Fun spots for the family - Children complete the family unit and having fun together is important for bonding and to make them feel loved.
published: Saturday | November 5, 2005

Visitors go horseback riding at the Good Hope Great House in Trelawny. - - CARLINGTON WILMOT/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER

Here are some places that the entire family can enjoy. - ST. CATHERINE

GUARDSMAN SERENITY PARK, SPRING VILLAGE

Enjoy playing dominoes, football and other games. Go fishing, horseback and pony riding. There's a pet zoo with exotic animals such as llamas, buffaloes and birds. Open Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on public holidays. Telephone: 708-5515-7.

ST. ANN

DOLPHIN'S COVE, OCHO RIOS

Offers an interactive dolphin programme that includes touching, swimming, playing, splashing, and getting a kiss from a dolphin! The Cove opens daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone: 974-5335.

SHAW PARK BOTANICAL GARDENS, OCHO RIOS

A garden with a waterfall running through it. Swimming facilities available. Opens daily, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone: 974-2723.

CHUKKA CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE TOURS, LLANDOVERY ST. ANN'S BAY

Take a musical pilgrimage to Bob Marley's birthplace with their Zion
Bus Line or an off-road experience with the Jeep Safari tour. Call them for arrangements. Opens daily, 8: 00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. reservations a day in advance. Telephone: 972-250.

GREEN GROTTO CAVES AND ATTRACTIONS, DISCOVERY BAY

Enjoy a guided tour of the caves said to have been used by runaway slaves, during the Spanish and British rule. The caves are home to 10 endemic species of bats and an underwater lake. The walking tour is educational, historic and fun. Opens daily, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Jamaican residents: Children $200; adults $500. Telephone: 973-3217.

DUNN'S RIVER FALLS AND PARK, OCHO RIOS

Dunn's River Falls is the perfect environment for fun and relaxation for the entire family. Climb the falls in a human chain led by experienced guides; stop at the 'massage parlour' and experience the soothing effects of the water as it cascades to the sea; take a swim at the beach; or stroll around the property of lush tropical foliage. Opens daily, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telephone: 974-2857/5944/4767.

WESTMORELAND

MAYFIELD FALLS AND MINERAL SPRINGS, GLENBROOK

A wet tour of 21 natural pools and two falls. Children's pool with facility for playing ball, swings, bounce-about, volleyball, cricket, restaurant, a bar, for the adults, entertainment centre and a park. Opens daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reservations are a must for trips and includes lunch. Telephone: 971-6580.

ST. JAMES

CORAL CLIFF HOTEL AND ENTERTAINMENT RESORT, MONTEGO BAY

The downstairs area of this facility boasts a wonderful activity area for children while adults can 'play' upstairs. Telephone: 952-4130.

AQUASOL THEME PARK, WALTER FLETCHER BEACH, MONTEGO BAY

Located near the Hip Strip, this beach theme park features water sports and go-kart racing. The beautiful, manicured grounds, pristine beach, secure location and underwater murals make this a great spot for families. Other attractions include the Voyage Sports Bar & Grill, a gift shop, children's snack bar and tennis courts. Rent kayaks, glass-bottomed boats, snorkelling equipment and other water sports gear. Opens daily, 9:00 a.m. onwards. Telephone: 979-9447.

KINGSTON & ST. ANDREW

FORT CHARLES MARITIME MUSEUM, PORT ROYAL

The museum is housed in the building that served as headquarters for the British Royal Navy during the 1700s, when they commanded this vulnerable entrance to the harbour. The small museum has a collection of general memorabilia, relics from the 1700s, a collection of sailing vessel scale models and a mock-up of Horatio Nelson's private quarters are also
on display. After your visit, walk to Gloria's Restaurant for some fish.

PUTT'N PLAY MINI GOLF PARK

A golf academy that features go-kart, a bar and a miniature golf field. Telephone: 906-4814.

DEVON HOUSE

This classic 19th-century mansion captures Jamaica's architectural past. Nestled between towering palm trees overlooking a fountain, the restored landmark stands out prominently amidst the urban backdrop of Kingston. The adjoining courtyard has craft and souvenir shops, a restaurant and an ice cream shop, that is world-renowed, that specialises in exotic Jamaican fruit flavours. This is a haven for everyone, from lovers and seniors to students and children who want to enjoy an ice cream cone. Opens daily, 10:00 a.m. onwards. Telephone: 929-6602/926-0829

EMANCIPATION PARK

At New Kingston's newest landmark, Emancipation Park, have a family photo taken, eat cotton candy, read, jog or watch the fountains.

FLAMSTEAD MUSEUM

View 17th century sculptures and architecture and read about Jamaica's history. Opening hours, 6:30 to 10 p.m. daily. Telephone: 970-2286.

THE NATIONAL GALLERY

View artworks, including ceramics, dating back to the 18th century done by well-known artists such as Cecil Baugh and Carl Abrahams. Or, scroll the Kapo section that features the works ­ paintings and sculptures ­ by Mallica 'Kapo' Reynolds. Opening hours are: Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 to 3:00 p.m. Telephone: 922-1561/8540

THE BOB MARLEY MUSEUM

Take a tour of the legendary Bob Marley's residence and where his studio existed. See his bedroom, read about him, and touch his clothes. The tour ends with a 20-minute presentation on the life of Bob Marley. There is also a restaurant, a gift shop and a beauty salon. Opening hours Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telephone: 927-9152.

TRELAWNY

GOOD HOPE, FALMOUTH

The country house sits atop a hill, allowing an incredible view of the 2,000-acre valley. There is a river cottage tour, horseback riding, an orange field, a waterwheel history tour plus lunch and dinner. Telephone: Tel: 610-5798

ST. MARY

CASTLETON GARDENS, JUNCTION ROAD

Located about an hour's drive from Kingston, Castleton Gardens is anchored on a landscape dominated by ravines and tall mountain ranges. This lush, unbelievably beautiful garden is located on 15 acres and is bordered by the main road on one side and a river on the other. The flora includes the most exotic, often indigenous ferns and majestic palms. The picnic areas are sheltered by some of the island's most elegant trees. Opening hours 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

WHITE RIVER VALLEY, ENDEAVOUR, CASCADE

There are three tours - horseback riding, river tubing, and kayak. The river tubing and kayak go through the White River that features gardens with different species of flowers, while the horseback tour goes into the valley, hills and over the Spanish Bridge of St. Mary. If you are timid to try one of the tours, the White River Valley compound has a pond, restaurant and gift shop. Opening hours, daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the last tour goes off at 2: 00 p.m. Telephone: 917-3373/3375-6

PROSPECT PLANTATION, PROSPECT

Explore an 18th century estate that offers a cultural and entertaining package. Experience a jitney tour of the plantation as well as horseback riding; feel the awe of riding through forest alongside the rushing White River; have a picnic in a secluded garden; view the butterfly house; or visit the ostrich farm. Reservations required. Opening hours, daily, are 8: 00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telephone: 994-1058

­ Compiled by Shelly-Ann Thompson