Serpentario Avenida 1 between calles 9 and 11 506/255-4210 Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat-Sun 10-5 Admission charged. Live snakes, lizards, and frogs are kept in beautiful large terrariums that simulate their natural environments. Poisonous snakes make up a large part of the collection. Also, brilliantly colored poison arrow frogs, iguanas and fer- de- lance are represented here.

Spirogyra 100 yards east and 150 yards south of Centro Comercial El Pueblo Mon-Sat. 9-6 Closed Sunday. Admission charged. A 420 square yard netted butterfly garden in which 30 species of butterflies move freely in their natural habitat. An educational video explains the life cycle.

Parque Zoológico Simón Bolívar Avenida 11 and Calle 7, in Barrio Amón 506/223-1790 Daily 9-4:30 Admission charged. This zoo has received some much needed renovation in recent years. It is geared toward locals and school groups, with a small collection that includes Asian, African, and Costa Rican animals housed in cages rather than in natural habitats. There is a new children's discovery area, snake-and-reptile house, and gift shop.

Museo de Los Niños (Children's Museum) Calle 4 and Avenida 9 506/233-2734 Tues-Fri 8-4, Sat-Sun 10-5 Admission charged. This museum is located a few blocks north of downtown, on Calle 4. Many of the exhibits encourage hands-on play. Topics range from astronomy to communications.

Pueblo Antiguo 200 yards east of Hospital México 506/231-2001 4 hour tour Admission charged. This theme park (reminiscent of Williamsburg and Epcot) offers re-creations of life in the past in all areas of Costa Rica . There are sections devoted to urban, rural and coastal life, each staffed by Costa Ricans in period costume. There are many hands-on experiences. For example: in the milking shed, children help the milkmaids fill their pails. Horse drawn carriages move along the streets of the make believe village. Marimba bands perform and folk troupes dramatize historical scenes in song and dance. Craft shops and restaurants continue the themes.

Outside San José:

Side trip to Alajuela (one mile north of the Juan Santamaría Airport and 13 miles northwest of San José):

Butterfly Farm In front of Los Reyes Country Club 506/438-0400 Daily 9-5 Admission charged. 80 different species of butterflies are raised at this butterfly farm south of Alajuela. The admission includes a 2-hour guided tour. In the demonstration room there are exhibits of butterfly eggs, caterpillars, and pupae. The butterflies live in a large enclosed garden similar to an aviary.