Planning a 8-10 day family trip in July with 2 teenagers in Negril. Besides snorkeling, scuba and hanging out at beach, what sorts of activities are there out of Negril? We would be interested in waterfalls, ziplines, tours within an hour of two of Negril, jungle/nature tours. Also, is driving there not recommended? Is it safer to hire a driver or join a tour? We're not staying at an all-inclusive.

I think it is smarter and more relaxing to hire a driver (or join a tour if you are so inclined) unless you are familiar with and have spent time in Jamaica.

They drive on the 'wrong' side of the road, roads are not all in good repair, people drive crazy, and there are places inland on the island you really don't belong wandering around.

Sorry I can't help with activity suggestions. I love Negril and was there 10 days last summer but I didn't do a thing besides go to the beach, lounge around the cliffs, eat great food, and relax.

snorkeling is by small boats from the beach out to the reef. pick one & strike a deal for multiple ppl/days.
take a taxi up to rick's cafe on the cliffs one afternoon/evening. the kids will like the atmosphere, you will like the cocktails, they have cliff divers, sunset viewing & raggae at night.
look into a tour to the black river/YS falls ie: http://www.viator.com/tours/Negril/B.../d433-2424N_BR
or go to mayfield falls which is 45mins from negril.
there is a zip line near negril (under 2 hrs) . http://www.zipline-tours.com/directions.html
go see the lighthouse. in the morning dolphins swim in the waters below it.

Thank you Suze and Virginia!

You should consider going to the ff:

-Dunns river - nice falls but too touristy now
-Ys falls (I prefer this over dunns) - there's a zipline
-black river safari - fun boat ride
-Mayfields - beautiful for photographs
-Zimbali retreats - you will love the beautiful view of organic and natural plans in the hill (they call it the healing place) - http://www.zimbali-retreats.com/
-Percy's riverside retreats - pure relaxation, eco tours, nature
-Dolphins cove

We've been to these places on our last trip to Jamaica.My family, mostly my kids had a great time of their lives.

I really recommend getting a private driver. Driving is not recommended as it will take your time (looking for directions, dealing with bad roads, etc). Alrick Allen, our private tour guide, can take you to those places I mentioned. He is nice, young - your kids will surely get along with him.
More info: http://yourjamaicantourguide.com/

Aside from these tours he managed to take us to his house to taste some curry chicken and the goat farm where my kids enjoyed petting the goats.Not the usual thing we expected from a regular tour guide but that was the best things we received from him

enjoy your trip!