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Family Packing List for the Florida Keys
The Keys with kids are a snorkel-and-boat-and-bridge-driving trip across 113 miles of islands. Pack for serious sun, mandatory reef-safe sunscreen, mosquitoes, and a mostly outdoor casual lifestyle that doesn't need fancy clothing.
Updated April 2026
Quick answer
For a 5-day Florida Keys family trip, expect 27–32°C year-round, mandatory reef-safe sunscreen at most snorkel sites, and Atlantic hurricane risk June–November. Pack reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide only — Key West has banned chemical sunscreens since 2021), UPF rash guards, two swimsuits per person, water shoes for coral and mangrove walks, polarized sunglasses for boat days, and DEET or picaridin for evening mosquitoes.
At a glance
- Plug type:
- A / B (120V, 60Hz)
- Currency:
- USD
- Length:
- 113 miles, 42 bridges (Overseas Highway / US-1)
- Reef-safe sunscreen:
- Required — chemical sunscreens banned in Key West since 2021
- Best snorkeling:
- Middle Keys (Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine) — better than Key West
- Hurricane season:
- Jun–Nov, peak Aug–Oct; evacuations possible
Sample checklist preview
5 days · 2 adults · 2 childrenWhat the generator starts with for this trip type — you can edit everything in the next step.
- Swimsuits×1
- Hats×1
- Dress Shirts×1
- Dresses×1
- T-shirts×2
- Pants×1
- Shorts×2
- Socks×3
- Underwear×3
- Sleepwear×1
- Casual Sandals×1
- SunscreenShared (1)
The full generator adjusts these for weather, laundry, travelers, and destination.
What actually matters in the Florida Keys
- •Reef-safe sunscreen is required, not optional. Key West has banned chemical sunscreens (oxybenzone, octinoxate) since 2021, and most snorkel tour operators across the Keys enforce reef-safe (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) at boarding. Bring it from home — local pricing is significantly higher.
- •The Middle Keys (Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine) have the best reef snorkeling — better visibility and healthier coral than the more-touristed Key West. Plan a snorkel day in the Middle Keys, not just Key West.
- •UPF rash guards beat sunscreen reapplication for kids on snorkel days. Long-sleeve UPF 50 shirts and shorts protect against the strongest UV in the continental US.
- •Water shoes earn space — coral, mangrove roots, and dock pilings are all hard on bare feet. Open sandals work for beach walking, water shoes for actual snorkel sites.
- •The Overseas Highway is the trip itself. 113 miles, 42 bridges, and Mile Markers all the way. Snacks, water, and a small cooler in the car make the drive part of the experience.
- •Mosquitoes are real, especially around mangroves and at dawn/dusk. The Keys had historic dengue outbreaks; the 2010s mosquito-control efforts have helped but not eliminated the issue. Picaridin or DEET 25–30% works.
- •Hurricane season is June–November with peak August–October. The Keys evacuate ahead of major storms (US-1 is the only road out — backups are real). Travel insurance with cancellation coverage is genuinely important.
- •The Keys are casual. No dress code anywhere; flip-flops at most restaurants. One nicer outfit per adult is more than enough.
- •Cell service can be spotty in the Middle Keys. Download offline maps, music, and entertainment before the drive south.
Typical weather by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°C / 76°F | 19°C / 66°F | 6 |
| Feb | 25°C / 77°F | 20°C / 67°F | 5 |
| Mar | 26°C / 79°F | 21°C / 70°F | 4 |
| Apr | 28°C / 82°F | 23°C / 73°F | 4 |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 76°F | 7 |
| Jun | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 78°F | 11 |
| Jul | 32°C / 89°F | 26°C / 79°F | 10 |
| Aug | 32°C / 89°F | 26°C / 79°F | 12 |
| Sep | 31°C / 88°F | 26°C / 79°F | 14 |
| Oct | 30°C / 85°F | 24°C / 76°F | 11 |
| Nov | 27°C / 81°F | 22°C / 71°F | 8 |
| Dec | 25°C / 77°F | 20°C / 68°F | 6 |
Typical monthly averages for planning. Check a forecast closer to your trip.
Seasonal things to plan around
- Jun–NovAtlantic hurricane season; peak Aug–Oct. Keys evacuate via US-1 ahead of major storms. Travel insurance important.
- Year-round (esp. Jun–Oct)Mosquitoes around mangroves, especially at dawn/dusk. Picaridin or DEET works.
