Family Adventure: Costa Rica With Kids

Once you land in Liberia, which I recommend if you plan to see those beaches on the Pacific side, along with La Fortunas jungles and hot springs. Another good thing about flying into Liberia is the airport. It is smaller, more streamlined, and easy to get around (a plus when you have children). Once landed, I recommend you stay the night in the city, to give your little travelers a break. A really great place to stay with kids is the Hilton Garden Inn, which also has a pool.

When you head to La Fortuna, you can rent a car, or hire a driver. The road is winding, and can make little people (and big people) a little car sick. So remember to bring Gravol to treat motion sickness.

The ride is so worth it, you can see monkeys and maybe even a sloth along the way. The ride is a few hours, and you really end up in another world. Once in the small town, I suggest heading to one of the local cafés or restaurants for lunch and then heading out to the free natural hot springs that run outside the edge of town. Kids have lots of room to explore, float, and bathe in the warm waters. I know my kids stayed for a few hours here! And once it gets dark, that’s when all the fun happens! I recommend you take the kids on a nighttime adventure in La Fortuna. Kids can look in the dark, with a local tour guide, for all the night-time creatures that come alive in the jungle! Everyone always hopes to see the elusive jaguar!

Baldi Hot Springs are a must-do with kids in La Fortuna. This five-star hot springs resort is an upscale waterpark for everyone. With a huge amount of hot springs to choose from, they naturally form from the local volcano. Kids can go from pool to pool exploring the different temperatures and water. There are also water slides for kids and a few pool to relax in. The best part is, you can get the all-inclusive option, which means you can have supper and lunch if you want, so you have to spend the day worry free. After a full day at the resort, a walk downtown to explore the shops will tire the kids out, and make sure they sleep well at the end of the day! You can see the volcano from anywhere in town, making it an easy place to snap a photo.

No trip to La Fortuna is complete without a trip to La Fortuna waterfall. You can get here with a driver or your car rental. This place is seriously magical for all ages. The catch is there are around 500 steps up and down, making it a little difficult for smaller children. But my five-year-old did it no problem with a stop for a water break. There are pit stops along the way. Once you get down, you can swim!

You can choose to swim on the side of the water wall, which is calmer and has little fish to swim with, or right near the falls (not recommended for small children). This was an amazing way to spend the day. Finishing with a nice meal at the local restaurant was the icing on the cake.

There are still many things you can do in the area, such as hike the volcano, mystic bridges, Rio Celeste and some other cool hidden falls and local spots. But, by now you may just be looking to head to the beach and relax!

Tip: If you want to stay longer, I can always change the plan and get you booked into any adventure you’re looking for!

About an hour and a half away is Coco Beach, and this place is spectacular. The black sand and lush greenery make you feel like you are in a movie! In Coco Beach, there are lots of places to stay (we can talk about the best option for you) but really, once you arrive you will just want to spend the day at the beach. Having supper at one of the beach clubs will provide you with dinner and a sunset you will never forget.

Close to Coco Beach are some amazing local beaches that are breeding grounds for sea turtles. They also have great waves to surf, along with white sand and shady trees. What my family loved was packing a picnic and spending the whole day here. It’s the best way to wind down. Reach out for the name of the beach, as I have been told to keep it secret by the locals!

It may be time to head home. Liberia airport is close and you can take your time arriving. As it is never easy to say goodbye!