KIDS AT THE REEF

Thinking about bringing your kids? Do it! They will love it! One of the things we love most about Ocean Reef is how much our kids love being there.

There is always something to do, but very little needs to be planned in advance. They can spend the morning at the pool, wander over to the playground, kayak around the lagoon, join whatever activity happens to be going on that day, or head off to find friends and make plans of their own.

More than anything, they—and we—love the freedom.

Ocean Reef is a private, contained community where the staff and other members genuinely look out for the kids.  We are more relaxed as parents here than anywhere else in the world, and our children have grown up loving the independence that comes with that.Days tend to fall into an easy rhythm. Everyone can do a little of what they enjoy, run into friends along the way and come back together when it suits them. There is plenty to keep the kids happy without having to organize every minute of the day. Plus, there are lots of supervised options which will allow you get some necessary adult time.

Our three children are especially excited to introduce old and new friends to a place they love so much. If your children have questions before the weekend about what there is to do, what to expect or anything else about the Reef, all three are very happy to be asked.

Consider them the junior experts.

A NOTE ABOUT THE PARTIES

Depending on how many children are joining us for the weekend, we are hoping to arrange separate activities for kids ages 5–15 during the Thursday and Saturday evening events.

We will share the details once we know how many children will be attending, but our hope is that they will have something fun of their own to look forward to during the events. Isabelle is particularly excited by the idea of a bonfire on the beach with GaGa ball and s’mores.

Guests ages 16 and older are invited to join us at both parties.

2.A BREAK FOR EVERYONE

One of the nice things about Ocean Reef is that everyone can have a little space to do their own thing. Let the top-notch recreation team keep your kids busy while you enjoy a game of golf or the spa.

Reef Club Kids offers activities designed for younger children, the Reef Rec Room gives older kids and teens a place of their own, and in-home babysitting can also be arranged.

The kids get a change of pace, the grown-ups get a little flexibility, and everyone can enjoy the Reef in their own way.

1.BUCCANEER ISLAND

START HERE

If you are wondering what to do with the kids, our easiest answer is: head to Buccaneer Island. You can easily spend a few hours—or an entire day— there without making a plan. The kids can swim in the pools, play on the playground, build something in the sand, play GaGa ball, swim or kayak in the lagoon, or join one of the children's activities happening throughout the day. When everyone gets hungry, grab lunch at the Beach Grill without having to interrupt the day.

There is usually live music as well, so it is an easy place for the whole family to settle in—the kids can find plenty to do while the adults claim a lounger and enjoy a little of the Keys atmosphere

BEST FOR

Pool & beach days • Younger kids • Families • No planning required • Settling in for the day

GOOD TO KNOW

Ocean Reef organizes children's activities at Buccaneer Island throughout the day, and the schedule changes daily. No need to plan ahead. Simply check the activity board at the entrance to Buccaneer Island and let the kids choose what looks fun that day. There are typically organized games both in and out of the water and art projects on offer.

3.GET OUT AND DO SOMETHING

There is plenty to do beyond the pool and beach, particularly for kids who like to be active.

Some things are worth arranging in advance, but many can be decided on once you are here. Pick something that sounds fun or simply see what everyone feels like doing that day.

  • FISHING
    If you want to book one special activity with the kids, fishing is a great choice. For families, we particularly recommend fishing on reefs in shallow waters just off the coast of the Club rather than heading offshore for a deep-sea fishing trip. It is a fantastic way to get the kids out on the water and experience some of the Keys' marine life without committing to a more demanding offshore fishing day.

    BEST FOR:
    Solo family time • Younger kids & teens • Getting out on the water together

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    SNORKELING THE REEF

    The Dive Shop at Ocean Reef runs family snorkeling trips to the coral reefs just offshore, including the reef around the Carysfort Lighthouse. Beginners are welcome, equipment provided, and the crew can help first-time snorkelers get comfortable in the water.

    It is an easy way to turn a few hours of the day into a real Florida Keys adventure—and one we would particularly recommend for families whose kids enjoy being in the water, even if they have never tried snorkeling.

    We will likely plan an optional snorkeling trip on Friday for guests who are interested – watch the Event space as we get closer to the event. Feel free to join with your kids or book your own smaller outing.

    BEST FOR:
    Families • Older kids & teens • First-time snorkelers • A memorable family outing

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    KAYAKING & PADDLE BOARDING

    Even the youngest of kids can kayak or paddle board in the lagoon at Buccaneer Island without a major excursion. Equipment is available at the Lagoon dock and you will find many kids on their own paddling in the enclosed space.

