Ocho Rios with little ones...what to do?

[cuppycakemom]

Help from those of you in the know...it will be our first time cruising to Jamaica (jan 2009). We have two girls, who will be almost 6 and 3.5.....thoughts as to what to do?

 

All thoughts welcome, though we lean more towards our own adventures rather than private tours (USUALLY).....suggestions for either....???

 

Thanks in advance!

[myraid]

We have been twice to Bamboo Beach Club- once when DS was 1 1/2 and then a year later. Both times we had a great time- the beach is perfect for him because it is shallow and safe for him to splash around. Great food, great entertainment. Very fun indeed.

 

It is also just a short walk or cab ride (depending on where you dock), so it is very convenient.

 

Happy cruising!:D

[TropicalPorts]

Our 4 year old daughter has been to Ocho Rios 3 times now and each time we found different things to do.

 

First time when she was 3, we did the beach party right outside the terminal.

When she was 4, she actually climbed dunn's river falls.. just watch out for the overly pushy guides who might want to climb them up too fast then let her play at margaritaville

 

The best bet for little ones there is a landing about 1/2 way down where they can go in waist high (for them) water and just wade around.

 

When you exit go through the main gate.. DO NOT go through the shopping village as it can be a nightmare of bullish people wanting you to buy from them and can get VERY annoying and frightening for a child.

[Javacruiser]

In Jamaica it is highly recommended that you book a reputable tour guide. We booked with Mark Morris for our group which included a 7 & 9 yr. old. You will find other good guides mentioned on this board but don't "wing it" there. One thing you may want to keep in mind depending on your openness with the kids. We wanted to include Fern Gully as part of our tour and we were warned by Mark that there would be some "riske" art carvings alongside the road at local vendors. It was a beautiful ride but the life size carvings of men with 3 foot long "body extensions" can be an interesting explanation for the kiddies. We distracted them well enough where no questions were asked. Jamaica is a beautiful place but it certainly has it's problems. We were able to see all sides of Jamaica "safely" and really enjoyed the insights of our guide.

[Jiffymom]

We are going next month with a 5 and 7 yr old. I have been there twice before so this time ( with kids) we decided to just have a relaxing day on the ship. I might book a spa treatment and depending what the kids clubs offer our girls will probably hang out at the pool. Maybe a good day for a nap to get rest caught up. I think for sure we will venture out to Margarittaville for lunch and play at their beach for a hour or so then wonder back to the ship to enjoy. There is nothing that I think our girls would truly enjoy and for sure don't want them walking around the town. All the other islands we have tours planned so like I say we decided Ocho Rios is a ship day.