Travel with Kids: Costa Rica

A standout in the Travel With Kids series, this program made me want to gather up the family and immediately book a flight to what looks like a lush wonderland of natural beauty and adventure. Here, the Roberts family (mom, dad, and two young sons) land in Costa Rica—a country famous for its eco-tourism, where the percentage of rainforest is actually on the rise—and enjoy the experience of a lifetime, with plenty of kid-pleasing fun. The Roberts stay in a hotel within lava-spittin' distance of an active volcano—where seismic booms provide part of the evening's entertainment—so viewers witness beautiful nighttime footage of lava flows from atop the crater (and watch computer displays monitoring the movement of the earth that accompanies the regular eruptions and resulting tremors). The foursome takes off on a rafting expedition, along the way spying sleeping bats, a sloth climbing a tree, and the so-called Jesus Lizard (named for its ability to walk on water), and even engage (carefully) in play with poison dart frogs! The family also enjoys museum visits (bats and spiders are a highlight), ride a zip-line high above the forest, and experience the simple pleasures of making and eating a traditional Costa Rican meal of tortillas (from scratch), beans, and rice. DVD extras include a bloopers reel, a trip planner, family travel tips and resources, and a section titled “Costa Rica at Home,” with information on language, crafts, and recipes. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)