For people with small children that are considering visiting or moving to this part of the world, you need to know one thing. Kids rule in Costa Rica.

Unlike in North America, kids are pretty much accepted everywhere. In Guanacaste, most restaurants are open air. The most successful of these have jungle gyms for the kids.

When kids act up, they are more likely going to be scooped up and played with rather than be the object of dirty looks. They have it made here! Kids get to ride on quads, see monkeys in the trees (this never gets old), go sailing, horseback riding, rafting, fishing, explore estuaries and skateboarding at one of the many parks in the area.

It’s hot here, so most fun with the kids usually involves water. Going to the beach, playing in tide pools, finding shells, swimming and surfing are a big part of life.

I had my son Jimmy swimming at 3 months old. Preparing him for the life of a total beach bum, I hope.

My son has an awesome life. He just turned four years old. Kid’s birthdays in Costa Rica always involves a piñata. By the age of three the little ones have already had plenty of practice with their swing.

Being surrounded by nature has a profound effect on little people. I make it a point to expose my son to the amazing wildlife that can be found all over the country.

Last October I took the family down the Ostional to witness the “arribada” of green sea turtles. This is when thousands of turtles show up at the same time to lay eggs. It was an experience I am sure he will never forget.

Once every couple months we go on an estuary tour where we can explore the mangrove forest that borders Tamarindo. He really gets into it. He can already spot birds and crocodiles better than me!

Sometimes we go up to Lake Arenal to check out the windmills and go to the hot springs. It can be 90 degrees on the beach and 70 degrees in Arenal, only a two-hour drive away.

Whether you are just here for a week or the rest of your life. You will always be able to find a way top keep the kids in your life happy and entertained.

A lot of people ask me about private schools. Yes, there are plenty of quality schools in the area to send your kids, but that is another story….

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.