day trip from duck key

Question

my family would like to take a day trip to key west from duck key. We have a 5 year old and 3 year old. We love the touristy stuff and definitely want to have some key lime pie but just unsure where we should start. Any suggestions of a one day itinerary for my family? TY!

Answer

A day trip from Duck Key to Key West is very doable and fun for young kids. The drive is about 1 hour 15 minutes and takes you over scenic bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. With a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old, you’ll want an itinerary that balances classic Key West sightseeing with easy, kid-friendly stops and plenty of places to rest or cool off.

Below is a detailed one-day plan that keeps things simple, fun, and very “touristy”—perfect for a first visit and young children.

Suggested One-Day Itinerary

1. Morning: Arrive & Explore the Historic Seaport

Walk the Key West Historic Seaport – Easy paths for strollers, boats to look at, chickens wandering around (kids love them), and lots of shady spots.
Grab a light breakfast or early snack – There are several bakeries and cafés near the marina, which is helpful if kids need to refuel right away.
Optional: Turtle Museum or touch-tank exhibits – The area sometimes has small educational centers that are fast, kid-friendly, and air-conditioned.

2. Mid-Morning: Aquarium or Conch Train Tour

Choose whichever fits your style—both work great with toddlers.

Key West Aquarium – Small, manageable, shaded, and great for little ones who enjoy fish and touch tanks. Easy in/out and not overwhelming.
Conch Train Tour – A classic “touristy” experience that lets you sit while learning about the island. Kids usually love the open-air ride. It’s a great way to get oriented without tiring the little ones.

3. Lunch: Kid-Friendly & Easy

Casual waterfront restaurants near Mallory Square or the Seaport offer quick service and outdoor space.
Look for places with simple food kids will like—grilled cheese, chicken tenders, fries, etc.
Parents can enjoy tropical drinks while kids watch boats come and go.

4. Early Afternoon: Southernmost Point & Key Lime Pie

This is the “must do” part of Key West for many families, and you can hit them both in the same area.

Southernmost Point Buoy – A quick photo stop. Lines move faster midday. Go early afternoon to avoid morning tour groups.
Get Key Lime Pie – Plenty of famous spots nearby offer slices, frozen pie on a stick, or “mini” versions perfect for kids.
Walk the surrounding neighborhood – Pretty houses, chickens, and shade trees make it a relaxing area for families.

5. Optional Kid-Friendly Add-Ons

Butterfly & Nature Conservatory – One of the best family stops in Key West. Walk through a magical indoor garden with butterflies everywhere. Toddlers love it.
Higgs Beach Playground – If the kids need to run off energy, this playground and beach area is perfect.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park – Clean restrooms, shady trails, and a beach area with shallow water. A great mid-afternoon rest stop.

6. Late Afternoon: Mallory Square (Before the Crowds)

Mallory Square performers start setting up mid-afternoon. Earlier in the day, it’s calmer and easier with little ones.
Kids can enjoy jugglers, musicians, and quirky entertainers from a comfortable distance.
Great place to grab water, snacks, and wander without a strict agenda.

7. Head Back to Duck Key After an Early Dinner

Choose an easy dinner near the Seaport or Old Town before driving back.
This gets you on the road before full darkness, which can be less stressful with tired kids.

This itinerary gives you the iconic Key West experience—Southernmost Point, key lime pie, Old Town, Mallory Square—while keeping everything kid-friendly and manageable. If you’d like, I can tailor the schedule more (more indoor A/C stops, more nature, fewer crowds, or more food-focused stops).

day trip from duck key

More Key West Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions