What to do in Costa Rica with children
Costa Rica is fast becoming a more popular destination for family holidays. It is not hard to see why, with wildlife encounters, jungle trails and a focus on outdoor activities it is perfect for children of all ages. The Costa Rican phrase Pura Vida or ‘Pure life’ celebrates the simpler things in life and this is something that you will experience throughout your trip as you embrace the natural environment.
Costa Rica is one of the most bio diverse countries in the world, so it is like a real life geography lesson.
Here are our top things to do on your family holiday
Animal encounters
Whilst animals will feature in many of the other experiences it deserves a mention on its own. After all this is the reason that most people will choose to visit Costa Rica. Whether it is the monkeys, sloths or the crocodiles lazing by the river banks you are wanting to see you are guaranteed to have a different animal encounter each day on your trip.
Corobici River Safari
The Corobici River is located in the heart of the Guanacaste Province and a gentle float along the river is a nature and bird lovers dream. Along the way you could encounter howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, coatis, iguanas and otters. You may also see some of the 300 species of birds that inhabit the nearby Palo Verde National Park: wood stork, kingfishers, roseate spoonbill, boat-billed heron, bare-throated tiger heron, white ibis and many, many more.
Although the river is fast flowing the safari takes place on a piece that is calm and it is considered safe enough for children over 7 to take part. There are even some spots along the way for you to stop and have a swim if the mood takes you.
Meander the canals of Tortuguero
Often described as the Amazon of Costa Rica given its surrounding rainforest. On a trip round the Tortuguero canals your guide will talk to you about the rainforests eco system. As with all of Costa Rica keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, many sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and crocodiles as well as exotic flora.
The surrounding villages and banana plantations are also a great stop to give your children a glimpse into everyday life.
Glamp on a quiet beach
There is no shortage of ways to feel connected to nature in Costa Rica but if you fancy a few nights with a difference why not switch your hotel for a luxurious safari tent.
Whether it is the imported safari tents at Playa Protrero, the ultra luxury tents with their private deck at Isla Chiquita or the African Safari tents at Matapolo they will all make you feel connected to your surroundings as you enjoy the lagoon pools or walks along the beautiful beaches.
Snorkel at Cano Island
On the Pacific side of Costa Rica a day trip to Cano Island offers the chance of some different wildlife encounters. The waters around the island are clear and give a great experience for children that may be new to snorkelling. Bringing the opportunity to see all kinds of marine life including reef sharks, stingray and turtles.
The boat ride there is also a chance for some new encounters, with dolphins often swimming alongside the boats and between November and April the chance of seeing humpback whales.
Sky walks through the jungle
This is perhaps one of the classic images of Costa Rica - the suspension bridges through the trees of the jungle.
There are several throughout the country, so you have an opportunity to do this somewhere that fits with your itinerary. In some places these bridges are higher than the treetops themselves. This gives you and your little ones a totally different perspective of the jungle. You will get a glimpse of several species of birds and possibly some howler monkeys.
Sea Kayaking at Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest but most visited National Parks and is abundant with wildlife, including pelicans, howler and squirrel monkeys, iguanas and sloths. On the Pacific coast of the country the beautiful beaches of the National Park offer spectacular views and stunning sunsets.
One of the best ways to escape the crowds and see the stunning coastline is with some sea kayaking. Depending on the age of your little ones they can help paddle the kayak or sit on the front and enjoy the ride.
See the lava flow at Arenal
See if you can spot the lava coming from Arenal, the country's most active volcano. Viewing points throughout the National Park will give you views of the volcano, depending on the weather as the volcano is often shrouded in cloud.
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Take a walk through the clouds that surround the mountain peaks. Although the Reserve is home to jaguars, ocelots and quetzals these are rarely seen. You will however see the orchids, mosses and ferns that hang from the tree limbs.
The unique climates and specialised ecosystems create habitats that are not found anywhere else on Earth. Learn about the rainforest eco-system and literally touch the interior of the rainforest. Visit butterfly farms, walk along hanging bridges or take an aerial tram tour transporting you to the roof of the canopy.
Spend time on the country’s beautiful beaches
The beaches of Costa Rica are as diverse as the country’s landscape, whether you are looking for beautiful sandy palm lined beaches, volcanic black sand or rugged natural coves there is something to suit everyone's tastes.
The beaches at Cahuita on the Caribbean coast are simply picture perfect. The swimming and surfing here are great - although you should still be careful as there are some underwater currents.
We love Costa Rica as a family destination and would love to help you design the itinerary that best suited to your family. To talk to us about your requirements call us on 0118 336 0363 or leave us your details here and we will be only too happy to contact you.