11 Fun things to do with kids in Costa Rica

When we first found out we were moving to Costa Rica I began searching online for fun things to do while living here, we day dreamed of weekend trips to sites around us and even crossing the border to Panama, Nicaragua and possibly a trip down South to Argentina, Chile maybe even the Galapagos too {fingers crossed!}.

Nine months later {yes it's been 9 months} we have taken trips but still have a long bucket list. We still have items that haven't been crossed out, not because we don't want to mostly due to all the challenges we've faced since moving here such as being without a car for a little over a month, then most recently my husband's health, but now that we've overcome all these obstacles I am ready to share places we've visited and places we'd love to visit -err I'd love to visit hehe. 

1.- Manuel Antonio National Park. This is THE beach to visit while in Costa Rica, we've traveled to the Caribbean and to Hawaii and I've been to Canada and Italy so to me this beach is the beach that gave me the a-ha moment I was looking for in Costa Rica. It is rich in colors, has lots of wildlife and  the views are breathtaking.

2.-  Poas Volcano. This is the volcano that most recently had some activity and is located nearest to our home {only 55 km} in addition it is the one we keep visiting because of all its beauty. 

3.- Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort. I love going to day spas, in fact when we traveled to Las Vegas I always visited a different spa for the day to relax that is until I visited the Qua at Caesar's Palace {which is heaven to me!}. While my family visited last December they had the opportunity to visit Tabacón and my 8 year old tagged along with them. The 4 of them wouldn't stop talking about Tabacón and all the grand time they spent there. I saw pictures they took, my third grader still raves about Tabacón and so I've been following all their social media just to catch little glimpses of what I look forward to enjoy someday soon. 

4.- Monteverde National Park. The year round cloud forest, this where I will finally get to see the majestic quetzal bird with it's long feathers and deep emerald green color. It is also where you can walk across a long hanging bridge and see even more wildlife. I've read that they have glowing mushrooms, it would be interesting to see one and photograph it. 

5.- Sarchí. This is an artisans town in which you will see the largest oxcart ever! It is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and get a feel for true Costa Rican culture and delicious food. We love taking day trips here and stop along the way at Zarcero. It is also in the Central Valley and you will see many mountains covered in rich green grass in which cows roam. 

6.- Río Celeste. They say the water is a deep turquoise hue, it is located inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park. It is said that the water from 2 different rivers combine into one mixing sulphur and calcium carbonate make the blue hue. I've read tips about what to take when going to see rio celeste and I think I may need to get some rain boots but will definitely visit it. 

7.- La Paz Waterfalls. This park is located around the Poas Volcano National Park, it is a refuge for wild animals which also has them on exhibit. It's where I finally got to hold a Toucan on my arm and shoulder and got to experience what Costa Rica is all about {no artificial ingredients}. It is also where I saw beautiful waterfalls cascading through the rain forest.

8.- Guanacaste. I've heard they have the best beaches in the country, perfect for surf and beautiful sunsets. Each beach has it's own gem to enjoy. Just to put this into perspective, the Pacific side of Costa Rica has roughly 300 different beaches... that's one beach to visit per day for 10 months! I would be happy just visiting Bay Ballena, Playa Conchal, Malpais, Bahia de los Piratas and Tamarindo. 

9.- Cartago. This is what used to be the capital of Costa Rica, it is now a beautiful quaint town East of San Jose. We have visited here more than once and still enjoy discovering new places to stop and enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal in addition to see temple ruins in the middle of the downtown. Most recently we visited the Basilica of the Virgen of the Angels, it is truly beautiful. 

10.- Tarcoles. The tarcoles river has many crocodiles roaming around and in it, in fact there are several boat tours that take you all around it to see them. There is one in particular that I'd like to take, the man gets out of the boat to feed the crocodiles! How do I know? because I follow them on instagram and every day they post a new image.

11.- Tortuguero National Park. Turtles, manatees, caimans, basilisks, frogs and peacocks roaming around? I'm so in! For some reason I am fascinated by basilisks perhaps it is the image of one running across water as a cartoon? This place is way out of my comfort zone, yet I am intrigued to go see it. You can only access it by plane or boat. 

And to this list I'm adding 2 more that you just can't miss {consider this a bonus!}:

Ferry Ride in Puntarenas. A week ago we packed our bags for the weekend and left early in the morning in our car to Puntarenas, there we took the ferry boat that took us across the gulf to Tambor beach where we spent the day swimming like mermaids until our skin got all wrinkled up. It was a wonderful weekend in the middle of nowhere. 

Zip Lining. The first week after we moved here my husband had the opportunity to zip line -twice! He is the only one of our family who's done it and he loved it. The kids and I can't wait to do it even though I might chicken out but I'm planing on being brave and doing it! 

As you can see there is a lot to do in Costa Rica with kids and this list doesn't even cover it all! I have other items that I've been reading on and hope to add to our long bucket list. Have you visited Costa Rica? If so what would you add to this list? Stay tuned as I prepare to write posts in detail of each fun thing we've done. Pura Vida!