The easiest way to get to Central America is via Costa Rica. The tourist industry goes out of its way to make it easy for people of all ages to visit its natural wonders.
Costa Rica is a great place for families to have fun. Whether your tastes run to building sandcastles on palm backed beaches, or white-water rafting down surging jungle rivers, you will find family fun at every turn. The rainforests of Costa Rica are home to sloths, coatis, and toucans.
It's fair to ask if all the action and adventure in Costa Rica will overwhelm small travelers, but the country is child-friendly and will spark a love of the outdoors for children of all ages. This is a great place for a family trip.
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Costa Rican culture is very welcoming to little ones, and the country is often referred to as the most peaceful in Central America and the Caribbean. Traveling here is more relaxed than in most of Costa Rica's neighbors. Rip tides on Costa Rica's beaches can be dangerous, so families should seek local advice before diving in.
The small country has an excellent health-care system and is easy to explore. Even if the rental agency has an infant car seat, it may not be in a good state of repair.
If your Marco Polos are picky eaters, it might be a good idea to book a room with kitchen facilities. If you're not sure, ask if you can get a discount at attractions and public transportation.
Choosing which amazing national park to visit next might be the biggest challenge with such a stellar array of experiences. Kids of all ages will find epic adventures in every corner of the country thanks to the different regions.
Costa Rica's rainforests are some of the most stunning areas of virgin jungle in the world, but navigating on foot can be hot, damp and uncomfortable. One of Costa Rica's zip-lines will give you a bird's-eye view.
The first zip line in the country is in Monteverde, northwest of San José, but there are canopy tours all over the country. Smaller children can be accommodated on some zip-lines, such as the Arenal Paraso canopy tour. Kids don't have to worry about controlling their own speed because they can zip across the cables with a guide.
Some people are a little leery of zooming over the forest at high speeds suspended from a wire. If you want to explore the rainforest at your own pace, canopy walkways are a better choice.
Sky adventures has a dangling bridge option. If there is a gap between the walkway and the bridge for younger kids, some facilities are better for them.
Is there a person in the family who is a big fan of thrills and spills? Children as young as six or seven years old can ride river rapids with the correct safety gear provided by rafting operators, and even smaller children can get out on the river on a'safari float'. The mild Class I and II rapids allow time for a swim and snack break, as well as kid friendly rafting experiences. On calmer parts of the river, tubing is a hit.
It's uplifting to bathe under a waterfall. Costa Rica has a lot of cascades that are safe for swimming and don't require a strenuous hike to reach.
There is a hiking trail behind the observatory lodge that leads to a waterfall that is great for a family splash, but swimming is not recommended if water levels are high.
Near Bagaces, there is a waterfall with a swimming hole that is easy to access. The Catarata Ro Fortuna and the Montezuma Waterfalls are both suitable for more adventurous children.
Costa Rica has a lot of wild spots where you will definitely see something exotic, as you never know what you will see. Even if the animals are not comfortable on a boat ride, it is still an adventure in itself. Birds, iguanas, monkeys, sloths, and even a few caimans can be seen on a boat tour at Refugio de Vida Silvestre Cao Negro.
If your timing is right, you can witness a mother turtle laying her eggs on a Costa Rica's beach, an experience for travelers of all ages. The arrival of olive ridley turtles at Playa Ostional in July and December is very impressive. If you want to go on a tour with a licensed guide, be sure to book it.
Visit a rescue center if you want a fail-safe wildlife option. There are many opportunities for kids to get a close look at nature. A visit to the centers is a great way to learn more about the work they do to save the animals.
There are surf beaches on both Costa Rica's tropical shorelines and on the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Most surf schools give lessons to children as young as 5 years old, and some cater especially well for families, like One Love Surf School in Puerto de Talamanca. Renting a boogie board on the beach at Playa Smara will allow your kids to ride the waves on their bellies in no time.
There is a wheelchair accessible crater of a volcano at Parque Nacional Volcn Pos. There are bubbling mud pots and other volcanic activity at Las Hornillas near Volcn Miravalles.
Travelers of all ages can enjoy hot springs. There are appealing springs near Miravalles, Termales El Guayacn and Rincn de la Vieja.
It is possible to have a family adventure in Costa Rica. There are many beach resorts and unique eco- resorts where you can spend the night amidst tropical greenery.
Guests can experience rural life in Costa Rica. Children can help take care of farm animals, observe the sugar cane harvest and learn about sustainable farming practices at centers such as the eco-focused Finca Terra Viva and Capuln Cabinas & Farm.
The appealing La Carolina Lodge is located in the Ro Celeste area. Rancho Amalia is located near Zarcero and is home to a specialty in horseback riding. The Albergue el Socorro is one of the best budget-friendly farm stays around.
Some people call itglamping while others call it sustainable tourism. Costa Rica has no shortage of semi-permanent camps with heavy-duty tents that offer all the comforts of a permanent structure, without the same environmental impact, and kids will love hearing the noises of the jungle from their beds.
Rafiki Safari Lodge is located in the middle of a rainforest and is surrounded by a river.
Costa Rica's treetop hideaways are great places for kids to play. Birds, monkeys, and other tree climbing creatures call at the Tree Houses Hotel near San Carlos. There are tree houses in Puerto de Sarapiqu and Uvita, as well as other family friendly accommodations.
Rice and beans are the only things you need to know to feed your child well in Costa Rica. The local cuisine is usually kid-friendly, with lots of foods that are accessible to young palates.
Rice and beans are the national dish of Costa Rica. Eggs or cheese are served with it. A lot of locals will be with your child if they want to eat it.
A typical set lunch includes meat or chicken, salad, rice and beans. It is simple and delicious. pltanos maduros may be on the side of the house if your child is lucky.
Patacones are a local staple. A thick slice of green plantain is fried and served with a bean or a snack.
A jugos naturale is a fresh fruit smoothie made with bananas, mango, pineapple, papaya, watermelon, or any other fruit. One batido will give you a day's worth of vitamins C and calcium.
The article was last updated about 16 hours ago.
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