15 Best Things To Do In Key West With Kids

Key West may be known for its lively nightlife and quirky characters, but it’s also an incredibly family-friendly destination when you know where to look. This small island at the end of the Florida Keys is packed with outdoor adventures, hands-on exhibits, beachy play spaces, and wildlife encounters that make it a hit with kids—and a relaxing getaway for parents, too.

When planning things to do in Key West with kids, it helps to think simple: feeding wild chickens, watching street performers, spotting sea turtles, or splashing around in spring-fed pools. Many of the best activities are low-cost or completely free, especially if you're willing to trade a few theme parks for tide pools and treasure hunts.

In this guide, you'll find hand-picked ideas that balance entertainment and ease—plenty of places to burn off energy, learn something new, or just take in the view with sand between your toes. Whether you’re planning a full family vacation or just a day trip from the mainland, these kid-friendly stops will help you experience the island through younger eyes—with room for grown-up enjoyment, too.

1. Watch the Fish at the White Street Pier

📍 Location: End of White Street at Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

Sometimes the simplest experiences leave the biggest impression—and White Street Pier is exactly that kind of place. This wide, concrete pier juts far out into the ocean, giving kids a rare chance to peer directly into the clear, shallow waters and watch tropical fish glide by below.

You’ll spot colorful parrotfish, schools of silver minnows, maybe even a stingray or two if you're lucky. No gear or guide needed—just walk, look down, and let nature do the entertaining. Bring a loaf of bread or a few crackers (in moderation) if you want to toss some crumbs and see who comes swimming.

It’s also a great place for stroller walks, scooter rides, or teaching little ones about tide patterns and marine life. The pier is flat, wide, and completely free—no crowds, no rush, just uninterrupted ocean views and the sound of waves.

For the grown-ups, the backdrop is just as rewarding. With the Atlantic stretching to the horizon and often a breeze coming off the water, it’s a peaceful spot to pause while the kids get fully absorbed in spotting fish. Add a picnic or sunset visit, and you’ve got a quiet, classic Key West moment the whole family will remember.

2. Catch the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

📍 Location: 400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040

Every evening, Mallory Square transforms into a festival of color, music, and quirky fun as the sun sinks into the Gulf. This nightly ritual draws locals, travelers, families, and street performers to celebrate what’s often considered the best sunset view in the Keys.

For kids, it’s a sensory playground. You’ll see magicians performing with ropes and cards, sword swallowers, tightrope walkers, and dogs jumping through hoops—all working for tips but happy to entertain. Vendors offer handmade crafts, local art, and plenty of photo ops, especially with the water glowing gold behind the crowd.

There’s something magical about a city that slows down every day just to watch the sun disappear. Families lay out blankets or lean on the railing together, soaking in the breeze, the buzz, and the final splash of color before night falls.

And the best part? It’s all completely free.

3. Play in the Sand at Higgs Beach

📍 Location: 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

For families with young kids, Higgs Beach is an easy win. It’s sandy, shallow, and uncrowded compared to busier Smathers Beach—making it perfect for digging, splashing, and spreading out a towel without jockeying for space.

The water is calm and usually clear, ideal for wading toddlers or beginner swimmers. There's also a shaded playground just steps from the sand, plus picnic tables, grassy areas, and plenty of palm trees to sit under when the sun gets strong. Bring buckets, sunscreen, and maybe a book—kids can stay entertained for hours with little more than sand and sea.

While you’re there, take a walk along the adjacent White Street Pier or explore the nearby Key West Wildlife Center trails for a bonus adventure. There’s even a beachside café if you decide to linger through lunchtime.

Higgs isn’t flashy, and that’s what makes it great. It feels local, relaxed, and easy—just the way a free beach day should be.

4. Stroll Through the Key West Wildlife Center

📍 Location: 1801 White St, Key West, FL 33040

Hidden within Indigenous Park, the Key West Wildlife Center offers a quiet, educational break from the bustle of Duval Street—and it's totally free. This small but impactful rescue facility rehabilitates injured birds and wildlife from across the island and is open to the public for self-guided visits.

