Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SAN JOSÉ FOR CHILDREN
Chances are that if you're in Costa Rica on a short vacation you'll be headed out to the
countryside fairly quickly. But if for some reason you're going to be hanging out in San
José for a day - or two or three - with your kids, here are a few activities to keep them
busy.
Near Parque La Sabana, the
Museo de Ciencias Naturales
will impress youngsters with
its astounding array of skeletons and endless cases full of stuffed animals, while the
Museo de los Niños
is a sure hit for children who just can't keep their hands off the exhib-
its. Young nature-lovers will enjoy getting up close and personal with butterflies at the
Spirogyra Jardín de Mariposas
or checking out the exotic animals at the
Parque Zoológi-
Calles 7 & 9; adult/child US$5/3.50; 8am-3:30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm Sat & Sun; ). Just a
little further afield (an easy day trip from San José) is the wonderful zoo and wildlife-res-
setting.
If you're spending more than a week in the city, note that many Spanish-language
academies offer special custom-made lessons for teens.
La Sabana
West of downtown, the bustle of the city's congested center gives way to private homes,
condo towers and shopping areas chock-full of Ticos. At the heart of this district lies the
sprawling Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, a popular recreation center - and a welcome
patch of green amid the concrete of the capital.
