Family Adventures in the Central Valley of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an exciting place for family excursions. While most people think local adventures are primarily centered around beaches, volcanoes, and national parks, you will be pleased to discover that the Central Valley and GAM (greater metropolitan area) offer alternative activities and an abundance of family-centered attractions. The Central Valley allows for more variety of activities since much like rural areas, it benefits from nature reserves, outdoor adventure parks, and phenomenal hiking. But this is in addition to man-made attractions such as indoor play centers, community activities, classes, clubs, and family-friendly festivals. Below I have provided a guide to to some of the popular destinations, but in no way is the Central Valley limited to only these suggestions.

Outdoor Adventures

• Trout Fishing in Cartago: Enjoy a day of fishing with the family at a trout farm. It is a perfect mix of outdoor fun and delicious food. Truchas Selva Madre, nestled near Trinidad de Dota in the scenic Cerro de La Muerte, offers a perfect family-friendly escape where you can catch, cook, and enjoy your fresh trout. Surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, and waterfalls, it’s accessible to all vehicles and even welcomes dogs. On weekends, enjoy a meal prepared at the on-site restaurant, or rent a grill at one of the ranches to cook your catch. With beautiful hiking trails and the peaceful sounds of nature, it’s an ideal spot for a fun, hands-on outdoor adventure with kids.
• Hiking and Camping: Explore the breathtaking trails of the Cerros de Escazú, Barba Volcano, and Bosque de la Hoja, where you can hike, enjoy nature, and camp with your family. Each of these areas offers unique landscapes and a connection to Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity:

• Cerros de Escazú: Part of the Talamanca Mountain Range, this area offers rugged trails, panoramic views of the Central Valley, and a variety of wildlife. A great spot for camping is Cerro Pico Blanco, where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the cooler mountain air, starry nights, and a challenging hike. The website Que Buen Lugar will rate the hiking experience required. Cerro Pico Blanco is not suited for younger hikers as it can be challenging.
• Barba Volcano (Volcán Barva): Located in the Braulio Carrillo National Park, Barba Volcano offers trails through cloud forests, leading to beautiful lagoons and viewpoints. You can camp at Laguna de Barva, a serene spot near the crater, surrounded by dense forest and misty scenery, perfect for immersing yourself in nature. This is a beginner hike, more suitable for younger nature enthusiasts.
• Bosque de la Hoja: Situated near Heredia, this forest reserve in the Central Mountain Range is popular for family-friendly hikes and picnics. There are designated camping areas in Bosque de la Hoja, offering a peaceful atmosphere with open grassy areas and tall trees, ideal for a quiet night in nature, a picnic, or a day of exploring. It has small parks and a child-size bicycle obstacle course.

• La Paz Waterfalls: One of Costa Rica’s most iconic natural attractions, this is a must-visit for families who love waterfalls and wildlife. The surrounding gardens and wildlife areas make it an educational and fun outing. The stay at The Peace Lodge is well worth the extra spending and you could add on a coffee tour at the nearby Starbucks farm, the various strawberry farms in the region, and a hike up Póas Volcano to see the crater (this is an easy hike for family including youngsters and grandparents).

Adventure Parks & Outdoor Fun

• Centro Recreativo Colinas del Poás (Alajuela): This family-friendly park offers various swimming pools, water slides, and recreational areas. Located near Poás Volcano, it’s an excellent destination for combining water fun with nature. The park also has picnic areas, playgrounds, and canopy tours, making it perfect for families with children.
• Parque Aquatico Orotina (Orotina): About an hour from Escazú, this water park features large pools, exciting water slides, and spacious playgrounds, offering a fun and refreshing experience for a family day out. Leave early to reach Parque Aquatico with ample time to try all the attractions, and be ready for a full and adventurous day!

• Hacienda La Chimba: This adventure park offers zip-lining, hiking trails, and coffee tours. Perfect for a day of outdoor fun with kids. There are lots of photo opportunities, especially if you reserve a spot on the Mantra Trail.
• Adventure Park: Another great adventure park that offers a wide variety of activities like canopy tours and mountain bike obstacle courses, waterfalls, and scenic trails.
• Parque de Diversiones (San José): Costa Rica’s largest amusement park, perfect for a day of rides, attractions, and entertainment for the whole family. What I like most about the park is that general entities are very affordable so that grandparents can join in, walk with the family, and share a picnic without having to pay for rides. The full-day pass is well worth it for thrill seekers and those who enjoy rollercoasters. Bring a change of clothing for wet rides. Food is also very affordable there but you are permitted to bring in your own. Alcohol, knives, or metal containers are not allowed but can be stored at the main security office should you forget. There are rides for both younger and mature family members. Go Carts are an added attraction but not included in the general entry, please enquire with Parque de Diversions directly.