Kids can observe turtles swimming in shallow tanks, peer into enclosures housing recovering pelicans or hawks, and follow a short nature trail that loops through mangroves and butterfly-friendly gardens. Informational signs explain the center’s work in easy-to-understand language, making it both fun and educational for younger visitors.

What makes it great for families is how peaceful and uncommercial it feels. There's no rush, no ticket booth, and no pressure—just a chance to get close to nature, learn about local ecosystems, and maybe even chat with a volunteer about an animal’s rescue story.

It’s a great stop to pair with a visit to Higgs Beach or White Street Pier—just a few steps away.

5. Paint a Shell or Rock at the Higgs Beach Playground

📍 Location: 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040 (next to the beach café)

Sometimes the best memories come from things that cost nothing and require only a little creativity. At the shaded playground near Higgs Beach, families often bring their own shells, rocks, and paints or markers to create mini works of art—then hide them nearby for others to discover.

Kids love both sides of it: making something colorful, and then going on a “hunt” to see what others have left behind. Palm trunks, low shrubs, and benches often hide hand-painted hearts, smiley faces, turtles, or simple messages like “You got this!” It’s sweet, simple, and surprisingly fun.

You can bring your supplies in a small bag or pick up a few rocks along the shore. There’s no official sign or structure—it’s just a grassroots bit of island joy that keeps going, because people keep showing up to participate.

Add a picnic, a swim at Higgs Beach, or a stroll out to White Street Pier, and you've got a free-flowing day that feels easy and just the right amount of magical.

6. Explore the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden (on donation days)

📍 Location: 5210 College Rd, Key West, FL 33040

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden isn’t your typical manicured garden. It’s a wild, living landscape filled with native palms, butterflies, shady boardwalks, and hidden sculptures—all designed to showcase the ecosystems of the Florida Keys.

It’s a peaceful, educational place to explore with kids, especially during cooler mornings or cloudy afternoons. Grab a free scavenger hunt sheet at the entrance (or print one ahead of time) and let kids search for labeled trees, turtle ponds, and secret fairy houses nestled into the trails. You’ll also find bird-watching decks, a Cuban chug boat from a real migrant crossing, and educational signs that keep things interesting for curious minds.

While standard admission has a small fee, the garden offers “donation days” regularly—typically one weekend a month—where families can enter by giving what they can. Even outside those days, children 12 and under are always free, and it’s well worth the visit.

7. Watch the Cruise Ships Dock at Mallory Square

📍 Location: 400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040

For little ones who love big machines, watching the cruise ships dock and depart is a surprisingly fun (and totally free) activity. These floating cities arrive and leave slowly, pushed and pulled by tugboats with pinpoint precision—something that’s as fascinating to adults as it is to kids.

Mallory Square offers a front-row view. You can walk right up to the edge of the dock and feel the scale of the ships towering overhead. Kids love watching the lines being tossed, the tiny figures of crew members guiding things from high decks, and the low thrum of the engines as the ships ease in or pull away.

Bring a snack and take a seat—there are plenty of benches and ledges where families can sit comfortably. Even when no ships are arriving or leaving, the view of the harbor and nearby Sunset Key is beautiful, with pelicans and boats coming and going throughout the day.

8. Look for Iguanas Along the Bayview Park Trail

📍 Location: 1320 Truman Ave, Key West, FL 33040

If your kids love spotting wildlife, Bayview Park offers a simple, easy adventure right in the middle of Key West. This centrally located city park has a paved walking loop, a large grassy lawn, a shaded playground, and—most importantly—plenty of lounging iguanas.

You’ll often see them sunning themselves on sidewalks, darting through hedges, or munching on leaves in the trees. Most are harmless and used to people, but they move fast and make for fun “spot the lizard” moments as you stroll. Just remind little ones to look, not touch.

Aside from iguana spotting, Bayview is great for scooter rides, stroller laps, and picnic breaks under the trees. There are tennis courts, shaded benches, and a nice open feel without the crowds of more touristy spots. It’s a solid stop for a midday break, especially if you're exploring by bike or driving past on Truman Avenue.

