Jamaica is an island rich with beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and wondrous waterfalls, not to mention amazing food and some of the nicest people on the planet. You have to make plans to check out some of our favourite things to do with kids near Ocho Rios, Jamaica!
Our family has visited Jamaica four times and each time we take at least a day, sometimes two, to leave our wonderful resort and explore new things on this beautiful island.
To help you plan your best vacation ever, we’ve created a list of 10 fantastic things to do with kids on Jamaica’s north coast near Ocho Rios. There are many more so if you need ideas, send us a message!
Exploring in Jamaica is easy. While we wouldn’t drive ourselves or explore on our own, it is easy and inexpensive to hire a guide to wander the countryside for a day. We’ve hired three different guides over the years and all have been totally amazing and totally flexible. A guide will give advice and plan your day based on the sights you and your family want to visit. Our last guide charged us approximately $250USD for a full day excursion (7:30am to 5:30pm) which included a pristine minivan for the day.
Just to note, these fantastic day trips and excursions are for families based on the north coast of Jamaica. We were based in Runaway Bay but they work equally well if you’re based in Ocho Rios or even Montego Bay. However, if you’re staying in Negril or on the south coast, these excursions would be a bit far. That said, there are some incredibly day trips and excursions in those areas as well!
So let’s get to the list!
10 Amazing Things to Do with Kids near Ocho Rios, Jamaica
1. Konoko Falls
A local guide will bring you through beautiful gardens with indigenous Jamaican plants and flowers. As you walk along the wooden boardwalk through the garden, your local guide tells you about the local flowers and plants in the garden. It’s an interesting walk but short enough to keep the kids interested.
Beautiful flowers
After the garden tour, you head to the base of Konoko Falls.
A different guide will meet you there. He or she will help you choose the right rocks and steps to walk to the top of the falls. These falls aren’t large and even smaller children can climb them. On our visit we were the only ones there!
You can see the waterfall poking through the trees. I didn’t get a better picture because we were too busy climbing 🙂
Beautiful!
The kids taking a break half way up Konoko Falls
On the way you can stop, hang out in the water and your guide will take pictures if you’d like.
So much fun!
Hanging out after climbing to the top of Konoko Falls
Remember to bring your water shoes. The rocks can be very slippery without them. Despite this, we’ve visited twice and it is absolutely one of the best things to do with kids near Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
2. Blue Hole
I had read about the Blue Hole for quite awhile before we decided to visit. It looked too beautiful to be real. But it is real!
This is a beautiful, perfect location where the tours from the cruise ships don’t visit. We visited after a large rainfall so it was more a brown hole than a blue hole but even then, it was simply beautiful. We’d love to return one day when it has that beautiful blue colour that it’s known for.
For $10-$15 per person, you are met by a guide at the top of a set of stairs. We were a family of nine at the time so we had two guides helping us. Your guide will lead you down a set of stairs to the bottom of an inclined grotto area.
Notice the water at the end of the stairs?!
From there, you step into the cool running water and walk up the side, on the rocks, to the top while being guided by experienced guides.
At the top, you get to sit in a small waterfall and then the fun begins. You jump (or in my case sat and slipped off a rock) into the water just a few feet below. You swim across to the rocks on the other side of the natural pool and repeat, each jump making it further down towards the bottom. Sydney was a bit nervous at the time so one of the guides carried her down!
Our guide carrying Sydney down part of the way
At the bottom, you can climb up a set of stairs and jump several stories into the bottom pool. I watched (not that adventurous!) but the kids, even my shy little girl, jumped and had a blast!
Lucas is always up for any adventure!
My brave niece Jessica taking a leap!
We could stay as long as we wished. No one was rushing us to leave. This is probably Lucas’ favourite thing to do in Jamaica and each visit he asks to return.
For more details on the Blue Hole and to see some great pictures when it hasn’t been raining, check out this post about the Blue Hole from Jamaica Travel Saver.
