Schools are out on summer break and the Institute of Jamaica has sounded the abeng, calling on families to make use of the opportunity to take a trip to the historic Kingston facility.

"Oh, there is so much for them to see and to experience here!" said an animated Vivian Crawford. He is executive director of the institute and his passion for what he does showed in his eyes as he sat back in his office on Thursday.

"We have exhibitions on Port Royal and on the Spanish presence in Jamaica. They could visit the National Library and experience the showcase on classical music in Jamaica. So many things," he said.

Crawford is eager for families to take the trip together, insisting it could be an unforgettable experience.

"We get a lot of school tours all throughout the year, even during the summer. But I would really urge parents to come by with their children so that they can walk around and learn about their culture, together." He surmised that if more Jamaicans took the time out to learn about their heritage and Jamaica's influence on the world over the years, their own self-perception would be enhanced.

"We would belong," he said, simply.

Remember the time

That there's a lot to see at the institute is unquestionable. The journey begins the minute you step through the doors of the East Street compound. There's currently a display, close to the entrance, celebrating the legacy of Michael Jackson. His videos are played next to a stool with a single white glove and a microphone. There's also a book which already more than a hundred persons have signed, sending farewell messages to the entertainer.

Naturally historic

The Museum of Natural History alone is worth the trip. And that takes into account the infamous downtown Kingston parking woes. Children in particular enjoy seeing the animals (dead, of course, but well preserved) and reading the different charts on the walls. Just by walking around the museum they learn about air, land and sea creatures while having the time of their lives. (They don't realise they're learning in the summer. Shhh!)

Music is life

Now, of course, there's also a section on Jamaican music. But this isn't your run-of-the-mill overview of Jamaica's music journey from ska to dancehall. This trip takes you all the way back to the African continent and shows the evolution of music and musical instruments through the days of slavery, mento, ska, reggae and dancehall. The journey ends with a drum machine donated by legendary musicians Sly and Robbie.

Music historian Herbie Miller is the director and curator of the Jamaica Music Museum and is normally around to answer any questions visitors may have. His knowledge on Jamaican music is extensive and his expert guidance through the journey is an experience for any music buff.

Hug a tree today

Now all you plant lovers out there, don't feel left out. The institute has you covered as well. The Botany Department manages a collection of more than 130,000 plant species. No matter how much you think you already know, believe us, you will be caught off guard by some of the stories associated with these plants. Again, experts are on hand and eager to answer any questions you may have.

Sounds like a full day? Well, you still haven't made it over to the National Library where a collection of rare books is a popular attraction for literature nuts like us. There's also the National Gallery and Liberty Hall, which, because of its association with National Hero Marcus Garvey, is a must visit. But more on those next week when we're sure you would have already decided that your visit to the Institute of Jamaica is long overdue.