9. Bike the Historic Seaport District (BYO or Rent Nearby)

📍 Location: Key West Historic Seaport, start around 201 William St, Key West, FL 33040

Biking through the Historic Seaport District is a relaxing, easy way to take in a classic slice of Old Key West—and it’s especially fun for families with kids who like to explore on wheels. The path follows the edge of the marina, weaving past sailboats, seafood shacks, shady palms, and breezy waterfront cafés.

It’s mostly flat and calm, with wide, well-marked paths perfect for scooters, balance bikes, or adult cruisers with kid seats. The route is short enough to do in under 30 minutes but filled with things to see: yachts in the harbor, fishermen unloading the day’s catch, and maybe even a manatee bobbing in the water if you're lucky.

You can bring your own bikes (many rentals include baskets or child trailers), or just take a self-guided stroll while the kids scoot alongside. There are also benches and dockside viewing spots where you can stop for snacks or photos.

10. Visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

📍 Location: 35 E Quay Rd, Key West, FL 33040

The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is one of the best totally free indoor experiences in Key West—and it’s perfect for kids who love ocean life, science, or just pressing buttons. Run by NOAA and other local agencies, this air-conditioned center introduces families to the ecosystems that make the Keys so special.

Inside, you'll find interactive exhibits on coral reefs, mangroves, sea turtles, reef fish, and the science behind marine conservation. There are life-size models, videos, and touchable displays throughout, all designed to be hands-on and accessible for younger visitors.

The centerpiece is the replica of the Aquarius Reef Base, where kids can imagine living underwater like real marine biologists. Expect lots of “wow” moments—especially for kids under 12—and zero pressure to rush. It’s fun, educational, and a great way to take a break from the heat or rain.

Pair it with a walk along the nearby harbor or a picnic outside, and you’ve got a half-day outing that’s enriching, relaxed, and completely free.

11. Watch a Street Performer on Duval Street

📍 Location: Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040 (best around Mallory Square end)

During the day, Duval Street is surprisingly family-friendly. While nightlife takes over after dark, the daylight hours bring out a colorful cast of performers that keep kids wide-eyed and entertained—for free.

You’ll likely spot jugglers balancing on unicycles, musicians playing conch shells, painters working live on the sidewalk, and maybe even a guy walking a tightrope in pirate boots. The performances tend to cluster closer to the Mallory Square end, especially around midday and early afternoon.

You don’t need to stay long or commit to anything—just pause, enjoy the show, and keep walking when the kids are ready. Many performers work for tips, but there’s no pressure to give unless you want to.

It’s a great way to introduce kids to performance art in an informal setting and adds a bit of whimsy to a simple stroll.

12. Walk the Pirate Treasure Hunt Trail (DIY-style)

📍 Location: Start near Mallory Square or the Historic Seaport and loop through Old Town

Turn a casual walk into a mini-adventure by creating your own Pirate Treasure Hunt Trail through Old Town. All you need is a simple map, a few landmarks, and some imagination. It’s a fun, screen-free way to explore the city with kids while adding a sense of mystery and discovery.

Start by choosing a few family-friendly stops: the Shipwreck Museum façade, the turtle mural on Caroline Street, the cannons at Fort Zachary, or even a food truck shaped like a boat. Write clues like “Find the fish with wings” (look for a flying fish sculpture) or “Where do pirates stash their gold?” (the ATM at the Pirate Museum gift shop is a hit).

Kids can follow your clues or create their own. Add stickers or small trinkets as “treasure” at the end—or just reward the final clue with a family photo at Mile Marker 0.

This DIY scavenger hunt costs nothing, but it turns a hot afternoon into an active, silly adventure they’ll remember.

13. Visit the Art in Public Places Installations

📍 Location: Throughout Old Town and along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

If your kids like scavenger hunts, colors, or anything unusual, exploring Key West’s public art is a perfect low-key activity. The island is dotted with murals, mosaics, kinetic sculptures, and quirky installations that turn everyday corners into discovery zones.

