Jamaica with Kids: Which is better – Ocho Rios, Monego Bay or Negril?

Jamaica with kids; img. courtesy of; strictly-vegan.com

Planning a Jamaica Family Vacation, and want to know which is better for kids – Ocho Rios, Monego Bay or Negril? It may be a tough choice, but if you’re trying to narrow your trip down, and can only choose between popular destinations like; Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril for your family vacation to Jamaica, then you’ve come to the right place mon!  Also, if you’re looking for insider tips for a Jamaica family vacation, see this post here. Read on to find out which Jamaican destination is best for kids.

Jamaica is a great place for a family vacation, as it offers gorgeous long beaches, protected coves, rugged mountains, waterfalls (like the famous Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios), amazing caves and plenty of sunshine. You can take your family on horse riding excursions, scuba and snorkeling, or  swim with dolphins, the choices are limitless.

kids-club-at-half-moon-rock-resort-jamaica img. courtesy of ; ciaobambino

Family-Travel-Scoop.com wrote a fabulous article all about Negril, Ocho Rios and Negril for a family vacation and has some great tips,  here’s a snippet:

Negril is one of the best places for a Jamaica family vacation. It has 7 miles of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters to stroll along as well as stunning cliff side properties to watch sunsets along.

There are so many fun things to do in Negril with your kids. Don’t miss out on seeing the cliff divers at Rick’s Cafe or enjoy my family’s favorite day trip to YS Falls.

For Montego Bay; There is lots to explore here with the family-don’t miss the river rafting on the nearby Martha Brae or feeding the birds by hand and Rockland bird sanctuary. There are so many fun things to do in Montego Bay with the kids.

Ocho Rios; home of Dunn’s River Falls. -Your older kids won’t want to miss a chance to climb these amazing waterfalls as well as ride the bobsled down the nearby Mystic Mountain! Your Jamaica family vacation will be filled with fun things to do with the kids in Ocho Rios.

Jamaica Family Trip Reports

Some say Negril is supposedly more of a party vibe with great sunsets and beaches, but others say it’s the most quiet, whereas Ocho Rios is supposedly more calm and lush/ tropical , but everyone has different opinions on this. If you are only staying for a week, Montego Bay is the best to see the country , as you are right in between Negril and Ocho Rios, but Negril does have the longest beach. And Montego Bay is closest to the airport. Ocho Rios is according to some more quaint and quiet, but with Negril having the 7 mile beach and best sunsets, it really depends on the ages of your kids, and how much adventure, or quiet you’re looking for.

But out of everything I’ve read it seems Negril might be the best for kids, (as the beaches are perfect for families) unless you prefer more of a lively atmosphere with shopping, great restaurants, and such. Montego Bay is  right near the airport, has amazing beaches (as do all of Jamaica),  is more designed for tourists, but if you’re family is into adventures, Ocho Rios is the place (also where Dunns River Falls is located).

The absolute BEST (and rated #1 many times over for the best family friendly all inclusive resorts) are the “Beaches” all inclusive resorts.

Beaches Negril Resort & Spa All – Inclusive family resort on 7 mile beach

Beaches Sandy Bay Ultra All-inclusive family resort in Negril

So make your informed decision on your family vacation to Jamaica with kids and decide for yourself – which is better, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, or Negril? Which would you choose?

More Kid Friendly Resorts and All Inclusive Resorts and Hotels in Jamaica;

Find great deals at BestKidFriendlyTravel for Jamaican kid friendly resorts, hotels and more

Riu Montego Bay Hotel All Inclusive in Montego Bay

Riu Montego Bay Hotel is the perfect place built along a shimmering beach surrounded by gardens. Less than 3 miles from downtown Montego Bay, 2 miles from the international airport and next door to a shopping center, this island oasis offers a wide variety of activities and deluxe accommodations in a beautiful setting.Facilities include sun loungers on the beach, swimming pool w/ adjoining Jacuzzi, kids pool, playground & mini-club, sun terrace, free Wi-Fi in lobby, gym, sauna, jacuzzi, gift shop, conference room (fee), games room w/ slot machine and video games, 2 lighted tennis courts, non-motorized watersports, catamaran, 1 introductory scuba diving lesson in the pool, daily entertainment programs for children (ages 4-12) and adults, shows or live music, Pacha night club.All inclusive meals, snacks and drinks at Rose Hall main restaurant (buffet style), Kalu Asian cuisine, Little Italy restaurant, Mahoe Bay poolside restaurant/grill and steak house, Exodus lounge bar, Coconut bar, Tai-Tai poolside & swim-up bar, Sports bar and 24 hour snacks & unlimited local and imported beverages. A la carte restaurants require previous reservation and specific dress code.701 rooms split up into standard, family rooms and suites equipped with A/C, bathroom, ceiling fan, hairdryer, iron & ironing table, radio alarm clock, satellite TV, direct dial phone, regularly restocked mini-bar & liquor dispenser, electronic in room safe (laptop size 15 inch) and balcony or terrace. Suites adds bathroom with hydro-massage bathtub, shower cabin and bidet, integrated lounge area w/ 2 steps between levels w/ sofa. All current hotel taxes, gratuities and service charges are included in the room cost.

Book this family vacation with BestKidFriendlyTravel.com!

Be sure to check out these helpful posts:

Best Montego Bay Family Resorts

Montego Bay Family Activities

Best Rated All-Inclusive family resorts in Jamaica

Insider Tips for Jamaica Family Vacation

Family Activities in Jamaica; Luminous Lagoon Montego Bay

If you’ve visited Jamaica with kids on your family vacation, leave us a comment, we’d love to hear your opinion!

Find this and other family resorts through BestKidFriendlyTravel.com!