Family-Friendly Adventures in St James, Jamaica!

Greenwood Great House

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: A Day at Greenwood Great House

Morning Arrival

Start your day early to make the most of your visit to Greenwood Great House, located 15 minutes drive from Montego Bay, Jamaica. You can easily reach the location by renting a car or taking a taxi from your hotel.

Tour of Greenwood Great House

Arrive at Greenwood Great House by 10 AM to enjoy a leisurely tour. This historical plantation home, built in 1790 by the Barretts of Wimpole Street London, stands as a well-preserved testament to Jamaica"s colonial past. The house is famous for its rare collection of musical instruments and antique furniture, which will fascinate both young and old. Engage the kids by participating in a scavenger hunt, provided by the house, identifying various historical items throughout the tour.

Lunch Break

After the tour, enjoy a picnic in the lush gardens surrounding the property. Pack a lunch or grab some local Jamaican snacks from a nearby eatery. This will give you a feel of the local cuisine and also a chance to enjoy the scenic views and tropical breeze.

Interactive Learning

Post-lunch, join in on a short, interactive session often held in the afternoons, where you can learn about the coffee-making process. Greenwood was once a coffee plantation, and this demonstration is both informative and enjoyable, offering a hands-on experience for the children to understand agriculture and history combined.

Wrap Up with a Stroll

End your visit with a gentle stroll around the property. Capture some family photos with the panoramic view of the coastline and the lush countryside that Greenwood offers.

Departure

Plan to head back to your hotel by late afternoon, allowing the family to relax after an enriching day of historical exploration and fun.

This educational yet engaging visit to Greenwood Great House promises to be a memorable day for the whole family, blending history with scenic beauty and interactive learning.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Good Hope Estate

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary at Good Hope Estate, Jamaica

Morning: Arrival & Estate Exploration

Start your adventure at Good Souvenirs and the Trading House, where you can pick up a map and explore the rich history of one of Jamaica’s most famous historical plantations. Located in Trelawny, about half an hour from Montego Bay, the estate is easily accessible by car or taxi. Upon arrival, delve into the fascinating world of the 18th-century plantation with a guided tour that begins every hour. Learn about the estate"s past, from its origins in sugar and rum to its transformation into a cultural landmark.

Lunch: Patio Dining

Enjoy a delightful family lunch at the estate’s open-air restaurant, which offers traditional Jamaican cuisine with a modern twist. The jerk chicken is a must-try, perfectly paired with local sides like plantain and yam.

Afternoon: Adventure Park

After lunch, head over to the Chukka Adventure Park within the estate grounds. The park features activities suitable for all ages. Younger children will love the nature walks and bird watching, while older kids and adults can get their adrenaline pumping with ziplining or river tubing down the Martha Brae River. Make sure to pre-book these activities online to secure your spot.

Evening: Carriage Ride & Departure

Wrap up your visit with a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride around the estate. It"s a perfect way to unwind and soak in the scenic views of the lush countryside and historical buildings. The ride provides a gentle end to an exciting day.

Interesting Fact

Good Hope Estate was once owned by John Tharp, the largest land and slave owner in Jamaica, who was known for his progressive management practices for the era. His influence is noted in the preservation of many of the estate’s original structures.

Departure

Head back to your accommodation after a memorable day packed with history, culture, and adventure at Good Hope Estate.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Club Mobay Departure Lounge

Why Visit?

An exciting day awaits your family at Club Mobay Departure Lounge, a sanctuary of relaxation and fun at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Ideal for wrapping up your Jamaican vacation in style, here"s how to make the most of your visit:

### Before You Go:

- Book in Advance: Secure passes for Club Mobay online before your travel. This is especially crucial during peak travel seasons when the lounge can get busy.

- Travel Tips: Located in the airport, access to Club Mobay is straightforward. Once you’ve checked into your flight and passed through security, follow the signs to the lounge near Gate 9.

### Club Mobay Experience:

- Arrival: As you enter, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff who embody the warm Jamaican hospitality. They"ll explain all the available amenities and guide you through the lounge.

- Relax and Recharge: The lounge offers comfortable seating where you can unwind. Plug in your devices at the charging stations and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi to catch up on emails or upload last-minute vacation pics.

