Family Travel To Key West
Five family-friendly things to do in paradise!
One of the most frequently asked questions we get is, what are some fun things to do with family and friends on a Key West vacay? Today we wanted to share a few of our favorite things to do and see, including flamingo encounters, a play day at sea, a visit to a National Park, a family bike excursion, and a place to get festive and enjoy the sunset. Here are our five picks for fun family-friendly things to do in Key West: Fury’s Ultimate Adventure, a day trip to the Dry Tortugas, a visit to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, exploring Key West by bike, and Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.
Frolic with the Flamingos at the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Photo Credit: Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is one of the island’s most popular family-friendly attractions located steps from our resort! Every Wednesday, we offer our guests A VIP Butterfly Tour, exclusively for Southernmost Beach Resort guests. It’s a conservatory tour. The price is $9 for adults and $7 for children. Guests meet at the Pineapple Pool at 9:45 on Wednesday mornings. If your visiting mid-week, make sure to add this to your itinerary.
What you’ll see is an explosion of beautiful butterflies, 50 to 60 different species of live butterflies from around the world living in a peaceful sanctuary. Walk among hundreds of living butterflies and colorful birds! A unique tropical experience.
You might think the show’s stars are the butterflies, but some might say our resident flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett, just might steal the spotlight. You decide.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Open 9am-4:30pm
1316 Duval Street
Key West, Florida 33040
Explore the Island by Bike
Photo Credit: @eanickerson
Ride through the heart of old town and see the sights, sounds, and best of Key West on one of our bright yellow cruisers. It’s one of the absolute best ways to see it all!
Go shopping, visit museums, grab a bite to eat at one of our restaurants and outdoor cafes, head to the beach, or just take it slow and enjoy the history, charm, and architecture that decorates our beloved island. There’s no rush; remember you’re on island time. Visit our Concierge Desk to book and reserve your very own bike with basket, lock, and helmet, and set off on your leisurely tour.
Plan the Ultimate Adventure at Sea
An All-Inclusive Day on the Water
There’s no shortage of fun when you book Fury’s Ultimate Adventure
Fury’s Ultimate Adventure is just that! It’s a full day (10 am – 4 pm) water adventure that includes breakfast, lunch, reef snorkeling, kayaking parasailing, jet ski, rock climbing, and super slides at sea, all packed in one six-hour adventure. There is something for everyone in the family to do, see, and explore. This day on the water is jam-packed with everything you and your kids want to do and see while on vacation in the Keys. Visit the concierge at the resort to help plan your adventure at sea.
Learn more about the water adventures and excursions at Fury Water Adventures Key West.
Take a seaplane to the Dry Tortugas National Park and have the best day ever!
Photo Credit: @jamiedephilippe
“I have no words to describe the beauty of this island. Nothing like spending the day 70 miles off the coast of Key West. It brings me tears experiencing this trip of a lifetime with my family. By far the #bestdayever” ~@jamiedephilippe on Instagram.
The Dry Tortugas National Park is a place of great beauty, history, and solitude. – Peter W. Cross
About the Dry Tortugas National Park
Almost 70 miles (112.9 km) west of Key West lies a cluster of seven islands, composed of coral reefs and sand, called the Dry Tortugas. Along with the surrounding shoals and waters, they make up Dry Tortugas National Park. The area is known for its famous bird and marine life, its legends of pirates and sunken gold, and its military past.
The Dry Tortugas a hidden gem and must-see and do while visiting with or without family and friends!
Visit Dry Tortugas National Park by Seaplane or Ferry.
Yankee Freedom Ferry to the Dry Tortugas
Journey from Key West to the Dry Tortugas National Park & Fort Jefferson aboard the Yankee Freedom III Ferry! This is a full-day excursion. It takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to get there, and you have over four hours to tour the fort, snorkel, and enjoy the beaches of the Dry Tortugas. Learn more about Yankee Freedom.
Key West Seaplane Adventures – Offer half-day and full-day trips.
The only seaplane service to Dry Tortugas National Park. The half-day trip just under 4 ½ hours gives you at least 2 ½ hours of island time. Travel time is about 40 minutes each way. Full day trip is just under 8 hours, provides you with over 6 ½ hours of exploration. Charter flights are also available. Learn more about Key West Seaplane Adventures.
Celebrate Sunset at Mallory Square
Photo Credit: Rob O’Neal
One of the most magical, entertaining, and spectacular ways to celebrate the end of the day is to experience Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square! Some say it’s the best place to see the sunset in Key West. We’ll let you decide.
About the Experience
It’s’ a nightly festival and cultural experience with a variety of entertainers ready to keep you occupied before the big reveal – that is the sun setting. You’ll want to arrive a couple of hours before sunset to enjoy the festivities with magicians, jugglers, clowns, local musicians, artisans, food vendors, and more.
For over 40 years, Will Soto has been attracting crowds at Sunset with a unique high-wire and comedy act. Make sure to look for him and the many other Key West characters you’ll come to love.
Whether you take a selfie with the sun setting or grab a photo of one of the performers, we’d love to see your snapshots from paradise.
Learn more about Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square.
Enjoy our top picks of fun family things to do! Do you have any favorites? #somolife