Taking Kids to Negril - Any Activity Suggestions???

First off, I would like to say this is my first post to the Negril Message Board. This is top notch information from people that truly love Negril. I love reading the stories.

My wife and I have been to Jamaica 6 times (we were married in JA in 1999) and we have booked our 7th trip and we are taking our 8 and 11 y/o girls. We found a decent AI deal at the RIU Negril. Our kids have been once before when they were pretty young so we just stayed at the resort. Now that they are older, I was wondering if there's any fun activities off the resort. Does anybody have any suggestions? Keep in mind that we really don't want to travel far.

I was thinking of taking them to Margaretville early in the day. That way they could play on the trampolines and slides. Then we can talk a walk down the 7 mile beach.

Just like any city, there's seedy places you don't want to take your kids. The last time I was in downtown Negril, (without kids) I felt a bit threatened while I was shopping. I wanted to spend my money on the Jamaican locals selling souvenirs and not the shops owned by middle-easterners. When we were shopping, there was a man that insisted on walking us from shop to shop. I'm not really sure what service he was providing besides walking ahead of us and pointing to the next tent. I loved the people selling items and I got to see many people making their wood carvings. However, there was this annoying fella following us around. At the end of our shopping, he wanted money for showing us around. My friend gave him $5 USD and he started to get irate. Out of nowhere (like a super hero) our taxi driver drives up to us really fast slamming on his breaks in the gravel, tells us to get in the car, and then confronts the guy. I don't remember the taxi drivers name but I felt that he was watching us and protecting us. Good stuff! Anyway, I'm just looking into some places to take my kids in Negril. In no way am I suggesting that Negril is not a safe place. I'm from STL and there's been many times Ive felt uneasy with my environment when I have gone to sporting events downtown. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome aboard!!! Might try the water park on Norman Manley Blvd. The kids seem to love it there. Also, might consider a day at Rhodes Hall Resort. Peaceful, beautiful, they can hang out on the beach, snorkel, check out the peacock...and just have room to run. A family horseback riding trip would be fun also. A trip in town to Devons for Ice Cream is always a treat. On Sundays, head up the beach a little and generally a lot of the locals are enjoying the beach. Nice time for you and the family to hang out, let the kids mingle and just have fun. THe cultural experiences will last a lifetime. Have fun and enjoy!

Ahh,Did i hear Rhodes Hall:)-A day trip to Rhodes would be a nice little road trip.Horseback riding around the Plantation,then swiming with the horses to cool off,after they take your pics.Go see Marsel and rent some snorkel equipment for 5.00usd a day.GREAT snorkeling all round there.You could go to the private beach behind Bayview Restraunt(which that place ROCKS!!!)You could sit under the shade trees and either watch or join the kids playing in the wata or join them.Check out the peacocks,chickens and look around for mongooses.I could go on forever:)-Sorry:)-this is JMO:)

Margaritville is fine, but it is just like home. The beach bars such as Sun Beach (one of many) will let you use their beach and you can get drinks and food too. On your beach walk, stop at Niahs for a patty.
I would take my kids to Seastar on Saturday night for dinner and the show, but be advised you may see folks enjoying local herbs.
I know that you will have a blast.

Thanks Yetta! I never knew there was a water park on Norman Manley Blvd. Thanks for all your suggestions! Rhodes Hall Resort sounds fun for a day too. I will definately look into all of these. We'll be there the first week of June. Normally I don't plan anything, but feel I should this time with the kids.

Ok, Ive had two suggestions for Rhodes Hall. I will definately check into this. Thanks Vince!

I just got back from a trip with my 10 & 11 year old kids. They had a blast. They loved the trampoline at Margaritaville!! We took them to Mayfield Falls and out to the reef snorkeling. I had Rhodes Hall on the list, just didn't get to it this trip! I found walking the beach and around town with the kids in tow people were very respectful. I was definetly not offered the usual items, lol, much lower pressure with kids around. Have fun!!

Rick's is cool too.My boy had fun cliff jumping:)

Our 7 yr old loved, loved the Kool Runnings water park, no lines, fun rides and lunch was good and very reasonable. We also went to Rhoades Hall for the first time and loved it. He at first was NOT into it, too quiet for him and no cotton candy man, no patty man, no ice cream man, lol very quiet and peaceful with the best snorkeling around and the infinity pool is awesome!! After chasing a few peacocks and seeing the alligators on the alligator tour he was happy and I am sure next year he will want to return. In my opinion I am sure your kiddos will enjoy both! Have fun!!!!

Thanks Katho, that's reassuring that your kids liked the trampolines at Margaritaville. I have a feeling mine would like it too. Plus it could be a starting point to walk the beach. I don't plan on eating at Margaritaville, I'll walk the beach for that. I'm really liking what I'm reading about Rhodes Hall too.

I would like to second suggesting Kool Runnings waterpark, they have some neat rides, no long lines, very observant and on the ball lifeguards too. :)

I also highly recommend the Saturday show at Seastar, which includes a buffet dinner that has some great authentic jamaican dishes along and the entertainment is fantastic, the drummers are unbelievably good and if you want to you can check out the live webcasts on Saturday to see for yourself at realnegril.com

Thanks for suggesting Seastar, Negrilaholic. Not only do I want to break away from the resort and get some authentic Jamaican food, I also would like to see the drummers. I'm a drummer and have been playing drums for about 25 years and I love reggae and steel drums. Irie!

Here's a pic of me playing at RIU TB in 2006. We had no electricity all day and that evening. Drums were the only form of entertainment.
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Have fun on your trip, I'm sure the kids are gonna have a blast regardless what ya'll do!

and please consider doing a trip report when you come back. Would be great to hear what ya'll end up doing, and how the kids like Jamaica!!

Check out this "Travel with Kids: Negril" episode.
It's got a lot of great tips and fun suggestions for activities you can enjoy with your kids!

http://www.5min.com/Video/Visit-Negr...aica-342500395

Have fun on your trip! :D

I just finished a week in Negril with my 7 and 9 year old. We had fun on the beach and made a trip to the Blue Hole followed by Rick,s. nEVER WORRIED about Margaritaville as we were staying right next door!

Thanks everbody for all your suggestions! I have plenty of great options. I was originally worried that there wouldn't be enough activities for the kids if they were to get bored. I could spend the entire week under a palm tree, but the kids have a lot more energy and a shorter attention span.

A big thank you to Clarity for sending the link to the video(s). Good stuff!

No worries mon,You are going to Jamaica!!!~All is well!!!:D