We are planning a week vacation to CR with two kids (11 & 8). I'm looking for some itenary suggestions. We were thinking of splitting the time between Arenal & Tamarindo. I'd appreciate any tips or hotel/tour suggestions for traveling with boys of this age. Thanks in advance for your help.

When I travel with my kids, I limit locations. We generally spent the better part of a week in one spot (but then we had a month for each trip which is a bit different). Hotels with pools allow kids to make friends and burn off energy while mom sits and reads a book.

In Arenal we stayed at Los Lagos which the kids liked. We crawled through the Vendado (sp??) caves which they loved. They liked the zip lines and hiking up to the volcano. The Cano Negro trip would also be popular with kids. We did something similar at Palo Verde.

My kids loved Monteverde - frogs, bugs, snakes etc. They also liked Manual Antonio - sloths, monkeys,etc but the beach outside our hotel had riptides which are dangerous.

Your boys will have a great time. There's lots to do in Arenal and from Arenal. The caves, Cano Negro to see wildlife, rafting on the Sarapiqui, zip lines, horseback riding, hot springs, etc. If it's easy enough for you to see a beach and swim in a pool at home, you might want to spend more time doing the other things that you can't do at home.

Sandy

Heather49, What was the hotel you stayed in MA? I'm thinking of Tulemar, but riptides might make me change my mind. The hotel says their beach is protected, and safe for swimming. You just never know.

We were at Verde Mar. I don't know where Tulemar is so I can't help you there.

We got swept way out last time we were there and it could have easily led to a drowning if we hadn't been somewhat prepared for it.

The little beach below Tulemar would be fine . Verde Mar backs onto the big public beach which is notorious for it's riptides at times . The beaches inside the park are much calmer , especially Playa Manuel Antonio .....

Heather49,
Not many postings on Venado Caves. Did the adults enjoy them as much as the kids. Traveling with 4 adults/ 5 kids ages 9-14. We only have 3 nights and I'm having a hard time eliminating things.

As for the caves: I personally avoid any activity that says "bring a change of clothing." We stayed at Tulemar. When are you going? There is a lot of construction going on, which sort of mars the serenity of the place. But the bungalows are cute and we saw lots of monkeys and lizards there. We played on the waves and skipped rocks at the private beach, but thought it was too rocky for swimming in. We really liked beaches 2 and 3 at the National Park for swimming. They will charge $7 per adult for admission but won't charge for the ninos.

Our kids LOVED the zip lines at Arenal.