Are you planning a family vacation to South Florida? Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States, is a family favorite destination. Luckily, we’ve also found the best family hotels in Key West and The Florida Keys to jumpstart your kid-friendly travel research! With a range of family hotels, Key West and the Florida Keys are known for their laidback island vibe, stunning scenery, and kid-friendly watersports. From snorkeling to swimming with dolphins or exploring National Parks (like Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park), you’ll find memorable experiences for everyone. Another fabulous thing about visiting Southern Florida is the variety of choices. If you’d rather stay outside of Key West, we’ve included hotels located on the other Florida Keys. Keep reading to discover the best family hotels in Key West and the Florida Keys, along with kid-friendly things to do in South Florida!
Related: Fun Things To Do In Key West With Kids
Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Key West
Key West provides the ultimate private getaway for families who want to escape into nature and relax! Though there are many hotels in the area, not all are created equally in terms of family-friendly amenities and attentive service. Whether you’re looking for the best Key West hotels on the beach or general kid-friendly hotels in Key West, you’ll have a lot of options. Here are a few of our favorite family hotels in Key West.
Key West Marriott Beachside
Reserve your room at Key West Marriott Beachside now using Hotels.com.
Reserve your room at Key West Marriott Beachside now using Expedia.com.
As one of the best family hotels in Key West, your family will love the Key West Marriott Beachside. This kid-friendly hotel is located on seven stunning acres and offers endless choices of exciting things to do! Since families often appreciate space to spread out, check out the extensive choice of rooms at the Key West Marriott Beachside. This hotel includes everything from single guest rooms to three-bedroom residences! An amazing feature of the suites here is the gourmet kitchens, perfect when you want to stay and eat in your room. If you’re hoping to get a bite to eat while at the hotel, rest assured that between the two restaurants on-site, you’re covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When you’re spending a day at the hotel pool, you’ll also have the option to order food from the Chicken Walk to eat poolside.
Book directly from Key West Marriott Beachside website.
Why The Kids Will Thank You
The Key West Marriott Beachside makes it easy for little ones to enjoy fun on the water. Key West is a watersport haven for all ages, and one reason the hotel makes these activities accessible is via Barefoot Billy’s Watersports. They actually have a location at the Key West Marriott Beachside! Whether you want to take your family out to snorkel with dolphins, try a jet ski tour that leaves directly from the Marriott beach, or embark on a sunset harbor cruise, you have easy access to all of these fun choices here. There’s even the possibility to rent scooters (including doubles!) and bikes to explore the nearby bike trails. Additionally, when it’s time to slow down, your adventure-loving kids will love splashing in the outdoor waterfront pool or relaxing in one of the hammocks set up on the tanning beach of this best family hotels in Key West.
Why Parents Will Love It
Parents will love the convenient access the hotel provides! While the Key West Marriott Beachside is located outside of downtown Key West, it’s still nearby many of the best things to do in Key West. If your plans involve visiting the arts and entertainment attractions downtown, you can take advantage of either the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service or the water taxi. The shuttle leaves every hour with stops in two Key West locations, and the water taxi departs thrice daily. This shuttle service that takes you to Duval Street ensures freedom to stay safe and enjoy the city’s fun attractions simultaneously. Another thing to know about this best family hotel in Key West is that it is not far from the Key West Golf Club. All the golf lovers in your family will want to try out this championship golf course!
Parrot Key Hotel and Villas
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Book your stay at Parrot Key Hotel and Villas using Expedia.com now.
Guests love the Parrot Key Hotel and Villas from the moment they step onto the property. This is one of the best Key West family resorts for nature lovers because each room has a patio, porch, or balcony where you can exit and enjoy the lush foliage. When you’re away from your room, your family will want to visit one or all four of the pools tucked away around the property. One unique thing about the pools at Parrot Key is the surrounding sculpture garden with stainless steel creations made by a local artist, which add to the artistic experience. Families will love being close enough to get to all the exciting things to do in Key West while also knowing they are staying at a beautiful location! Parrot Key Hotel and Villas are so tucked away that you know you’ve escaped to paradise when you come back to your room.