Indoor Fun & Play Centers

• Oxigeno Human Playground (Heredia): This indoor adventure zone and mall. It includes trampolines, obstacle courses, and climbing walls. It’s one of the most comprehensive indoor play centers in Costa Rica. They have often held large events such as hosting the Harlem Globetrotters, and car shows, but have mainstay activities such as indoor ball pits for younger children, a virtual ride experience, and the Adventure Indoor Play Center.
• Jump Center & Sky Zone (Santa Ana): These trampoline parks offer a great way for kids to burn off energy. They feature foam pits, dodgeball, and jumping areas for all ages. You can find various versions such as the trampoline park in Terrazas Lindora or the space temes jumping castle world across the the street close by on Lindora, in Santa Ana. Terrazas Mall also has scheduled family events and a movie theatre.
• Go-Karting at Lindora (Santa Ana): FIK Lindora is perfect for speed-loving families, this go-kart track offers safe, thrilling races, perfect for kids and adults alike. This has been a favorite place for birthday parties and is fun for the whole family.
• Indoor Mountain Biking and Parkour: Nico’s Place is a fitness and fun center for kids, providing a high-quality exercise and play experience while developing a series of physical, mental, and emotional skills. They teach 5 disciplines: cycling, parkour, fabrics, karate, and fitness. It’s a popular location for birthday parties and group events.

Cultural & Educational Outings

• Museo de Niños: Located in San José, the Children’s Museum features interactive exhibits designed especially for young children. It provides engaging, hands-on experiences that inspire learning through science and culture. The museum aims to foster a better society by encouraging growth and curiosity in both children and adults.
• Botanical Orchid Gardens: Located in La Garita, has been planted for nearly 50 years. The property has been transformed creating a lush habitat that now supports hundreds of diverse plants. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along their scenic trails, immersing themselves in this vibrant natural environment. Their dedicated nurseries focus on preserving, cultivating, and reproducing an extensive collection of orchids. The Orchid Garden offers a relaxing and educational day trip.
• UCR Museum of Insects: Explore this small yet intriguing museum, where children can discover the world of insects and even handle specimens like giant cockroaches. The museum, renowned for its extensive collection, serves as a hub for education and information about insects. The Insect Museum boasts the largest array of insect samples in the country.

Animal Rescue Centers & Butterfly Gardens

• Animal Rescue Centers: Places like the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center offer guided tours where families can learn about the rehabilitation of rescued animals. They focus on local animals but have included foreign species brought to Costa Rica illegally and care for them serving as protectors of natural species and preserving the wildlife of Costa Rica. Some animals are rehabilitated and released back into a natural habitat while some require long-term stay due to injury or maltreatment.
• Butterfly Gardens: Visit the Butterfly Kingdom in Escazú, where you can marvel at a diverse array of Costa Rican butterflies, including the magnificent Blue Morpho, a national treasure known worldwide. You can even take home a Blue Morpho cocoon, to care for and release into your own garden.

Festivals to Mark on Your Calendar

• Festival Nacional de las Artes: A family-friendly festival featuring traditional music, dance, and art. It’s a great cultural experience for families looking to enjoy Costa Rican heritage.
• Festival de la Luz (December): San José’s iconic Christmas parade, featuring floats, music, and fireworks. A magical experience for kids during the holiday season. Be sure to get there early for a seat and bring your chairs. Be selective about the neighborhood as downtown San Jose is not always safe, and I suggest sitting near the start of the parade because it slows significantly near the end. It is very fun if planned appropriately.
• Festival de la Mascarada (October 31): Celebrate Costa Rican masquerades with parades, live music, and giant colorful masks in cities like Barva and Escazú. This is a real treat if you want to enjoy Costa Rican annual traditions. Make your own mask to join in on the fun!
• Transitarte Festival:  Transitarte is involved in several festivals, specifically a theatre and art festival celebrated around the cultural center of CENAC. There are clowning performances, and street performers, as well as theatre, dance, music, and puppetry performances in the Dance Theatre. There are book vendors and food vendors on site as well.
• Festival Flores de la Diáspora Africana: This annual festival in Costa Rica celebrates Afro-descendant culture and heritage. Organized by the Art and Culture Foundation for Development, it highlights the rich traditions and contributions of the African diaspora
• Feria del Agricultor (Weekly): Visit weekend farmers’ markets in towns like Escazú, Santa Ana, and Heredia, where families can enjoy fresh produce, local crafts, and live entertainment. Follow municipalities on social media for more information.

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The Central Valley of Costa Rica is brimming with activities, excursions, and events for families. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural outings, or fun play centers, there’s always something happening for all ages. You’ll find even more opportunities by joining local country clubs, which frequently host family-friendly events. Some of the notable country clubs include:

• Costa Rica Country Club
• Cariari Country Club
• Club Campestre Español
• Los Reyes Country Club
• Santa Ana Country Club
• Castillos Country Club

Additionally, staying connected with the municipalities of Escazú, Santa Ana, Belén, San Jose and others will help you keep up with local festivals, markets, and special events. Costa Rica is a family-centered country, with a deep appreciation for creating experiences for children and families alike. For book-related, library, and literary events follow Editorial La Jirafa y Jo.

Even in commercial spaces like malls, you’ll often find interactive events, exhibitions, and activities designed for kids, making it easy to plan fun outings year-round. From hiking to festivals, and adventure parks to indoor play zones, there’s always something exciting to discover in the Central Valley if you know where to look!

-Anthony Livoti

homes-costarica.com