Key West may be famous for its sunsets and relaxed island atmosphere, but it is also full of family activities Key West visitors will love. Parents and children can enjoy a mix of history, nature and hands-on fun. There is something to match every age and interest, from interactive museums and scenic rides to wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures. The island’s compact size makes it easy to explore, and many attractions are close enough to visit on the same day.
The Conch Tour Train is one of the most popular family activities Key West offers for exploring the island without the hassle of driving. The narrated ride makes a full 60-minute loop through Old Town, with a short break midway. Guides share entertaining stories about Key West’s history, colorful characters and unique landmarks. Each ticket includes admission to the Sails to Rails Museum, two guided walking tours, a full-color map and discount coupons for local attractions and shops.
The open-air cars give families the chance to enjoy the breeze and take in the sights. Along the way, kids can spot the Key West Lighthouse, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and the vibrant Bahama Village neighborhood. The tour wraps up at Mallory SquareSM, where families can enjoy the waterfront, watch street performers or grab a snack before continuing their day.
The Key West Aquarium is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, making it easy to add to any vacation schedule. It offers a cool indoor break from the sun and gives families the chance to engage with marine life up close. Established in 1934 as the first attraction in Key West, it has grown into a hands-on learning experience where guests can touch starfish, horseshoe crabs and other gentle sea creatures at the touch tanks. Visitors can also enjoy scheduled feedings of sharks and sea turtles throughout the day. The Atlantic Shores exhibit features a 50,000-gallon tank that introduces children to the mangrove ecosystem found in the Florida Keys, complete with tropical fish, rays and live coral.
The Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson offer an experience that stands out among national parks. To get there, families board the Yankee Freedom III at the Key West Ferry Terminal, where a complimentary breakfast is served once passengers are on board. The scenic 70-mile trip often includes sightings of dolphins and sea turtles swimming nearby. When the fort comes into view, its massive 19th-century walls hint at its long and storied history. Surrounded by clear waters and a soft white sand beach, the area is ideal for snorkeling, swimming, fishing, kayaking and walking along the shore. Inside the fort, families can explore historic cells, including the one that held Dr. Samuel Mudd, and see the large cannons that once defended the island. The mix of history, wildlife and unspoiled scenery makes this a memorable full-day outing for all ages.
The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum gives visitors a close look at treasures recovered from famous shipwrecks, including gold and silver coins, navigational tools and artifacts from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and the Henrietta Marie. The museum is fully accredited and continues important work in archaeology and conservation. Families can join guided lab tours, where experts show how artifacts are cleaned and preserved, giving kids a behind-the-scenes view of history in the making. Exhibits also cover the transatlantic slave trade and the journeys of Cuban refugees who crossed the Florida Straits, adding meaningful context to the displays. It’s one of the top family activities Key West offers, combining hands-on learning with fascinating stories from the past.
The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum gives visitors a look into the daring world of the wreckers, the salvagers who once rescued cargo from ships that ran aground in the Florida Keys. Through live performances, short films and real artifacts, families can learn how this work shaped the island’s history. Guests can lift a genuine silver bar from 1656 and see treasures pulled from local waters. A climb to the top of the 65-foot lookout tower rewards visitors with sweeping views across the island and the ocean. The mix of history, interactive exhibits and storytelling makes it one of the most memorable family activities Key West has to offer.
Astro City Park, just across the street from Higgs Beach, is a bright and inviting playground where kids can play after exploring the island. Families often combine a stop here with time on the beach, which has calm waters for swimming, soft sand for relaxing and a pier for taking in the view. The area includes picnic tables, restrooms and beach rentals, making it easy to plan an afternoon by the water. Snorkeling close to shore can reveal small tropical fish, adding a bit of adventure to one of the best family activities Key West offers.
The Southernmost Point in Key West is one of the island’s most photographed landmarks, marked by a brightly painted buoy that declares its place as the southernmost point of the continental United States. Families often line up for a turn to capture their own photo with the buoy, which also notes that Cuba is only 90 miles away. The spot sits along the waterfront, giving visitors a sweeping view of the turquoise waters beyond. Early mornings or later in the afternoon tend to be less crowded, making it easier to get a great picture without a long wait. Pairing a stop here with nearby shops or a short walk along the shore can turn this quick photo opportunity into a relaxed part of your day.
Join your Ghost Host guide aboard the Trolley of the Doomed for a spine-tingling ride through Key West’s shadowy past. As you journey down narrow streets in Old Town near the Southernmost Point, you’ll hear eerie accounts of restless spirits, historic tragedies and legends that have lingered for generations. The flickering lantern light, atmospheric narration and stops at some of the island’s most haunted spots make it an unforgettable blend of history and ghostly intrigue. While the stories are spooky, they are told with care so that families can enjoy the experience together.
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is a climate-controlled glass habitat where families can walk among hundreds of butterflies and tropical birds. Gentle waterfalls and lush greenery create a calm setting as you explore. The Learning Center features exhibits on butterfly anatomy, life cycle and migration, along with a viewing area where live caterpillars feed and grow on host plants. It’s a peaceful and educational stop that works well for all ages, especially if you’re looking for a break from the sun.
There are plenty of indoor family activities Key West visitors can enjoy. The Key West Aquarium offers fascinating marine exhibits, the Sails to Rails Museum brings history to life with interactive displays and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum showcases treasures and artifacts that spark curiosity in all ages. These spots are perfect for rainy days or when you need a cool break from the sun.