Our CR trip is at the end of April and my family (2 kids 6 & 9 and my husband and I) have narrowed down what activities we want to do while we're there. We have 4 nights at The Springs hotel in Arenal and 4 nights in Manuel Antonio. We would like to go zip lining, white water rafting and take an ATV tour. Any advice on which things we should do in which location?

Sky Trek in Arenal is awesome for Zip Lining. Also recommend going to La Fortuna waterfall in that area. As for MA, you could look at doing a half or whole day rafting trip. The rivers in that area are pretty tame, but a lot of fun for young kids

Do your ziplining as soon as you can on the first nice day. Don't wait. It may rain and then you will be out of luck.

So are you suggesting we not book ziplining in advance? Can we make a same day reservation?

I like the falls and zipline in arenal. Check out cano negro tour and definetly do the hot springs. In MA do the park, we did a the mangrove tour, the horse ride to the waterfalls is nice.

madana: We went in low season, so booking ahead was not an issue. We made a day ahead reservation, but booking ahead may be wise at busier times. Perhaps others here will know?

Just try to keep up with weather issues. They can make or break your plans. I just would not want you to wait to zipline in MA, then get rained out.