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Things to Do in Key West with Kids
Key West is small enough to explore by bike, warm enough to swim almost all year, and packed with things kids love: butterflies, six-toed cats, sunset street performers and a fort with its own beach. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Key West sweet treats tour walks Old Town, and families tell us it's a welcome break from a town known for its bars.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: Mallory Square at sunset, the Southernmost Point buoy, Duval Street people-watching, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
- Rainy day picks: Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Key West Aquarium, Key West Shipwreck Museum
- Sweet treat: Our Key West donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Key West, by neighborhood
Old Town
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Rainy day pickHundreds of butterflies and a pair of flamingos in a glass dome.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Kids come for the famous six-toed cats that roam the grounds.
Southernmost Point buoy
FreeThe classic photo stop at the southernmost point of the continental U.S.
Parent tip: Go early in the morning to skip the line.
Duval Street
Shops, ice cream and people-watching. Best with kids in the daytime.
Parent tip: Old Town is flat and compact, so renting bikes (with kid seats or trailers) is the easiest way to get around.
The waterfront and beaches
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
FreeStreet performers, food carts and a famous sunset every evening.
Key West Aquarium
Rainy day pickOne of Florida's oldest attractions, with touch tanks and shark feedings.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
A Civil War fort plus the island's best beach for families, with shade trees and snorkeling.
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
FreeInteractive exhibits about the reef and a model of an underwater research lab.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
Rainy day pickActors, treasure and a lookout tower with views over Old Town.
Parent tip: Sunset at Mallory Square is a nightly free show, with jugglers, acrobats and a big crowd cheering the sun down.
Day trips and boat days
Dry Tortugas National Park
A ferry or seaplane ride to a huge island fort with snorkeling right off the beach.
Parent tip: Book well ahead. It's a long day, best for kids who handle boats well.
Glass-bottom boat and snorkel trips
A great way for younger kids to see the reef without getting in the water.
Bahia Honda State Park
Calm beaches and a historic bridge about 40 minutes up the Keys.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Old Town tour walks Key West's historic streets with stops for local sweets and plenty of island history, and our haunted sweet treats tour is built for families with kids 6 and up.
Taste Key West's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Key West tours
"There was a great mix of walking, local history and tasty treats... This tour is great for anyone looking for something family friendly, or just not drinking related, to do here in Key West."
Geneveve B., TripAdvisor, April 2025
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Key West guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood.
Sample days
Day 1: Old Town
- Morning: sweet treats tour in Old Town.
- Butterfly Conservatory.
- Lunch and a dip at Fort Zachary Taylor.
- Sunset at Mallory Square.
Day 2: Island explorer
- Photo at the Southernmost Point early.
- Hemingway Home and its six-toed cats.
- Key West Aquarium.
- Evening haunted tour for kids 6 and up.
Day 3: Out on the water
- Dry Tortugas ferry for a full day.
- Or a glass-bottom boat with younger kids.
- Beach afternoon.
- Key lime pie for dessert.
Key West with kids by season
Holidays
- Lighted Boat Parade: decorated boats cruise the harbor in December.
- Holiday lights in Old Town: porches and palm trees glow all season.
- Winter weather: warm, sunny days make the holidays a great time to visit.
The rest of the year
- Spring: the busiest season, with dry, sunny weather. Book early around spring break.
- Summer: hot and humid, with calm water for snorkeling. Plan indoor breaks midday.
- Fall: quieter streets and lower prices, but watch for hurricane season.
- Winter: mild and sunny, perfect for biking and beach days.
Key West with kids FAQ
Is Key West good for kids?
Yes. Stick to daytime on Duval Street with younger kids, and you'll find beaches, butterflies, the aquarium and the sunset show at Mallory Square.
Is the Key West sweet treats tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome on the Old Town tour, and kids' tickets start at $55. The haunted tour is built for families with kids 6 and up.
What are free things to do in Key West with kids?
Mallory Square at sunset, the Southernmost Point, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center and people-watching on Duval Street in the daytime.
Which beach is best for kids?
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, with shade trees, picnic tables and snorkeling right off the shore. Water shoes help on the rocky sand.