It's our first time in Key West with the kids and I don't think the Duval Crawl is what a responsible parent would expose their kids to. What are some things me must do or see while in Key West with our 2 children; ages 9 & 12?

Plane ride to the Dry Tortugas.

For what it is worth, the Duval Crawl isn't a bad thing. My kids have been exposed to it plenty of times and have turned into serial killers.

The Duval Crawl goes on 24/7.

I was in Key West last month, here are some fun ideas with kids:

- You MUST MUST MUST go to the Butterfly Conservancy. Imagine strolling through an indoor tropical garden with hundreds of colorful butterflies flittiing around you.
- Of course the sunset celebration at Mallory Square
- Glass bottom boat tour to see lots of cool colorful fish
- Go on a kayaking tour with one of the local outfitters
- Have lunch at Blue Heaven, casual & kooky outdoor dining spot.

Take the "Conch Tour Train" to learn about the history and landmarks of Key West. Go to the Little White House where Truman went many times. Tour the Hemingway house, Audubon house and the lighthouse. Find out if the "Moped Hospital" still has it's great bicycle tours of the back streets. Visit the art galleries. Enjoy...

Blue Heaven and the Conch Train are definitely 'must do's" !

Don't forget the aquarium. Built by WPA workers, it is a wonderful low-tech approach to seeing cool things.

You will be surrounded by gobs of water. It'd be a shame not to take a snorkeling trip.

i second the recommendation for the Butterfly Conservancy. also, although i could have happily passed on it, there's a Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum that my 11 year old son and his friend loved.