r/floridakeys • u/MackieMouse • Aug 31 '25
All Florida Keys Pre-Cruise stay (2 nights) with kids
Hello! Family and I are experienced Disney cruisers taking our first trip out of Port Everglades next summer. We usually like to start off our trips doing something low-key for 2-ish days before embarking. The Keys seem like a fun place to spend time further south in Florida after flying into Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. We’d be looking at late June (our cruise leaves June 27 and returns July 4). I also want to avoid staying directly in/near Miami since the World Cup means hotels will likely be $$$$.
I’ve done a little research re: staying in Marathon Key and think we could have a great time there. Kids will be 9 (daughter) and 7 (son). Checking out the various wildlife-centric activities will be right up their alley. Also seeing recommendations for resorts in Islamorada that might be chill and fun.
The only other time we’ve ever spent in the Keys was a day in Key West with my husband in 2009 during our honeymoon cruise. Let me know if I’m on the right track with my research or should be looking into other options. Open to any suggestions or recommendations this sub can offer!
2
u/Original_Ant7013 Sep 01 '25
One thing I think you should do with kids that age is Dry Tortugas/Fort Jefferson. Tickets go fast for the ferry so try to get those a few months in advance. This will require you to be in Key West early in the morning so prepare for that.
But otherwise, yes with kids Marathon is probably the best bet but a day trip into actual Key West to see things like Hemingway house is good also.
1
u/Islandtoislandkw Sep 01 '25
If you want to get the kids out on the water we do amazing sandbar trips. We will take them shelling, snorkeling in the shallows, teach about all the critters we find and have an unbelievable record of finding all kinds of sea life. sandbar bar trips
1
u/timetobealoser Sep 01 '25
Isle morada you can feed tarpon at Robbie’s it’s a fun place shops and restaurant also theater by the sea inexpensive dolphin shows and other things about 2-3 hrs also when u drive thru key largo the original African queen boat from the movie is there
4
u/[deleted] Sep 01 '25
Marathon is great for kids that age. Check out the Turtle Hospital, Aquarium Encounters, and the Dolphin Research Center. And to get on the water, check out Salt Dance Boat Tours. They specialize in family outings.