My top 10 picks for Liberia, all kid-friendly:
- Rincon de la Vieja National Park: a national park popular for its volcanic activity, which can be seen in the fumaroles and mud pots, and there are waterfalls as well
- La Leona Waterfall: this unique waterfall rests in a canyon, providing a unique and picturesque experience, but it requires a guided tour
- Palo Verde Boat Tours: this boat tour is perfect for those looking to avoid crowds, see wildlife, and connect deeper with Costa Rican people and culture
- Rio Negro Hot Springs: an extensive group of pools of varying temperatures, from cold to hot, as well as mud baths, perfect for a relaxing day, complete with amenities like showers, bathrooms, lockers, and towels, however no food is sold so you must bring your own
- Barra Honda National Park: this national park offers a unique experience of deep caves reached only by ladder, and requires a tour guide and advance reservation, though there are also trails that can be visited self-guided and without reservation
- Pozas Los Coyotes: this calm river is a popular destination for self-guided tubing, where inner tubes and life jackets are available for rent
- Las Pumas Rescue Center: this rescue center is a great place for those looking to guarantee wildlife sightings while also learning about wildlife and conservation in Costa Rica
- Llanos de Cortes Waterfall: this waterfall is impressive to look at, and makes an easy pitstop, but it can also be enjoyed for the day, provided conditions are appropriate
- Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour: a zipline tour close to the coast, allowing you to fly through the forest and visit the beach in the same day
- Playa Cabuyal: this beach is off the beaten path enough while still having a restaurant for food and bathrooms, and the waters can be calm enough for children, but make sure to check conditions
Honorable mentions:
- Cerro Pelado: this is a short but steep hike to a peak, popular for sunrise or sunset, but can be visited at any time of day
- Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve: this reserve is off the beaten path but has a short flat trail that follows a river to a waterfall, and monkeys can often be spotted
- Dino Park Blue River: this hotel offers day passes to non-guests to use their hot springs, as well as guided tours for their trails, “dino park”, waterfalls, horseback riding, ziplining, rafting, and more