[stupet11]

I think it depends on the kids!

We had friends stay at Duck Key and the loved all the water activities there.

We visited for few days before our cruise. Marathon was a good base to visit the state parks - John Pennecamp and Bahai Hoonda. Sadly winds were high so we couldn't do the snorkelling trip on a boat to reefs/ This prob is worth booking in hindsight.

We did the drive down to the Keys and wandered around (and used free bus). We don't do relaxing well, so 3 days was enough!