- Dining and Snacks: Treat your family to a wide array of complimentary snacks, from traditional Jamaican patties to sandwiches, fresh fruits, and desserts. The bar also serves a variety of drinks, including kid-friendly beverages and coffee.

- Entertainment for Kids: A dedicated play area keeps younger travelers entertained with games and activities, making it a fun wait for your flight.

- Spa Services: While the kids play, adults can enjoy some relaxation with available spa services, including massages (at an additional cost).

- Cultural Touch: Don’t miss the cultural displays and art throughout the lounge that celebrate Jamaica’s vibrant heritage.

### Departure:

- As your boarding time approaches, the lounge staff will remind you, ensuring a smooth departure to your gate.

Club Mobay is not just a waiting area but a delightful extension of your Jamaican holiday, ensuring that your family’s vacation vibe continues right until the last minute.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Rose Hall Great House

Why Visit?

Embark on a fascinating family adventure to Rose Hall Great House, a legendary Georgian mansion nestled in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This iconic estate, famous for its stunning architecture and captivating tales of its former mistress, Annie Palmer, known as the "White Witch of Rose Hall," offers an enthralling experience for all ages.

### Morning Arrival:

Start your day early to beat the crowds. Rose Hall is easily accessible by taxi or bus from major points in Montego Bay. Upon arrival, gather at the visitor center where you can purchase tickets. Family packages are available, which include guided tours that delve into the history of the mansion and its lush gardens.

### Guided Tour:

Join a guided tour, which starts at the top of every hour. As you wander through the beautifully restored mansion, your guide will share spine-tingling stories of love, murder, and mystery linked to Annie Palmer. The decor and antiques are a window into the opulent plantation lifestyle of the 18th century.

### Explore the Grounds:

After the indoor tour, take a leisurely stroll around the estate"s expansive gardens. The kids will enjoy the scenic views and might even spot some of the local wildlife. Be sure to walk over to the renowned Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, adjacent to the property, where stunning ocean views await.

### Lunch:

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the on-site restaurant, which offers a variety of dishes including local Jamaican cuisine. The terrace offers a panoramic view of the ocean - a perfect backdrop for a family meal.

### Afternoon Activities:

Conclude your visit by exploring the nearby aqueducts and ruins, or participate in some of the family-friendly activities organized by the estate, including craft workshops or a thrilling evening ghost tour, if the kids are old enough!

Rose Hall Great House not only provides a peek into Jamaica"s colonial past but also offers an engaging outing for families seeking a mix of education and entertainment.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Doctor"s Cave Beach

Why Visit?

Embark on a fun-filled family day at Doctor"s Cave Beach, a gem located in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Renowned for its clear turquoise waters and white sand, it"s accessible by a short taxi ride from the Montego Bay airport or nearby hotels.

Morning Arrival

Arrive early to enjoy the serenity before it gets busy. The beach opens at 8:30 AM. Entry fees are $6 for adults and $3 for kids, providing access to well-maintained facilities including changing rooms and showers.

Swim and Snorkel

First, dive into swimming or snorkeling. The beach is protected by coral reefs, making the waters calm and ideal for kids to snorkel safely. Rent snorkeling gear onsite and explore vibrant marine life.

Lunch Break

Around noon, head to the Groovy Grouper Beach Bar and Grill, located right at the beach. Enjoy delicious local dishes like jerk chicken or fish, providing a tasty and convenient dining option without leaving the beach.

Afternoon Activities

After lunch, rent a beach umbrella and lounge chairs (for a small fee), perfect for some relaxation while the kids build sandcastles or join a beach volleyball match.

Explore the Montego Bay Marine Park

In the afternoon, consider a guided tour of the nearby Montego Bay Marine Park, which showcases a variety of local ecosystems. It"s a short drive and offers educational fun about marine conservation.

Wrap Up

Finish your day with a stroll along the Hip Strip, just outside the beach entrance. It’s a vibrant area to shop for souvenirs, from local crafts to luxury goods, ensuring everyone takes a piece of Jamaica home.

Doctor"s Cave Beach is not just a beach; it"s a peek into the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Montego Bay, perfect for making family memories.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.