Having a week to spend for a vacation can sometimes be the perfect time length, depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing. There is enough time to visit at least one attraction each day, but short enough of a period to pressure you to see the best of what your location has to offer.
There are places around the world that have enough to satisfy you for a week, even if you have your children with you. One of them is Costa Rica, which is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a place that offers warm weather and areas close to nature on a regular basis. Costa Rica ranks as one of the safest countries to visit in Central America and is also a popular international destination for family spring breaks!
Here are the best things to do in Costa Rica for a week with your kids.
1. Arenal Volcano
Tropical environments put you in touch with settings that are hard to come by in most cold parts of the world. One example when it comes to Costa Rica is Arenal, which is among the volcanoes around the world that are still active. Your group will be able to check out molten lava, glowing rocks and other parts of the volcano from a safe distance.
The hiking trails will give you a workout, but the view of the rest of the area and the ocean below will make it worth it. We advise checking what the weather will be like before you visit Arenal, as a cloudy day may still be fun enough for a trip. Hiring a guide will help you learn more about the area, as well.
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Another unique area that a vacation at country will let you interact with is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, which shows off the beauty of rainforests. You’ll get to come across monkeys, birds and other friendly animals that you may be able to get close enough to for a selfie to show off to friends at home.
You also find over 2,000 plant species that may be rare or nonexistent wherever you live. The Sky Walk allows you to get amazing views of the wild from hanging bridges, and Sky Trek provides zip lines so that you can do the same in a thrilling fashion. Walking tours are also included if you want to take your time exploring the reserve. And the city of Monteverde ranks high on our list of top 20 cities in the world to visit with your family.
3. La Paz Waterfall Gardens
If waterfalls are among the locations in nature that you enjoy checking out, then you should put visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens on your to-do list. This area is situated of Alajuela and consists of five waterfalls of different heights, and the water looks beautiful flowing down from the cliffs and into the bodies of water below.
Hiking trails are included so that you can travel to the top of the falls and you can get a view of the wilderness surrounding the area. Animals that you might come across in this area include morpho butterflies, tree frogs, leaf frogs and spider monkeys, and a guide will let you know how to stay safe while interacting with them.
4. Tabacon Hot Springs
Some settings are more suited for relaxation than exploration, and very few locations exemplify that better than the hot springs of Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort. This spot allows you and your family to take a break from hiking and biking so that you can regain the energy you need for the rest of your vacation.
The springs combine rainwater and magma to help you enjoy water at the right temperature. The coconuts, volcanic mud wrap and meditation trails come in handy if you want to do more than relax in water. Going back and forth between meditation trails and thermal baths will be the perfect balance for unwinding.
5. San Jose
The city of San Jose is the best place to go to for a break from the wild and a tour of civilization in a different country. Museums come in different forms, depending on if you like history, science or technology, and the skyscrapers come in at different heights so that you can take in great views of the city.
Mansions are spread out throughout San Jose and are built with architecture that may inspire your kids if they have creative skills involving design and art. You’ll have different restaurants and cafes to choose from for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the markets have plenty of souvenirs to buy to show off to friends at home.
6. Jaco
Does your family enjoy spending their free time at the beach? If so, then you should make time for a visit to Jaco, a town that puts you right within walking distance between shops and restaurants and the sand and ocean. The waves come in different forms, depending on the wind, so that your kids can do a little surfing or kayaking.
The wilderness is not too far from the beach, and different forms of birds and small monkeys are known to stop by, so make sure you can get some photos with them without them getting close enough to snatch your phone. The water is always clear, and you may be lucky enough to spot sea turtles, fish, stingrays, crabs and other aquatic life if you go snorkeling.
7. Rescate Animal Zoo Ave
If you or your kids are animal lovers and want to learn how to keep them safe, then we recommend making a stop at Rescate Animal Zoo Ave, which is home to different creatures that need help surviving. You’ll be able to check out leopards, iguanas, monkeys, birds, jaguars and other animals that are endangered and need preservation.
Classes and presentations are available to teach kids about these animals and what the center is doing to keep them and their environments safe. Some small animals are friendly enough for your kids to hold, and we advise getting a photo of it so that they can show their friends that they got to hang out with wild animals.
Take advantage of these activities in your week in Costa Rica so that you and your kids have a memorable vacation.
