree Bay Resort!
What is your favorite thing to do in the Florida Keys? Let us know in the comments!
Updated July 2025