    If you want to explore a little farther, you can also arrange guided kayak and paddle-board tours through the mangroves and channels around Ocean Reef—a great way for the family to get out on the water and see a different side of the Reef.  More spontaneous? Rent equipment at the Beach Hut at Buccaneer Island and head out into the canals on your own as a family.

    BEST FOR:
    Active families • Older kids & teens • Something spontaneous • Exploring beyond Buccaneer

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    You can also arrange kayaking, paddle-boarding lessons for your kids, if they want to try something new and you prefer the comfort of your lounge chair.

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    SAILING

    Private sailing lessons can be arranged for children who want to learn to sail or spend some more focused time on the water. They take place in the cove just off Buccaneer Island and can be arranged at the Beach Hut there.

    BEST FOR:
    Learning something new • Active kids • A more structured activity

  • BIKING AROUND THE REEF
    For active families, one of the nicest ways to see Ocean Reef is by bike.

    Rent bikes for the family and spend an hour riding around the Club, exploring some of the quieter streets and getting a little exercise at the same time. Because everything is relatively close together, it is an easy way to see more of the Reef without a plan. We do suggest taking a map though!

    Bikes are also a great alternative for kids to move around the reef on their own. There are bike lan

    BEST FOR:
    Families • Exploring the Reef • Getting some exercise • A flexible hour or two

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    TENNIS, PICKLEBALL, PADEL & GOLF
    For sporty kids and teens, there are plenty of options for organized sports that are kid friendly.

    Tennis, pickleball, padel and golf are all available at the Club, and private lessons can be arranged for anyone who wants to try something new or spend a little time working on their game. On occasion, you will find teen only racquet events being held. Check out the daily schedule you receive on arrival for more information.

    BEST FOR:
    Older kids & teens • Sporty families • Private lessons • Trying something new

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    MINI GOLF
    Our family will occasionally head out for a round of mini golf—easy, fun and something even the youngest can participate in. The course is tucked away just across from Carysfort Hall and is a little hidden, but everything you need is waiting there. Clubs and balls are provided, so you can simply show up and play.

    BEST FOR:
    All ages • Families • Something spontaneous • No reservations needed

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    Mini golf is open 8:00 AM to dusk.

    It can be a little tricky to find the first time. If you are having trouble, stop by the Bell Stand , the desk just outside The Inn, and they can point you in the right direction.

    ANIMALS ANYONE?
    One of the unusual aspects of Ocean Reef is great for animal lovers – visit the cats at Grayvik Animal Center. Grayvik Animal Center is home to ORCAT, the non-profit rescue program for cats at Ocean Reef Club. There are two giant rooms, a porch, and even a glass walkway in the sky for the cats that call Grayvik home while they wait adoption. It is a very unique experience to sit down in a room with so many beautiful cats ready to cuddle up to you. Drop by with your kids to visit the cats whenever Grayvik is open.

    If cats aren’t your thing, you can also visit the Nature Center located in the same building as Reef Club Kids. Most of these animals are scaly natives, but you can still hold them! The Nature Center is typically open in the afternoons – check the daily schedule for the hours during your stay.

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    JUST GO PLAY
    Not everything needs to be organized.

    The Field at Four Corners is a great place to take the kids when they simply want to run around. Soccer goals are already in place; and families often take baseballs and gloves to play catch.

    There are also basketball and bocce courts available for use, no reservations, equipment provided.  They are located on the road between the Inn and the Fishing Village.

    BEST FOR:
    All ages • Burning off some energy • Soccer • Baseball • Basketball • No planning required

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    There is no reservation or organized activity required. Just show up and play.

5.PARENTS GOOD TO KNOW

DO NOT OVER-PLAN

This would be our biggest piece of advice.

Ocean Reef publishes a changing schedule of activities, and there will be children's activities happening around the Club throughout the weekend.

You do not need the mental load of pre-planning activities prior to arrival. Your children will absolutely have enough to do even if you arrive without anything planned. The only exception is babysitting or Reef Club Kids. If you want to ensure you have childcare for specific days and times, do book in advance. Whether you are coming straight from the beach, meeting friends between activities or simply looking for an easy lunch, there are plenty of places to stop without making an occasion of it.

If you fancy an extensive cocktail list, head to the Reef Lounge. With live music on most nights, it is a fun place to settle in for a drink, listen to some music and see who else happens to wander in. Come for a cocktail before dinner or stop by afterward and stay awhile.

