9 Kid-Friendly Things to do in Jamaica that will make any kid smile
With the strong focus on all-inclusive vacations and tours for cruise ship passengers, Jamaica is not always perceived as being a kid-friendly destination.
People who stay in villas in Jamaica, however, know that is not the case. In fact, experienced travelers to Jamaica, know that staying at a villa is one of the time preserved secrets to a fantastic family friendly, and therefore, child-friendly, vacation in Jamaica.
Here are 9 kid-friendly things to do in Jamaica that are guaranteed to put a smile any kid’s face. And, if the kids are happy, then that means a swell time is in store for you! Double win. Here’s to kid-friendly Jamaica!
1. Try a scoop of Devon House I’Scream
Being number 4 on National Geographic’s Top 10 list of best places in the world to eat ice-cream, confirms what we know at Mais Oui. In fact, unless guests buy their own, Devon House ice cream is our standard. Sure it is pricey, but when you taste it you won’t remember the price.
You don’t have to go to the original location in Kingston to get your fix. There is a branch in Salem, about 10 minutes drive east of Mais Oui.
With almost 30 flavors from which to choose, you could get confused. Pick any one and you can’t go wrong. There are the usual choices like vanilla, fruit basket, pistachio, and cherry which are divine; but, try one of the more exotic flavors like coconut, guava, coffee, or mango. Darrell’s favorite is Rocky River, their version of Rocky Road. I’m a rum and raisin girl. Darrian loves either fruit basket or strawberry.
2. See a white peacock
Initial looks of confusion will give way to squeals of “Oh my goodness!”. At least that was the initial reaction among our family when we stopped by Cranbrook River Forest, about 15 minutes east of Mais Oui, and saw the odd-looking white birds that had a certain strange familiarity about them. No, they aren’t freaks of nature or the result of strange mating patterns in Jamaica. They are real white peacocks.
3. Go horseback riding in the sea
Many people may have gone horseback riding or may have even ridden along the shoreline. But how many people have actually been on a horse that was swimming in the sea? Not only will this give your kids a smile but also bragging rights when they go back home. Try Braco Ridings Stables, about 5 minutes drive west of us or Hooves, about 20 minutes east in St. Ann’s Bay.
4. Go river rafting on the river that attracted Columbus to land in Jamaica
Kids may not care so much about the historical significance of being on the river that reputedly attracted Columbus to drop anchor in Jamaica in 1494; but, they will be thrilled beyond belief with either the river tubing or boarding that goes on on that river.
5. Be like a human glow stick at the Luminous Lagoon.
The lagoon, also called Glistening Waters, is home to billions of harmless micro-organisms called dinoflagellates which are responsible for creating a phenomenon known as bioluminescence. Go on their boat tour on a dark night. Put your hand in the water and watch it take on an immediate, but temporary, eerie glow.
6. Visit a water park.
Which kid doesn’t love a great water park, especially one with a choice of water slides? Be sure to check out Jewel Lagoon Water Park in Runaway Bay, across the street from Runaway Bay’s Golf Course. The park is on the grounds of Jewel Runaway Bay Resort, a family-friendly all-inclusive hotel, about 10-15 minutes east of Mais Oui.
7. Go to the beach!
The look on the faces of children the first time they go to the beach in Jamaica … priceless! The many shades of blue in the Caribbean sea, waters so clear that you can see your feet, abundant sea shells and unusual stones, and sand so soft and powdery that it is perfect for building sand castles are just a few of the reasons kids go wild over a trip to the beach.
Plus imagine going to the little, secluded beach cove that is a 2-minute walk from Mais Oui where there is a swing right there on the beach, and there is a reef just off the shore so as you snorkel you can see colorful fish so close that you could touch them if you were fast enough … paradise. And yes, you can borrow our buckets and spades to make epic sand castle building even more fun. We can loan you snorkeling sets too. You may as well do kayaking while you are at it. We have those too.
8. Experience the dolphins.
This is a not-so-wallet-friendly activity but even grownups say, “Aaah” when they get a kiss from a dolphin. To get the most for your buck, spend the day and do more than see the dolphins … snorkel with stingrays, interact with exotic birds, touch a shark … even be “Sea Keeper for a Day”. Dolphin Cove is about 25-30 minutes west of Mais Oui.
9. Watch cliff diving at Rick’s Cafe.
If you take a day trip to Negril, watch the cliff divers at Rick’s Cafe, especially the locals who show off their skills as they dive about 35 feet into the waters below. While cliff diving is certainly not a kid-friendly activity, kids can cheer on the brave and marvel at their skill and courage. Plus, Rick’s Cafe is on the list of 1000 Places to See Before You Die. That’s one place they can cross off their bucket list.
This is just a mere sampling of family attractions and kid-friendly things to do in Jamaica. Guests who book a stay at Mais Oui get to pick our brains even more to find options based their interests. So, get your family together, including the kids, and make it Jamaica, make it Mais Oui.
Til next time,
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell and Darrian
Considering a visit to Jamaica? Contact us today for more information about, Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa, our boutique 8-BR ocean view Jamaica villa rental experience in beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Perfect for multi-generational families and groups.
Visit our website: http://www.MakeItJamaica.com
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Give us a call: 866.624.7684 (toll free) or 914.709.0457
5 Responses
Great post, Sherry! I have to think that this kind of info helps travelers to your area, whether they stay with you or not.
Thanks Matt! Great to see you here.
Who knew that Jamaica could be so much fun! Last time we were there for a second honeymoon, we simply lounged about the beach…Next time we bring the kids and we ALL enjoy the activities.
Thanks Donna! I had to force myself to stop at 9 things to do for kids. Stay tuned for more ideas. We have to keep coming up with new options to keep our son entertained.