Creating lasting memories with your family is without doubt a major goal when you're on vacation in Jamaica.

So our best advice is to be intentional with your itinerary. Focus solely on the experiences that will provide maximum fun and enjoyment for the kids and the adults, and forget about the rest.

The next thing to consider is where you'll stay. It's best to book a family resort or villa since they have facilities that cater to the immediate needs of all members of your family.

With your flights and accommodation booked, that only leaves your Jamaican vacation itinerary to consider.

Here are 13 of the best family activities in Jamaica that you can choose from. 

Play and swim with dolphins

The kids will certainly enjoy swimming with the friendly dolphins at Dolphin Cove located in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

There are also guided interactions with the sting rays and sharks at this animal haven and theme park.



Street food tour

What's on the menu?

Jamaican street food.

Take the family on a gastronomic tour by trying patties, jerk chicken and jerk pork, soup, boiled and roasted corn, fried fish, and steamed bammy at the countless roadside kitchens across the island.

A popular spot on Jamaica's south coast is Middle Quarters.  

Climb Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios

When you're staying in or close to the resort town of Ocho Rios, make a trip to the world-famous water park, Dunn's River Falls.

This waterfall stands 600 feet above sea level, giving the family a great opportunity to bond while hiking uphill to its peak. 

Be sure to wear water shoes as the limestone rocks that line the falls are slippery. 

Turtle migration, Treasure Beach

Care to observe the precious newborn turtles waddle their way to the sea after hatching?  

Book a tour with the Treasure Beach Turtle Group for your family to watch this amazing turtle migration activity in Billy's Bay during the hatching season.

Spend a day at Frenchman's Cove 

Spend a day splashing in the clear waters at Frenchman's Cove in Portland, voted one of the world's best beaches.

The gorgeous white sand, rich vegetation that surrounds the beach, and a unique swimming hole are all the features that make it a truly unforgettable experience. 

Entry to this beach facility is no more than US$10 per person. 

Refreshments are on sale with a fully-catered beach service, bringing your food and drinks to you as you lounge in the beach chairs.

Learn to speak Jamaican patois

Return home with a Jamaican accent after booking brief Jamaican patois lessons with the kids. 

The most common Jamaican expressions that visitors usually want to learn are everyday greetings such as "Wah Gwaan" and "Lata".

Watching the kids color their speech with the Jamaican dialect as they interact with the locals is a delight. 



Tour Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay 

When you're in Montego Bay, a tour of the Rose Hall Great House should be on your itinerary.

This mansion, which is believed to be haunted, was formerly owned by a cruel slave owner, Annie Palmer, who is said to have killed her three husbands and a slave.

It is believed that Palmer was subsequently murdered by a slave whom she was infatuated with. 

The guided tour of her mansion will certainly pique the interest of the older kids as visitors have recounted observing strange occurrences inside the building as they move from room to room. 

The tour costs USD$10 for each child 12 years or younger, and USD$25 for each adult. 

Tour Greenwood Great House, Montego Bay

Learn about the history of the affluent Barretts family who owned acres of land stretching from Montego Bay to Falmouth.

Inside their 200-year-old great house, located at the parish border of Saint James and Trelawny, you'll find an antique museum of musical instruments and furniture exclusive to this property.

You'll pay USD$10 for each child and USD$25 for each adult. 



Snorkeling with the kids

Snorkeling is a fantastic opportunity for the family to experience Jamaica underwater.

The best snorkeling spot on the north coast is Doctor’s Cave Beach for experienced swimmers.

If the kids are new to this water activity, try Negril because the waters are calmer and clear, and people of all ages can enjoy snorkeling.

If preferred, a person can snorkel out further from shore but because the waters are harder to manage it is recommended to hire a qualified snorkeling guide. 

Hike Konoko Falls, Ocho Rios

If Dunn's River Falls is too steep for the little ones, wet their feet in a water hike activity with the Konoko Falls climb.

The climb is much shorter than Dunn's River so the older kids might try it more than once.

This attraction also includes a nature trail of exotic birds, snakes, and iguanas. 

Head to Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay

For a nominal fee, the entire family is granted access to this top water attraction located on Montego Bay’s hip strip. 

At Doctor's Cave Beach, you’ll have access to white sand beaches, gorgeous waters (rumored to have healing qualities), a gift shop, a pool table, a sauna, a cyber cafe, a gym, and other amenities.




Spend a day at Mystic Mountain Rainforest Adventure Park, Ocho Rios

Before you leave the island, spend a day with the family at Mystic Mountain Rainforest Adventures.

There's something for everyone at this adventure park with the first ride being a chair lift shuttle, the Sky Explorer, which takes you to the main site. While suspended several meters above the ground, you'll have a spectacular view of Ocho Rios Bay.

Mystic Mountain also boasts a waterslide and pool, zip lines, a bobsled ride, and a nature trail, so there’s plenty to keep families busy for hours.

In 2023, Mystic Mountain announced a temporary closure, so it's advisable to call ahead to inquire about the current opening hours.

Visit Chukka Adventures at Good Hope Estate, Trelawny

In addition to learning about the history of the 200-acre Good Hope estate that was formerly a sugar plantation, Chukka Caribbean has a fun adventure outpost for the entire family to experience.

Activities on the property include ziplining, a water slide, and a nature trail. 

When you need a few seconds to catch your breath, visit the bar and snack counter on site. 

Best family vacations in Jamaica

Your most memorable vacations with the family happen on the island paradise of Jamaica.

Book your family trip today.