From a giant conch shell mosaic outside the courthouse to marine-themed benches and colorful wall murals on White Street, the art is everywhere—you just have to look. Start with a few known spots, like the “One Human Family” mosaic at the MART building or the sea life sculpture at the Eco-Discovery Center. Then, see what else you can find as you wander.

The Florida Keys Council of the Arts offers a free downloadable map (or pick one up at the library or City Hall). Let kids mark off each find like a visual treasure hunt. It adds a new dimension to walking or biking around town and gives everyone something fun to look for—even if you’re just killing time between meals or beach stops.

14. Feed the Chickens (Respectfully!)

📍 Location: You'll find free-roaming chickens all over Old Town—especially around Simonton, Duval, and Petronia Streets

It doesn’t take long for kids to notice that chickens rule the streets in Key West. They strut across sidewalks, nap in the shade of scooters, and crow loudly at all hours—especially around Old Town. And while they’re mostly just part of the island’s scenery, interacting with them (from a respectful distance) can be a memorable part of your family’s trip.

Bring along a small baggie of oats, uncooked rice, or corn kernels—not bread or crackers, which can harm their digestive systems. Find a quiet plaza or shady park bench (Bayview Park and the Key West Cemetery often have flocks nearby), sprinkle a few treats, and let your kids enjoy the slow parade of feathered freeloaders.

It’s fun, completely free, and often leads to impromptu photo ops or even gentle rooster “showdowns” over snacks. Just remind your kids not to chase or corner them—Key West’s chickens may be used to people, but they still appreciate space.

15. Story Time at the Key West Library

📍 Location: 700 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040

Need a quiet break from the heat, the beach, or the crowds? The Key West Library offers a cool, quiet space where kids can recharge and learn—and yes, it’s totally free. Their story time sessions are perfect for little travelers who need a moment of routine in between sightseeing.

Held regularly in the children’s room or shaded outdoor garden, story time often includes songs, puppet shows, and simple crafts. The staff is warm and welcoming to visitors, and many locals bring their toddlers and preschoolers to join in. It's a great chance to connect with other families and enjoy something gentle and grounded in a city that’s always buzzing.

Even outside scheduled events, the library is worth a visit. The kids' area has comfy seating, books about Key West animals and landmarks, and puzzles or activity tables that make it feel more like a playroom than a reading room.

Conclusion

Key West is a treasure trove of experiences, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the serene beaches like Smathers Beach, where visitors can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand, to the historical intrigue of places like the West Martello Tower, maintained by the Key West Garden Club, there's no shortage of activities to fill your itinerary.

Ready to dive into the vibrant paradise? Karta offers amazing deals on Key West vacation rentals for you. Book your dream getaway now and embark on an unforgettable adventure with your family.

FAQ

1. How far is Key West from Miami?

Key West is located about 160 miles southwest of Miami. The drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, offering stunning views along the Overseas Highway, which stretches across the Florida Keys. For a quicker option, you can fly directly to Key West International Airport, with flights taking roughly an hour.

2. What is Key West, Florida known for?

Key West is known for its laid-back, tropical vibe, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. The island is famous for being the southernmost point in the continental United States and its iconic "Southernmost Point" buoy. Visitors flock to attractions like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Mallory Square's sunset celebrations, and the lively Duval Street. Key West is also renowned for water sports, including snorkeling, diving, and fishing, thanks to its proximity to the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the U.S.

3. Is Key West, Florida worth visiting?

Absolutely! Key West offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, making it a must-visit destination. Whether you're relaxing on pristine beaches, touring historic sites like Fort Zachary Taylor, or enjoying a sunset cruise, there's always something to do. The island’s vibrant food and art scenes, combined with its stunning sunsets, make it an unforgettable destination for all types of travelers, from adventurers to those looking for a relaxing escape.

4. What’s the best time to visit Key West for outdoor activities?

The best time to visit Key West for outdoor activities is from November to April, during the dry season when temperatures are warm but not too hot, and the humidity is low. This is ideal for exploring the island’s many outdoor attractions, from kayaking through mangroves to snorkeling the coral reefs. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder months of April and May, when the weather is still pleasant, but the island is less busy than during peak winter months.