- Year-roundStrongest UV in continental US. Reef-safe SPF 30+ + UPF rash guards essential.
- Mar (spring break)Crowds and party scene in Key West. Family travelers often prefer the Middle Keys during these weeks.
Common Florida Keys packing mistakes
- •Packing chemical sunscreen — banned in Key West and refused at most snorkel boats. Bring reef-safe from home.
- •Skipping rash guards. Long-sleeve UPF protection beats reapplying sunscreen 5 times during a snorkel.
- •No mosquito repellent. Mangroves at dusk are not optional environments to ignore.
- •Driving without offline maps. Service drops in the Middle Keys; download before leaving Miami.
- •Booking a Jul–Oct trip without travel insurance. Hurricane evacuations are real and disrupt the entire chain.
- •Bringing dressy clothing. Keys casual is real casual; you'll feel overdressed in a button-up at most spots.
Notes by where you're traveling from
From the US
- •Drive — most families fly into Miami (MIA) and drive 3.5 hours to Key West. Florida Keys Marathon Airport (MTH) has limited regional service.
- •Key West Airport (EYW) has limited routes — usually expensive for families.
- •Plan the drive south in the morning to enjoy the Overseas Highway in daylight.
From the UK
- •Flight: 9 hours direct from London Heathrow to Miami; then drive 3.5 hours.
- •ESTA required: $40.27 (~£32) per person, valid 2 years.
- •Adapter: Type G → A/B.
- •Pair with Miami, Everglades, or Orlando for a wider Florida family trip.
From Canada
- •Flight: 3.5 hours direct from Toronto/Montreal to Miami; then drive.
- •No ESTA required for Canadian passport holders.
- •Currency: USD.
From Australia
- •Flight: 22+ hours typically with one stop (LAX or DFW); then connect to Miami.
- •ESTA required: $40.27 (~AU$60), valid 2 years.
- •Adapter: Type I → A/B.
Venue and attraction rules
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)
- First underwater park in the US. Snorkel and glass-bottom boat tours; reef-safe sunscreen required. Allow a half-day.
- Theater of the Sea (Islamorada)
- Marine animal park; dolphin and sea lion encounters. Family-friendly; book in advance for dolphin swims.
- Dolphin Research Center (Marathon)
- Educational and family-friendly; structured programs for kids. Reservations needed for swim programs.
- Bahia Honda State Park
- Best beach in the Keys (rare for the chain — most "beaches" here are limited). Bring water shoes; coral fragments common.
- Key West Old Town
- Walkable historic area. Bag-friendly, casual. Mallory Square sunset celebration is family-friendly.
- Hemingway Home (Key West)
- Famous polydactyl cats; charming; allow 1 hour. Stroller-accessible main paths.
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Day trip by ferry or seaplane from Key West. Snorkel + Fort Jefferson tour. Premium-priced; great for older kids.
FAQ
Is reef-safe sunscreen really required?
Yes. Key West banned chemical sunscreens (containing oxybenzone or octinoxate) in 2021. Most snorkel boats across the entire Keys chain now check sunscreens at boarding and require zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulas. Bring 2 bottles of mineral sunscreen for a 5-day trip with kids — buying it locally costs significantly more.
Where's the best snorkeling for families?
The Middle Keys — Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine — have the healthiest reef and best visibility. Key West's reef is more degraded and more crowded. Plan one snorkel day in Islamorada or Marathon (John Pennekamp in Key Largo also good); skip Key West for serious snorkeling.
How long is the drive from Miami?
About 3.5 hours to Key West with no stops, but plan 4.5–5 hours with kids and at least one Overseas Highway photo stop. The drive itself is part of the trip — 42 bridges across turquoise water. Plan to arrive in daylight.
Are there real beaches?
Limited. The Keys are coral islands without natural sand, so most "beaches" are man-made or small. Bahia Honda State Park has the closest thing to a real beach. Most family swimming happens at hotel pools, snorkel sites, and small swim beaches. If unending sand is the trip's goal, mainland Florida or the Bahamas are better picks.
Hurricane season — really evacuate?
Yes. The Keys are low-lying and connected by a single highway. Major storms can trigger evacuation orders 24–48 hours ahead. Travel insurance with cancellation coverage is genuinely important for trips August–October. Most years pass without disruption; the years that don't can lose you the entire trip.
Do we need ESTA from the UK / Canada / Australia?
UK and Australia: yes — ESTA at $40.27 per person, valid 2 years. Canada: no ESTA, passport-only entry.
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