Why The Kids Will Thank You
When you stay at Parrot Key Hotel, your kids will love being just a ten-minute ride from Smathers Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Key West. For sure, your whole family will love the convenience that this kid-friendly hotel in Key West offers via the complimentary shuttle. Then, as a bonus, the hotel also provides guests with beach chairs and towels. You need to bring an attitude of island relaxation! Once you’re at Smathers Beach, you’ll find numerous activities, or you can sit and soak in the sun on this world-class beach. If you are interested in water sports, be sure to make reservations through the Parrot Key Hotel concierge, which may be able to secure discounted rates for your adventures. For those who would rather access water sports from the hotel, the Parrot Key is available to make those arrangements as well.
Why Parents Will Love It
The rooms at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas are among the most spacious in Key West. Along with the standard guest rooms, this kid-friendly Key West hotel also offers suites and even Waterfront Villas which have three bedrooms in a multi-story townhouse layout. Of course, you will find an incredible restaurant on-site that serves food from sunrise to sunset for your convenience. When you dine at The Grove Kitchen & Bar, you will savor delightful local flavors inspired by island life. As you might expect at a Key West hotel, the bar is ready to serve various tropical drinks to make your day by the pool as relaxing as possible. Then for sunset, move to the hotel’s mini beach area to watch the sunset over the water. This gorgeous, renovated, and incredibly clean resort in Key West will bring many opportunities to create memories with your family.
Hyatt Centric Resort & Spa
Reserve a room at Hyatt Centric Resort & Spa using Hotels.com now.
Reserve a room at Hyatt Centric Resort & Spa using Expedia.com now.
Families love the familiarity of the Hyatt brand. Yet the Hyatt Centric Resort and Spa, a Key West boutique resort, combines this comfort with a local style. Of course, rooms at this hotel all have a balcony, supplying everything you need for a memorable family vacation. Since the resort is located right in the heart of Key West, you’ll also be a short stroll from endless excitement your kids will love. Enjoy delicious restaurants, nearby beaches, and outdoor adventures! Additionally, you’ll be in a perfect location to reach the Yankee Freedom III ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park. When you add this National Park to your itinerary, you’ll visit the most remote one in the United States. Along with having time to explore Fort Jefferson, your family can snorkel through coral reefs, swim in the clear aqua water, and discover marine life to inspire a love of the outdoors.
Why The Kids Will Thank You
When you stick around the hotel, your kids will have a blast playing in the swimming pool. What’s more, parents will love the mix of sun and shade while enjoying the view of the Gulf from a lounge chair on the pool deck. You’ll have access to pool noodles, towels, and sunscreen provided by the Hyatt Centric Resort. One more treat you’ll love at this best family hotel in Key West is the availability of fruit-infused water and afternoon surprises like popsicles. When you’re looking to dip your toes in the ocean, this kid-friendly hotel also has a small beach. You’ll have access to water sports here, too, with jet ski and boat rentals. Then, get out of the water and check out the bikes available for hotel guests. What a fun way to explore the area around one of the best family hotels in Key West!
Why Parents Will Love It
No doubt, the Hyatt Centric Resort & Spa is an all-around top-notch experience in Key West. In addition to the location, which is the perfect spot for walking to catch the sunset at Mallory Square, parents also love Jala Spa. Try out one of their services: massages, skin treatments, and packages that are sure to help you wind down at the end of the day. Not only can you relax while being pampered, but active parents will be thrilled to know that the Hyatt Centric Resort in Key West boasts Peloton bikes in their fitness center. Continue your exercise goals or try out this next level of exercise biking! Of course, kids don’t want to be left out of the recreational fun, so you’ll want to visit the 24-hour recreation room at this Key West hotel for families. Here you’ll find foosball tables, chess, checkers, and cards.
Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
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Reserve your room at Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort using Expedia.com today.
Situated perfectly on the south edge of Key West, the Casa Marina Key West, A Waldorf Astoria Resort provides access to the best beaches around. When you book a stay in one of the guest rooms or a one or two-bedroom suite, you’ll even find easy access to the most popular places in Key West, like Duval Street, historic Old Town, and Ernest Hemingway’s Home. Certainly, Casa Marina Key West’s fabulous location is a contributing reason for its placement on the National Register of Historic Places. It has made it a classic destination for the rich and famous since 1920. Not only is this kid-friendly hotel in Key West close to local highlights and stunning public beaches, but it also boasts Key West’s largest private beach, reserved for guests of Casa Marina. Besides the beach option, lounge chairs are also available next to one of the hotel’s two pools.
Why The Kids Will Thank You
Your kids will thank you for selecting this kid-friendly hotel in Key West because of its many things to do. Not only will you have access to endless water sports here, but the Casa Marina Key West goes a step beyond this to offer guests special classes and activities. Really, what more would you expect from a Waldorf Astoria hotel? While there are endless things to do steps away from the hotel, find a special joy in joining a planned activity curated by top-notch vacation planners. If this appeals to you, then you’ll love the weekly happenings planned by this kid-friendly Key West hotel. Here you’ll discover kid-friendly options you won’t find elsewhere. One example is the partnership the Casa Marina hotel has with Just Sand and Water to offer sand sculpting classes. Imagine the photos you’ll take home when your family builds an amazing sand sculpture together!
Why Parents Will Love It
For parents who dream of letting someone else take care of the details, you’ll love how the Casa Marina makes this reality. This attention to little things is evident through the Cabana Packages offered by this best family hotel in Key West. When you select a cabana package, sit back, and enjoy your surroundings. One package includes food and drink, flat-screen TV, and a personal server for the day. Additionally, relaxation and refreshment will be at your fingertips when you escape to the oceanside Spa al Mare at the Casa Marina Key West. From massages to facials to aromatherapies, your session will leave you ready to enjoy the rest of your vacation. While you’re there, don’t forget to explore one of the delectable waterfront restaurants or room service at the Casa Marina Key West. Families know having food options is an important part of the best family vacation possible.
What Our Families Say
“We stayed at the Casa Marina Key West – A Waldorf Astoria Resort with our three kids this summer and loved it. Older, historic hotel, but it’s beautiful. They have two-bedroom loft rooms perfect for families – here’s our view from the balcony. My kids loved the small beach, and there are two nice pools – one for families and one for adults. Onsite water sports rental company Barefoot Billy’s.”
– Debbie Craten Dawson
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Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in the Other Florida Keys
We love Key West with all of its active and unique things to do and kid-friendly hotels. However, we also love the other Florida Keys because of their own beauty and kid-friendly activities. Also, we understand that the three-hour drive to the end of the Florida Keys may be too much for a Florida family vacation. That’s why we’ve also included several best family hotels in the Florida Keys that our readers recommend. Some of our families prefer to stay in places equally as beautiful, like Key Largo, Islamorada, and Duck Key, which offer similar activities and natural beauty but without the party vibe sometimes associated with Key West. Another bonus of staying further north in the Florida Keys is being closer to other amazing Florida beaches like Marco Island and Sanibel. If you’re looking for family hotels outside of Key West in the Florida Keys, keep reading!
Also, read: 9 Best Beaches in Florida for Families
Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo
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Reserve your stay at Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo using Expedia.com today.
Key Largo is the northernmost Florida Key. Although it’s not far from major airports in South Florida, it feels like you’ve escaped to a secluded tropical paradise. When you stay at Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo, one of our best family hotels in Key West, and the Florida Keys, you can also soak in the waterfront beauty. One way to do this is from the incredible views from your hotel balcony! Another way is to visit the parks located here. From state parks like the undersea John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park with its miles of shady trails through a tropical hardwood hammock, outdoor adventures are endless. Then, don’t forget the Florida Keys National Park Marine Sanctuary! Your family can spend so much time in nature when you stay at Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo.
