Photo Credit: Kimberly of Stuffed Suitcases
Last Christmas, we decided to leave our freezing town in New England and head to the gorgeous island of Jamaica. It was the perfect place to have some fun in the sun and create some memories together. The island has powder white sand and crystal-clear water. The best thing about the island are the wonderful, kind locals that want to share their love of Jamaica with you. So, what can you do with your family while you’re there? Here are five of the best things to do with kids in Jamaica.
Mystic Mountain
This outdoor park offers families the chance to do a few different adventures while visiting. All guests start their adventure with a ride 700 feet up the mountain aboard the sky explorer chair lift. Along the way you’ll coast over a forest and get a gorgeous view of the Caribbean Sea and the Ocho Rios cruise port.
One of the most popular attractions on the mountain is the bobsled. You’ll sit into a specially made bobsled and hold on as it plunges through 3280 feet of twists and turns down the mountain. Head back up the mountain to try out the zipline tour that sends you flying along five ziplines through the forest. Keep in mind that kids need to be 48 inches tall for the bobsleds and 6 years old for the ziplines.
At the top of the mountain kids can tackle the new ropes course, Annancy’s Web, or try to climb to the top of Reggae Rock. And if you’re looking for some relaxation, they have an infinity pool and waterslide, that look out over the sea and Ocho Rios. It is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation!
Yaaman Adventure Park
Another great spot for kids in Jamaica is the Yaaman Adventure Park. You can choose to do one or two activities or book a full day of adventure. Get dirty while driving mud buggies around the park and through mud puddle, or take a jitney ride around the resort where you can try to climb a coconut tree and get some fresh coconut as a reward.
Next, head over to the owner’s home to cook your own Jamaica lunch of jerk chicken, callaloo, coconut rice, and festival rolls. Afterwards, change into your suit and head out for a walk to their secret river and waterfall swimming hole. After this full day, you’re kids will be asleep before their heads hit the pillow.
Photo Credit: Kimberly of Stuffed Suitcases
Sun Valley Plantation Tour
If you love fresh fruit, kids will love taking a tour at the Sun Valley Plantation. Kids will get to see many popular fruit trees, like bananas, apples, and of course, coconuts. They’ll also learn some fun facts about many of the popular fruits. At the end of the tour they’ll have the chance to sit down and feast on fresh fruit, including getting to try the national dish of ackee and saltfish. I like to do something educational with my kids when on vacation, so this would be a great way to learn about the agriculture of the island.
Pools & FlowRider
When the adults are ready to relax, take advantage of one of the great all-inclusive resorts on the island. They offer amazing pools and lounge chairs, giving you the chance to read in the sun while the kids splash and play. The Moon Palace Resort in Ocho Rios has four pools, including one that has a waterslide and kids splash park.
Also, at the Moon Palace is the only FlowRider surf simulator in Jamaica. Kids will love the chance to hop aboard a body board and surf against the current. Once they’re feeling brave, they can give surfing a try for real aboard one of the stand-up FlowRider boards. This is another fun-for-all place where you can spend the whole day!
Photo Credit: Kimberly of Stuffed Suitcases
Beaches, Rivers & Waterfalls
Jamaica is filled with gorgeous waterfalls, rivers, and beaches. One of the most iconic spots on the island is Dunn’s River Falls. Those with good balance can try to hike up the waterfall against the current. Older kids will love the challenge and the refreshing water on a hot day. Plus, there’s a beach at the base of the falls that’s very popular with families.
Jamaica also has a lot of great rivers around the island. The White River, near Ocho Rios, is a popular spot to go tubing. You can also check out the Blue Hole which is a picturesque blue water swimming hole. If you’re looking for less crowds, head over to Konoko Falls for another fabulous limestone waterfall.
Photo Credit: Kimberly of Stuffed Suitcases
Jamaica can be a great destination for your next family vacation. The two main airports, Montego Bay and Kingston, both offer plenty of nonstop flights from major east coast cities like Boston, New York City, and Miami. We stayed at the amazing all-inclusive Beaches Ocho Rios resort. There are endless options for gorgeous resorts that you may be tempted to never leave the resort, but if you don’t you may regret it! Get out and explore the beauty of this unforgettable island. Your resort can help you book tours or drivers to take you on day trips to popular attractions, then you can return to your resort for dinner and relaxation. Ya man!!!