Hi We5Play. Nope, no pool at Paradise. There are plenty of pools South of the Boca, if access to town is important to you. If not, no problem. The hand ferry closes about 8:00 p.m., so keep that in mind if you want to come in town later than that. If the kids like to interact with other kids, probably south of the Boca is something to look into. Theres a nice playground right at the south edge of the Boca, and water slides, etc. At night, lots of the residents and their kids hang out at "Central Park". That always cracks me up, I lived in NYC over 10 years, so my concept of a Central Park is a bit different! Good news re Central Park, you can sit at Jambel Jerk Pit right across from it and keep and eye on them. There's also a bunch of fast food places (Belizean style) right across from Jambel. Never ate there, but I hear great things about the very farthest one from the beach. Supposed to have great meat tortillas. Kids sure seem to love it. You're going to have a great time, no matter what you do or where you go.
Re Placencia, great place, but unless I'm mistaken, no cave tubing or antiquities en route. For that you have to head towards San Ignacio and Mountain Pine Ridge. Also, for just antiquities, you could head north to Lamani. But, to me, best bang for your buck is heading towards San Ignacio. You get the city which is certainly worth a view, the Zoo, just outside the city, a break at JB's if you choose, lunch at Clarissa Falls and beautiful Xuanantanich. From there, if you overnight in the area, its a quick run to cave tubing the next morning. Its less than 80 miles from Belize City to San Ignacio, as I recall, on a good road, so a really easy run. Placencia is a different thing altogether. I haven't been there since the last hurricaine, so much has changed, I'm sure. Its very laid back. As is Caye Caulker, an easy boat ride away. Come to think of it, there may be a boat to Placencia. Anyone know? I think I've heard of it. Have fun! Be sure to get at least one liquado for the kids while on AC. Oh, so good!!!!!!