Just when I think I have things figured out DH decides to throw in something new! We are to be in MA for 1 week (end of May/June1st). I want to go to Arenal with 3 kids--- they've never been to CR, BUT DH wants to go to Malpais! We have compromised ( sort of). We will go to Malpais for a few days, then back to SJ and take a day trip to Arenal. I think this is too much travel. The Malpais trip is a whole day, and back to SJ a half day ( I think). Then to Arenal a whole day. IS this too much to take on? Any input will be appreciated.

Sounds like alot of travel to me. Arenal should at least be overnight or into the night to see the eruptions(maybe) in the dark. Tours do go for the day and evening and return to San Jose though the same day. I wouldn't do it myself.
Malpais to San Jose is about 5 hrs.

Mal pais and Arenal would be a nice mix for a week.

thanks, I also think this is too much travel. .We will have to re-think this.

How old are your kids? If they are younger, I'd stay with Manuel Antonio. If they are a little older, I agree Malpais and Arenal a good mix. Definitely the 3 is too much, and Malpais isn't much of a trip if you can't do about 3 nights there (to enjoy Montezuma, Cabo Blanco, etc). It's a great place for just relaxing. Manuel Antonio is high activity.

Arenal is definitely worth a couple of nights. 3 is better. It can be enjoyed in a day trip, but I think that would really wear on the kids.

My kids are 8, 9, and 11. they are great travelers, we go to Mexico yearly so they are used to romping about. they have not however, been to the rain forest so i don't know how tiring that is.
Do you aree that if we are to do 2 areas MA and Arenal are the ones?

You and hubby have to choose.
If he's a surfer Mal Pais would be the better choice. The kids would probably love boogy boarding also but they could do that at MA also.

You could also do a day trip to Tortuga Island snorkeling or kayaking coming from Montezuma.
The waterfalls near Montezuma would be a fun diversion especially a horse ride early to the one by the ocean.

MA has plenty to keep you active also.

I suggest a compromise.
He gives you a 2-3 nights at Arenal and you let him choose the other destination.