About a 3-hour drive northwest of San Jose, the Arenal region is one of the top areas of the Costa Rica for the vacation of a lifetime. Anchored by the Arenal Volcano and the town of La Fortuna, it is jam-packed with kid-friendly activities for every age and interest. Thrill seekers will love the abundance of zipline tours, the whitewater rafting opportunities, the waterfall rappelling and the ATV rides. Those who like calmer experiences might fancy a coffee farm tour, a soak in the natural hot springs or a scenic kayak ride on beautiful Lake Arenal. For kid-friendly hotels, the choices are just as diverse. Consider a large resort offering onsite amenities galore, or book a smaller property off the beaten path with spectacular volcano views.

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