10 Reasons Why You Should Take Your Kids To

Costa Rica!

Costa Rica may be small, but it is jam-packed with high-adrenaline family fun, furry animal friends, colorful birds and cool teeny-tiny dart frogs. Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet! A mountainous terrain with volcanoes, rivers, lakes, rainforests, cloud forests and dry forests to costal sandy beaches and mangroves. Home to many different animals such as sloths, monkeys, Baird’s Tapir, three kinds of anteaters and tons of cool animal species! Here is our top 10 list of Why you should bring your kids to Costa Rica!

1. Sloths, Sloths, and more SLOTHS! 

Sloths are the number one animal that families come to Costa Rica to see and we promise you´ll see one on your family vacation. Sloths can be found high in the canopy of cecropia trees or slowly lowering themselves down tree trunks on an adventure to find leafy green leaves to munch on. These furry animals are an ecosystem within themselves and magnificent to see in action. Your kids will be amazed by the important role sloths play in the jungle playground. Kids love learning facts about sloths and what better country to do it than Costa Rica! Kids will become super sloth spotters within a few days, watch in awe as you search along with your kids to spot sloths in their natural habitat!

Kids love learning about Sloths

2. Kids LOVE the challenge of learning SURF!

Catch waves in the pristine warm waters of Costa Rica´s Pacific Coast. Your kids will be up in no time with the help of Costa Rica´s finest local surf gurus, surfing in less than an hour or they will refund your money. Kids will be thrilled to be surfing the waves and learning new skills! Now, for parents, it may take a little longer to get the hang of it than your kids, but if you want to take a lesson, cowabunga, everything is possible, your in Costa Rica! Most families find this to be a great shared experience for the whole family. Your kids will eat dinner without complaint and be completely tuckered out and ready to hit the sack early. Bonus for the parents while on vacation.

Kids love the challenge of learning to surf!

3. Kids love to zoom over the jungle canopy!

Zip-line Tree Top Canopy Tour, Whee! Soaring from tree to tree on sturdy cables is one of the most exciting adventures for kids in Costa Rica, especially for kids that want to fly! For young or timid kids there´s an option to go in tandem with an experienced family canopy guide. And the more extroverted kids who want to get a little zany can zip along upside down or do the “look ma, no hands” superman pose when zipping tandem with a guide. Your kids will experience pure joy as they travel from platform to platform looking for monkeys and birds along the way. See the smiles on your family members’ faces as they zip and zoom along the cables.

Kids love to zoom over the jungle canopy

4. Family-friendly Waterfall Rapelling Adventures.

Waterfall Repel with your kids down waterfalls while on a Family Canyoning Tour. What could be more fun than learning to rappel down the side of a canyon with a refreshing waterfall keeping you cool? We bet this vacation memory will be shared with friends and family for years to come! This tour includes a hike through the tropical jungle as your repel down waterfalls, splash into the “Monkey Drop” and get soaked by cascading waterfalls. Wait, what´s the Monkey Drop, you ask? Let your kids go first on this one, they are the experts of splash zone fun! With guides who pull out surprises, your family is sure to find this experience one of the highlights of their trip.

Adventurous kids love waterfall repelling

5. Best Family Friendly White Water Rafting.

White Water Rafting with Wave Expeditions, is a wet and wild family adventure. This is a great way to teach your kids about white water rafting, river safety, and working as a team. It takes grit and heart to paddle your way through thrilling, white-water rapids. River guides flip the rafts onto the bank during the break and this makeshift table is quickly put to use to serve tasty fresh fruit snacks while you and your kids jump off the river bank into the invigorating water. At the end of the tour, there is plenty to celebrate with “high-five” paddle slaps all around for the guide and crew. Bond-building and strengthening – the family that rafts together, stays together!

Kids love splashing through the rapids white water rafting

6. Explore the Ocean while fishing!

Fish On! Costa Rica’s oceans are bustling with life! With more than 80 current IFGA world records, it is really hard to get skunked. It’s a whole lot more fun for kids when they are catching something, and boy is there a lot to catch. Along the Pacific coast you can angle for rooster fish, tuna, wahoo, dorado (mahi-mahi) and billfish (marlin, sailfish and swordfish). On the northern Atlantic coast record-setting tarpon fishing is the game, and there is some pretty good snook fishing to be found too. If you are in Arenal, you can catch machaca and guapote – a bump-head bass. Throw out a line and see what you catch while you are in CR!

