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Manuel Antonio National Park
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Park
Manuel Antonio National Park Description
"The monkeys stole my lunch!" screamed my 12-year-old, but she was laughing too much to be upset. And we weren't the first to lose our sandwiches: The white-faced capuchins that frequent the gorgeous white sand beaches of this park seemed to be treating visitors picnics as their own private delicatessen. Nowhere in Costa Rica can you get as close to monkeys; we found ourselves joking with other families that visitors to Manuel Antonio should bring an extra camera battery.
Kid Tips
Babies: Free for children younger than 12.
Toddlers & Pre-K: We're not kidding, the monkeys really can be aggressive, so don't leave small children alone with handfuls of crackers. or bottles of juice.
School-Age Kids: The beaches inside Manuel Antonio Park are some of the best for swimming and body surfing so make sure kids understand this is a beach outing as well as a nature park before you leave the hotel. There's great snorkeling in the cove here, so if you have your own snorkeling equipment, bring it.
Planning Notes
- There are no restaurants in the park. Come prepared with a picnic, and keep it safe from the monkeys! It's really a hassle to have to walk in and out when you get hungry. Some of the most beautiful beaches are also located within park boundaries, so load swimsuits, towels, sunscreen and snacks into a backpack before beginning the hike into the park.
- Plan ahead.The park is closed Mondays.
Just the Facts
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday; closed Monday.
Fees: Less than $10
Recommended Time: Full day
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