A Day You Will Never Forget in Key West with the Kids

I remember the first time I visited Key West with my husband and then 6 year old son. Walking toward Duval Street between the shot gun houses in washed out colors of Aquamarine and Tangelo, I felt as if I was in another country.

Key West is a lot of fun, known as a spot for adults to party; it is often overlooked as a prime location for a family vacationing too. If you plan your day right, you might find that Key West becomes an annual trip as it has for so many families with small children.

Morning

Begin your morning with breakfast at Blue Heaven (729 Thomas Street, Key West, FL 33040 -

305.296.8666) a garden oasis where dining al fresco is a must. The little ones will love their first experience with the famous Key West roosters that wander in and out of establishments all over the island. Order the kiddos a plate of Pineapple Pancakes, made from scratch and topped in hot maple syrup. For you, the Lobster Benedict is a breakfast treat with the slightly tart lime hollandaise on the side. Poor Roosters, they have been waiting all morning but there won't be any scraps from your table as you head to the first activity of the day.

Run off the shore and splash into the warm teal waters at Bahia Honda State Park (36850 Overseas Highway Big Pine Key, FL 33043-3517 - 305.872.3210) where the little ones can find vibrant sea life only ankle deep. Search the shore for sea stars and sand dollars or introduce the kids to snorkeling, an easy way to peer into the aquatic undertakings of sea life. The Atlantic Ocean gently ripples onto the white sand shore making Bahia perfect for young children. When you're ready to leave, just shower off and slip on some cover-ups and flip flops, you're vacationing in the Keys after all!

The flittering movements of the butterflies at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory (1316 Duval Street Key West, FL 33040 305.296.2988) will have the children arching their arms like tree branches to have one of these winged creatures land on them. The sanctuary is home to a kaleidoscope of over 100 species of butterflies as well as baby quail that scamper about underfoot and vibrant finches singing overhead. Many find it a welcome oasis from all that glitters on Duval Street.

Afternoon

Everyone is hungry and it's time for lunch at a rustic spot where the food is good and the atmosphere is relaxed. Lots to look at when you sit down at Bo's Fish Wagon (801 Caroline St, Key West, FL 33040-6642 305.294.9272) with everything you can think of hanging from the ceiling and the food isn't bad either. Be sure to order the fish sandwiches, they are fresh, just delicious and big enough to share.

Kids love trains and parents love tours, take a ride on the Conch Tour Train (Mallory Square Key West, FL 33040 305.294.5161) for a fun combination of the two. This 90 min ride around Key West will give the kids constant stimulation they crave and you will learn about the rich history of the island along with insider tips on your stay and local lingo from the most entertaining drivers. It is fun to say the least and like all good things, goes by way too quickly.

Evening

There is something both romantic and exciting about a sunset cruise on a pirate ship. Everyone will be captivate for your 2 hour ride on the Schooner Jolly Rover (Elizabeth Street Conch Republic Seafood Company Docks Key West, FL 33041 305.304.2235) with real crimson sails and a working crew the kids will have questions flying and this gentle spirited team won't mind a bit. In fact, on this boat, young sailors are given their own chance at the wheel and maybe aid in shooting the cannon at 'enemy boats'. You are free to bring your own refreshments and many people do so consider opening a bottle bubbly while the kids have pop. There are not many sunsets like this one, enjoying an unobstructed view of that orange sky melting into shades of red is a memory your family will never forget.

If you did not eat dinner on the boat, you should most definitely have dinner on the beach. Salute is not only a great place for kids and dining al fresco but they have a wonderful menu as well. Generous portions mean the kids can split an order of lasagna while you enjoy any of the night's specials (always a win) or try the Yellowtail snapper in a scrumptious lemon cream sauce, the scallops are also a delicious option, always melt in your mouth.

Die hard vacationers who can't get enough will enjoy stepping into the sand from Salute's back porch and ending the day with a nighttime stroll on the cool sand with the tropical breezes blowing through your hair.

Life cannot get any sweeter!