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The Keys for Kids
By Amy Laboda

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Swimming with a dolphin at Theater of the Sea in Islamorada

the Florida Keys, U.S. Highway 1 is a ribbon stringing together pearl-like islands. Follow the ribbon and you'll find wet, wild and unique activities sure to please kids young and "old," and their parents, too.

How to begin? Just drive until the mangroves seem to fall away from the highway to reveal the placid playground of Florida Bay. Let Highway 1 be your guide – watch the mile markers to find nearly anything along the island chain.

Key Largo is your first gem. Known as the "dive capital of the U.S.," Key Largo's entertainment runs deep, starting with John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at Mile Marker (MM) 102.5. A host of purveyors provide underwater tours to certified divers and snorkelers, and the park service also runs glass bottom boats for those who prefer sightseeing topside.

Stay nearby at the Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort with its own PADI 5-Star Dive Center (MM 103.8). If your family needs more than a hotel room and an ocean view, try Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo. Both resorts offer a host of activities and amenities to keep the whole clan happy.

Key Largo does not lack for restaurants. The Fish House specializes in fresh local seafood, while Ballyhoo's can handle any family's casual dining needs (MM 97.8).

Head south to Islamorada, where you can swim with playful sea lions and graceful giant rays, or just enjoy the animal shows and educational displays at Theater of the Sea. Thrill little kids and big kids alike by hand-feeding tarpon while fishing


Playing on the white-sand beach at Bahia Honda State Park

with Robbie's of Islamorada (MM 77.5).

Cheeca Lodge holds 27 acres of spa, seclusion and the ultimate in relaxation. Dine at the Islamorada Fish Company and enjoy the freshest, straight-from-the-dock seafood in town.

Marathon marks the midpoint in the chain. The Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key provides a controlled environment for swimming with these intelligent creatures, while fishermen can catch Main Attraction Charters for a day on the water. Don't miss lunch at the Cracked Conch Café, a landmark for casual food and fun (MM 49.5).

Hawk's Cay Resort covers Duck Key entirely with large villas and hotel rooms. With learn to sail programs, kayaking, beaches, freshwater pools, golfing and a day spa, the resort has something for everyone.

You can't miss beautiful Bahia Honda State Park, with its beach camping, picnicking and boat charters at MM 37. Then head south to explore the mangrove tunnels and back bays by kayak with Big Pine Kayak Adventures.

You can also take your crew on a diving adventure to Looe Key or the Adolphus Busch wreck with Looe Key Reef Resort & Dive Center. Parmer's Resort on Little Torch Key has bed and breakfast motel rooms, plus one- and two-bedroom suites. Are you ready to rough it? Do it in style at the Sugarloaf KOA campground at MM 20. And for those campers who hate to cook, there is Mangrove Mama's restaurant at MM 19.9 on Summerland Key.

Key West is anything but the end – in fact, it can


Kayaking around the Lower Keys

be a trip all on its own. Settle in at the Westin Key West Resort & Marina, close to the action in the heart of Old Town. It's a quick stroll from there to the Key West Aquarium and its daily shark feedings. Up the block, the new Pirate Soul Museum lends insight into Key West's marauding past. Satisfy your hunger at the Half Shell Raw Bar, an authentic Key West fish house true to its blue-collar, harbor-front heritage. For a little more fun and funk, dine at Blue Heaven (a favorite hangout of Ernest Hemingway's) on gourmet Caribbean, vegetarian and local fare.

Want to go farther? Take the Yankee Freedom II and daytrip to the Dry Tortugas National Park and check out historic Fort Jefferson.

Winter, spring, summer or fall, this island chain has a pearl waiting for every family, large or small.

For more information on family fun in The Florida Keys & Key West, visit www.Fla-Keys.com or call 1-800-FLA-KEYS.

Amy Laboda is a regular contributor to Sport Aviation magazine and the Editor-in-Chief of Aviation for Women magazine.


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