Now that the OP's trip to CR has been completed I will hijack this thread a little by asking a follow on question!!

My Lonely Planet Guide shows so many different options of places to see in Monteverde. If you were to pick one spot in Monteverde to see animals with kids (eight and 10) without doing too many long hikes then which area would you choose?

TIA.

I think the Monteverde National Park is the best option because there are several ways to cut the hike into a walk (bypasses, cutoffs, loops, etc.); you might consider a guide to point out animals you otherwise might not notice.
There are also places in town: World of Insects, the Snake Zoo, the Frog Pond, and the Monteverde Butterfly Garden that kids might like.
http://www.monteverdetravel.com/monteverdecostarica.htm

p.s. Cabinas Pinos is a nice place on the outskirts of town that is reasonably priced, well run, and the hosts are very helpful.
http://www.lospinos.net/