Last week, an exciting adventure unfolded as I embarked on a mini Family Trip To Florida Keys with my 11-year-old son, Anton, and his friend Nick. We were all thrilled to escape to the sunshine and warmth of Florida!
This special trip was inspired by a plan my husband, Alex, and I made to spend quality one-on-one time with each of our boys during February break. While Alex took our other son to visit family, Anton’s heart was set on Florida. And who could resist the allure of the Florida Keys?
Choosing the right hotel is always a crucial part of trip planning. After extensive research into family-friendly accommodations, I finally chose the Coconut Palm Inn in Key Largo. I’ve developed quite a system for picking hotels and would be curious to hear about yours!
This charming, small bayside inn was reasonably priced, even for a one-bedroom suite with a sofa bed to accommodate us comfortably. What truly made it special were the unexpected free perks. Every morning, we were greeted with delicious breakfast muffins outside our door, along with fresh coffee. The hotel also provided kayaks, fishing gear, ping pong, giant Jenga, cornhole, pool toys, bikes, hammocks, sunset wine, and even s’mores! While it’s not a luxury resort with all the frills – like an on-site restaurant or a vast beach – I truly appreciate smaller hotels that offer a welcoming, home-like atmosphere without hidden fees. For families seeking a similar vibe, I’d recommend checking out the Atlantic Bay Resort and the Caribbean Resort, both nearby and known for their relaxed atmosphere.
The easy access to kayaks and paddleboats was fantastic. We could simply walk to the water and hop in whenever we wanted. Exploring the bay together, Anton, Nick, and I kept exclaiming, “This is the life! Can you believe this?” It truly felt like a dream family trip to Florida.
The atmosphere at the inn was so friendly, reminiscent of summer camp. We even became friends with another family who shared a clever mnemonic to remember their names: “Peanut butter and jelly sandwich” for Peter, Bonnie, Jacob, and Samuel. Such a fun idea! It makes me want to come up with one for my own family.
Beyond swimming and bike rides, the boys were captivated by fishing. The hotel generously provided frozen shrimp, rods, and hooks. Other guests were happy to share fishing tips, creating a lovely community feel. Since I’m not a fishing expert, I happily relaxed in an Adirondack chair on the pier, engrossed in my book, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Our stay at Coconut Palm Inn was brief, only two nights as they were fully booked afterwards, but every moment was cherished.
After checking out, our family trip to Florida continued as we drove south for an hour to Marathon, Florida, our next destination. On the way, we made a stop at Aquarium Encounters, a fantastic place for interactive marine experiences.
Here, we had the unique opportunity to pet a baby alligator! It was a thrilling experience and a highlight for the boys.
We also enjoyed feeding tortoises, stingrays, and tarpon. I was particularly fascinated by the beautiful patterns on the tortoises’ shells, they truly are works of art, almost reminiscent of Serena Mitnik-Miller’s paintings. This stop added an educational and exciting element to our family trip to Florida.
Later that afternoon, we arrived at Isla Bella for the final two nights of our Florida Keys family trip. This resort was decidedly more upscale, boasting five pools and daily activities like bingo and trivia. However, I’m hesitant to recommend it wholeheartedly. Firstly, the extra charges for resort fees and parking added up quickly. Secondly, we were given a smaller room than we had booked. Despite my attempts to address this with the front desk, I wasn’t able to get it resolved, often being told the manager was unavailable.
It felt a bit like a scene from White Lotus!
Despite the room issue, everything else was fine, and the beach was absolutely stunning. The pristine sands and clear waters were perfect for relaxation and play.
The boys spent countless hours playing football in the pool. We also had the pleasure of meeting a lovely family from Dublin. I particularly enjoyed the mom’s charming phrase when she said, “Your lads are good fun.” It was these small interactions that enriched our family trip experience.
One of the most memorable moments, and perhaps a funny highlight of our family trip to Florida, was discovering the world’s longest French fry at a drive-thru on our way back to the airport! The entire trip was such a joy. I was initially unsure about traveling solo with two 11-year-olds, wondering if it might be exhausting. However, this age turned out to be perfect. They entertained each other in the pool, giving me time to read while still keeping a watchful eye. They also still enjoyed spending time with me, which I truly appreciated, and even laughed at my jokes (or at least offered a polite “lol,” pronounced “lohl”). Thank you, Florida, for providing a wonderful blast of sunshine during the long winter months!
Have you ever visited the Florida Keys for a family trip? What are your favorite vacation spots or dream destinations? I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!
P.S. You might also enjoy reading about the unexpected joys of downtime on trips, more family vacation ideas, and essential travel tips from fellow travelers.
Tags: family trip to florida, Florida Keys, family travel
