Costa Rica with Kids Itineraries:

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano

This less well known volcano national park is only 40 min from the Liberia airport and makes a great substitute for Arenal Volcano area if you want to save a few hours of drive time and visit a less popular but still intriguing area.

This 34,800 acre (14,084 ha) national park is home to the the Rincon de la Vieja volcano (6217 ft, 1895 m), comprising of nine contiguous craters that dot the volcanic national park. The Von Seebach crater is currently active, continually venting steam and the occasional volcanic hiccup.

Enjoy hiking trails through tropical forests, including sections of montane and dwarf cloud forest, soak in a sulfuric hot spring and cool off in a nearby stream. Bubbling pools of mud can be found an additional 3 km beyond the hot springs.

Families who choose this location stay at nearby Hacienda Guacipelin, a Costa Rican owned former ranch with large property that holds waterfalls, hot springs, trails and a horse corral. Activities include horseback riding, tubing, canyon ziplining, waterfall rappelling, and (for those 14 and up) single track mountain bike trails.