Key West with Kids

We were planning to travel to Key West the end of February. We have four children 7 and under and we%26#39;re wondering if Key West is the right place. We really wanted a condo on the beach so we could enjoy hanging out by the pool or beach. From the posts I%26#39;ve read it seems like Key West might not be our best option. Can anyone offer any suggestions either about Key West with kids or possibly another area south of Miami that might be better for a beach vacation? We are flying into Miami and renting a car.

Thanks!

Key West with Kids

I think Lauderdale By The Sea is perfect for families.

KW is not know for it%26#39;s beaches, although they have them. Based on what you are describing I would suggest somewhere other than KW.

Key West with Kids

I wouldn%26#39;t come to KW expecting a beach vacation like you see in all the brochures for Florida. The beaches in KW are small, rocky and man made. I think you sorta answered your own question so I would 2nd the above suggestion.

There are literally thousands of posts concerning this topic.

My opinion is........IF your kids are adventurous outdoorsy types, they will absolutely love Key West and the Keys (since you%26#39;re driving, you%26#39;ll see over 100 keys and cross 42 bridges). IF the kids are Playstation and air conditioning types, they will not enjoy it. We don%26#39;t have a tremendous amount of highly stimulating receptive entertainment--ie video game rooms, amusements, etc for kids. We DO have the country%26#39;s best area for underwater exploration, whether it%26#39;s snorkeling in the hotel pool, going on a glassbottom boat or touching sharks at the aquarium. Butterfly Conservatory too. Also for more familiar entertainment we have a new skate park and roller rink. Plenty of boat options for rides.....lots of families have reported back that their kids came alive when they saw fish, dolphin, shark, turtles, etc and keep talking about it back home.

Whatever your decision is I hope you and the kids have a great time.

KWT is right, it DOES depend on what your kids like.

But like Arnie said, if you have visions of big, wide sandy beaches an a big beachfront resort with pool, then KW is not the place. Although there are some larger resort type hotels across from Smathers beach in New Town. Other than being across from the beach, there is not much else in New Town.

There are a number of resorts on the south side of the island near the airport that are mentioned in reviews by families. These are not within walking distance of the north side of Key West where people go to the Key West Bight for happy hour or the Mallory Docks for sunsets or even to the various museums. But several of them run their own free shuttles to and from Old Town, and give you access to either Higgs or Smathers Beaches, small public beaches. For example, this just popped up for the Sheraton, but you can find similar comments about the Doubletree...

'; My husband and I along with our 2 adult children stayed at the hotel for three nights in July. The hotel was very clean and the staff was pleasant and helpful. The breakfast buffet had alot of variety of fruits, breads, meats etc. It is somewhat overpriced. The restaurant doesn%26#39;t have much to offer for lunch or dinner ( the only disappointment). We had a wonderful stay there the room is very spacious for the price, it was plenty of room for all of us without bumping into one another. The location was close to the beach and everything was within walking or short driving distance (groceries, Sears, Footlocker etc). The hotel shuttle ran frequently to Duval St. %26amp; Mallory Square. So, you can participate in the activities in the main parts of town and head back to the hotel when the noise get to be a little much. I am planning another trip to Key West next year and the Sheraton is definately my number one choice.';

Pjk

These are what TA has listed as the family friendly hotels. As PJK said, they are on the south side, in New Town, near the airport.

tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g34345-t6-Key_West_Fl鈥?/a>

This map will give you a better idea of what everyoneis talking about.

http://keywest.com/newbigmap.gif

If your children were a little older, I%26#39;d encourage you to take them to Key West. However, with 4 children under 7, I think they%26#39;d enjoy the keys more in several years.

I second Ft. Lauderdale.

Yes, 4 kids under 7 might get bored in KW.