Five Parks for Kids

Truman Waterfront Park, at the end of Southard Street, has a playground, picnic areas, a bike trail and paths. Its splash pad keeps shorter hours than the park itself, so water play is a daytime option. Restrooms, parking and ADA access are available.

• Park open daily, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; splash pad open daily, 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
• Address: End of Southard Street, Key West, FL 33040

Cozumel Park on 19th Terrace is a neighborhood park with a playground, a splash pad and an artificial-turf sports field. There's also a picnic and family gathering area.

• Park open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; grills and alcohol are not allowed.
• Address: 1208 19th Terrace, Key West, FL 33040

Nelson English Park on Catherine Street has a children's playground, basketball courts and picnic areas with pavilions and grills. It sits next to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Pool, which has a baby pool and a standard pool, and pool admission is free.

• Park open daily, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with restrooms open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; open swim at the pool runs 1 to 5:45 p.m., and the pool is closed on city holidays.
• Address: 300 Catherine Street, Key West, FL 33040

Plan this one as a beach-and-history outing rather than a playground stop. Kids can explore the red brick fort, its cannons and interpretive exhibits, and the park also has a beach and a nature trail. Picnic tables, restrooms and showers are on site.

• Park open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset, with the fort closing at 5 p.m.; admission is charged.
• Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040

Higgs Beach combines an oceanside children's playground with the beach. The 400-foot Reynolds Street Pier is here too, along with the Fort West Martello gardens, which offer free self-guided tours. There's also a beachside café, plus tennis, pickleball and beach volleyball.

• Open 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
• Address: 1040 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040