Kids love exploring the ocean

7. Dolphins, turtles, and whale watching.

Whale Watching, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving galore!  As you ride along the coast, you will see Costa Rica from a vantage point you just can’t get on land. Spinner dolphins love to leap and frolic in the wake behind boats. If you like whales – and who doesn’t – there are two migrations of humpback whales that come to Costa Rica to breed and give birth to their young along the Pacific Coast (Jan-Feb and July-Aug). If your kid is at least 10 years old, they can learn to Scuba Dive. There is a one day, Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience if you have never tried diving and want to check it out. With tons of shallow dive sites and year-round diving conditions along the Pacific Coast, it is easy and fun to complete their Open Water Diver scuba diving certification. Kids will see massive schools of grunts, tons of eagle rays, puffer fish, eels, and lots of other critters.

Kids love Catamaran Sail and Snorkel

8. Turtle Wildlife encounter!

Turtles, Turtles, Turtles From November to August there are many spots around Costa Rica where you and your family can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see turtles lumber up the beach to nest with each female turtle laying 300-400 eggs! It is a lot of hard work for the turtles, but easy for you to join one of the park rangers in a small group and witness this up close. It is a moving encounter that families will never forget. Turtle hatchlings can be seen in later months working their way back to the ocean under the light of the full moon. Turtles return to the same beaches year after year, it is definitely something all families should try to experience.

Kids love being up close with wildlife

9. Magical Waterfalls.

Hiking to a Celestial Blue River Never has I ever!!!! You and your family will say when they hike to the Rio Celeste and see this ethereal sky blue water for yourselves. It is like being in a dream when you see this unbelievably beautiful shade of blue water. Families can hike the national park with a guide to view the incredible wildlife and learn about various flora and fauna. After your family hike through breathtakingly gorgeous scenery, you can swim at the base of the waterfall. The kids can splash around in the celestial blue river that flows from the waterfall while the parents enjoy a relaxing soak in this mineral-rich river.

Kids love swimming in the celestial blue water.

10. Family Cloud Forest adventure!

Cloud Forests & Hummingbird Gardens Costa Rica has some amazing cloud forests, and Monteverde is one of the best. You and your family can do an easy hike in the Cloud Forest Preserve with an experienced birding guide who will show you some amazing birds through his high-powered spotting scope. Why go with a guide? Well, you probably don’t know where the birds nest, the sound of their song or which trees bear the fruits they like to eat. One of the birds residing here is considered the most beautiful bird in the world – the Resplendent Quetzal – with an emerald green head, enormous garnet breast and fine, long plumage. Without a guide, you might miss this amazing site, even though it is directly over your head! There are also self-guided trails along the Continental Divide – and while it is not often clear enough to see this view (after all it is in the Cloud Forest) – there are days when you can see both coasts after reaching the top. Hummingbird Gardens house dozens of feeders, and if the kids stand very still, these exquisite little birds will flit and fly all around you. Videos of your kids doing this is priceless!

Kids love seeing colored birds in the cloud forest

Have we convinced you yet?

We hope that answer is YES! These are our top ten reasons why you should bring your kids to Costa Rica! Our family destination experts are ready to customize your family vacation, click here to start planning!

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Top 3 Family Zipline Tours in La Fortuna

The Arenal Volcano attracts thousands of global visitors year round. The small quaint town of La Fortuna, at the base of the volcano, is a must see for adventure seeking families who are looking for out of this world rainforest experiences. Located just 2.5 hours driving time from Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela, La Fortuna is a perfect location for families with a variety of kid friendly experiences.

Families who stay in La Fortuna are often seeking active, educational and fun adventures. A favorite among many,  a Canopy Zipline Tour. With multiple tour operators offering similar experiences, it can be difficult and timely to choose which tour is right for your family. In this COSTA RICA FOR KIDS blog, we are outlining our Top 3 Zipline Tours for families. 

1. Young Kids Zooming Zipline at Eco Glide Arenal Park

A safe, short yet spectacular tour for the youngest adventure seeker in your family is at Eco Glide Arenal Park. Highly recommended for their commitment to safety and the only canopy tour in the area that uses double cables, a sliding cable and an additional independent cable for added safety. This tour ticks all the boxes to ensure families feel secure and enjoy the ride.

The adventure begins as your family gets fitted for harnesses, helmets and then clipped onto the ¨School Cable.¨ A guided safety demonstration will introduce riders to ziplining allowing each rider to get comfortable hanging and zooming along the cable. This zipline consists of 12 cables and 14 platforms. This is a great zipline for families who are short on time and looking for an incredible canopy experience, a couple of hours max in duration.

The route is divided into two parts, the first consists of 6 cables and 7 platforms nestled into the trees where you´ll have greater contact with nature. Youll be able to observe part of the Central Plain of the Northern Zone, the Arenal Volcano and the town of La Fortuna.

