Family Holidays to Jamaica

Other popular holidays in the Caribbean

You can check out many more family holiday options in the Caribbean, such as the lush island of St Lucia with its sandy shores and rainforests.

The Dominican Republic is ideal for snorkelling and lazy beach days. Or, maybe you fancy historic Cuba which offers a Caribbean holiday with a cultural twist.

But, if Jamaica is the one for you check out our travel guide for more information on how to plan your trip. Here are a few family friendly hotel choices in Jamaica to get you started.

Other popular family holidays

Dominican Republic | Mexico | St Lucia | Costa Rica

Jamaica's stylish hotels provide a welcoming venue for all the family

Jamaica, birthplace of the legendary Bob Marley is a diverse island offering great beaches, delicious dishes and Caribbean charm in abundance.

With an average flight time of around nine hours your kids’ will have enough time for a few in-flight films and a nap before arriving on the island. Once there, Jamaica promises temperatures of around 29°C in July, dropping only slightly to 25°C in the winter months.

The beaches are Jamaica’s big draw with families loving the inviting sands and warm waters. There’s also the option of sightseeing with historic sites such as Falmouth’s Georgian old town offering a glimpse into the islands colonial past. Many families choose to stay in Negril due to its famous Seven Mile Beach, while the resort itself offers a low-key charm and a selection of shops and market stalls. Runaway Bay, situated on the north coast, has a laid-back vibe and is just an hour’s drive from the famous Dunn’s River Waterfalls.

While tranquil Trelawny, a pretty region with sublime beaches and rainforests, is a 20-minute drive away from the charming old coastal town of Falmouth. Another family favourite is Ocho Rios, with its impressive beaches, shopping opportunities, plus walking trails, waterfalls and gardens.

Best family friendly beaches

Jamaica’s beaches really are second to none and Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is one of the best. Stretching around a scenic bay with a selection of snack stands and beachfront bars it offers a bustling beach experience.

Runaway Bay boasts six kilometres of impressive sands and many of the seafront hotels have their own private patch. Also near Runaway Bay are the public beaches of Cardiff Hall and Fisherman’s Beach, both offering a selection of watersports. Trelawny has 10 beaches to its name, including Braco Beach with its crescent bays and rocky backdrops, and Burnwood Beach, which is dotted with barbecue shacks and has a kiteboarding school.

Best family activities in Jamaica

There’s plenty of fun to be had in Jamaica for families. In Negril children over six can ride a horse at Rhodes Hall Plantation or check out the Kool Runnings Adventure Park, which has 10 water slides and a wave pool. Runaway Bay offers a selection of natural attractions – don’t miss the Green Grotto Caves, which are around half a million years old and feature stalagmites, stalactites and an enchanting underground lake.

Within easy reach of Trelawny is Dolphin Cove where families can take part in a once in a lifetime dolphin encounter, while in Ocho Rios a trip to the famous Dunn’s River Waterfalls is an absolute must. The beautiful Botanical Gardens located on Eden Bower Road, which include cascading waterfalls, a koi pond and swimming pool, are another big draw.

Sensatori Resort Jamaica

Set on Seven Mile Beach, Sensatori Resort Jamaica is packed with a range of family friendly features. The children’s splash park, three main pools and hotel run kids’ club provide plenty of scope for fun. Adults and teenagers have just as much to keep them busy with a gym, fitness classes, beach volleyball and mini-football available. Those looking for water-based pursuits can check out the kayaks, boogie boards, hobby cats and canoes. There are four restaurants serving everything from pizza and pasta to Caribbean specialities and those travelling with young tots will appreciate the free baby kit, including a pushchair, cot and steriliser.

Royalton White Sands

The Royalton White Sands has its own hotel run kids’ club for four to 12 year olds as well as a teens’ club. This ensures parents have some free time to enjoy the hotel’s excellent facilities, like the fitness centre, going kayaking or snorkelling and taking advantage of an introductory scuba diving lesson. There are five bars so refreshment is always close at hand and the selection of restaurants offers healthy buffet meals, Italian and Japanese cuisine. Children and adults will love the cafe which serves coffee, pastries and ice-cream. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.