I love Key West. My husband and I went twice during the pandemic (thank you, Florida, for being wide open!), and I have fond memories of those trips. After my husband passed away, I decided Key West would be a good place to spend Father’s Day with our 11-month-old daughter. It definitely was a baby-friendly, low-stress destination, so I can safely recommend it to other baby parents–especially single parents! Here are the best things to do in Key West with a Baby.
Visit the Butterfly Conservatory
This is such a fun thing to do with kids of all ages–and whimsical adults, too! Yes, the butterflies are definitely a feature, but the birds are beautiful, too. The star, however? That would be the flamingoes! They walk around and honk and show their wings; they’re beautiful. All the birds and butterflies are colorful, graceful, and well within sight inside the labyrinth of the conservatory. You’ll likely never be this close to so many fluttering friends anywhere else. My baby got such a thrill from seeing all the butterflies passing by, making this such a great thing to do in Key West with a baby!
Keep reading: Your Guide to the Key West Butterfly Conservatory
Get Your Photo at the Southernmost Point
You know those pictures your parents took when you were little, and then they wanted to re-create those photos when you got older? Now, that’s your job! Key West has plenty of photo opportunities, but the most iconic is the buoy at the Southernmost Point. Just 90 miles to Cuba! The larger-than-life landmark almost always has a line, but that just means there is almost always someone there to take your photo (and someone whose photo you can take as well!). Get the “touristy” picture. You’ll look back on it and be glad!
More here: 7 Reasons Why Single Parents Should Travel with Their Kids
Try the Key Lime Pie
Okay, I know, the general wisdom says no added sugar until age two, but we have to show our kids how to live a little, right? I’ve held pretty firmly to that “rule,” but for me, key lime pie was special. I really like key lime pie. My husband used to make one for me on occasion–better than any restaurant’s version I’d ever had. On his one and only Father’s Day, when I was less than two weeks away from giving birth, he spent the afternoon making me a key lime pie. So, for this first Father’s Day without him, I decided to let our baby girl have her first taste of a sweet. She liked it! No regrets here.
Keep eating: The Best Key Lime Pie in Key West
Play at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
This is a great place to visit in Key West with a baby! The lapping water in certain sections of the beaches is calm enough to splash around in with a baby, and it’s beautiful. It’s a little off the beaten path, so it’s not as crowded as many other places in Key West, so it’s a bit more relaxing as well. Bring your swim diapers and bathing suits, bring your sunhats and sunscreen. Spend a little time in the sunshine with your little one and make a core memory for you both.
Read on: Your Guide to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West
Road Trip the Keys
Okay, so this is not Key West specific, but it’s one of the things people love to do any time they visit any of the Keys! My baby girl and I took a day trip to Marathon, about an hour from Key West, to visit the Turtle Hospital there. It was great! Get your tickets in advance to make sure you get a time that’s convenient for you, and plan to spend a couple of hours here. The tour is wonderful–I learned so much about sea turtles! And the best part was seeing and feeding them while we were there. This was the first time Iris, my baby, had ever seen a sea turtle, so that made it special.
Next up: Tips for Visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida Keys
Visit Quirky Museums
I love Key West’s vibe. It’s quirky, it’s historic, it’s truly unique, and that goes for its museums as well. Most are air conditioned if you need a break from the heat (though not all, fair warning!) and the strength of the sun. There is always something weird or impressive or just eye-catching to see, perfect for keeping a baby interested and looking around. I love the Truman Little White House, Hemingway House (six-toed catch tickle your baby’s fancy?), Key West Shipwreck Museum, Mel Fisher Museum (don’t miss it), the Oldest House Museum, and more. Take the Conch Train Tour while you’re there, too! Looking for something a little spooky? Try the haunted East Mortello Tower next to the airport.
Also this: What It’s Like Visiting the Hemingway House Museum in Key West
Explore the West Mortello Tower and Key West Garden Club
Last, but certainly not least, take a stroll through the Key West Garden Club, at the West Mortello Tower. This is another great photo spot, with the fountain, all the beautiful flowers, and exotic plants. If your baby is starting to walk, this is a great place to let them loose (within reason). It’s a little like a fairytale, and your little one will surely feel like they’ve entered a storybook while they roam around here.
And it’s free! The Best FREE Things to Do in Key West
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