The Young Family Fun Canopy Tour is great for families with young kids or kids of mixed ages. The minimum age to participate is 3. Young riders will go tandem with an experienced kid friendly guide throughout the tour. Families will be together on platforms but will zipline as individuals (tandem for small kids). Older kids love the Tarzan swing! They are usually the first in line to try with mom or dad right behind! This is a great place to stop and rest mid tour. Those who opt-out of the Tarzan Swing are the onlookers for those taking flight. A great point in the tour to take some epic family photos.

2. Big Kids, Big AMA Zipline Experience

Feel your family’s adrenaline rush as you zipline through the rainforest canopy. With aerial views of the La Fortuna Waterfall and Pino Blanco Waterfall, your family has everything to experience on Arenal Mundo Aventura (AMA) Big Canopy Tour. The longest tour of all, lasting approximately three hours, your family will zoom across a series of 12 zipline cables ranging from 200-800 meters in length.

The Big Kids, Big AMA Family Canopy Tour is great for adventurous families looking for an action packed day of touring. Make this tour a combo by adding a Rappel tour or a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall, led by tractor or on horseback. Riders must be at least 7 years old in addition to being at least 3´10 tall and at least 51 pounds. Riders will be given a safety demonstration and shown how to utilize the manual (hand) breaking system. Families will hike through both primary and secondary forests during the tour offering opportunities to see wildlife and learn about flora and fauna.

Tour Highlight – Family Cultural Experience – As part of your tour, families will enjoy a cultural experience at the on-site Maleku Cultural Rescue Center. After a small performance, families will enjoy a cultural exchange learning about Maleku Peoples. Kids love viewing indigenous arts and crafts displayed in the cultural center. Families have the option to purchase locally made art to top off this cultural experience so tuck some colones away for this part of the experience. Visiting the Maleku Cultural Center is a great addition for families looking for local educational experiences when traveling.

3. Longest, Highest, Fastest – Sky Trek Zipline

Boasting the longest and highest cables, stretching from mountain to mountain, crossing canyons, through the rainforest and at times between the clouds, the Sky Trek Canopy Tour brings out the kid in us all!

Located outside the center of town, about 25 minutes by transport, around the community of El Castillo is where you find the park. This is where your family will see the best views of the Arenal Volcano as you zip through the canopy. Hop on the complimentary Sky Tram, an open air gondola and take a family ride to the first platform. Kids and parents alike will be admiring views with eyes wide open for wildlife along the way! 

This Sky Trek Family Tram & Zipline Tour will last approximately two hours as you zipline your way across a series of 10 cables that vary in length from 200 to 750 meters. Lay back and enjoy the ride, hands free, flying through the rainforest as this tour uses an automated braking system. Let the braking system do the work for you so that you can live this extraordinary moment to the fullest!

This family tour is excellent for families with kids 5 years and older. Kids ages 5 & 6 will ride tandem with a professional guide while kids ages 7-10 will have an unforgettable experience going tandem with riders of similar age. A perfect opportunity for kids to create memories and friendships of a lifetime. A pro tip for this tour, if you have young kids (ages 5 & 6) book this tour in advance as spaces are limited depending on availability of guides as well as the time of year.

We recommend taking advantage of the option to spend a full day at the park. Immerse your family in a day of touring by combining the canopy tour with your choice of the Aerial Tram Ride or the Sky Walk Hanging Bridges. In this one location, families can enjoy the thrill of zooming over the canopy while learning all about the wildlife and flora and fauna in the area. Learn more about Sky Trek Canopy Tours for families read our expert blog post by Vanessa, where she outlines all of the highlights and tips for families.

Canopy tours operate year round in Costa Rica rain or shine. Families are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes, no loose hanging clothing, hair should be pulled back and glasses secured. Throughout the canopy tour, you will be walking along jungle paths, tennis shoes are great for footwear and secure for kids. All riders should have a moderate physical fitness level.

At Costa Rica for Kids, we know importance of making sure all your family members have the BEST time in Costa Rica. Enjoy our limited time offer on any of the 3 Family Canopy Tours featured above in La Fortuna, use code Kidtastic10 to get a 10% discount! Click on the tour of your choice above and use the code at checkout! Pura Vida

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La Fortuna Family Sky Trek & Tram Experience

“Do you want to go FAST …. Or  SUPER  FAST” – That is what our guide asked me as he smiled a wide grin!  I could tell no matter which one I picked it was going to be a wild ride! – Vanessa, Costa Rica for Kids Destination Expert. In this COSTA RICA FOR KIDS Family Expert Experience we tell you everything you need to know and more about taking your family on a Sky Trek Canopy Tour. Our Destination Expert, Vanessa, details her first-hand experience below. Read on to learn more!

