In Costa Rica, the local motto is, "Pura Vida." This translated means, “Living the pure life." It means taking time to appreciate the wonderful things all around us, big and small. You'll hear it at the end of almost every conversation as a kind of "be well," "enjoy life," and "take it easy" all rolled into one. Not a bad vibe for your vacation.
It's a vacation that won't cost a lot. The way International travel cost these days. Costa Rica is a great option. The trick is to pick a destination where tourism is developed so that it's safe and easy to get around, but not so developed that you feel as if you've never left home.
Arenal Volcano is an active volcano that is a fun family activity. Also be sure to check out Tabacon Hot Springs. It's nature’s version of a water park. Each landscape trail leads to a different surprise: a bridge, waterfall, or natural pool. 
You can get back to nature with a wake up call from howler monkeys. Your family will talk about it for years to come. Check out Manuel Antonio National Park. It's a small nature reserve with easy trails for the youngsters. There are guides that will help point out what you may not notice in the trees.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde
Don't miss a Sky Walk through a tropical rain forest.
On the outskirts of Manuel Antonio National Park, you will find white sand beaches where you and your kids can swim through schools of tropical fish, sign up for surf school or have a picnic on the beach and watch the monkeys sneak up and steal your lunch.
There are adventures for every age! There is a zip line swing through the treetops or horseback riding on the beach. Or if you don’t feel like being suspended midair on a zip line head to the Santa Elena Cloud Reserve.
