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Things To Do In Costa Rica For Kids

Sloths, zip-lining and horse riding – here's why Costa Rica is perfect for kids.
With so many people to please, deciding on where to go for a family holiday can be tough. Parents are probably looking for some much needed R&R, while the kids are raring for adventure. Costa Rica offers a bit of everything, and being nature’s playground, is an increasingly popular place for families to visit.

There’s a whole load of kid-friendly activities and excursions to do in Costa Rica, far too many for just one list. So to make it a little easier we’ve picked out our favourites for you...

CANOPY ZIPLINING

One of the most popular activities to do in Costa Rica is whizzing through the rainforest on a zipline. But with little ones in tow, it’s not always practical. Canopy Safari is perfect for tinier people as it’s not as high as other ziplines, so your little daredevils won’t miss out on the fun. Plus, the center also has a butterfly and serpentarium for you to enjoy once you’ve finished flying through the air. Or, if ziplining really isn’t your thing, you can still appreciate a bird’s eye view of the rainforest on an enclosed aerial train, which is a more relaxed – and less active – way of seeing Costa Rica’s wildlife.

Fab for little ones aged eight and over.

HORSE RIDING

Sure, there’s horse riding back at home. But you haven’t really tried horse riding unless it’s through rainforests, up mountains or along a deserted sandy beach. And what better way to see the beautiful sights of Costa Rica than clip-clopping your way round by horse?

Minimum ages can vary from tour to tour. It’s best to check with your TUI rep to find out what’s best for you.

SLOTH SANCTUARY

Everybody loves sloths, and the chance to see some up close should be on everyone’s to-do list. The best places to do this is at one of Costa Rica’s many sloth sanctuaries, such as The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica. It’s a brilliant opportunity for the little ones to learn more about these cute, furry slow-pokes, as well as being safe in the knowledge that you’re helping fund sloth conservation.

Great for all members of the family.

MEGA COMBO BUENA VISTA

Our Mega Combo Buena Vista excursion is just that – mega. Where else can you shoot down a 42-metre-long waterslide in the middle of the rainforest, surrounded by some of the most exotic animals in the world, landing with a splash in a fresh water pool? Or bounce around on the suspension bridges high above all the wildlife? Then, you can ride horseback or take the tractor to Buena Vista’s spa for a well-earned break in the hot springs and thermal mud baths. We’re exhausted just thinking about it.

Suitable for kids aged seven +.

TURTLE WATCHING

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime family experience that you’ll never forget, then turtle watching should be top of the list. Costa Rica is home to dozens of nesting beaches for four turtle species, including endangered leatherbacks, which are crucial to the conservation of these lovely animals. We recommend you and the little ones head to Tortuguero, a 35km stretch of protected natural habitat which is quiet and undisturbed, and a favourite nesting spot for the turtles.

Perfect for every age.
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Author: Abi Payne-Humphries

Last updated: 31.10.2017

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