Family Sky Tram Gondola Ride

Experience Sky Trek Canopy

I have done my fair share of Canopy zip line adventures while living in Costa Rica, but the experience at the Sky Trek and Tram was definitely in my top 10!  Sky Trek, La Fortuna,  proves to be one of the unmatched high-flying adrenaline experiences you will not want to miss on your family vacation to Costa Rica. After checking in and me yelling out “ one last bathroom stop”  we head to get outfitted for our trek.   We were met by high fives and a happy staff as they swiftly readied us with our helmets, harnesses, and pully. We were a noisy bunch making our way to the safety speech demo as the metal pulleys and harnesses clink and clank together. Ready,  we mounted the open-air gondola tram and started going up.  This is one of the unexpected bonuses of the  Sky Trek and Tram.  The ride up to the top of the rainforest peak starts out with a  ride that glides through the treetops.    The 20-minute ride was actually calming and quiet and offered some spectacular treetops, volcano, and lake views. At the top, we dismount to a platform with a picture-perfect view of the volcano.  The engaging guides ( there are several of them)  have mastered the flow of guests so the tour moves well without a lot of waiting.  After a few photo ops with the lake views, we started out a zip line course that zigzagged down the mountain.  The first cable is a practice one to get the feel of how to brake with the handlebars and what it feels like to fly over the treetops. It’s a good practice run before the next cable which the guides kept calling the “oh my god” cable!

They didn’t lie – this was a Full Adrenaline Rush!

The first cable (my favorite as well)  left me yelling out of pure excitement “Ohhhhhhhh Myyyyyy   Goooooooooddddddddd” as I flew what felt like miles high across the rainforest. After reaching the other side I let out a  big  “WOW – That was AMAZING” and all of my group smiled and agreed eager to do it all over again.  We quickly dismounted and jumped onto the next cable. The Cables all stretch from mountain peak to peak across rainforest canyons with incredible heights that really take your breath away.  During the ride You’ll travel over  7 cables that go up to 200m (656ft) in height and 750m (2460ft) in length where you will be astounded by its impressive heights, speeds that go up 70km/h (43.5mph).

Heading off to see the astounding view of the rainforest!

 

Why our families LOVE this Tour:

 

• No Hands on Cable Braking System: The Sky Trek Canopy uses a handlebar breaking system which is different from the hand-breaking glove system that most other companies use. Both braking systems work, but  I personally like moving the handlebars back and forth to create friction to slow down instead of using a heavy glove to put pressure on the cable to help slow down as you approach the platform.
• The BEST Views: The Sky Trek Canopy views are nothing short of    You get the Volcano, the Arenal lake, and the canopy treetops views.  This was my favorite part of the canopy – soaking in the amazing tropical scenery.  If you are lucky you will have a clear day and so the  Arenal Volcano comes into view around every corner.
• Aerial Tram: This is a really great bonus. The  Aerial Tram is a 20-minute ride that glides above the canopy to reach the uppermost platform. The ride has stunning views and is a surprisingly peaceful ride.
• Not a lot of Walking between cables: With families, this helps that there are not long distances to walk between the cables. You get off and jump right back on to the next cable.
• Instagram Moment: You have probably seen some pictures surfing around the web of a beautiful hand statue that holds guests in its palm with the stunning Lake Arenal in the background. This perfect  Instagram setting makes a great photo souvenir that any teen will love posting about.
• Adventures for ALL: If you have a split group and some want the adventure of the zip line and others are better with their feet on the ground, the  Sky Trek and Tram offers the Sky Walk + Sky Tram ( Hanging Bridges walk). If you want more adrenaline fun there is also the Sky Limit which includes a high ropes course, canyoning and Tarzan swing or the Sky River Drift with adds tubing for some wild river.
• Restaurant: Although we didn’t eat lunch onsite, the Sky Trek and Tram have a restaurant on-site with some amazing lake views – A  great way to end the day!

Family Sky Tram Ride

Helpful Tours Tips for Families

• Kids: must be at least 5 years old. Kids of ages 5-6 will not ride alone, they will ride tandem with one of our guides, so kid spaces on tour will be limited by the number of available guides. Kids of ages 7-10 will ride tandem with each other if guides are not available.
• Child rates apply from ages 5 to 12.
• Maximum weight: 136kg (300lb).
• Maximum Waist: 117cm (46in).
• Maximum Leg Loops: 67cm (26in).
• High-intensity activity is not permitted for people with any kind of health problem (back, neck or any pain, bone, muscle or heart problems).
• Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time.

Sky Trek and Tram Canopy Tour is certainly in our Top 10 Family experiences when on vacation! Its highly recommended for families looking for thrill and adventure packed into one! Its easy to get started, click here, to reserve a tour for your family!  

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