Man, where do I even begin? Sitting here, sipping green tea, staring at my office walls, my mind just drifts back. Not to some grand adventure abroad, not to a five-star resort, but to the good old days. The days of school trips. The kinda trips that shaped a Jamaican youth, long before “influencer” was even a word.
Common Entrance Crunch
The year was, well, let’s just say a good while ago. But the memory’s fresh as ackee and saltfish. We were in the thick of it, the Common Entrance Exam. Three papers: Math, English and Mental Ability. It was grueling. And for me? The pressure cooker was on high heat. My Auntie, Lorna Downie wasn’t just my Grade 5 teacher; she was the Don of Grade 5. You messed up and you felt the canning on your behind. Back then, corporal punishment was acceptable.
So, you can imagine the collective sigh of relief when those exams were over. When that final paper was done, all we craved was to just be free. And where were we going? Apple Valley Farm, St. Elizabeth. That morning, we arrived at Jessie Ripoll extra early, corn beef sandwiches filled our bags that our parents packed with love.The journey from South Camp Road felt like a trek to another island, but trust me, it was worth every mile.
Here are the top places for School Trips
Apple Valley Farm
Just the name itself brings a smile. It was like Serenity Park but with its own vibe. Wide-open spaces, sprawling fields, and a menagerie of animals that felt like they were just chilling, living their best life. For a 10-year-old primary school kid, this place was magic. We’d chase peacocks, watch the goats doing their thing, and just run free. No tests, no pressure, just pure, unadulterated country air and the freedom to explore. It was the perfect antidote to exam stress, a real slice of Jamaican pastoral bliss.
Coconut Park
Before Apple Valley, before even the thought of Common Entrance, there was Coconut Park. Man, that place was legendary. Located in the heart of Kingston, it was the ultimate weekend escape for us as little pickney.
The park offered a range of attractions, but for me, the bumper cars were king. You remember those? Little electric vehicles with an antenna stretching up to the roof for power. We’d drive those bad boys right into each other, bouncing and laughing until our sides hurt. Then there was the short roller coaster circuit. I can still picture that height meter, standing there on tiptoes, praying I was tall enough to get on. And the merry-go-round? We weren’t just riding horses; we were cowboys, hands shaped like guns, shooting at each other with imaginary bullets. Good times, pure joy. It’s a shame it all came to an end in 1997. The place just… faded. A piece of Kingston history, gone.
Coney Park
Now, Coney Park. This was a personal favorite, even if I didn’t get to go as often as I wanted. Located on Ferry, where Hydel High School stands today, Coney Park was a different beast altogether.
Construction on the park started in January 1989 and it finally opened its doors in October of that same year, owned by Delroy Cowan. It boasted the highest roller coaster in Jamaica! You heard me, the highest. And the video games? Galore! Arcade-style games, claw machines, go-karts, motorcycle simulators – it was a sensory overload in the best possible way.
But Coney Park was more than just rides and games. This was the 90s, the era of Simpleton’s greatest hits like “Coca Cola Bottle Shape” and “Quarter to 12” blasting from every speaker. Coney Park was the spot for major teen events like Teen Splash and Teen Star Search, put on by Linval Gibbons of Gibbons Productions. I remember watching those shows, the crowd going wild, and especially the dynamic father-and-son dancing duo, both one-footed, tearing up the stage. They were truly something else. Unfortunately, like Coconut Park, Coney Park’s run was short-lived, closing in 1995 due to profitability issues. A real loss for us Jamaican teens back then.
Serenity Park
While the thrill of the rides was exhilarating, some trips were about connecting with nature, finding a bit of calm. That’s where Serenity Park came in. This privately-owned spot in Bushy Park, St. Catherine, was all about animals and green space.
Last time I was there, the peacocks were strutting around like they owned the place, their feathers fanned out in a dazzling display. And the fishing ponds? That was a highlight. You could actually keep the fish you caught! Imagine the bragging rights amongst your friends if you reeled in a big one. Serenity Park was a breath of fresh air, a place to slow down, observe, and just be.
Hope Gardens
Hope Gardens. This was an all-inclusive trip, a true Kingston staple. The sheer expanse of greenery, the meticulously kept gardens, it was a world away from the city hustle. And back in my day, there was a life-sized maze that would challenge even the most directionally-savvy kid. We’d get lost in there for ages, laughing and yelling for our friends.
And if you had a few extra cash, you’d venture over to Hope Zoo, right there on the same property. Back then, it wasn’t as vast or as populated with exotic animals as it is now. But still, seeing the lions, monkeys, and all the creatures was a treat. Hope Gardens wasn’t just a place to run around; it was a place to learn, to appreciate the natural beauty of our island, and to get a glimpse into the animal kingdom.
Education Through Exploration
Beyond the pure fun, some school trips were about getting a dose of history and culture, bringing the textbooks to life. Rose Hall Great House and Green Grotto were prime examples.
Rose Hall Great House, located in Montego Bay, is steeped in folklore and history. The tales of Annie Palmer, the “White Witch of Rose Hall,” sent shivers down our spines even in broad daylight. We’d walk through the grand rooms, imagine the lavish parties, and then hear the chilling stories of her alleged dark deeds. For a school tour, it was perfect. It ignited our imaginations, made us question the past, and gave us a tangible link to Jamaica’s plantation history – the good, the bad, and the truly unsettling. Learning about the lives of both the enslavers and the enslaved, understanding the complexities of that era, it was a profound experience that stayed with you.
Then there was Green Grotto Caves in Discovery Bay. This place was truly awe-inspiring. Walking through those ancient limestone caves, with their stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years, felt like stepping into another world. Our guides would point out the various formations, tell us about the history of the caves – how they served as a hideout for runaway slaves and later for Spanish settlers fleeing the English. The underground lake, the cool, damp air, the sheer geological marvel of it all – it was a living science lesson. It taught us about the island’s natural processes and its role in significant historical events. These trips weren’t just about memorizing facts; they were about feeling history, experiencing it firsthand.
These school trips were about building friendships, creating memories that would last a lifetime, and learning about our island in ways no textbook ever could. From the adrenaline rush of bumper cars to the quiet contemplation of ancient caves, each trip added a layer to our understanding of Jamaica and, more importantly, to ourselves. And for that, I’m eternally grateful. Kareem LaTouche, signing off from KareemsQuest.com, still chasing new adventures, but always with a nod to the cherished journeys of yesterday.
Did we leave anywhere off the list? Let us know in the comment section below.
Watch the latest Kareem’s Quest Podcast videos on YouTube, click the link below
Follow Kareem’s Quest
Create your own adventure
Craving your own Jamaican escape? Head over to our TOUR PAGE to connect with Kareem’s Quest! We can help you plan your itinerary, find the perfect hotels and adventures, and ensure you experience the authentic side of Jamaica. Get ready to fall in love with Jamaica, mon!
