sofun1

We are looking in to going the end of March and my husband seems to think it isn't a place for just turned 7 year olds - my boy/girl twins are not athletically inclined which fuels my husbands thoughts. Us parents enjoy scuba diving, surfing, relaxing on beaches, as well as local adventures. But can't take the kids to scuba or surfing that we do together. We also prefer quiet and quality hotels (not all inclusives) so that cuts down our list I'm sure. Looking at pacific coast for the aforementioned activities. Your thoughts?

ShellD

The first time we took our kids to Costa Rica my daughter had just turned 7. My son had just turned 9. We had a fantastic trip. I can't seem to find the link to our trip report by clicking on my name, but there is a link to a similar trip we took two years later.

But when they were 7 and 9, we went to Tortuguero and saw the turtles nesting, we went to Arenal and both kids zip lined. We went to the Hanging Bridges and the kids loved that - we did a guided hike, so we definitely saw some wild life. And then we stopped at The Peace Lodge, which is always a highlight with kids. Then we finished up in Manual Antonio, at Tulemar Bungelows. The private beach they have there is perfect for families. Costa Rica is a fabulous family destination. It's not an ideal scuba location, so you don't have to worry about that anyway. No, they might not be able to surf - but there is so much else to do as a family that is active, that you won't miss what you are "used" to doing. The wildlife alone is so amazing that your kids will be captivated!

We got laminated Costa Rica wildlife cards so the kids could keep track of the animals, including birds and reptiles, that they saw throughout the trip.

Costa Rica also really isn't known for all inclusive resorts for the most part, so I don't think you'll have a problem finding family friendly, quiet and quality.

By the way, neither of my kids are what I'd consider athletic - but both would probably choose Costa Rica over a vacation at lets say Disney! Not that they don't like Disney, but once you've been there, it's a been there done that to them.

volcanogirl

Arenal and Manuel Antonio would be a perfect combo for you. CR is very kid friendly. Check out The Springs Resort and Spa and also Tulemar Bungalows that Shell mentioned - both great upscale spots that are quiet and have a lot to offer. We loved the beach at Tulemar.

Arenal has tons to do other than adventure activities - the Penas Blancas river float and Cano Negro tours are fun to see wildlife, hiking at the Hanging Bridges, volcano, and the waterfall where you can swim. Kids love the Proyecto Asis animal rescue center. You can even pet and help feed some of the animals - we saw toucans, macaws, raccoons, monkeys, a sloth, and a peccary there. Kids would also love the hot springs - The Springs has their own, and you can also tube and kayak in their beautiful river; they have horseback riding too. If you want other springs, Tabacon and Eco Termales are both nice, Tabacon being the fancier one and Eco T being smaller and charming and locally owned.

In Manuel Antonio, there's a gorgeous beach inside the park, easy access to tons of wildlife, especially monkeys, and the Damas mangrove tour is fun as well. We also liked the Villa Vanilla spice tour, but not sure if the kids might think it's boring.

The Peace Lodge that Shell mentioned has tons for kids to do - waterfall hike, an aviary, butterfly house, ranarium, and even a little pool area where the kids can fish for trout. The rooms are way over the top - it's a fun spot for a couple of nights. Poas volcano isn't too far away. Costa Rica actually has a lot of quality, quiet hotels.

Nayara and Lost Iguana are two others that we like in the Arenal area. When we did The Springs, we had a half price deal, otherwise it can be pricey.

Both MA and Arenal have tons of restaurant and hotel choices and good infrastructure, so they're pretty easy and popular with young families.

sofun1

Wow thanks so very much! We are flying into Liberia and want to spend maybe 2-3 days interior in the rain forest (Arenal?) then 4-5 days in short walking distance (5 min or less) to a beautiful beach (we are used to Caribbean white beaches w/turquoise water where you can get away from it all) with less than 15 minutes drive for a surf camp or lessons for all of us. Guessing we have to rent a car? We also want to spend less than an hour driving to a new location so as to maximize our 7 days. I don't know distances and roads...

