Some of you may have noticed that we quite like the Caribbean here on KiddyCharts, but Antigua isn’t the only location in the Caribbean that is good for families though. It is well worth taking a look at some of the Jamaica beach rentals as well; because there really isn’t anything that can compare to the white sands of a Caribbean Resort. However, just as other parts of the Caribbean, Jamaica isn’t all just about the resorts, and the beaches. Clearly, there IS nothing like relaxing on the sands there, but there is plenty for you and your family to do outside of those white sands. We’ve helped reduce your grunt work, by collating the best things to do in Jamaica with kids for you; right here and right now.
We’ve taken a look at the alternatives to the lounging on the beach there; because well, that really is a given, don’t you think?!? 😜
1. Dolphin Cove
There isn’t a child around that doesn’t love dolphins. They are the most majestic, and beautiful of creatures. Jamaica has a marine park, which allows you to swim with these wonderful animals, and other marine life, in their natural habitat. It is worth checking out their website, as they often have offers for reductions on tickets. Costs are different depending on the park you go to in Jamaica (there are three); but start at around $99 for a dolphin encounter.
2. Kool Runnings Adventure Park
You can’t be a parent without knowing about the Jamaican Bobsleigh team, and the iconic film that portrays their quest for Olympic Glory; Cool Runnings. This is an amazing adventure park that takes its name from that film. It is split into a water park with ten water slide rides, and an adrenaline zone, which includes paint-balling, a laser area, go carts, and rafting, plus other land-based fun! There are so many water slides here, that there is bound to be one that your kids will love. And with 5 acres of activities, there is something for everyone.
3. Green Castle Estate
The is a gorgeous 1600 acre estate in Jamaica, on the North Coast of the island. It is nestled between the Blue Mountains, and the Caribbean sea. It has a rich history, as a former sugar plantation, and now one of the largest orchid (and organic) farms in this part of the world. The estate operates a two-hour tour ($30 per adult and $10 per child), so for older children this is perfect to give them a little cultural information about the island. The tour covers many aspects of the estate’s history, including information about its past, organic coconut manufacturing, and a visit to a 300-year old windmill tower.
4. Reach Falls
This is a beautiful waterfall, found by runaway slaves, in the Montane Forest in the John Crow Mountain range in Jamaica. The forest is home to many different kinds of fern, as well as black, and yellow-billed parrots. It is even famous as a location for a number of Hollywood blockbusters, including Cocktail and the newer version of The Lord of the Flies. The location offers families the chance to experience the rush of watching a cascading waterfall, as well as a tour of the Driver’s river. There is also a picnic area, and the opportunity to cool down in the waters around the falls.
5. Morant Point Lighthouse
Kids are always fascinated by lighthouses; and this one, which is distinctively red and white, was built in 1841. This makes it the oldest lighthouse on the island. It is situated on the farthest point on the east coast of Jamaica. It is unbelievably robust, having withstood the battering of countless waves, and hurricanes through the years. The view from the balcony at the top is stunning, and well worth the walk through the cane fields to get to it.
6. Green Grotto Caves
These caves are found on the North East of the island, and are an amazing natural wonder to share with your children. They have provided shelter for the first inhabitants of Jamaica, as well as a place to hide for the Spanish when the English tried to capture the island in 1665. The tour of the caves lasts just under an hour, and ultimately takes you 37m down into the ground to visit the grotto. In this grotto, the water enters the caves from its secret location, and is so clear, it seems out of this world. The cost of a visit is $30 for over 13 years, and 4-12 years are $10 each.
7. Chukka Caribbean Adventure’s Canopy Tour
If you have slightly older (10+), and more adventurous kids, then you can’t go too wrong with this tour, near Montego Bay, in Jamaica. This tour lasts for approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, and allows you to “fly” through the Caribbean canopy, high up in the indigenous forests on the island. A bit of a thrill for everyone, and a rather unique experience too!
There really is something for everyone in Jamaica for your family to experience – and these don’t even include the beaches; and there are plenty of those that the kids (and you) will adore.
We do hope you like our list of 7 of the best things to do with kids in Jamaica, but if you feel we have missed anything out, do let us know. We would love to hear from you. Don’t forget to check out all our travel articles too, including this fantastic article on city farms near me.
Why not pop over the our Pinterest too, we love to cover travel, and there are plenty more ideas of things to do with the kids from the U.K. to other locations in the Caribbean, and everything else in between!
Helen
This is a collaborative post.
Helen
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine! Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time. KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10. It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania. Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on. Get in touch TODAY!