3. Green Grotto Caves
The Green Grotto Caves are a huge labyrinth of underground caves and caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites and bats (much to the chagrin of my sister-in-law!). This labyrinth is largely unexplored and runs for miles but there is an area that you can visit and we highly recommend that you do!
Every one must wear a hard hat and every group has a guide from the Green Grotto Caves. The caves have an incredible history and can be dated back to Jamaica’s first inhabitants, the Tainos.
Don’t worry. You don’t walk through the water.
In the proceeding years, the caves have been used to hide Spaniards when Jamaica was invaded by the English, used by smugglers running arms to Cuba and during the Second World War, it was used by the government to store rum barrels.
We all really enjoyed the tour, especially the kids! The cave is beautiful and the stories were wonderful.
I wish I had more pictures but it was rather dark and my camera didn’t work very well. There were a few stairs so if anyone is mobility challenged this may not be the excursion for them but for everyone else, it’s a great activity and absolutely near the top of our list of things to do with kids near Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
4. Discovery Park.
Discovery Park is located not far from Green Grotto Caves so it makes a nice stop while visiting the other. Christopher Columbus landed at Discovery Park when he discovered Jamaica.
For a few dollars a local gentleman will bring you through the park and explain its history. It’s not a long stop but if you’re in the area and interested in the history, it’s highly recommended.
5. Visit a local grocery store.
You’re saying, “Joanne, really? But we’re staying at an all-inclusive!” I’m serious! You’d be amazed at what you can find in a local grocery store (and this goes for where ever you are travelling … Europe, Jamaica, where ever!).
We found fantastic prices on jerk sauce and jerk seasoning as well as, my kids new-found favourite, plantain chips. My niece had a bad burn and found a local brand cream that was incredible and really inexpensive. Plus, it’s a great cultural experience. We visited one of the grocery stores in Ocho Rios. Check it out!
6. Visit a local school.
Despite all of the adventurous activities available, visiting a local school is by far one of our favourite things to do with kids in Jamaica.
Each time we visit, we go to a local school to meet the children. We always bring school supplies from home or a donation for the school. I’ve written about our visits and how you can help. Check out Make your tropical vacation count. Visit a local school!
A visit to the wonderful children at Chester Primary
Trust me, it’s an experience you and your family will always remember!
7. Eat at Scotchies.
This is a ‘must-stop’ location for our family.
We’ve eaten at Scotchies three times and each time has been fantastic. There are two locations in Jamaica: Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. We’ve always eaten at the Ocho Rios location as it’s so close to so many fantastic things to do with kids near Ocho Rios.
All the meat is smoked on an open fire pit that has to be one of the most unique cooking locations I’ve ever seen.
The chicken and pork is smoking between the corrugated steel on top and the wood on bottom
There are picnic tables around so grab a seat and either go to the order area yourself or wait for someone to come and take your order.
The best place for lunch around Ocho Rios!! Scotchies!
The portions are huge so don’t order too much. I’d recommend ordering several different items and share. The jerk pork and jerk chicken is fantastic but don’t forget about the festival (Caribbean dumplings – Sydney’s favourite!), sweet potatoes and rice.
So delicious! A true Jamaican experience!
8. Ferngully.
No I’m not taking about the kids movie from the early 1990s. This Ferngully is a winding stretch of road that runs south from Ocho Rios.
It’s named for the numerous varieties of ferns that grow on the sides of the road to, in places, create a beautiful canopy.
Vendors line the road selling wooden crafts and jewellery so feel free to stop and check them out.
My niece Ashley was super interested in shopping
9. River Rafting with Keith’s Bamboo Crew
You can do River Rafting down the White River with several companies but the excursion we recommend is River Rafting with Keith’s Bamboo Crew. You can reach out to him on his Facebook page.
The captains can fit three people per raft. They meet you down towards the end of the White River. Our guide called Keith in advance to find out exactly where to bring us. The captains then raft you upstream.
Captain Noel rafting us down the White River towards Keith’s location
Meeting up with Keith
The captains bring you to where Keith has cooked a wonderful, authentic Jamaican meal.