We fancy quiet boutique hotels (but happy to do bigger if spread out or not noisy/busy) with nice amenities 4-5 star but this late March trip we only have $250/nt budget, and, want to find babysitting or kids club so we can do a couple adult things.

Read about these beaches: Avellanas, Barrigona/Carrillo/Buena, is Santa Theresa too far? Manuel Antonia sounds even farther

volcanogirl

You're not going to be able to go to La Fortuna/Arenal and then get to a beach destination in an hour, probably more like four or five hours. Arenal is very land locked. It takes a long time to travel from place to place. There are in country airlines Sansa and Nature Air if that interests you. Most CR beaches will not have the white sand/turquoise water that you're looking for.

sofun1

yes, the more I read and see (dry season is much drier northwest coast area), the less I am inclined to stay/go to a "beach" unless it's to surf. Which is a highlight of what my husband wants to do (he's surfed a few times in Waikiki and similar places) as well as stay in the rain forest and do those type of activities. Guess I'm looking at 3 max days surf area and 5 days interior or rainforest location/activities.

Wow this is more challenging finding accommodations than I expected.

volcanogirl

Did you take a look at the ones that I mentioned in the La Fortuna/Arenal area? If too pricey, Silencio del Campo is another popular place. Los Lagos is also popular with young families. Yes, the Guanacaste area is known for being dry and more arid that other areas of the country. MA is known for being more lush and green.

sofun1

Thanks Volcanogirl, I attempted at the suggestions from you and Shell though most didn't have the availability (end of next month!) so all I could get for the last 4 nights was Lost Iguana Resort in Arenal/Alajuela which looks good. At least its only a 3 hour drive back to the airport Sunday and there are tons of things to see and do around that area.

Now I am working on my husbands surf requirement - we are still beginners though have surfed with friends a half dozen times over the years. Thinking 4.5 hours drive from Lost Iguana is the max of what I want to drive with 7 year olds for vacation (though we drove just as much in Scotland 6 months ago and it was ok). Oh well it must be done! That leaves us Samara area for the first 3 nights so I'm off to look for places - feel free to suggest!

volcanogirl

We've stayed at the Lost Iguana a few times; it's very quiet and set outside of town out by the lake. It's right next to the Hanging Bridges. It's a pretty property with great volcano views, very hilly and lush. You feel like you're in the jungle, more so than with properties closer to town. We've seen toucans there and agoutis, even a tayra once which was a new one for us. We've heard howlers, but the property is so big that it's hard to track them down. Our room had a bathtub/jacuzzi out on the balcony, and we really enjoyed having that. Nice rockers out there too. Yes, the area has tons to do. We really like it there. Both Desafio and Sunset Tours are good companies in the area if you want to check out their websites.

We haven't made it to Samara, but Villas Kalimba seems to get some good mentions. Mal Pais and Tamarindo are two other surf spots that are popular. Good luck!

mad

Samara is a great place for kids. The surfing is not going to be challenging though- it's definitely more for beginners. Samara is a very low key town with plenty of great restaurants. The beach does not have a lot of amenities, aside from some surfing schools/rental places. We went last April with our 5 yr old. He had a blast. My only complaint is that it's hard to find shade. we ended up finding restaurants on the beach that had lounge chairs and just ordered drinks and snacks throughout the day- they didn't seem to care how long we stayed. We've stayed twice at Villas Kalimba and loved it. Very warm owners who also happen to be fantastic cooks. I know there's a nice hotel down the beach, I think in Carillo, if that's more your style, but I can't remember the name.
I think if you're concerned about lots of driving, you'd be happy just going to Manuel Antonio, even though It's a longer drive. You get the beach and jungle there, with tons of wildlife. I don't know how the surfing is. We've traveled with our son to CR several times- it's a wonderful, kid friendly place.