Things to do in Key Largo with Kids!
Key Largo is a laid-back island paradise brimming with endless possibilities for families seeking adventure, relaxation, and discovery. From water sports and wildlife encounters to bike rides and nature trails, fun shopping and great eateries, this tropical gem offers something for everyone.
Let’s dive into the many ways to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones in Key Largo.
Underwater Adventures in Key Largo
Key Largo’s status as a world-famous snorkeling and diving destination is largely due to the exceptional marine habitats protected within its waters. Key Largo is a wonderful place to let kids explore and experience the Florida Keys marine habitats up close, and where they’ll most likely adopt a lifelong love for the ocean.
Dolphins Plus
Dolphins Plus Bayside is a unique opportunity to interact with and learn about dolphins in a natural setting. This marine mammal facility offers a variety of programs for all ages, from observing dolphins in their natural habitat to swimming alongside them.
Kid-friendly highlights:
- Swimming with dolphins programs for various ages and abilities
- Touch tanks for hands-on fun marine edu-tainment
- Educational encounters to learn about marine life
- Opportunity to interact with dolphins under the guidance of experienced trainers
- Fun and engaging experiences that create lasting memories
Dolphins Plus is more than just an entertainment venue; it’s a place to connect with these incredible creatures and learn about marine conservation. Visit the official Dolphins Plus website for more information about their different swim-with-dolphins programs, hours of operation and lots of photos of this facility.
John Pennekamp State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the national’s first underwater park, protects 70 nautical miles of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. This underwater oasis is teeming with marine life. But this state park also have lots to do on land and is a great place to bring kids for the day.
Start at the Visitor Center to view the 30,000 gallon saltwater aquarium and gather maps and information on all the fun to enjoy at the park.
There’s a cafe, sandy beaches, outdoor showers, nature trails, boat tours and more. But the best part of John Pennekamp is swimming and snorkeling at either Cannon Beach or Far Beach. Why? This is a protected marine sanctuary, so there are MILLIONS of fish to and marine life to see in the clear waters just swimming or snorkeling near the shore! This is a great experience for all ages.
Here’s the official John Pennekamp State Park website to learn more.
Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary
And an even larger area of 2900 nautical miles, the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, surrounds John Pennekamp providing a much needed and strategic protection of Pennekamp’s coral reef, seagrass beds and mangrove forests.
Together, these two marine sanctuaries protect a thriving ecosystem that attracts visitors from all over the world.
To see the true significance of the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary and why it’s so special, you’ll want to see it from the underwater perspective. We suggest taking a snorkeling tour with a local tour because they’ll know the best places to take you.
Snorkeling is an easy activity for most kids that are comfortable in the water. No experience needed!
The Sundiver III tour is popular and highly rated, and they specialize in helping kids and first-time snorkelers feel right at home in the water and providing an unforgettable experience. Equipment is included, except the snorkel which you can buy from them as your souvenir snorkel to remember this special adventure. Check current prices for this Snorkeling Tour of Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary from the Sundiver III on expedia here – affiliate link.
Learn to SCUBA Dive (12 yrs and up):
SCUBA Diving in Key Largo can be an amazing, unforgettable adventure. AMORAY Dive Resort in Key Largo offers a 1-day Resort SCUBA diving course where you’ll gain all the confidence and knowledge needed to head underwater to see habitats teeming with tropical fish, and possibly crabs and lobster, large grouper and hogfish, and maybe even sea turtles!
This makes an unforgettable birthday too, for kids 12 years of age or older!
The day starts in their pool, and ends with 2 different open water dives, equipment included. Check the Key Largo SCUBA Diving Lesson Package for current pricing on expedia here – affiliate link.
Private Fishing Charter Adventure:
Fishing with local professionals means you’ll be at all the best spots and have all your fishing license and permit needs taken care of! They’ve got all the right bait and tackle, snorkel gear, and even sandwiches you’ll want to make an amazing day. There’s no better experience than reeling in your first big catch!
Check out Captain Steve’s Private Fishing Charter Adventure package deal here with current pricing on expedia here – affiliate link.
Best Beach in Key Largo for Kids
Cannon Beach at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the favorite of most visitors to Key Largo. It has a great sandy beach and clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
There are artifacts from an old shipwreck that can be found in 5-10 feet of water at this spot adding to the fun. Low tide reveals tide pools in between rocks where kids can find small crabs, snails and other small sea creatures.
And yes, there are actual cannons ON Cannon Beach, adding to the island ambiance.
Other best beaches in Key Largo are found at private resorts! See our blog Best Family Resorts in Key Largo Florida where 4 of the 5 highly-rated family resorts we included have beautiful, clean private sandy beaches!
Nature and Wildlife
Kayak through Mangrove Tunnels:
Paddle through mangrove tunnels and through this unique habitat where the water is shallow and clear and you can see all kinds of fish and birds (and maybe even manatees or dolphin!). Great experience for all ages. Check current prices for the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo on expedia here – affiliate link.
Tip: take a net or bucket with you. Scoop up some sargassum seaweed (brown seaweed clumps) floating by, and spend some time looking at all the tiny creatures living inside! You might find tiny crabs and fish, shrimp and lots more. But don’t take them out of the water for long, and definitely don’t keep anything you find. They live in paradise, let them live!
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour:
Enjoy a 45-minute coral reef tour from the dry comfort of a 75-foot yacht with a glass bottom. Great for families and kids of all ages, snacks and drinks available, plus restroom on board. Cocktails available for adults. Check current ticket prices for the Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure on expedia here – affiliate link.
The Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary
A scenic 20 minute drive south will bring you to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Santuary (on the Gulf side) where you’ll see tons of different birds up close, and learn their stories.
This is a bird rehab center and while most injured birds are released, many must remain at this sanctuary. Meander around on the wood boardwalk all the way out to the shore where you’ll probably encounter tons of pelicans waiting for dinner!
Other Kid-Friendly Activities
Key Largo Chocolates
Add “eat key lime pie” to your Key West itinerary! Bring the kids to Key Largo Chocolates and enjoy some key lime pie, frozen key lime pie bars, chocolates, ice cream and more delicious goodness! They’ve got two convenient locations: Key Largo and Islamorada. See their official website for hours of operation and address for the Key Largo Chocolates and Keys Chocolates and Ice Cream locations here.
Shell World Shopping
No trip to Key Largo is complete without shopping for souvenirs! Shell World is not only the favorite gift shop of most every visitor to the Florida Keys… locals shop here too! It’s full of souvenirs for sure, but ALSO has a fantastic selection of island decor for your home, plus swimsuits, men’s clothing, womens and kids clothing, tshirts, a large selection of seashells and so much more!
Lots of fun shopping here… it’s at the south end of Key Largo just before you reach Tavernier and Islamorada. Visit their official website for hours and address: Shell World Key Largo.
Robbie's of Islamorada
A super easy, scenic drive south for about 20 minutes will get you to what is most commonly considered the most popular upper key’s attraction: Robbie’s of Islamorada. It’s the home of the World famous tarpon feeding off the dock, water sports, great food, shopping and more.
Rent some kayaks and head out for about 35 minutes to Indian Key State Park, an 11 acre remote island with remnants of lots of history dating back to the early 1800’s.
Or take a ferry tour to Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, a 280 acre island with the Matheson House and other great things to explore. This island offers some great swimming and snorkeling also!
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Tips for a Family-Friendly Key Largo Adventure
To make your Key Largo trip even more enjoyable for the kids, consider these extra tips:
- A Florida Keys Coloring Books can create added excitement for the trip, and keep everyone entertained during travel or downtime. And yes, there are ADULT coloring books that are fun for you to color too! Check out these Florida Keys Coloring Books on Amazon – affiliate link.
- A Key Largo Travel Planner can help them feel part of the vacation planning, can help organize everyone’s list of things to do, and ensure everyone has a memorable experience. Check out this Key Largo Travel Planner on Amazon – affiliate link.
- Choose the best time to visit: The best time to visit Key Largo with kids is during the spring (April-May) or fall (October-November). The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds compared to peak season, as well as less mosquitoes and sweaty days.
By following these tips and exploring the amazing activities Key Largo offers, you’re sure to create lasting memories with your family.
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