What was once a mostly known island has become quite a popular vacation destination. Islamorada is has a small-town atmosphere and friendly people. Visitors love this tropical paradise for boating, fishing, and stunning views.
It’s easy to see why Islamorada is such a popular vacation destination. It’s a great place that can be enjoyed by groups of all sizes and ages. Yep, even kids! If you’re visiting Islamorada with kids, this list of kid-friendly things to do will help you have an amazing vacation!
Theater of the Sea
Theater of the Sea is one of the best things to do in Islamorada with kids! They have dolphins, stingrays, sea lions, sea turtles, and more. There are interactive shows throughout the day and you can also pay more to swim with the dolphins. They also have a glass-bottom boat and a lagoon-side beach.
History of Diving Museum
The History of Diving Museum is very unique. It goes into the history of underwater exploration. It’s fascinating to see how much went into being able to explore the ocean. The museum has tons of exhibits and some are interactive.
I will say that whether or not your kid enjoys this museum will depend. Younger kids might be a little on the bored side but the museum has worked really hard at making it exciting for kids.
Pro tip – the History of Diving Museum is part of the Museums on Us program with the Bank of America. So if you have a Bank of America card, you can get free admission on the first weekend of every month.
Founders Park
Founders Park is a large 45-acre park with tons of outdoor activities. There is an $8 admission fee and the park has tons to do:
- Large pool (there is an extra admission fee for the pool)
- Splash Pad
- Tennis courts
- Shallow water beach area
- Picnic areas
- 2 playgrounds – one for older kids and one for younger kids
- Walking trails
- Outdoor fitness park
- Basketball court
- Dog park
- Soccer fields
- Golf cart driving cage
- Amphitheater
- Volleyball courts
- Pickleball
There are also a lot of events at Founders Park throughout the year.
Library Beach Park
It’s hard to compete with Founders Park but Library Beach Park is an easy, simple stop that is free. It is a small, sandy beach surrounded by mangroves. There is also a small park there as well.
Snorkeling at Alligator Reef
Islamorada is well known for snorkeling because of its marine life and crystal clear water. And Alligator Reef is one of the best places to snorkel. It’s located on the barrier reef and isn’t too far of a boat ride from shore. You will snorkel around a lighthouse tower that marks the shallow reef.
The lighthouse, Alligator Reef Lighthouse, is named after the USS Alligator Reef which was a U.S. Navy schooner. The schooner patrolled the area for pirates and ran aground on the reef. To prevent pirates from looting the ship, the U.S. sank it after removing as much as possible.
Robbie’s
Robbie’s is a must do for everyone at least once, it’s definitely a popular spot for anyone visiting Islamorada or doing a Florida Keys road trip. Robbie’s has a marina with plenty of different options for boat rentals and charters, a restaurant, and some small shops selling things like art. But what Robbie’s is really famous for is feeding the tarpon.
If you aren’t familiar, basically you’ll buy a bucket of fish (around $5 for a bucket of 5-8 fish plus $1 per person to enter the area where the tarpon are) and dangle one over the edge of a boardwalk where a tarpon will jump up and eat it right out of your hand. Tarpon are huge so it can be an adrenaline rush!
Indian Key Historic State Park
Indian Key Historic State Park was established in 1836 by Jacob Housman to be a site for his shipwreck salvaging business. It later became a little community with some homes, stores, and a hotel. The town was destroyed in 1840 in an Indian attack.
The island is now a state park with walking trails and ruins from what was once the little community. You can explore the island and learn a lot about its history. There is also great snorkeling and swimming there as well as some wildlife.
This is a very serene area because you need a boat to get there. You can charter a boat or rent your own.
Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a nonprofit that rescues injured or displaced birds. They serve as a shelter for the birds that cannot be released back to the wild and they’ll treat and release the ones that can.
You can visit their sanctuary which is home to over 100 non-releasable birds such as hawks, owls, pelicans, and more.
Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.
Family Fishing Trip
Islamorada is known as the sportfishing capital of the world so if you or your kids have any interest in family fishing trips, Islamorada is a perfect spot to do it! There are plenty of charters in Islamorada that welcome families and there are half-day or full-day excursion options.
The Captains in Islamorada are great for both experienced fishers and beginners. They’ll take you to one of the best spots for fishing, help you learn the basics if you need it, and will overall just make it a great day!
Islamorada Sandbar
Islamorada is also famous for the sandbar. Its official name is the Whale Harbor Sandbar, but most people just call it “the sandbar” because it is THE sandbar. It’s where pretty much everyone goes on the weekend and I won’t lie, it can become quite a party.
While it can get kind of crazy on weekends and holidays, it can still be family friendly. If you go earlier in the day, you’ll beat the crowds. Otherwise, just don’t anchor in the middle of the action if you want a more family-friendly experience.
