Wondering if this is a good location for a family with older kids (25, 22, 20, 17) in June. We like swimming in warm water, snorkeling, and hanging out. Figure we'd enjoy the Everglades and most would drive to Key West. Need some input. Will the weather be a problem? Is there a lot to do? Thanks.

Do a search. There have been numerous posts on these topics.

The best beach you can have in the area you're discussing is in Miami. You really don't need to go anywhere else.

for snorkeling, you'll need to go to the Keys. To go all the way to Key West (from Miami), you'll need to alllow 4 hours or so of drive time. Key Largo is a lot closer and you do some serious snorkeling there.

the everglades will be really hot, and mosquito rampant in June. Not much to see there.

In my opinion, Key West would be much more fun for your family. None of the keys have good beaches, but they all have great water sports. Key Largo doesn't really have much to offer other than water sports, but Key West has lots of additional tourist activities (great restaurants, too!). It's a very laid-back, quirky little place. A word of caution, though: it'll be HOT and HUMID in June!!!

I think for kids in this age range, this is a great area with tons of active stuff to do. It's true that you won't find good beaches in the keys, as opposed to Miami's wide beaches, but the exception is Bahia Honda state park in the keys. This is a beautiful spot.

Yes, for snorkeling you'll want to be in the keys... check out John Pennekamp state park in Key Largo.

Key West is fantastic, and your kids will really enjoy all the watersports available there: small boat rentals, jet skis, sunset sailing trips, snorkeling, etc. You can also rent a few motor scooters and ride around the island, stopping at different shops, restaurants, etc. There's also a sunset "carnival" that takes place every evening that's very fun.

Regarding the Everglades, some find it more interesting than others. I agree that June isn't the best time to go, however. But one thing in the Everglades that's good for any time of year is driving out Tamiami Trail and going for an airboat ride through the Everglades. There are many local Miccosukee (?) Indians who offer these tours, and they're safe and you'll see a ton of wildlife, including lots of alligators. Since you're on an airboat (that cruises over the shallow water, through the sawgrass) you won't be as uncomfortable from the heat. Just a thought! I think the kids would enjoy it.

I forgot to address the weather... in June, yes of course it will be hot and humid. And yes, bring mosquito repellant. I don't know where you live, so I'm not sure how much the heat will bother you. As far as daily weather patterns, this time of year they might as well just tape the meteorologist saying the same thing and re-running it: hot and humid with a good chance of afternoon thundershowers. It will most likely rain every late afternoon for about an hour (somewhere between 3 and 5). It pours and then it stops. Make this your afternoon nap and shower time

By the way, it's also better to go in June than later in the summer because of hurricane season. Although June is technically hurricane season, things don't usually get going until August.

I loved the Everglades when we went in early June several years ago. Lots of birds, gators and other wild life to look at.

The bugs were too bad. Just take some deet and be prepared. It's a beautiful area unlike most anyother. Enjoy.

My vote would be for Key West over Key Largo. As the other poster said, not much to do in Key Largo except water sports. Pennecamp is nice for a day. But key west has so much more to offer.