Why consider Costa Rica as a family vacation destination? Does great year-round weather, beautiful landscapes, multitudes of flora and fauna, and unique activities sound interesting?

Bordered by the Caribbean and North Pacific Oceans, this small country boasts rain forests, beaches, waterfalls, and great sites for fishing, hiking, surfing, and bird watching. It’s definitely a paradise for those looking to see what all nature has to offer.

Read along as we offer up some ideas about great places to consider as you begin planning your family’s visit to Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio National Park

About 25% of Costa Rica is protected. The Manuel Antonio National Park thrives with animals such as tropical birds, monkeys, various types of frogs and spiders, ghost crabs, and sloths. Nature lovers will be amazed by the diverse plants here too – both poisonous and non-poisonous.

To fully enjoy a visit here, many recommend hiring a tour guide such as one from Manuel Antonio Expeditions. Not only will the guide keep you and your little ones from accidentally touching the wrong plant or animal, they can spot things that the untrained eye will most definitely miss. Tours cost about $40 USD and include pick-up/drop-off, entrance to the Park, and lunch.

Tip: If you will be employing the use of a guide, be sure to ask whether or not they speak English if no one in your family understands Spanish.

For more adventuresome families, there is whitewater rafting, forest canopy tours (where you zip down cables from tree-to-tree, 20 meters high), and swimming in the waterfalls

Note:　Between November 5 – 8th, 2009, the Park will host the Costa Rica International Film Festival.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Due to nearly 100% humidity throughout the year, the region is bathed in a constant soft mist which makes it looks like you are walking amongst the clouds. This highland forest is one of the most famous in Central America and budding botanists will marvel at the variety of more than 420 types of orchids and over 2,500 plant species that can be found here. Also, animal lovers will enjoy trying to spot tapirs, amphibians, deer, agouti, and an array of  winged creatures such as bats and hummingbirds.

Guided tours in English or Spanish are available for a fee and children 6 and under are free.  Be sure to check online for tour times and availability. There is a souvenir shop, restaurant, and art gallery on site which are all open from 7 am to 4 pm.

Note: March-April are best times for viewing nesting birds.

For butterfly enthusiasts, there is the Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Jardin de Mariposas) where you can get up close and personal with varieties such as the Floating Tiger, Zebra Longwing, and Blue Morpho. Guided 1.5 hour tours in English or Spanish are available with admission which is approximately $3 for kids up to $9 for adults. The Garden is open daily from 9:30 am until 4 pm.

Arenal Volcano

Located about 90 km northwest of San Jose sits this geographic wonder that almost daily spews red hot bits of rock and ash. It last erupted in 1992, so a visit here certainly brings some excitement to young minds as they see the Earth truly alive. There is a safety perimeter in place, so a visit is as safe as can be when viewing one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. Many like to visit in the evening as the incandescent rocks make for a memorable sight.

To make viewing the nighttime wonder of the Arenal Volcano at night, consider staying overnight in the area. There are numerous lodging options with views of the volcano and/or lava flows from your room. One such option is the Arenal Observatory Lodge. They offer several room types and children under 11 can eat and sleep free in their parents’ room. A daily complimentary breakfast and morning hike on the property trails with a local guide are offered here.

Costa Rica also has fantastic sandy beaches. Your little ones might delight in trying to catch one of the iguanas that can be found sunning themselves. Just remember that this little country is located closer to the equator than you might be used to, so sun screen is a necessity. Daily temperatures are mild and will vary, depending on the season, between 21 to 27 degrees Celsius (70 – 81 degrees Fahrenheit) with the months of November – January being the coolest.

With over 800 species of birds, an active volcano, more animals and plants than one can count, and pleasant, friendly locals, Costa Rica is an easy choice for a family vacation. Your family could easily tailor a week or more of activities that will keep everyone interested. Just imagine the possibilities!

Note: Be sure to check for passport and visa requirements prior to your trip by visiting www.costarica.com.