We could hear the Arenal volcano cracking and thundering as we lowered ourselves into the hot springs at Baldi Hot Springs Resort ( $285/night shoulder season https://www.baldihotsprings.cr/) near La Fortuna, a small town, often referred to as the gateway to Arenal volcano. The day pass crowds had retreated and the sun had set leaving the pools empty for the resort guests to enjoy in the night air. Arenal volcano We had chosen Costa Rica for our kid's first international trip