Delicious meal of lobster, fish, sweet potato and plantains!
When lunch is over, there’s time to play in the water for a while before heading back to your starting place. If you ask, you may even be able to captain the raft yourself!!
Sydney and Lucas rafting. Caiden had a turn too!
If you aren’t interested in a meal, you can also go river rafting with other companies near Ocho Rios. Ask your tour guide for their favourite company and they’ll set you up for a great experience. This amazing activity also made it on our itinerary for an off the beaten path non-touristy day in Jamaica so check it out!
10. Dunn’s River Falls
So you may be wondering why I’ve saved this for last. After all, when you googled things to do with kids in Jamaica its probably the first thing that popped up, right? Well, Dunn’s River Falls is probably the most popular tourist location on the island. We did visit when the children were very young (not to climb) but we’ve never felt the need to return. It is very, very busy.
You walk by road to the bottom and then a group of 20 people or more hold hands and walk up the falls. These falls are steep and the water flows strongly. They are pretty but very different than Konoko Falls (our favourite).
Another thing to consider, when you leave, there are many sellers pushing their wares on the way out to the car park. I’m all for shopping local and I usually enjoy it but this was really uncomfortable. We’ve opted to avoid Dunn’s River Falls during future visits but if you think you’d regret skipping it, absolutely visit.
Try to visit on a day when there aren’t any, or many, cruise ships in port, try to arrive early in the morning at opening, and remember to bring your water shoes as the rocks can get slippery. Remember though, if you’re short on time there are many other wonderful things to do with kids near Ocho Rios.
Final Thoughts:
We hope you enjoy these fantastic excursions. If you’re looking for something else to do with kids in Jamaica, reach out and hopefully we can help.
There are so many people that go to an all-inclusive resort and don’t leave the confines of their resort. I can’t imagine visiting any location and seeing nothing outside my hotel. To visit, but not meet the people. To visit, but not see the country itself. That, for us, isn’t an enjoyable travel experience since for our family, enjoying travel is so intertwined with the people and place we’re visiting.
Happy exploring where ever you go!
If you’re looking for a great resort that is near all these wonderful activities, check out our review on Jewel Runaway Bay. It was fantastic for our family of five.
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20 Comments
Carol Colborn · November 16, 2018 at 11:04 pm
Someone told me that Jamaica is the most expensive part of the Caribbean. What you showed here does not look expensive at all! And the waterfalls and the Blue Hole and Scotchies look like great choices!
Juliette · November 16, 2018 at 6:24 pm
What a great place to visit as a family – and without kids too. A shame about the rainfall turning the Blue Hole into a Brown Hill but sounds like it didn’t stop the fun too much and the area still seemed pretty magical too. Scotchies sounds fascinating – and what a cool way to watch all the meat cook! That in itself is worth visiting just to see that. Jamaica is high on my list to visit! I love this kind of island-life.
Dan · November 16, 2018 at 9:05 am
The bamboo rafting looks really fun – even for an adult like me! I do agree with you that not leaving your resort is a big regret for a beautiful country like Jamaica.
Maggie · November 15, 2018 at 7:39 pm
I feel like Jamaica has gotten a bad rap in recent years because of how touristy the cruise industry has made it. I haven’t been, but it still seems like a wonderful place to visit! I’d definitely want to check out places like the Blue Hole, where the cruise ships don’t venture too. And I agree about the grocery stores – one of my favorite places to go in a foreign country!!
Michael Hodgson · November 14, 2018 at 7:57 pm
The Blue Hole sounds amazing, and not just because the cruise ship crowds don’t go there. LOVE your advice about visiting a grocery store. We do that too, in any country we visit. You learn so muchy about the people, the culture, the food and often it is the perfect place to buy trinkets and gifts for friends back home that are not your typical tourist kiche.
