Jamaica is an amazing destination for a family vacation. Although it has beautiful white sand beaches and a beautiful blue sea to play in, there are many more fun things to do in Jamaica with your children. The countryside in Jamaica is a playground of nature with stunning waterfalls and pristine rivers. This ecological paradise is a great place to travel as a family with unique activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Spend the day at Treasure Beach and Black River

Treasure Beach is a sleepy fishing village on the south coast of Jamaica. Head to the beach with the kids and have a drink at the lively beach bar. Enjoy a quick game of dominoes with the locals and negotiate a day trip with one of the fishermen. As you head out into the blue Caribbean Sea in your brightly colored fishing boat, you can sit back and enjoy the view along the shoreline. Your kids will have a blast watching the dolphins as they swim just a few feet from your boat. Stop at the Pelican Bar located on a sandbar about a mile out into the ocean. Have a drink and reason with the Rastas as you take in the magnificent scenery. They serve delicious fresh fish and lobster dishes. Then head to Black River. This river is home to several crocodiles. Your children will love watching the crocodiles as they sunbathe in the mangroves. Head to the crab shack and eat a couple of baked crabs. Further up the river, your children will have fun swinging from the rope into the cool water. Don’t worry, there are no crocodiles in these places! Return to Treasure Beach for a delicious dinner of spicy chicken, rice and peas.

Y S Cataracts

We all know the world famous Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. However, if you’re looking for somewhere a little less touristy, head to YS Falls. These falls are surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. The whole family will have fun swimming in the cool pools of water. Children will have fun swinging on the tarzan ropes in the waterfall pools. You can also take a refreshing dip in the natural pool. Grab some inner tubes and float down the river or zip line over the falls. On the way back to your hotel, stop at some of the fresh fruit stalls and enjoy delicious tropical fruits such as mangoes, sugar cane, pineapple and more.

luminous lagoon

Head to Falmouth to see the shimmering waters one night with your family. Take a boat ride to the lagoon to witness this natural wonder. Microscopic organisms in the water will light up as the water is stirred. Grab a stick to spin in the water so your kids can have fun watching the water light up. You can even take a dip in the water and splash around as the water lights up around you! After your boat ride, head to the Glistening Waters restaurant and watch this bioluminescent spectacle as you dine on some of the local cuisine, such as chicken curry or fried snapper.

rick’s coffee

This lively bar is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the kids. This world famous bar is located on the cliffs of Negril. Your family will enjoy the contagious reggae music while you enjoy the diving show. Don’t forget to bring some small bills to tip the divers. Watch as these performers keep the crowd laughing as they climb trees over cliffs to perform their daring jumps. Those skilled Jamaicans know how to put on a good show with handstand flips in the waters. Your older children can even join in on the action and jump off the cliffs and platforms of different heights. There is also a swimming pool to cool off. Have a refreshing cold Red Stripe beer and some fruit punch for the kids and watch the dazzling sunset.

There are so many more fun things to do in Jamaica with your kids the next time you visit!