I think you are on track here. These are pretty good choices. Though the drive between the two will be a little long. If you drive or take a private transfer, you can stop along the way to give the kids a break.

Any beach is going to be a bit of a drive from Arenal. Manuel Antonio is a great choice with the kids, because you have all of the goods and services you may require when traveling with the family. Some of the other areas are a little remote.

I think that Sky Tram and the hanging bridges would be entirely appropriate for your daughter. I wouldn't take her on the Sky Trek (canopy tour). That may scar her for life!

I don't know where you are traveling from. But I would think about spending first and last nights in the San Jose area. It would give the little ones a chance to get over the flight, before heading off again the next day.

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

I think that's a great combo for you and agree with Pat that those activities would be great too. We used a private driver booked through our hotel to go from Arenal to MA; it cost us $180 a couple of years ago. Be sure to have your driver stop near the Rio Tarcoles so you can see the big crocs. Check out Tulemar Bungalows and Buena Vista Villas in MA.

Thanks for the great suggestions. Is it better to fly to Liberia or San Jose to get to Arenal? How long is the drive from Arenal to MA? Thanks again.

We always fly into San Jose; it took us about 5 hours from Arenal to MA.

Usually, the best fares are into San Jose. This is much more convenient to Manual Antonio as well.

There are packages out there that offer itineraries like this. Usually, kids that young are free.

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

Other beach areas to consider that would change up your itinerary, but Playa Flamingo has a nice beach (although not that great of a jungle as MA), and close by Playa Conchal. You could fly into Liberia. Not sure of transfer between Arenal and there. Why Arenal? We visited there on our first trip w/o kids and it was okay, but nothing amazing. This is our 4th trip coming up, last year with 3.5 year old and 7 month old we went to Manuel Antonio then drove down coast to Ojochal. Amazing. Costa Ricans LOVE kids. previous trip we went from San Jose to Carerra (great for hiking with the kids), day trip down to Manuel Antonio then drove up to Playa Flamingo for a week. We continued onto Nicaragua, but you could fly out of Liberia airport just as easily.