As the northernmost island in the Florida Keys, I view Key Largo as the gateway to the Florida Keys. It’s a great spot for immersing yourself in nature, water activities, and relaxing.
It’s also a great option for your family vacation!
There is no shortage of things to do with kids in Key Largo and today we’ll cover some of our favorite things to do in Key Largo with kids.
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Visiting John Pennekamp is one of the most popular things to do in Key Largo for visitors of all ages. You can snorkel, take a glass bottom boat tour, rent a kayak, enjoy the beaches, or enjoy the aquarium at the visitor center.
Go Snorkeling
Key Largo is known as the Dive Capital of the World. And while most kids probably aren’t able to go scuba diving, snorkeling the coral reefs is still an incredible experience.
Snorkeling in Key Largo is one of the most best things to do! This snorkeling trip takes you out on a catamaran to explore the marine life in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
The reefs are part of the third largest living reef system in the world and the only living coral reef in the United States!
Click Here to book a snorkeling tour in Key Largo!
Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
This is one of our favorite stops in Key Largo. It’s a rescue and rehabilitation center for wild birds. The “patients” will vary each time you go, but you’ll likely see pelicans, hawks, and owls. You can also learn more about conservation efforts.
Swim With Dolphins at Dolphins Plus
For an unforgettable experience, book a session at Dolphins Plus where kids can interact with dolphins in structured swim programs. There are also educational programs available that teach children about marine mammals and ocean conservation. They also have touch tanks. This is a highlight for many families visiting Key Largo.
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
This is a great park for exploring a nature walk (they are stroller friendly) right in the heart of Key Largo. It’s a pretty small park but has plenty of trails and is a must stop if you are a nature lover.
Go Kayaking in the Mangroves
Kayaking in the mangroves is a great experience that’s also pretty unique. It’s quiet, tranquil, and one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Key Largo.
You’ll go out with a guide on a small group kayaking tour (consisting of 10 people or less) to learn more about the mangroves, local wildlife, and the local ecosystem. This tour also gives you the option to snorkel.
Click Here to book your trip kayaking in the mangroves!
Harry Harris Park
Harry Harris has a calm, protected swimming area with shallow waters. This is perfect for younger children. There is also a beach, playground, picnic tables, and a fishing jetty.
Do note that while the Florida Keys has beautiful beaches, they don’t have long stretches of white sand that you might expect from other places in Florida. They do tend to be “rocky” due to the coral reef and occasionally have seagrass on the shore. This doesn’t stop us from enjoying the beaches, but a realistic expectation can be helpful.
Jacobs Aquatic Center
Personally, I prefer to enjoy the beach or the pool at my resort, but I can’t deny that the Jacobs Aquatic Center is amazing. They have a lap pool, a ramp-accessible pool, and a pool for younger kids (it has a pirate ship!)
Shop for Souvenirs at Shell World
Shell World is a huge shop that has literally everything you could think of for souvenirs. They have postcards, stuffed animals, jewelry, home decor, and even food options. Even if you don’t need anything, it’s a fun stop to wander around and the prices are reasonable.
Take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour
If you haven’t heard of a glass bottom boat, it is exactly what it sounds like. A boat with a glass bottom so you can see the bottom of the water without actually getting wet!
You’ll board a 75-foot glass-bottom yacht and sail towards the coral reef. The guided tour will point out various sea creatures and tropical fish. Along the way, you’ll learn about the coral reef and marine life.
There is also room on the deck if you don’t want to be below in the cabin.
Click Here to book your glass bottom boat tour in Key Largo!
Pinfish Entertainment Center
Outdoor activities in Key Largo are amazing but if you need it, Pinfish Entertainment Center is a fun way to escape the heat and/or the rain. Pinfish Entertainment Center has modern and vintage games in their arcade. They also offer bowling and axe throwing.
The African Queen
The African Queen is a famous steamboat known for its role in the 1951 movie The African Queen with Katharine Hepburn.
On the African Queen canal cruise, you’ll enjoy a 90 minute cruise through the gorgeous canals while guides narrate the history of the area.
This tour is probably best for older kids!
Stay at a Family Friendly Resort
A good resort can be a destination in itself. Our favorite Key Largo resort with kids is Baker’s Cay. There are pools, family-friendly beach areas, on site restaurants, and a variety of activities and games.
Playa Largo is another popular choice amongst families. They also have a pool and on-site restaurants.
Take a Sunset Cruise
There’s nothing like a Florida Keys sunset and the only thing better is seeing sunset on the open water from the boat. It’s one of the shorter boat tours you can take, which is a nice test run if your kids are younger or if you’re unsure how they’ll do on the boat.
You can bring up to 6 people on this sunset cruise. And if you’re lucky, you’ll see some local wildlife like dolphins!
Click Here to book your Key Largo sunset cruise!
Venture to Islamorada for the Day
There are things to do all throughout the Florida Keys for families and kids. Key Largo gives you easy access to Islamorada and Islamorada has a lot of things to do with kids. So just travel under 30 minutes for a day trip to Islamorada and you have a whole new list of fun things to do!
While there are also a lot of things in Marathon and Key West to do, too, I recommend visiting there for at least a night or two to fully experience them. There is plenty to do in Key Largo and Islamorada to keep you busy so I would recommend not trying to cram it all in on a day trip. But that’s a personal preference and if you want to, you certainly can!
Final Thoughts on Key Largo With Kids
Key Largo is a perfect place for family vacation! From underwater adventures to wildlife encounters, Key Largo offers countless opportunities to make memories with your kids.
One of the great things about Key Largo is that there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for an action-packed day or a relaxing escape in nature, this Florida Keys destination has something for the whole family to enjoy.
Whether it’s your first time to Key Largo or whether you’ve go over and over, I hope this list helped plan your trip easier.
