I posted this question a couple of years ago when my children were both under 5, and received quite a few responses, with the majority of them saying that they didn't think it was a good idea, but now that they are 7 and 5, I would like to know peoples opinions about taking them to the Osa, and staying at Bosque del Cabo. My children have traveled alot, which include trips to Costa Rica, Belize, Bahamas, Jamaica and Mexico. My 7 yr old has actually been in every major town and area in CR with the exception of Tortuguero(spelling?) and the Osa. They love wildlife, tours, swimming, hiking and exploring, but I am still a little concerned about safety issues, if there are any. So, any input would really be appreciated, we would be looking at going in early August, which is when we have gone previously, and been lucky and not seen any rain. I would also appreciate any recommendations on things to do, and the animal sanctuary is already number one on the list. My son really wants to meet Lulu. Thanks in advance.

If your kids are real nature lovers and little hikers, I think they're getting to the right age where they could enjoy it. MonicaRichards would be a good source of info. for you - if she doesn't chime in, search for her trip report; it had a lot of good info. in it.

We traveled with our 9 & 11 to BdC two years ago, and had such an incredible time that we are returning next week. Although our children were a couple of years older than yours, BdC is a truly magical place for all ages. As it is quite remote, the only people we interacted with were the other guests and the BdC employees. We felt completely safe, as the BdC staff is very attentive. If your kids love nature, adventure and wildlife they will love BdC. In between the cabinas and the main dining area, there is a large grass area where they can run around. My daughter, who is an avid softball player, actually pitched in this area. Our favorite activities were horseback riding, hiking, visiting the animal sanctuary, swimming with the dolphins and fishing. You can always get a ride to the beach from BdC, if the kids are not up for a hike. BdC has a knack for catering to children, especially by the pool - where they will be treated to chocolate monkey smoothies and Costa Rican popcorn every afternoon. You will find that they will be so exhausted from all the activities that they will be in bed soon after dinner, but may also wake up early with the Howler Monkeys. Packing some books and playing cards is a good idea, to keep them occupied during the down times. My girls had lots of fun with Mad Libs and word searches while we were there too.

We really liked the animal sanctuary. We got to ride over in a boat and saw dolphins. My husband got to hold a baby monkey, and I got to hold a sloth.

I normally would say that 5 might be young for BDC. For me the issue is the huge drop off cliffs right outside the cabinas - I just wouldn't be able to relax having to keep track of an active 5 year old. My daughter at that age was wild! However, you've been all over the country and your kids are used to hiking the trails and other than the big 500 foot cliff drop - I can't imagine they would't have a blast!

As far as the animal sanctuary - check the age limit. When I was researching for our trip last year I seem to remember an age limit to visit.

Have a great trip!

I took my kids to BDC last year and they were 7 and 5. The only problem we had was that dinner was late for the 5 year old. You can read my trip report here, but I highly recommend it! http://www.markandmonica.com/Travel/...008/Bosque.htm

Thanks for the shout out Volcanogirl, too! And yes, the animal sanctuary has a limit and your youngest is too young. We had plenty of fun without doing that. Oh, and another thing, Philip, the guide, doesn't seem to think much of young children. He refused to take us on a tour, and our kids and well behaved! Carlos took us on the bird tour one morning and he was great with the kids. So just don't bother with Phillip.

Phillip doesn't think much of a lot of adults either! Monica, I think you're a great inspiration for people traveling with young ones. I think a lot of it depends on the individual child and his/her interests - yours really seem like little troopers!

I try to be an inspiration for people traveling with children! I think it's a chicken/ egg thing. Are they good travelers because they're troopers, or are they troopers because they've traveled?

I would like to thank you all for your responses, and would also like to echo the sentiments about traveling with children. I have a lot of friends who refuse to take their children with them, and maybe a few are doing the other travelers a favor..lol, but if you start them early enough, my son was 18 months old, they learn what is right, to respect the cultures of the countries and their people, and they learn so much. I will never forget the day that my son held a red-eyed tree frog on his arm. His beaming smile lit up the world. As for the cliffs and drop offs, I saw that on the pictures and that did concern me, but my children are by nature, fairly cautious, so it shouldn't be an issue. In regards to the animal sanctuary, does anyone know the exact age limit, because this is one thing that we had on the absolute to do list, and if my daughter can't go, we wouldn't either. Thanks again everyone.

e, I would e-mail Bosque del Cabo and ask them; we found them to be really responsive, and they could probably tell you the age limit.

I believe the age limit is six.

Here is their website.
www.osawildlife.org

I think forcing kids to traipse through museums and art galleries at a young age may be questionable, but camping and outdoor adventures I think are a perfect fit!

Interesting about the age limit for the wildlife sanctuary - last year when we were looking at the Iguana Lodge and I inquired I was told it was 8 (my daughter had just turned 7). I think had it been 6 at the time, we probably would have made a point of going to the Osa on that trip. I wonder if it recently changed?

I agree that travelling while your kids are young is great...I also do think that some locations are more appropriate for various ages of kids too. My kids loved Costa Rica. They got to experience things that so many of their friends will never get to do and have seen such amazing wildlife! They are great travellers! Yet, I still wouldn't take my, now 7 year old to BDC - she's not near cautious enough and I would be the one to not enjoy myself. She would have a blast on the other hand! She trips over her feet standing still and is often and accident waiting to happen! Maybe in a few years - but I didn't hesitiate taking them to Tortuguero, Arenal, flying on the small planes, zip lining, horseback riding etc...

I think it is eight. You should look up their website, it says for sure. Honestly, though, we saw so much at BdC without it that it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

As far as the cliffs, I never felt threatened by them. I looked at our second patio (we were in Tucan) and showed the kids the drop off and told them they weren't allowed off the concrete there and that was that. Even if they did fall there, it's not a cliff cliff. They would stop before they went all the way down!

I've enjoyed reading this thread and totally agree with the comments. Given the nature of your children and their experience, BdC would be fine for them. Ordinarily, I'd say the older the better; just depends on the kids and their tolerance/passion for hiking and all things nature.

As for Phillip, I had to chuckle. He loves to harp on the children and adults whose comments and questions irritate him. I think the key is just to be quiet and absorb the information he imparts--and he does have a great deal of knowledge and expertise. Patience is not one of his virtues, however!

Shillmac and volcanogirl - you guys made me chuckle about phillip - too funny - i'm not sure if he had patience with me either...haha

If your children are well behaved, as it seems they are, definitely take them - there were young children both times we have been to BdC and I had some great interactions with them ... your kids will love it!