Entertaining kids in Florida -fun beyond Disney
When you think of Florida with children, it’s easy to jump straight to Disney. But on our recent trip, we discovered there’s so much more to the Sunshine State that doesn’t involve queues, fast passes or Mickey ears – and the kids absolutely loved it! Plus Holiday Pirates has pulled together a great deal for this area - a week’s family holiday to a 4-star resort on a secluded island in the Florida Keys for £599, which you can check out here!
Where we stayed
We based ourselves at Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, staying in one of their self-catering apartment villas. It was the perfect choice for us – spacious, comfortable, and packed with things to do, all while giving us the flexibility to cook some of our own meals and save on dining out (any excuse for a cheeky Walmart run!).
What’s on at Hawks Cay Resort?
This resort really knows how to keep kids of all ages entertained. Within the grounds, you’ll find:
A pirate ship pool with water cannons and slides
Splash pad and shallow swim areas for little ones
Sports courts and a playground
Mini golf
Movie nights, scavenger hunts, bingo, and family events for older kids
You could easily spend your entire holiday in the resort and not hear the dreaded “I’m bored” once.
Exploring beyond the resort
Just a short drive away, we found loads of family-friendly adventures:
The Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital: A brilliant, educational visit for animal-loving kids
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters: Hands-on experiences with sea life
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and bike rentals: Great for burning off energy
State parks and nature trails: Perfect for some downtime and wildlife spotting
One of the absolute highlights was a sunset dolphin boat tour in Key West. It was a bit of a splurge, but so worth it. As we watched wild dolphins swim around our boat, the kids were in awe and their reaction made every penny worthwhile. A real core memory moment.
For something completely different, we tried an airboat tour through the Everglades. I went in expecting a calm cruise, but it turned out to be more of a thrill ride! We also visited a sanctuary that takes in alligators considered a danger in public areas. Let’s just say I did my best to look brave in front of the kids but my heart was racing!
Eating in The Keys
Food in the Florida Keys is 10/10. It’s not the cheapest, but the portions are huge so order less than you think! However, our apartment included a full kitchen which meant we had the option to eat in and save a bit of money too.
Having a full kitchen in our apartment meant we could mix eating out with eating in, helping balance the budget without sacrificing on taste or fun. One meal out we did absolutely love was at The Fish House in Key Largo – beautiful setting and even better food. Definitely a must-visit!
Final thoughts
If you’re planning a family trip to Florida and want something different to the theme park madness, the Florida Keys – and especially Hawks Cay Resort – offer an unforgettable, adventure-filled escape. It’s fun, scenic, and packed with memory-making moments, all without the overwhelm (or price tag) of a week at Disney.
Don’t forget to check out the amazing Holiday Pirates deal here if you’re planning a trip!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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