Aside from soaking up the sun, here are the best things to do in the Florida Keys for families.

Are you visiting the Florida Keys soon? There is no shortage of fantastic things to do for your upcoming family vacation. You can be sure to find some of your favorite things to do (or find new ones!) in the Sunshine State.

From the blue waters of Key Largo to Key West, you can find fun things to do in this popular place! This area is known for its clear waters and natural wonders and has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

The following is a list of the best places to take the family.

13 Things to Do in Florida Keys for Families

The Florida Keys are an archipelago (group of small islands) stretching for approximately 120 miles off the southernmost tip of the United States. They are located between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Water Sports

One of the best things you can do in the Florida Keys for families is to participate in water sports! That's because the state is known for its crystal blue, warm waters.

No matter what part of the keys you are visiting, you can be sure to find diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, or other water adventure sports to take part in. Being in the ocean is a great way to see the gorgeous keys from a different perspective- by sea and not land!

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

If you like coral reefs, this may become one of your new favorite places.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects America's only coral barrier reef. These reefs not only serve as a home to a vast variety of marine life, but they are responsible for a large portion of the local economy. They bring in lots of tourism related to snorkeling and diving.

You can also learn more about local plant and animal life, the ocean and its seafloor, shipwrecks, and artificial reefs.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Check out sea turtles at one of America's best national parks.

Once called Las Tortugas park by Ponce de Leon in the year 1513, this small collection of sand and coral islands has been made famous by the sea turtles that inhabit the area. It is a great place to behold these majestic creatures.

Bahia Honda State Park

Located in Big Pine Key, Florida, this beach park is its own island. Not only does it have its own rich history, but it has fun amenities for the entire family. Play on the beach, rent kayaks or partake in a snorkeling tour.

Then visit the marine sanctuary before grabbing a bite at the snack bar.

Other fun experiences you can do, include:

• bicycling
• birding
• boat tours or boating
• camping
• camping boat
• fishing
• geo-seeking
• hiking
• paddling
• picnicking
• scuba diving
• snorkeling
• stargazing
• swimming
• walking or running
• wildlife viewing

Curry Hammock State Park

Flanking both side of US 1 in Crawl Key is Curry Hammock State Park. With over 1,000 acres to its name, it is the largest uninhabited piece of land set between Big Pine Key and Key Largo.

Ultimate Florida Keys for Families — Key West

Not only is Key West home to America's southernmost point, but it also boasts some of the best key lime pie in the state.

Stop by the Key Lime Pie Bakery or Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe for a tasty treat that your whole family will love.

Then teach your children about the great American author Ernest Hemingway. Visit his home at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. It served as his residence in the 1930s. Be aware that they accept cash only for admission.

Another great place that the kids (and adults!) will love is the Key West Aquarium. Learn about sharks, turtles, isopods, tropical fish, jellyfish and more! There is no better place to learn about marine life.

Kids love butterflies! What better way to see them than with a visit to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory? They house 50-60 different species of butterflies from all corners of the world. See them in a glass-enclosed habitat, that is also climate-controlled fro your (and their) comfort!

Is your family interested in lighthouses? If so, you may want to visit the Key West Lighthouse. You can see the lighthouse and keeper's quarters fat this lighthouse built after the U.S. Navy base was established in 1823.

The whole family will love Key West Shipwreck Museum, where you can see actual artifacts from the wrecked vessel, Isaac Allerton that sank on the Florida Keys reef in 1856.

After all of that, make your way to Smathers Beach, beginning at mile marker zero on State Road A1A. It is the largest, public white sand beach in Key West. It is approximately one-half mile long with gorgeous white sand. Build a sandcastle, lay in the sun, grab a bite or book a sea adventure!

Another fun thing to do in the area is the Conch Tour Train, which is great for young kids and adults alike! This guided tour will show you around Key West, pointing out all of the major attractions. It is one of Key West's most popular attractions, having already served 15 million guests since 1958!

Finally, check out Duval Street. It is known as the party epicenter of all of Key West. But it does have family-friendly places to eat. You can also pop into a gift shop or a gallery. You are also likely to see street performers, like Cat Man, or other sunset celebrations around the area.

What About the Florida Keys?

Do you want to hit Key West, the Everglades National Park, and all the other great things the Keys have to offer? Well, we have just the thing for you. Jennifer and I love traveling to the Keys, so we've created a complete 7-Day RV Adventure Guide: Florida Keys. This downloadable guide includes a suggested itinerary and a list of the best RV parks along the way.

We also have a 7-Day RV Adventure Guide to Florida's Atlantic Coast and Florida's Gulf Coast. If you're interested in all three, you should check out our Florida RV Travel Guide Bundle.

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