Costa Rica is a top-choice for family travel for many reasons not least because the culture is family orientated and Costa Ricans genuinely love kids.
Children are welcomed at almost every restaurant and event, as Costa Ricans tend to socialize with their immediate and extended families, as much or more so than with friends. Perfect strangers will cool over your baby and it is easy to have a friendly exchange with other families enjoying the same beach or hiking trail. They are curious and interested in other cultures and welcome the chance to practice English. Costa Rica offers lots of choices for both accommodation and activities for all ages and a genuine immersion into a natural world that kids love.
Visiting the Arenal Volcano National Park with its awe-inspiring iconic cone shape; you can hear the roaring of howler monkeys and the birdsongs from dawn in the forested area surrounding the volcano. The volcano’s last big eruption was in 1948, and its activity was intense until 2010. These days, the region remains popular for its natural beauty and the wide range of family friendly activities available. This popular National Park has an elevation of 1600 meters and is approximately 3,000 yrs. old. The volcano’s last big eruption was in 1948 and its most active period was between 1958-1992. What kid doesn’t think that volcanoes are cool?
Tabacon Hot Springs has several trails that lead to both cold and natural hot springs, a waterfall, bridges and manmade swimming pools with a slide, bars and restaurants you can swim up to place your order for smoothies and cocktails. The breathtaking sight of the Arenal Volcano is visible in the distance from almost everywhere in the resort. This maybe a good choice for mom and pop to have an evening away alone if traveling with older children or grandparents to babysit.
Los Lagos Spa & Resort offers a selection of thermal pools at differing temperatures with slides for the kids, onsite restaurant as well as a swim-up bar for cocktails and refreshments. An on-site butterfly garden, crocodile exhibit, frog and turtle pond, and a leaf- cutter ant farm, duck pond and on-site canopy. The facilities are more than enough to keep the whole family entertained.
Sky Tram and Sky Trek Tours allow two options to enjoy the rainforest experience. Either zipline your way through the lush canopy or relax in an open-air gondola while taking in the flora and fauna of the region. Ziplining is unsuitable for very small children, but an absolute must for teens!
Arenal Lake has been a popular spot for fishing and watersports, like windsurfing and SUP, since it was enlarged to improve hydro-electric production. Try a gentle boat ride on the lake’s waters to view a magical sunset for the end to another great family vacation day.
The Suspended Bridges offer a unique birds’ eye view of the jungle canopy and the beautiful scenery that surrounds the Arenal Volcano. The walk consists of 3.1 km of 9 fixed bridges and 6 suspended ones that allow the visitor to experience the lush vegetation, animals and birds of the area without a huge hike – just right for little legs.
Take in the vast expanse of green vegetation and bright floral colors on Horseback to La Fortuna Waterfalls. This is a fun family excursion combining the 90-minute ride with a short hike to the 70 foot waterfall and a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the fall.
Getting there from San Jose: Take Inter-American Highway north to San Ramon/Exit in San Ramon/ Drive through town to Los Angeles/Balsa/Bajo Los Rodriguez/Santa Clara/Jarvillos/ El Tanque until you are in LA Fortuna stay on main road until you reach Arenal Volcano National Park. Travel time: 3 hours
Getting there from Liberia: From Daniel Odubar International Airport in Guanacaste –Drive North then turn right towards Cañas/San Jose on the Interamerican Road South/Turn left in Cañas and follow the signs to Tilaran/Turn left in Tilaran in the main intersection toward Arenal Lake and follow signs to Arenal National Park. Travel time: 2 ½ hours