In the middle of the Florida Keys, halfway between Key West and the Panhandle, Key Colony Beach is a quiet village with a wide range of family-friendly activities and points of interest. Experience nature up close at aquariums and marine rescue centers, or enjoy an active day of snorkeling and kayaking. Stay at a Key Colony Beach vacation rental for easy access to Florida’s signature white sandy beaches and lush Everglades. When you’ve had your fill of the area’s kid-friendly attractions, relax at a local eatery or set up a picnic at the beach. Check out more fun activities to do in Key Colony Beach.
1. Rent a Boat
With numerous marinas and charter companies, the Florida Keys are an ideal place to get out on the water in a boat of your own. Take a leisurely cruise in a speed boat, or book a fishing charter to nab the catch of the day. Travel down the Keys by boat to experience this stretch of islands the way the locals do.
2. Discover Sea Life at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
Bring your kids to Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters in Marathon to give them a first-hand look at the numerous species that call the local ocean waters home. Say hello to tidal pool dwellers in one of the touch tanks, or take a snorkeling or diving workshop to observe animals in their natural habitats.
3. Spend an Afternoon at Sunset Park
Take a short walk or drive from your vacation rental in Key Colony to Sunset Park, and spend time at the adjacent beach while there. The park is ideal for picnics and light sports like Frisbee and bocce. Take the kids to the beach and let them explore the pier. This beach is also a great place to spot dolphins.
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4. Explore the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environment Area
A collection of small islands located in Monroe County, the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environment Area is home to numerous exciting species of birds, fish, reptiles, and more. Bring your camera and binoculars, and explore the popular wildlife areas, which include the state parks and around Key Colony. During this trip, you’re sure to spot new and fascinating animals and help spark your kids’ interest in the natural world.
5. Coco Plum Beach
Stay at a vacation rental in Key Colony for easy access to Coco Plum Beach in Marathon. This stretch of beach is secluded and quiet due to the growth of sea grasses on its borders. Warm clean sand and a calm shoreline make Coco Plum an ideal beach for lounging on a towel or building sandcastles with the kids.
6. Take a Reflections Nature Tour
Book a tour with Reflections Nature Tours in Key Colony for an unforgettable experience of the Keys. You’ll be able to view the nearby National Key Deer Refuge, the Everglades, and the mangroves right from the water — the easiest and best way to get around in the Florida Keys.
7. Swim With Dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center
Get up close and personal with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, which sits just a few miles west of Key Colony. This expansive research center is made up of a series of lagoons carved out of the Grassy Key shoreline. Book a dolphin experience, and jump in to swim with these majestic mammals under the supervision of a trainer. Or, stay on land and enjoy a tour of the research center, which promotes coexistence with marine mammals through educational workshops and exhibits.
8. Have a Barbecue at Sombrero Beach
Walk or drive to the south end of Marathon to get to Sombrero Beach, a beautiful, family-friendly beach that features a great selection of amenities. Take advantage of the public picnic and barbecue areas, washroom facilities with running water, and clearly demarcated swimming areas during your relaxing day of fun in the sun.
9. Take a Kayak Adventure
A vacation rental in Key Colony puts you within easy walking distance of the clean waters of the Pacific. Rent a kayak from a local marina or sporting goods shop, and cruise the Keys at your own pace. Book a guided kayak tour to be sure you catch all the best sights, including the lush mangrove forests that border the shoreline in many areas.
10. Introduce the Kids to Snorkeling
The Florida Keys feature a number of great beginner snorkeling areas, including Key Colony. Rent equipment, or take a snorkeling tour with a professional guide and see the Keys from a whole different angle. The calm, mild waters here provide a habitat for many colorful species of fish and coral. Experience new and exciting wildlife while enjoying the peaceful ocean.
11. Say Hello to Sea Turtles
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon houses sick and injured sea turtles, rehabilitating them so they can be re-released into the wild. Visit this animal hospital, housed in a neat 50’s-style building, to take an educational tour of the facility. Learn about sea turtle habitats and behaviors, and meet some of the resident turtles. Foster a sense of environmental responsibility in your children, and have fun.
12. Feed the Tarpon
Take a trip to Lower Matecomb Key to visit Robbie’s Bayside, an unassuming fishing shack that offers boat rentals and bait. Buy a bucket of herring, and then toss them into the water adjacent to Robbie’s, where fascinating prehistoric fish called tarpon frequently gather. Let your kids observe the wild feeding frenzy and meet lesser-known species of Florida wildlife.
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