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 & 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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