We've never been to Key West, but just decided to do a family trip for 4 nights there. We are a family of 4 with 2 teenagers (16 & 18). Any suuggestions a what to do with them at New Years Eve?

Well - I assume you know Key West is a little on the "out there" side (I love it, have been there several times).... I probably would not have picked there to take 2 teenagers for New Years. There are TONS of bars in Key West, and I'm sure they'll have quite the New Year's Eve party....... I would suggest going to the Key West tourism sites and see if you can find any special celebrations going on for New Years.... They do have beautiful sunsets.....

Having spent the last two years in Key West it is a little tough for teenagers as so much centers around the bars. The New Years celebration is risque but fun definetly out there. I guess it depends how mature they are. There are great day boat trips, fishing, jet ski's etc. There is great music everywhere but again all in the bars which they can go in but be forewarned they also can be R Rated. My kids now over drinking age have gone for years and love it.

I wasn't really looking for a party for New Year's. It just so happened that the only 5 days we could all get away this year ran over New Years. I was hoping for a nice dinner and maybe a street show or firework display or something low key. I picked Key West because my husband and I have always wanted to go, and it would give us the Carribean flavour without leaving the US. Our kids are used to travelling and fairly mature, but they wouldn't be comfortable in a big party situation with mom and dad. Did I pick the wrong destination??

If you stay OFF Duval on New Year's Eve you should be fine. The one time we spent New Year's Eve there it was pretty much a crowded nightmare on Duval. There are lots of restaurants around Key West Bight that will keep you away from most of the madness and it's a funky and fun area, too.

I might add, though, that the crowds that time of year are generally looking for a party atmosphere, especially at night.

The good news about partiers is that they usually sleep during the day, so your daytime stay should be pleasant.

my advice stay off duval..watch TV and the ball drop in NYC..you'll love it have fun. Who can can stay up that late anyway

Yeah... stay off Duval... find a Church social where they drop a ball of Vanilla into a Root Beer at midnight and protect all of the YOUTS from the Evil Key West parties...

Gary you missed the point, I love Key West. The question was two teenage boys at New Years. Even you would have to admit it gets pretty wild!

Key West is a unique place. They thrive on their uniqueness. According to the Key West Guide, these are the top things to do in Key West on New Year's Eve. Not to do them would seem like missing the point. If you want to see a quiet movie and watch TV, stay home. If you're going to Key West -- go for it. And while others would feel differently, I honestly think any 16 or 18 year old going to Key West is ready for any of them.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"Three different gathering spots offer their own unique version of the time honored tradition of lowering something special as the clock winds away the last seconds of the year.

Your choices are:

1. to see a big conch shell lowered from atop Sloppy Joe's Bar...a crowded and boistrous affair
2. to see a Pirate Wench lowered from the mast of a schooner in the Historic Seaport
3. or, (CNN's favorite) to see Sushi, a local drag queen celeb, lowered from a Duval Street balcony, riding a huge high-heeled shoe.

Here's a link to the last one -- geez, is there anything you can't find on YouTube?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDOgYs3rT04

The one thing I would suggest is to go to dinner early like at 5PM.

That way you can get in and get out before the crowds get crazy.

I think your teens will be fine.

After dinner, I would take the 8PM Haunted Ghost Tour of Key West. Tons of fun! http://www.hauntedtours.com/

I would sign up ASAP and call them.

Love Patrick's ideas!

I'm sure there will be fireworks.

Blast it... why do I have to konk out early. Went to Duval St. this past year, saw the scene in front of Bourbon St. pub (drag queens offering up shooters, I think Sushi giving her spiel) but pooped out at 11:15pm or so... I would have loved to see the high heel shoe drop!

I'm with NeoPatrick on this one... Exposing teens to a Key West New Years is an introduction to life the way it exists... There have been some Key West postings in the recent months on this site making it sound like a danger to teens and a very unfriendly place for Families... I totally disagree... Key West does have plenty of hard partiers, but they're harmless unless you are looking for trouble.... my kids love KW... when they were younger for the water, dining out, sunsets, quirkey characters, conch train, and attractions... now that they are older, they have become understanding and open to the lifestyles and spectrum of society that are part of KW... 16 and 18 year olds know far more than we credit them and I hardly think Key West at New Years will scar them unfavorably..... carpe diem!