Vacations in the Florida Keys revolve around the water. Family activities such as diving, snorkeling, fishing trips and eco boat tours abound. At Key West Nature Preserve, navigate through a mangrove forest and see butterflies and birds. The Key West Marine Park has a coral reef and tropical fish. You can also go on a dolphin watch, or just walk on the beach to collect shells.
The highlight for kids at Cheeca Lodge & Spa is the daily Camp Cheeca, an environmental program for children ages 5 through 12. Activities include fishing, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and games. Kids also go lagoon swimming and snorkeling. For those too young or old, or who do not into group play, the private beach awaits. Or rent a bicycle, go wind surfing or play tennis or golf.
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82
Islamorada, FL 33036
800-327-2888
cheeca.com
The family-size accommodations at Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort feature two or three bedrooms, kitchens, two and a half bathrooms and laundry facilities. The Keys Kids Adventure Camp, for ages 5 to 15 years old, operates twice a day, Wednesdays through Sundays. Each day features a different water theme. Kids can snorkel and scuba dive, and 10- to 15-year-olds can become scuba certified.
Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort
2600 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL 33050
866-MID-KEYS (643-5397)
tranquilitybay.com
Children under age 18 stay free at the luxury, secluded Sunset Key Guest Cottages, which come with full kitchens and breakfast delivered daily. Little kids get to sleep in the signature Heavenly Crib, a full-size crib with premium linens. The non-smoking hotel lends guests jogging strollers. For older kids, there are bicycles, kayaks, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing and wave runners.
Sunset Key Guest Cottages, A Westin Resort
245 Front St.
Key West, FL 33040
800-937-8461
westinsunsetkeycottages.com
