Marathon is a tropical treasure for families visiting the Florida Keys. Nestled between Key Largo and Key West, this laid-back island offers the perfect mix of adventure, education, & play. Whether your kids love marine life, beaches, or outdoor exploration, Marathon delivers! Here are the top kid-approved things to do:
1. Splash and Play at Sombrero Beach
One of the best beaches in the Keys, Sombrero Beach is perfect for families. It has soft sand, calm shallow waters, a playground, restrooms, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. It’s also a sea turtle nesting site, so visiting in season could give your kids a magical glimpse of hatchlings.
2. Visit the Turtle Hospital
This working veterinary hospital rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles. Families can take guided tours to see the operating room, meet recovering turtles, and learn how they’re cared for. It’s educational, interactive, and inspiring for kids of all ages.
3. Discover Marine Life at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
This interactive aquarium is a must for curious kids. They’ll love the touch tanks filled with stingrays, starfish, and horseshoe crabs. There are opportunities to feed sharks, turtles, and tropical fish—or even snorkel in a saltwater lagoon for a close-up look at reef life.
4. Meet Dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center
Just a short drive from Marathon, the Dolphin Research Center offers programs where kids can observe, touch, and even swim with dolphins. It’s a fun and educational experience that supports marine mammal research and conservation.
5. Explore Crane Point Museum & Nature Center
Crane Point offers 63 acres of natural beauty and kid-friendly attractions, including hiking trails, a natural history museum, a pirate ship playground, a bird rehabilitation center, and saltwater lagoons. It’s a great way to mix learning with outdoor fun.
6. Walk or Bike the Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key
Take a scenic stroll or bike ride along the restored Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key. Once a railroad camp, this tiny island is now a museum with exhibits on Keys history. The journey across the bridge offers stunning ocean views and a great opportunity to burn off some energy.
7. Kayak and Picnic at Curry Hammock State Park
For a peaceful family outing, head to Curry Hammock. This state park has calm waters ideal for beginner kayakers, mangrove trails to explore, and picnic areas by the beach. It’s a serene spot to reconnect with nature and enjoy a slower pace.
8. Spot Wildlife at National Key Deer Refuge
Located just a short drive away on Big Pine Key, this refuge is home to the endangered Key deer, a smaller cousin of the white-tailed deer. Stop by the visitor center and take a walk through the woods—if you’re lucky, you’ll spot one of these unique and gentle creatures.
Travel Tips for Families:
- Best combo for a full day: Start at the Turtle Hospital, head to Aquarium Encounters, then end your day at Sombrero Beach for sunset.
- Don’t forget: Bring water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat for the kids.
- Rainy day backup: The local library or Crane Point’s museum area can offer indoor fun.
Why Kids Love Marathon:
It’s packed with hands-on experiences, safe beaches, and just the right amount of adventure. From sea turtles to pirate ships, the mix of nature, animals, and sunshine makes Marathon a memorable stop on any Florida Keys family road trip.