Anne’s Beach
If you don’t want to have to take a boat to the sandbar, an alternative option is to visit Anne’s Beach. This is a great spot for smaller kids because the water is very calm and shallow.
However, I’ll give you the disclaimer that I give whenever I talk about beaches in the Florida Keys. Even though beaches throughout the Florida Keys are beyond stunning, they aren’t perfect. Because of the coral reef, there is a lot of coral on the beaches. This is kind of like walking on rocks, so it doesn’t feel great on your feet (I recommend bringing water shoes!) Also, it’s normal for seagrass to wash up and as it sits in the sun, it does start to smell.
Anne’s Beach is worth checking out and the water is great for kids – it’s shallow and calm. But the bottom has kind of a “muddy” feel to it which can also make it tough to walk. I’m not trying to discourage you from going because it is a stunning area and we love it. But we want you to have realistic expectations because a lot of people view Islamorada as having pristine beaches (which makes sense, since it’s a beautiful tropical island!) and are disappointed.
Anne’s Beach has a gorgeous boardwalk throughout the area with great views and picnic areas as well. I highly recommend walking the boardwalk whether or not you decide to have a beach day at Anne’s Beach.
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological Park
Windley Key was formed out of Key Largo limestone, which is fossilized coral. Henry Flagler used the stone to help build the Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. The quarry remained in use even after the railroad was completed; it was used to produce decorative stone called Keystone.
You can see quarry walls 8 feet high and learn about the quarry’s historic operation. There are also some short trails.
I read the book The Last Train to Key West and that even though it’s fiction, the author did a great job of capturing some of Key West and Islamorada’s history. The book really helped the story of Windley Key come alive for me and I think I enjoyed visiting more because I’d read that book.
Florida Keys History and Discovery Center
The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center is located at the Islander Resort. It’s a small museum packed with a lot of Florida Keys history. It covers history of Native Americans, wreckers and salvagers, Spanish treasure fleets, the Overseas Highway, and more.
You can also learn more about the coral reef and there are 3 aquariums there as well.
On the second floor, there are traveling exhibits that change throughout the year.
As with all museums, you know your kids best. Some kids love museums and some might not exactly enjoy the history (and young kids might be bored). But this is a great way to learn more about the Florida Keys and the coral reef. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Rain Barrel Village
This is a funky spot that’s kind of an Islamorada tradition. You’ll know you’re there when you see the big lobster sculpture outside. It’s huge and you can’t miss it because it’s right on US-1. The area doesn’t look like too much from the road but it’s actually huge once you enter. It’s a collection of local stores selling various trinkets, art, souvenirs, and more. There is also a bar inside and some spots to grab some food it you’d like.
Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
I think this is kind of a hidden gem (as much as anything can even be a hidden gem anymore, anyways). Basically, this store has anything and everything key lime pie flavored. I always get a chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick.
But what I love most is that they have a cute outdoor garden patio area where you can sit and relax. It’s a perfect place to enjoy your dessert, especially at night time when you can sit under the string lights. They also have a lock wall if you’d like to write your names on a lock and leave it behind.
Visit the Breweries
Visiting breweries with kids might not be for everyone, but Islamorada has two breweries and both are kid friendly. They’re located close to each other so it’s easy to visit both the Islamorada Brewery and Florida Keys Brewing Company. Both breweries have nice outdoor areas and often have live music.
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
William Matheson was a wealthy chemist from Miami. He purchased the small island that is now Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park in 1919. He created a caretaker’s home that had a windmill to generate electricity and a cistern that collected rainwater. The caretaker’s home is now the visitor center.
Rangers used to be available for tours but are not currently available. However, you can do self-guided tours while on the island.
Lignumvitae Key is only accessible by boat or kayak. Florida Keys Boat Rentals (located at Robbie’s Marina) does have a ferry service Friday – Sunday from 1-4pm if you don’t want to rent your own boat or kayak.
Sunset Cruise
One of the best ways to end the day in Islamorada is on the water. A lot of companies have family-friendly sunset cruises that include snacks, drinks, and views of the sunset over the water. It’s a fun and picturesque way to conclude a day of adventure and fun with your kids.
Where to Stay in Islamorada With Kids
I have an entire article on the best places to stay in Islamorada. You can’t go wrong with any of the resorts on that list, they are all kid-friendly except for Casa Morada. But I especially love Amara Cay or the Islander for kids.
Amara Cay has daily activities but the Islander has more beautiful grounds and better pools in my opinion.
Hopefully this article helped you find some fun things to do for your family vacation! Whether you’re exploring the underwater world, enjoying a day at the park, or embarking on a fishing adventure, there’s no shortage of things to do with kids in this beautiful part of the Florida Keys. We wish you a wonderful time on your trip to Islamorada and we know the entire family will enjoy it!
