San Jose · Costa Rica
Happy Hollow is a modest zoo and park combo in San Jose that works well if you're already in the area or traveling with young children. Expect a relaxed couple of hours rather than a full-day safari. You'll see giraffes, tigers, monkeys, and a decent collection of birds and reptiles in fairly natural-looking enclosures. The animal areas are clean and the grounds are shaded, but it's definitely a small-scale operation—nothing like the big California zoos. There's also a modest amusement area with a few rides that appeal mostly to toddlers and preschoolers.
The best time to go is spring or fall when the weather is mild; summer gets hot and crowded while winter can be chilly and damp. Expect to pay around $15–25 per adult and $10–18 per child, with parking extra. A family of four will likely spend $60–90 total including a couple of snacks or souvenirs. Honest tip: prioritize the animal loop and skip most of the rides unless you have little ones—they're dated and eat up time better spent watching the animals. Bring your own water and lunch; the on-site food is overpriced and average.