Please note that this is not an itinerary submitted by an actual family. This day was planned by one of our travel experts as a recommendation for a family of children with ages 4 through late teens, based on knowledge of the city. Factors such as time, cost and distance have been considered to make this a great day to get a sense of the city and keep the children and teens interested and engaged.
Address: Sabanilla de Alajuela, Poas Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Phone: +506 2449 5152
Hours: Tours at 9, 10 and 11 AM as well as 1:30 and 2:30 PM every day. Weekdays feature an additional tour at 3:30 PM each day.
Website: http://dokaestate.com/
Admission: Depends on number of people and date of travel. Call or consult website for live assistance.
Costa Rica is known for the coffee beans grown here, and a tour of one of the many coffee plantations in the area is a must for most visitors. You can find out how coffee beans are grown, harvested, and stored. There are a number of coffee plantations that offer tours in Costa Rica. The Doka estate tour is an interesting, informative and unique experience for your family. Learn about coffee cultivation and the natural beauty of Costa Rica at the same time. Learn about the coffee growing process from beginning to end: from where the seeds are planted to how quality coffee beans are identified.
Address: Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Phone: 2442-7041/ 2430-4127
Hours: 8am-4pm for the Visitor Center
Website: Poas Volcano National Park
Admission: $7 US
Poas Volcano National Park is one of the top parks in Costa Rica, and it contains one of four active volcanoes in this country. The volcano, Stratovolcano Poás, is 2,708 meters high. There is also a cloud forest within the park, and hiking trails which go all the way to the crater of the volcano. The diversity of the plant and animal life within the park is extensive. There is a museum in the Visitor Center, and a tour of the volcano includes information about the volcanic activity in Costa Rica. The natural beauty of the park is incredible, with breathtaking views and exquisite scenic vistas. The crater and the crater lake are impressive sights, and highly recommended to any family who enjoys outdoor activities and natural beauty.
Address: 126, Costa Rica
Phone: +506 2482 2720
Hours: 8am-5pm
Website: Waterfall Gardens
Admission: $38 US for foreign adults, $22 for foreign children 3-12 years
La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a private nature reserve, and it has plenty to offer for all ages. There is a stunning orchid garden, a large variety of tropical bird species, a hummingbird garden, one of the biggest butterfly gardens in the country, numerous wild cats and even monkeys and reptiles. Like the name suggests there are also several stunning waterfalls in the gardens, and these are situated along the hiking trail that runs through the reserve. Between the wildlife, the exquisite beauty of the gardens and surrounding areas, and exotic feel there is surely something to delight every member of the family.
Address: San Antonio de Belen – Auto plaza, Heredia, Costa Rica
Phone: +506 2293 3827
Website: Plaza Real Cariari
The Plaza Real Cariari offers incredible shopping for all ages and tastes. There are special shows for kids that are frequently held in the Plaza Square, fashion shows are held on a regular basis (consult their Facebook for a schedule), and a horse carousel that kids and adults both love. There are many shops and stores for visitors that carry a wide range of products and services, and a big food court with a variety of edible items available. This is a nice stop for everyone to have a chance to relax and spend some free time.