Florida keys with special needs

Question

Hello,

We are planning a 10 day trip to the keys next August after doing Orlando. Our daughter has a severe cognitive impairment and is very mobile and excitable but sees absolutely no danger. My worry is her falling off a jetty into the sea, as she would quite easily wonder off piste if you take your eyes off her for a second.

It has been suggested we stay 2 nights in key largo then travel down to duck island and stay there for a few days. I’m not sure about this as I have heard there isn’t much to do? We would like to go down as far as key west too, but as we are travelling with children we are happy to drive and do this in a day from duck island.

My question is .. are their jetty’s everywhere? Or are there boardwalks and or beaches that she can run around on? And if we do go places with jetties, are there balustrades to stop people falling off?

Can anyone suggest best places to stay with kids particularly a 10 year old that is like having a toddler.. all suggestions welcome.

Answer

Visiting the Florida Keys with a child who has severe cognitive impairments requires careful planning, but it is definitely doable. Safety near water is a primary concern, especially with jetties, docks, and open beaches.

Accommodation Considerations: For a child who is highly mobile and unaware of dangers, choosing accommodations that are fully fenced, have safe pools, and minimal direct water access is ideal. Many resorts in Key Largo and the Upper Keys have secure pool areas and private docks with gated access.

Key Largo: Consider resorts or vacation rentals with enclosed pool areas and minimal open jetties. Locations such as the Playa Largo Resort & Spa offer secure areas and family-friendly amenities.
Duck Key: This area is more secluded and often features private rentals, many with calm, enclosed waterfronts. Some properties have private beaches or calm lagoons that are safer than open jetties.
Marathon: Mid-Keys, more centrally located, often has family-friendly resorts with boardwalks, shallow beaches, and calm water, making it easier to monitor a child.

Safety Around Water:

Yes, jetties and docks are common, but not every location has unprotected edges. Some resorts and public beaches have boardwalks or balustrades to prevent falls. Always check specific rentals or public parks ahead of time.
Beaches like Bahia Honda State Park and Sombrero Beach have shallow areas, and many spots include sandy stretches where a child can run around without immediate danger of falling into deep water.
Private resorts often have fenced docks and pools with childproof gates. Ask specifically about waterfront safety when booking.

Activities for Children:

Kid-friendly beaches with calm waters (Sombrero Beach in Marathon, Anne’s Beach in Islamorada) are ideal for safe play.
Some resorts offer shallow splash pads, calm lagoons, and paddle boating within secure areas—perfect for a child with toddler-like behavior.
For sightseeing, the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key and the Turtle Hospital in Marathon provide interactive experiences that are contained and safe.

Travel and Logistics:

Driving down to Key West for a day trip from Duck Key or Marathon is feasible, but it will be a long day. Plan for multiple stops at parks or boardwalks to give your child safe spaces to expend energy.
Upper Keys to Key West has several bridges and jetties along the highway; always supervise closely during any roadside stops or waterfront walks.
Consider a slow, mid-Keys base like Marathon, which is central, reducing driving time to both the Upper Keys and Key West while offering safer family accommodations.

In summary, the best approach is to select accommodations with enclosed pool areas and minimal exposure to unprotected docks. Duck Key or Marathon can offer safer bases for families with children needing extra supervision. Beaches with boardwalks, balustrades, and shallow water areas are abundant and can give your child space to play safely. Planning day trips with frequent stops and choosing properties with gated waterfronts will help create a safe and enjoyable trip for your family.

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