Guest post submitted by Emma Oliver
Photo Credit: Hernan Piñera via Compfight cc
Costa Rica is one of the top destinations for travellers in Central America for its popular eco-tourism and well-preserved natural attractions. It was awarded by the Ethical Traveler magazine as one of The Developing World’s 10 Best Ethical Destinations in 2011 and 2012. So, it’s not at all surprising to know that some parents choose to bring their family and children to Costa Rica.
But, apart from its natural beauty, Costa Rica is a genuine destination that is worth sharing with your family and children. Here’s why you need to consider Costa Rica for your next family vacation:
Plenty of kid-friendly hotels
Not all accommodations are able to keep up with the requirements of having children as guests. There are hotels out there that are better suited for entertaining little ones, as they have their own kids club, activity areas, kiddie resort and offer special bedding for infants. In a report by Oyster, they have provided some of the top kid-friendly hotel in Costa Rica:
Or try these:
- The Springs Resort and Spa (La Fortuna/Arenal)
- JW Marriott Resort (Hacienda Pinilla)
- Si Com0 No Resort, Spa and Wildlife Refuge (Manuel Antonio)
For budget friendlier options, what about:
- Los Lagos (La Fortuna/Arenal)
- La Carolina Lodge (Tenorio Volcano)
Hotels & resorts with kids club can be beneficial to your little one. this can provide them ample opportunity to meet new friends, enjoy kiddie pools, try out activities, and be in a child-friendly entertainment while on holiday. This guide offering advise on keeping your kids safe while on a holiday mentioned about including animal parks, water parks, amusement parks, and museums to your itinerary, which are “guaranteed to tire out the most energetic of toddlers.”
Lots of fun-filled family adventures
You’ll never find a single dull moment in Costa Rica – that is if you have planned your trip accordingly. There are different family activities and adventures that you and your children can try out on this vacation. San Jose is a remarkable city and has plenty of sights that little ones will love, but if you go out of town and into the countryside, there is more to Costa Rica than its usual destinations. Consider some of these suggested family activities and adventures you may want to try:
- Zipline through the forest canopy of Monteverde.
- Explore Tortuguero’s jungle rivers while spotting some basking crocodiles.
- Visit Refugio Nacional de Fauna Silvestre Ostional at night to watch groups of olive ridley turtles lay their eggs.
- For those with children at least 9 years old, try the white water rafting on the Rio Pacuare or the Rio Reventazon.
- Learn to surf at Santa Teresa or further north near Tamarindo.
Only two weathers
When going on a vacation overseas, the most difficult is the bag packing stage where you need to know the season and weather you are about to face in the destination as it will determine the type of clothes you need to bring. Luckily, there’s only two seasons you need to think about in Costa Rica – ‘invierno’ or the rainy season and ‘verano’ or the dry season, and small variations within them. Due to climate change, these seasons have shortened and prolonged, where a rising temperature in Costa Rica has been reported by the WWF Global. It is said to have “impacts on the availability of drinking water.”
Unsure how long to stay in the country? If you will be visiting an inland location (beach, rainforest, or volcano), consider a minimum of seven days stay including the day you will fly in and out. If you will only visit one location, then five days may be enough to enjoy the country.
Just like the adults, kids also need some travelling and vacation every now and then. In fact, travelling children are said to be smarter that those who don‘t. So, give them the break they deserve and make their trip to Costa Rica a memorable and fun-filled one.
Thanks so much Emma! Feel free to share your favourite family activities too. Emma can be found online at The Travels of Emma.
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