Why The Kids Will Thank You
Baker’s Cay Resort in Key Largo will be a memorable experience for your family. Included in the resort fee at this Hilton hotel, you’ll receive complimentary access to kayaks, paddleboards, fishing poles with bait, and more. These activities are perfect for enjoying the shallow waters right at the edge of this best family hotel in the Florida Keys. When you want to let the kids splash while you enjoy a good book or a frozen beverage, pull your beach chair up to the Bay’s shallow water, and everyone is happy. In fact, there are two beaches at Baker’s Cay Resort. One is perfect for kids to play and swim, and the other is shady, making it a more relaxed place to enjoy the view. If you can’t get enough of the water, be sure also to check out the resort’s two pools.
Why Parents Will Love It
A stay at this family hotel in the Florida Keys means you can choose from various guestrooms and suite types. All rooms are spacious, have a balcony, and feature nature-inspired elements that remind you that you’re on vacation. Another way to take advantage of this resort is to dine at Baker’s Cay Resort, with its multiple restaurants and bars. For anyone in your family who loves to fish and for all who love to eat fish and lobster, be sure to check out the Dock to Dish program. Here, you’ll head out with a local boat captain to catch your dinner. Once you return to the resort, you’ll be guided to the preparations and cooking methods of what you catch. While hanging out at the resort, participate in the activities. One favorite we recommend is the kids’ scavenger hunt!
What Our Families Say
“It was a perfect setting right on the beach as well as 2 pools one for the adults and one for the kids. The beach had no waves so was super safe and easy to swim in. We stayed in an oceanfront suite and the views were spectacular. Very kid-friendly with food options and activities (limited with COVID though)…I would stay again in a heartbeat.”
– Amanda Cook
Hawks Cay, Duck Key
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Book your stay at Hawks Cay, Duck Key with Expedia.com now.
Get the full Florida Keys experience while staying at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key. Because this family-friendly hotel in the Florida Keys is located in a central location between Key West and Miami, you’ll be in the perfect spot for every South Florida adventure. Of course, families love the spacious accommodations and the option to choose between a luxurious guest room or a variety of suites. Before you begin your day’s explorations, enjoy the sunshine on your private lanai, a feature of all guest rooms. For larger families or groups, research the Hawks Cay Tropical Villas vacation rentals. It’s nice to know that there are 2- 3- and 4-bedroom rentals, and some have a private plunge pool. Still, when you stay in one of these villas, you’ll have access to all the amazing amenities of Hawks Cay Resort.
Why The Kids Will Thank You
Hawks Cay Resort is the number one best family resort in the United States according to USA Today in 2020. Families Love Travel group members also agree it’s an amazing place to stay with kids. When you choose Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys, your kids will have a wonderful time participating in the on-site kids’ programs offered through the kids club, Coral Cay Activities, and Adventure, which has kids’ activities of all ages. In addition to the four swimming pools, with its popular pirate ship pool, some of these include the putting course, family game room, and basketball and volleyball courts. For kids ages 5-12, the vacation Camp Hawk adventure offers afternoons filled with activities geared around themes that you can choose. If you have any mermaid or pirate lovers, enroll them in this camp!
Why Parents Will Love It
Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys is self-proclaimed as the “only island resort you can drive to.” Your family will have a blast making memories at this peaceful destination! While there are many reasons to stay, did you know that television shows Saltwater Experience and Into the Blue are filmed at the resort’s full-service marina? For families who love sport fishing, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Captains hanging out at one of Hawks Cay’s restaurants after a fishing adventure. Of course, you’ll want to try the fishing out yourself, which this amazing family hotel will gladly arrange for you. Finally, we know how important family photos are, and beach photos are valuable keepsakes. Hawks Cay Resort has partnered with Folland Photography to arrange photo sessions for your family when you stay at this best family hotel in the Florida Keys!
