Costa Rica is scoring high as the country to relocate or have a sabbatical, and some obvious reasons for this are the climate, with many hours of sunshine, the political and social stability and the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Costa Rica has twelve distinct climate zones so whoever plans on living in this natural gem for a shorter or longer period, wisely explores the different climate zones before committing to a spot.
Those who are making the move with a family, will for sure not only consider the climate but also take into account the opportunities that the area offers to their little ones, opportunities to grow, to learn, to develop skills, to play, to socialize with other children and to explore in general.
We will all agree that Costa Rica, with its national parks and preserves, and its abundant fauna and flora offers more than a standard classroom or playground setting in Europe or North-America will ever be able to. Resources for hands-on learning on the field, such as estuary mangrove mapping, ocean and river mobile lab study, nature walks and beach cleaning projects are abundant. Not to forget the mere studying of the green iguana in the backyard and observing marine life in the tide pools at the beach.
Above that, the wider Tamarindo area has developed further in infrastructure and activities for youngsters than other areas in Costa Rica. The region has seen a steady influx of families from Europe, North- and Latin America over the last years, and the area has grown and adapted to the needs of the young ones increasingly. This is noticed by many newcomers and is a main reason why they choose the wider Tamarindo area to settle down.
Between Potrero and Cañafistula one can find three major private schools: La Paz Community School, Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA) and Educarte. Each with their own philosophy and characteristics. Smaller schools are GEA, Tide Academy, and the Waldorf school. No other region in Costa Rica outside of the capital, provides such an array of educational options. All schools have boomed over the last years and many of them offer a wide choice of after school activities, including basketball, soccer, piano, trombone and guitar classes, swim team, surf, dance and art, only to name a few.
On a regular basis, schools and sports groups organize field trips, competitions and summer camps.
Premier League Soccer team Saprissa has a regional youth division that practices twice weekly in Brasilito and takes young soccer talents to competitions nation wide.
Tennis classes can be taken at the 15 Love Tamarindo Tennis club and Hacienda Pinilla.
At the Movement Dance Studio, strategically located in Huacas, kids of all ages can enjoy Hip hop, Classical Ballet, Jazz and more, and perform an annual recital to show of their skills.
The natural setting of the area with the ocean and beautiful beaches on the west and rolling green hills to the east, offers plenty of options for outdoor activities adapted to children. In the horseback riding classes with certified riding instructor Isabelle Vandevelde in Santa Rosa, you will see your child jump obstacles and gallop through the fields. Many kids gather several times a week to take surf class together and the new Costa Rica Sailing Center in Potrero provide Youth Sailing Clinics where kids learn the fundamentals in the beginners (Crew) course to then move on to Cadets and even Junior Skipper.
If your youngster is not such a beach bum, he might want to join the Beachnuts Theatre Company on one of their musical productions brought by kids, for kids of all ages! A great opportunity to stand on stage and get rid of that stage fear! Canadian children’s theater producer Paul Belanger puts all his passion and energy in your kids to have them perform splendid productions twice a year! This not only allows kids to grow in self-confidence and have fun on stage, but also results in four delightful nights to enjoy as a family. If you are already in the area or exploring the area at the moment, don’t miss out on “Wonderland”, scheduled from November 17th through November 20th and come taste some of the child –oriented ambiance and family spirit the area has to offer!
Because maybe the most beautiful of it all is, that most families that do decide to move to the Tamarindo area, just want to have more quality time with their kids! A good time, a wonderful time! Welcome to Tamarindo!