Will be staying at the Hawk's Cay resort in Florida. We have three children, 6, 13, and 15. Looking for suggestions for sidetrips? Thanks this is our first visit to the Keys.

You determine distance (and location) in the Keys by Mile Marker (MM.) It represents the distance from Key West.

Hawk's Cay is about MM66. Key Largo is about MM100.

At about MM90 or so, there's a nifty Wild Bird Rehab/Sanctuary that's well-worth a visit.

At about MM48, on the other side of Marathon, where the 7-Mile Bridge starts, there's a RR car on the left (going down) where you can book a ride on the little cart that you take out to Pigeon Key. Again, worth a look.

Day trip(s) certainly to Key West. And to John Pennekamp State Park (about MM103,) as well.

There's lots more to do, and the folks at Hawk's Cay will have loads of information. Also worth checking out is http://fla-keys.com/ . It's the "Official" web site for the Florida Keys.

Thanks for the feedback. What would you suggest for kids in Key West?

I, ah, was afraid you'd ask that.... As our youngest is now (counting on fingers, toes, calculator...) 33, we've not had to deal with that problem.

Key West is, truly, primarily an adult town. That said, there's the Conch Tour Train for an island tour. Ft Zachary Taylor is a nice park, with a decent (by Keys standards,) beach and the old fort. There's loads of water-related stuff, snorkling and the like, as there is all through the Keys.

The official Key West Welcome Center is just on your left, AFTER turning right when you get across the bridge onto the island. I've found them quite helpful in the past.

There are lots of things for kids to enjoy in Key West. At the top of the list, I'd place the sunset celebrations. Mallory Square fills with street entertainers and local artists selling wares...it's very festive and sort of a one-of-a-kind experience. I think you all would enjoy it. As mentioned above, the Conch Train Tour gives a great overview of Key West and introduces you to other places you might want to explore. It takes about an hour and a half and I think everyone who visits Key West should give it a try. There are also glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling for folks of all ages, a Ripley's Believe It Or Not (if it'll still be there...the building recently sold). There's an aquarium, too. Access keywestparadise.com for lots of information about tourist activities.

Maureen-In Key West, the Mel Fisher Shipwreck Museum, Lighthouse tour, Hemmingway House, Key West Aquarium, Key West Cemetary is amusing with all the weird and wacky headstones and the haunted house tour.