Melody Pittman · November 14, 2018 at 1:17 pm
Your trip looks great and I love the excitement on the kids’ faces. 😉 They sure are brave jumping off the cliffs at Blue Hole. 😉 I’ll be honest and admit that after 3 visits to Jamaica, it is my least favorite place, but it may just be the towns I have been in. I also live at a beach and part-time in Panama so the scenery is pretty much the same so not very exciting for me. However, I love your suggestions and appreciate you sharing.
Angela · November 14, 2018 at 12:49 pm
So why have I not known there is this much to do in Jamaica? Anyone I know stays at the resorts and rarely adventures out. So many awesome things though! Those falls and the Blue Hole. How cool!
Lance · November 13, 2018 at 8:49 am
My wife and I went to Jamaica on our honeymoon and loved rafting on the White River. Our son has been begging to go to Jamaica, so it is on our short list. We love caves, and would enjoy visiting the Green Grotto Caves and imagining pirates hiding their booty. We also would enjoy going to Discovery Park and learning about the history of Columbus in Jamaica. Thanks for the great, family friendly suggestions.
Kavita Favelle · November 13, 2018 at 5:17 am
The Konoka Falls look amazing, and far less crowded than the ones at Dunns River, which we visited during our honeymoon in Jamaica more than two decades ago. The Blue hole looks a bit muddy rather than blue but still fun to visit, as does the Green Grotto Caves and the river rafting – great to explore the natural features of Jamaica. Also love the suggestions to visit local schools and grocery stores, a great way to understand local life and culture. Ferngully market also looks wonderful!
Joanne · November 13, 2018 at 8:38 am
Hi Kavita. How great that you visited Jamaica for your honeymoon! Yes, Konoko Falls is much more peaceful than Dunn’s River. The Blue Hole was definitely brown that day. It’s normally a beautiful bright blue but we visited after several weeks of heavy rain. It didn’t feel at all muddy but the coloration was definitely off.
Cynthia · November 12, 2018 at 2:46 pm
Local grocery stores have always been my trick for inexpensive, easy to carry souvenirs – my nephews love getting candy and other treats from my travels and I like buying local spices to use in my cooking for the rest of the year – brings back great memories everytime I use them! Konoko Falls and the River Rafting both look like great fun, I’ll definitely bookmark your list for when I finally visit Jamaica!
Joanne · November 13, 2018 at 8:39 am
Hi Cynthia. I totally agree. We visit local grocery stores wherever we travel for exactly the same reasons as you.
Jerry and Fiona · November 12, 2018 at 12:08 pm
So true what you say about visiting a grocery store, no matter where you happen to be visiting. That is one of the first things we do.
The food is Jamaica is amazing! How can we forget the breadfruit, gnips, escabeche fish, curried goat and, of course, jerk pork and chicken.
We rented a car which was a great way to get around. As a yank, it meant driving on the left for the first time – we returned the car wonderfully free of dents and dings.
Dunn’s River falls looks beautiful but sounds like running the gauntlet of tourists and touts can be a bit much.
If we return in the future we’d like to see the south coast and Treasure Beach.
Joanne · November 13, 2018 at 8:40 am
Hi Jerry and Fiona. We’d love to visit the south coast as well. There were several places we wanted to visit there during our last trip but it was too far from the north coast. One day! You’re very brave to drive in Jamaica. And lucky you didn’t have any issues. The drivers in Jamaica are very unpredictable!
Alma · November 12, 2018 at 2:23 am
Lots of great things for families to do! I agree with you – even if we go to a resort, we still like to explore and see more of a country and it’s people or cultures. I love going to the markets to see the real essence of a country’s existence.
Joanne · November 13, 2018 at 8:41 am
Hi Alma. I agree! Love finding the local fruits and vegetables!
Roxanna · November 11, 2018 at 9:23 pm
What a great collection of outdoor activities for a family. I think in our family, kids, grandkids, and grandma, would enjoy all of these. I had never really thought about Jamaica before but this makes me rethink!
Joanne · November 13, 2018 at 8:42 am
Jamaica has so many activities for kids. I bet your family would love it!
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