— WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact The Travel Concept on 01435 866555 FAMILY-FRIENDLY COSTA RICA Tropical treats and natural thrills for all ages DESTINATION In Costa Rica, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the main event. This lush Central American jewel offers families a rare blend of adventure, wildlife, and ease, all wrapped in a warm, ecoconscious embrace. It’s where sloths dangle lazily from treetops, toucans flash their rainbow beaks, and children learn that the jungle hums with life. Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Designer Travelled with her family to Costa Rica What makes Costa Rica so ideal for families? First, its compact size and excellent infrastructure mean you can go from cloud forest to coastline in a matter of hours. One day you’re ziplining through Monteverde’s misty canopy, the next you’re surfing gentle Pacific waves in Tamarindo or spotting sea turtles on the Caribbean shores of Tortuguero. But it’s not just about adrenaline. Costa Rica’s national parks—like Manuel Antonio and Arenal— offer guided hikes tailored for little legs, with English-speaking, naturalist guides who turn every leaf and footprint into a story. Hot springs bubble beneath volcanoes, boat safaris glide through crocodile-filled mangroves, and butterfly gardens enchant even the most screen-addicted teens. Accommodations range from jungle lodges with howler monkeys as alarm clocks to beachfront resorts with kids’ clubs and infinity pools. Sustainability is more than a buzzword here—it’s a way of life. Many properties are eco-certified, and children are gently introduced to conservation through hands-on experiences, from planting trees to releasing baby turtles. Best of all, Costa Rica’s pura vida spirit—its laid-back, joyful way of life—is infectious. Families return home not just with memories, but with a renewed sense of connection: to nature, to each other, and to the wild wonder that still exists in the world. 14 | Wild Horizons Magazine - Winter 2026
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