Enjoy paradise, with minimal cost.
After nearly 2 years of the pandemic, our little family had grown by one and we were long overdue for a relaxing, tropical vacation. We decided on the Florida Keys for its warm climate, beautiful aqua waters, ample open-air restaurants, and small crowds. This was our 13-month-old son’s first vacation and we wanted to make the memories special without completely breaking the bank.
Chances are, if you’ve been researching things to do for your trip to the Florida Keys, you’ll find plenty of wonderful options that also come with a hefty price tag. While visiting the state parks are much less of a financial burden, even their entry fee may have you lamenting, “Is there anything free to do in the Keys?”. As a matter of fact, there are! Below I’ve compiled a list of seven fun and free places to take your little ones while visiting the Florida Keys.
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Sombrero Beach
We stayed in Marathon for the week, and while we traveled around to several beaches, this is the one that we kept returning to and was thankfully only 5 minutes away from our rental. Truth is, many of the beaches in the Keys are extremely rocky, with broken coral making it uncomfortable to walk and lay on. Yet, this rare gem has sandy beaches, two gorgeous swimming coves, free parking, a playground, covered picnic tables, is handicap accessible, and provides restrooms and showers. All this makes it the perfect location for a family beach day! While there is a large parking lot, I advise getting there before 11 am for an easy spot. However, if you’re late leaving your accommodations because well, life with kids isn’t easy, don’t worry. There’s a constant rotation of beachgoers that won’t have you looking very long for a parking spot. It is open from 7 am to Dusk and is located at the end of Sombrero Beach Rd. in Marathon.
Anne’s Beach
The second (and last) beach recommendation is Anne’s Beach in Islamorada. This beach was reopened in 2019 after Hurricane Irma devasted it in 2017. If you are looking for a go-to spot that feels like you have a private beach, this is it. A 1,300 ft. boardwalk weaves through beautiful mangroves with small parking lots and restrooms on each end. The parking is free, but due to their small size, you may need to wait a few minutes for one to open up. Many people seem to simply walk the boardwalk and leave, so it shouldn’t take too long and is worth the wait. This beach is ideal for families with small children as the water is extremely shallow, perfect for wading rather than swimming. There are also six pavilions along the boardwalk when you need a respite from the sun and each with a picnic table and stairs down to the beach. Anne’s Beach is open from Sunrise to Sunset. The two parking lots are located approximately ¼ mile apart on US-1 at mile marker 73.5. Heading west, it will be on your left side.
Truman Waterfront Park
This is the park to take your kids to. It has covered playgrounds for multiple ages, rope jungle gyms, a large splash pad, plenty of benches and shade for the adults, and of course the ever-important restrooms. This lovely park opened in April 2018 and is located at the western end of Key West. It is so new in fact, that satellite imagery doesn’t yet show the parking lot to the north of the park. However, I assure you the lot is completed and offers the most convenient parking for $5/hr. While the park itself is free, I do recommend parking in the surrounding paid lots which will save you the hassle of trying to find free parking in Key West and omit a then long, hot (i.e., miserable) walk with kids. Truman Waterfront Park is open every day from 7 am – 11 pm at the end of Southard Street in Key West.
Key West Garden Club
If you’re in Key West, the Key West Garden Club is a must-stop place to unwind and escape the busy city streets. This stunning tropical garden is in the West Martell Tower of a former Civil War fort. In addition to the fairytale gardens, it has a unique history, water features, butterflies, a beach, and the ocean all in one cozy spot. This makes it the perfect place to snap those Instagram-worthy photos. The gardens are handicap accessible and have bathrooms on-site. While admission is free, donations are accepted, or you could show your support by purchasing a plant. I can’t think of a more perfect souvenir to remember your time in the Keys than a lovely plant from here. The Gardens are open every day from 9:30 am – 5 pm. It’s located at 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West with free street parking available just outside of the gardens.
Old 7 Mile Bridge
Let me quickly answer what’s probably on your mind. No, this is not a 14-mile roundtrip walk in the hot sun. If I recommended something like that, I’d be crazy. Originally finished in 1909 and an engineering marvel, this restored section of the bridge was reopened in Jan. 2022 as a walking and biking path. The farthest you can walk down the bridge is 2.2 miles (4.4 miles roundtrip), but do not push your kids further than they can handle. If you don’t make it to the end, that’s ok! Make sure to prioritize having fun; life’s about the journey after all, not the destination. If you are towing a toddler like we were, it’s vital to bring a stroller that provides shade. You’ll also want to bring along extra sunscreen, water, and snacks. From the bridge we spotted several rays in the water, pelicans soaring past our heads, osprey, and even a shark! If you do make it to the end, visitors can explore Pigeon Key, but it costs $15/person or $5 to simply use the bathroom. This walk is open 24/7 but, I believe, it’s prettiest during the day when the aqua waters glow. The parking lot is located in Marathon just before the new 7-mile bridge and will be on your right side if heading West.
National Key Deer Refuge
If anyone in your family loves animals, this is a great place for spotting the elusive and endangered Key deer. It may also be the wildest (while still being accessible) land in all of the Keys. There are several trails to enjoy, some paved while others are more rugged. Besides the walking/hiking trails, there are geocaching, ranger-led tours, and great birding opportunities. Offshore you can snorkel, dive, fish, kayak, or boat. While it is extremely rare to spot the following, there are American alligators, American crocodiles, and Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes all living in the refuge. Scary critters aside, the best times for spotting the adorable and much more prevalent Key deer are near sunrise and sunset. Be sure to bring along extra sunscreen, water, snacks, comfy walking shoes, and bug spray! That last one is especially important for mosquito magnets like me. Be sure to drive slowly through the refuge and have your kids on wildlife spotting duty! The park is open 30 min before sunrise and until 30 min after sunset. It is located at 30587 Overseas Highway Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Monroe County Marathon Branch Library
Now, I know this is a completely unconventional place to recommend for a beachy vacation but hear me out. This library is fantastic and perfect for rainy days or possibly for the day after you got too much sun. This gorgeous, state-of-the-art building opened in June of 2021. The kid’s area has plenty of books of course, plus toys, egg chairs, computers, and special events. These events include activities for all ages of kids. There are Story Times for various ages, family movie nights, 3D Printing Open Labs, arts and craft classes, and even yoga. To see all the upcoming events at the Marathon location click here. The library is open Monday – Saturday and opens at 9 am. Mondays and Saturdays it closes at 5 pm, while Tuesday – Friday it closes at 7 pm. It is located at 3490 Overseas Highway Marathon, Florida 33050.
And that’s it! Now plan that trip and have a great time!
Need more info on traveling to the Keys with Kids? Check out my ultimate guide here.
Have you gone to the Keys and have a free activity to recommend? Be sure to add it in the comments!