Planning Your Family-Friendly Key West Vacation
Key West is the perfect travel destination, with plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation for the entire family. With its white sand beaches, kid-friendly activities, and exciting outdoor excursions, it’s hard to go wrong in this tropical paradise.
Looking for a family-friendly Key West vacation? Read below for a sample 3-day itinerary that’s sure to please everyone!
Before You Leave:
Key West has a low-key, beachy vibe, making it easy to pack for yourself and your kids. We created the ultimate Key West vacation packing list to ensure you pack suitcase essentials:
- Flip-Flops/Sandals
Flip-flops are known as the unofficial shoe of the Florida Keys. They are necessities for beach days and lounging by the pool. Keep in mind, though, that Key West’s beaches are very sandy, with few rocks, so you may be able to go barefoot as well.
- Swimsuit
If you want to take a dip in the pool or ocean, or try a snorkeling excursion.
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
The sunlight here is very strong – and plentiful! – so make sure you protect yourself and your family while you’re by the pool or ocean. There is also sunscreen at the Margaritaville Beach House Key West gift shop if you need to resupply.
- An outfit for when you aren’t lounging by the water
For going out to dinner downtown with or without the kids.
- Shorts and T-shirts
For exploring the downtown area, visiting the aquarium, and perusing local shops.
- Sneakers & athletic clothes
If you want to explore downtown via bike or scooter!
Key West Family Itinerary Day 1: Explore Margaritaville Beach House and Enjoy a Pool Day
Spend the morning exploring Margaritaville Beach House Key West’s extensive grounds. Take some freshly baked cookies from the lobby, fruit-infused lemonade, and Key West-themed coloring books to keep the youngsters busy. Outside, you and the kids can breathe in the ocean air and admire the palm trees, tropical plants, and unique decor of this space. In the afternoon, pick up a welcome drink or smoothie, while your kids enjoy popsicles.
Grab a bite at Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill, conveniently located right by the pool – your kids will love our burgers and conch fritters! After that, it’s time to hit the pool. Relax with a refreshing pina colada or smoothie as your kids play in our lagoon-style pool, featuring a waterfall and ocean-themed decor.
Next, walk across the street to Smathers Beach – lucky for you, the island’s largest and most beautiful beach is just across the street. Find a quiet spot to relax and take in the breathtaking views. You’ll see pristine blue water and pelicans soaring inches above the surface. In the distance, windsurfers and jet skiers can be found riding the waves. Feel free to take a dip as a family, as the water is relatively warm year-round, as well as clean and safe. There are no big waves here, so your kids are free to play games and build sandcastles by the water’s edge.
After freshening up, enjoy dinner at Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill, including our famous homemade Key Lime Pie. Then, head back to the pool. On Friday nights from 6-8pm, Margaritaville Beach House Key West puts on a “Family Night,” including kid-friendly games, movies, and s’mores in our fire pit.* Your kids will make fast friends with other guests, while you enjoy a cocktail beneath the stars.
Key West Family Itinerary Day 2: Explore Town, Take an Educational Excursion, and Go Out for a Fun Dinner
After breakfast at Tin Cup Chalice (your kids will love our chocolate chip pancakes!), catch the shuttle downtown. Margaritaville Beach House provides a free shuttle into downtown Key West, running every hour on the hour. This is a unique offering that you should definitely take advantage of. En route, your shuttle driver may give a mini history lesson of Key West, pointing out the many writers, politicians, and celebrities who have found a home here. The shuttle will drop you off at the Historic Seaport Harbor, an ideal spot to begin exploring the town.
Head to the Key West Aquarium to learn about the island’s unique array of marine life. Your kids will love the touch tank, sea turtles conservation tour, and the jellyfish exhibit. The aquarium has a full presentation schedule, which includes the chance to feed the sharks! For even more marine life, visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, featuring a living reef, 74-seat educational movie theater, and interactive exhibits. If you have older kids, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is a must-see, with fascinating exhibits focused on the maritime history of Florida and the Caribbean. Conch Republic Seafood Company is a great spot for lunch – your kids will love the aquarium at the center of the restaurant, and it’s conveniently located near our shuttle’s drop-off spot.
Be sure to check out Mallory Square at sunset, which features a variety of street performers. Then head to the nearby El Meson de Pepe for a dinner of delicious Cuban cuisine before catching the shuttle back to Margaritaville Beach House Key West.
Key West Itinerary Day 3: Take an Outdoor Excursion
Margaritaville Beach House Key West has a wonderful concierge service where you can book a variety of family-friendly excursions operated by Sebago Watersports – from sunset cruises to dolphin tours, to parasailing and snorkeling excursions. Sebago Watersports offers several outdoor adventures, including guided parasailing trips, private boat charters, and reef snorkeling. The dolphin-watching tours are especially a hit with young children! Choose an excursion that appeals to your family (age restrictions are listed on their website) and take the free shuttle downtown to Sebago Watersports. Enjoy a few daytime hours of watersports before returning to Margaritaville Beach House Key West for some R&R. Or, alternatively, spend the day napping in a hammock, swimming in the pool, or playing cornhole at the hotel before heading into town for a sunset cruise. After your excursion, grab dinner in town or at Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill.
A Family-Friendly Island
Key West has a lot to offer for the whole family, from outdoor adventures, to educational excursions, to beach and poolside fun. Margaritaville Beach House Key West is the ideal place to explore the island, featuring kid-friendly activities and amenities, as well as great eats at Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill. Are you ready to start planning your Key West getaway for your family? Take advantage of one of our special offers here to book the perfect Key West family vacation.
*At the time of the publication of this content, the promotions and events listed were active and valid. All promotions, events, and offerings are subject to change. Please check with the Hotel prior to your stay.