If you've been sleeping on the Florida Keys as a family destination, let me be the one to wake you up.
Key Largo sits just over an hour south of Miami and it's everything you love about tropical Florida without the theme park crowds or the spring break chaos. It's the first island you hit when you drive into the Keys, which makes it the most accessible and, in my opinion, one of the most underrated spots in the entire state.
The water in Florida Bay is shallow, warm, and calm enough for little kids to wade around in all day. The reef system just offshore at John Pennekamp is one of the best snorkeling spots in the country. And unlike Key West, Key Largo has a quieter, more nature-focused energy that is genuinely perfect for families with young kids.
Why Key Largo Is Perfect for Families
Only 1 hour away from Miami, Key Largo is the perfect tropical escape with little ones! With crystal-clear waters, tons of marine life, and incredible accommodations, it's not only a fantastic destination on its own but also a great base for exploring the rest of the Florida Keys.
The bay side beaches are ultra-calm and shallow, the snorkeling is world-class, and the activities for kids are genuinely unlike anywhere else in Florida. Where else can your kids feed nurse sharks off a dock, swim with dolphins, and make s'mores on the beach all in the same trip?
Fun Things to Do with Kids in Key Largo
1. Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
This park is home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving. For a more personal and relaxed snorkeling experience (best with little ones), you can book a private snorkeling charter at the Dive Shop. The park also offers glass-bottom boat tours for those who prefer to stay dry while exploring the underwater world.
Book your John Pennekamp snorkel tour here — I recommend reserving in advance, especially in peak season.
2. Feed the Sharks & Tarpon at Key Largo Fishery
This experience is both thrilling and educational. Kids can get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures while learning about their habits and habitats. Don't forget to try their smoothies — they're a hit with both kids and adults!
3. Swim with Dolphins
Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder (DPMMR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and response of sick and injured whales and dolphins in the Florida Keys. It's an incredible opportunity for kids to learn about marine conservation while interacting with these intelligent and friendly animals. Swimming with dolphins is a magical experience that your children will never forget.
4. Cruise the Calm Waters of Florida Bay
The Watersports center is located onsite at Playa Largo Resort & Spa, and offers clear bottom kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. This allows you to search for manatees and explore the mangroves in a fun and unique way. You can also book a catamaran cruise or the Aqua Fun Adventures' boat, which comes equipped with a water slide — a surefire way to keep the kids entertained! A huge lily pad, floating water seats, water noodles and don't forget the great water slide!
5. Shop for Shells and Souvenirs at Shell World
This massive outpost is a treasure trove for kids and adults alike. With an incredible assortment of shells, marine-themed souvenirs, and unique gifts, your kids will be delighted by the selection. It's a great spot to pick up mementos of your trip.
6. Eat at the Quirky and Family-Friendly Mrs. Mac's Kitchen
Decorated with hundreds of license plates, this diner offers a fun and casual dining experience. The menu is packed with kid-friendly options, and the quirky decor adds to the charm. It's a must-visit for a family meal.
Where We Stayed: Playa Largo Resort & Spa
We recently spent three nights with the kids at the incredible Playa Largo Resort & Spa in Key Largo, Florida. It is truly such a kid-friendly hidden gem in the Florida Keys and a 10/10 for families!
Find full details and book via my Playa Largo hotels directory listing.
2-Story Bungalows
We stayed at one of the 10 two-story bungalow villas called The Hammocks. These villas are the perfect option for families who prefer the luxuries of a hotel but the space and amenities of a vacation rental. They're really private, set in a lush jungle-like area of the resort. Each bungalow has two floors, a full kitchen, laundry (full size washer and dryer), and a private outdoor patio.
When travelling with kids, I am 100% on team vacation rental because of how much more convenient it is when you have little ones ... but sometimes I just want the hotel experience. Playa Largo delivered on both ends! We had daily turndown service and a breakfast basket delivered to our door each morning. A fresh pot of coffee and croissants early in the morning are the way to my heart.
The Eventide Celebration
Our favorite experience at Playa Largo Resort was the nightly Eventide celebration. Every evening, guests gather to witness the breathtaking Key Largo sunset. The celebration includes music, pineapple cocktails, and a floating fire pit. Guests are invited to participate in The Drift Table, where they can write down their worries on pieces of paper and throw them into the fire, which is then kayaked into the Florida Bay to release negative energies.
My son is almost 6 and wrote on the piece of paper that he wanted to get rid of his nightmares. So precious! Eventide is a really beautiful ritual that adds a special touch to your stay. They also had another table set up for guests to write a postcard with their favourite Florida memories and the resort would mail it to your address.
The Chimenea Experience
We also enjoyed the Chimenea Experience, which provided us with our own beachfront chimney for a cozy evening. The kids had a blast making s'mores, while the adults savored wine and charcuterie. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and fun for the whole family.
The Water Table Dining Experience
The resort has four fantastic onsite restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. However, the highlight was undoubtedly the Water Table Dining Experience.
I'm always on the lookout for family-friendly dining that goes beyond just providing crayons and high chairs ... and the water table dining experience checked ALL the boxes! The kids got to splash their feet in the water & spot all sorts of crabs, starfish and schools of fish swimming underneath them. The sunset was UNREAL, the food & drinks were delicious (especially the dragon fruit infused prosecco) and of course ice cream with looooooots of sprinkles for the littles. Our server waded through the water and snapped some Polaroid pics for us, which of course the children were thrilled to have.
Poolside Fun
The zero-entry pool was an absolute hit with my kids. The shallow, warm water made it easy for them to splash around safely, and we could have easily spent all day there. Playa Largo resort also offers various daily poolside activities, including sand bucket painting, arts & crafts for kids, snow cones, ice cream pop-ups, and fun games to keep the little ones entertained.
Our Go-To Beach & Snorkel Gear
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The Beachfront
The beachfront facing Florida Bay is fantastic, with ultra-calm, super warm, and shallow water. It's very safe for kids, and mine spent hours snorkeling and spotting schools of fish, hermit crabs, and starfish. It has a very chill vibe and was just a lovely spot for family relaxation and exploration.
Packing for a beach or pool trip? I rounded up all my favourite travel-friendly beach and pool essentials in one spot — shop my beach + pool Amazon list here!
Marriott Bonvoy Perks
Playa Largo Resort & Spa is an Autograph Collection Hotel under the Marriott Hotels umbrella. This means you can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to book a stay, making it an even more appealing option for families who are loyal to the Marriott brand.
Not a Bonvoy member yet? Sign up for free here — points add up fast and properties like Playa Largo make it so worth it.
Tips for Planning Your Key Largo Trip
Getting there: Key Largo is about an hour to 90 minutes south of Miami on US-1. You will need a car — compare rental car rates here. The drive becomes part of the experience once you hit the Keys.
Best time to go: November through April is ideal for weather. Summer works too and prices are lower, just expect afternoon rain and bring bug spray for evenings.
How long to stay: Three nights is the sweet spot. Enough time to enjoy the resort fully and still explore Key Largo without feeling rushed.
For young kids: The bay side is much calmer than the Atlantic side. John Pennekamp has life jackets and shallow snorkel areas that work for kids as young as 5.
Written by Olga Valentin
Olga is the founder of Mini Jetsetter, a family travel brand with 265K+ followers on Instagram. She travels the world with her two kids and shares honest hotel reviews, kid-friendly itineraries, and travel gear picks for families who refuse to slow down.