What Our Families Say
“We loved the larger townhouses available at Hawks Cay, and our kids really enjoyed both the pools and lagoon with the beach. The proximity to the Dolphin Research Center was nice, as that was a highlight of our trip!”
– Bethany Parker
Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada
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Book your stay at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada using Expedia.com
Islamorada is a village made up of six of the Florida Keys and Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a perfect spot for a tropical family vacation here. Surrounded by turquoise waters and access to water sports and sport fishing provides a memorable backdrop for your vacation to Key West and the Florida Keys. From the elegant guest rooms and suites to the privately situated casitas, you’ll find luxury and comfort at every turn, along with a view of your choosing. Another decision you’ll get to make is which of the award-winning restaurants your family will dine at. One top choice you can’t go wrong with is Cheeca’s flagship restaurant, Atlantic’s Edge, which specializes in tropically inspired cuisine. When looking for a different kind of dining adventure, don’t forget the Nikai Sushi Bar and Restaurant. Of course, this resort also has two Tikki bars on the property!
Why The Kids Will Thank You
Kids will love spending time at Camp Cheeca. When they attend this environmentally-focused program, children ages 5-12, will have tons of fun. Each day, camp activities include a combination of arts and crafts, exploration, and outdoor activities. This program is run by professional counselors who will engage your children and educate them. At the end of their experience, they’ll love telling you all about the things they’ve done, like coconut bowling and scavenger hunts. Not only will the kids have fun while at Camp, but you’ll continue to make vacation memories when you check out the other kid-friendly resort activities. Surely you’ll have a hard time choosing from water activities like stand-up paddleboards, beach cruiser bicycles, and fishing from the pier. Next, when it’s time to chill out, your family can take advantage of Cheeca Resort’s Game Room and Xbox arcade.
Why Parents Will Love It
An important part of a family vacation is convenience and attention to detail. Well, Cheeca Lodge is a kid-friendly hotel in Key West and the Florida Keys that takes care of both needs. Among the amenities offered at this resort are all the water sports you might want to participate in at Cheeca Watersports. Whether you want to have a fishing adventure, snorkel trip, or go on a guided jet ski tour, Cheeca Lodge has an option for you. For parents who love golf, Cheeca Lodge has a 9-hole par 3 golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Make sure you leave time to schedule a round or two. Tennis players will also find a sweet spot on one of the six tennis courts onsite. Surely, you’ll want to find time to relax, and that decision will only require you to pick a chair located either beach or poolside.
What Our Families Say
“Cheeca Lodge includes so many amenities. The kids went fishing (bring your own poles if you go during a busy time) and caught fish every three minutes. They fed them to the pelicans. Lol! They rode water trikes, kayaked, and we rented a Hobie Cat that we sailed on for hours. There is a putting green, bikes are available, and there is a small indoor amenity building with Xbox and ping pong. I highly recommend going to Robbie’s one day to feed the Tarpon. A key lime colada for mom and dad at sunset at Loralei’s is a must.”
– Clare Sheerin Campbell
Happy Travels!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of Best Family Hotels in Key West and The Florida Keys! Whether you’re looking to relax on a beach or tackle the great outdoors, there are amazing Key West and Florida Keys Hotels for families awaiting your next adventure. We hope you enjoy your Florida vacation with your kids!
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Thank You To Our Community!
As always, this compilation of the Best Family Hotels in Key West and The Florida Keys would not have been as informative without the contributions and input from the always-helpful contributors to our Families Who Love to Travel Facebook group. For more travel recommendations or family hotels similar to those in Key West or the Florida Keys, join our Facebook community. We’re a dynamic group of families who love adventure and making memories with our families while traveling. Follow us on Instagram (@families.love.travel) to connect with other families with unique travel experiences. You’ll also get sneak peeks into upcoming articles and learn about our giveaways and contests!
*This post featuring the best lakes in the Midwest for families may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
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