I read the blog written by Julie on April 28, 2010, titled “That’s the way it’s always been done,” and it made me think about the Keys.

So many visitors don’t come to the Florida Keys and Key West or bring their kids there for vacation because they think the Keys are for party people and there is too much revelry down there for them. Every time I hear this it makes me want to grab them by the head and shake them.

On the contrary, the Florida Keys and Key West is a great destination to vacation with family and friends. There is a variety of wholesome activities available for everyone in the family, from fishing and snorkeling to dolphin encounters and butterflies.

Yes, there is revelry, college students and T-shirt shops, but that usually only takes place at night on Duval Street where all the bars are located. If you plan well, I am sure you will enjoy a great vacation.

Some suggestions for family friendly activities are: Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, Dolphin Research Center, Marathon Turtle Hospital, feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s Marina, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, kayaking in the Lower Keys, Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and Pat Croce’s Pirate Soul Museum.

So next time you are planning your vacation consider the Keys, and don’t forget to send your friends a picture postcard of the great attractions you visited and what you learned.