The atmosphere usually gets livelier as the evening goes on, making it a fun place to end up later in the night.

WANT TO ARRANGE SOMETHING SPECIFIC?

Private lessons, fishing trips, snorkeling excursions, guided water activities and other experiences can be arranged in advance. For booking information for any of these items, visit the Things to Do section of the website. And if you are still having trouble arranging something your child particularly wants to do, please reach out to us. We are happy to point you in the right direction.

  • For children ages 5–10, Reef Club Kids is an organized drop-off children's program with activities just for them.

    It gives younger children something different to do for a while—and gives parents the flexibility to make plans of their own at the same time.

    Reef Club Kids operates in specific morning and evening sessions, rather than as a place where children can simply drop in and out throughout the day. Parents need to check their children in at the beginning of a session and can check them out anytime before the end of the session. Both sessions include a lunch or dinner.

    If you would like to use Reef Club Kids, we recommend booking at least 24 hours ahead to be sure there is space. It often fills up during busy times.

    BEST FOR:
    Ages 5–10 • Children's activities • A change of pace • Adult only time

    TO BOOK

    Call 305.367.2611 and ask the operator to transfer you to Reef Club Kids.

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    There is a playground next door to Reef Club Kids, available to enjoy with your children whenever you like. There is also Nature Center in the same building where you can see and hold a variety of animals (mostly scaly). Check the daily schedule for when it is open to visit.

  • For kids 8+ and teens, The Reef Rec Room is a place to congregate with similar aged kids.

    There are ever-popular gaming consoles, foosball, ping pong, mini-bowling and plenty of other activities, making it an easy place to hang out, meet up with friends and have something to do away from the younger children.

    Unlike Reef Club Kids, kids can check themselves in and out of the Rec Room without a parent. It is a great place for older children to make friends while they are at the Reef.  And for most kids, a preferable place to spend an evening compared to a restaurant with their parents.

    BEST FOR
    Teens • Gaming • Hanging out • Making friends • A little independence • Rainy afternoons

    HOURS
    It is typically open 3:00 – 10:00 PM on most days – check the daily schedule for details. Kids can come and go as they like, but it really picks up in the evenings.

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    If kids get hungry, they can order dinner from Reef Eats for delivery or walk over to Wynn’s Market or Reef Treats for a snack. They can pay using their guest cards, just like adults.

  • For evenings when it would be helpful or kids under 5, the Ocean Reef Concierge can provide names of babysitters who are available to work with families at the Club.

    The names provided by the Concierge have already passed the background checks required to work at Ocean Reef, so you are starting with a curated list of people who have been cleared to work within the community.

    BEST FOR:
    Evening plans • Younger children • A little extra flexibility

    TO ARRANGE

    Call the Ocean Reef Concierge at 305.367.6516 and ask for the current babysitting list.
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    Availability depends on the individual sitters, so if you know you will want someone for a particular evening, it is worth arranging it far in advance of your arrival.

4.GETTING AROUND

One of the things Isabelle especially loves about Ocean Reef is the independence she has there.

Between the Reef Rec Room, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, golf, tennis, pickleball, padel, the pools and everything happening around the Club, there is plenty for teenagers to make the weekend their own without their parents.

And they do not need you to drive them everywhere.

In addition to bicycles, older kids can independently use the Bell Stand for pick-up’s and drop-off’s around the Reef.  They simply use a house phone or their own phone to call and arrange a pick-up when they need it.  It is a common way for kids 10+ to get around Ocean Reef and makes it much easier for them to meet friends, head to an activity or make plans of their own.

Call 305.367.2611 and ask the operator to connect you to the Bell Stand.

GOOD TO KNOW

You will see kids as young as age 12 driving golf carts independently around the Reef.  Kids under the age of 16 must have a license to drive a golf cart. Please don’t let your kids under 16 drive, even if you are in the cart. The police will stop you if they don’t see a license lanyard around their neck.

A LITTLE ADVICE FROM US

Let the kids settle into the Reef. Let them find friends, wander over to an activity, spend too long in the pool or let the teenagers head off to the Rec Room on their own.

Ocean Reef is a contained community where children quickly find their own rhythm, and it is one of the few places where we find ourselves relaxing the rules a little and giving our kids more independence.

The best part is that everyone can have the kind of day they want—and still somehow keep running into one another along the way.