Looking for things to do in Costa Rica with kids and want to know some of the best activities and attractions? If so, you’re in the right place!
We went to Costa Rica with our whole family last year, and it was so much fun! This beautiful country is located in Central America with lush green rainforests, tropical dry forests, and even cloud forests or montane forests. It also has white sand beaches along the Pacific Ocean, volcanos, national parks, and so much more.
If you’re ready for the ultimate family adventure in one of the safest countries in Latin America, you must visit Costa Rica! Read on to learn more about a trip abroad to this gorgeous country and all the fun things you can do on a Costa Rica family vacation.
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About Costa Rica With Kids
We found that visiting Costa Rica was a trip like no other. This small country is known for its restored rainforests, neat hanging bridges, and colorful wildlife. From sandy beaches on the Caribbean Coast to the iconic Arenal Volcano, it’s a natural wonder that the entire family will remember forever.
There are so many things to do in Costa Rica with kids, especially some attractions and activities you don’t want to miss. You’ll discover the jungles from above, brave swift currents, go white water rafting, have fun extreme adventures, and more! Our kids loved seeing the vibrant-colored snakes, tree frogs, sloths, and monkeys.
But it’s not just nature that draws families to Costa Rica. The friendly culture of Costa Ricans makes it a welcoming and safe destination for travelers of all ages. This is also known as the Pura Vida lifestyle, and it’s well represented in the beach vibes and other experiences you have. Pura Vida means pure life, and it’s the slogan for Costa Rica.
We loved experiencing things as locals and tourists, seeing how people live in this gorgeous and unique country. I suggest you go through this list and make your own itinerary for the ultimate family adventure!
Where To Visit in Costa Rica
Unless you take a really long family vacation, it’s not easy to see all of Costa Rica in one trip as there are so many places to visit.
Some places to visit in Costa Rica include:
- Guanacaste
- Arenal
- Tortuguero
- The national forests
- Rain, cloud, and dry forests
- Drake Bay
- Manuel Antonio
- San Jose
- Puerto Viejo
- Cahuita
- Corcovado
- Monteverde
- Santa Teresa
- Poas Volcano
- South Pacific
- Puntarenas
When to Visit Costa Rica With Kids
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season is the perfect time to take a long family vacation during the kids’ summer break from school, and they don’t call it the rainy season for nothing — it often rains every day.
The wet season is also known as the “Green Season” in the country. You’ll find fewer people during this time, and the prices are less expensive. The nice thing is while it is humid and warm, it’s not too hot and uncomfortable.
Costa Rica’s dry season occurs during winter in the U.S., which is why many people tend to vacation during this season. The nice thing is that family travel is better during the dry season because you’ll see less rain, and the weather is amazing. But the price of everything is more expensive this time of year.
18 Best Things to Do in Costa Rica With Kids
Now we’re at the part you’ve been waiting for, the list of fun things to do on your Costa Rica family vacation, so let’s dive in!
1. Hike and Swim in Waterfalls La Paz Waterfall Gardens
This park is home to one of the most iconic waterfalls in all of Costa Rica, as well as the largest animal sanctuary. It reminded me of a little Jurassic Park, complete with unique animals, plant life, and more.
You can get a tour through the park, walk the easy hiking trails, and explore the pretty butterfly garden for children. My kids loved getting close to the waterfalls and feeling the spray. It’s not a bad idea to bring some rain gear with you on this trip!
For more hiking tips, check out these 15 Best Tips for Hiking With Kids.
2. Coffee or Chocolate Farm Tour
We loved the chocolate farm tour we took on a family-owned chocolate farm. There are coffee farm tours too, as these are two main Costa Rican specialties. The Osa Cacoa Chocolate Factory has organic farm tours and a chocolate cafe, and they even offer Healing Rainforest retreats.
My family had a blast learning about the chocolate-making process and trying samples along the way. Plus, it’s a great educational experience for kids to learn where their favorite treats come from.
3. Take a Cooking Class
I also suggest taking a cooking class on your Costa Rica family vacation. The whole family can learn how to cook traditional Costa Rican dishes, and you can even help gather produce from local gardens. Places like El Fogon de Chela teach you how to cook classics the old way in a wood-fired kitchen. My kids really enjoyed getting their hands dirty and learning about the local cuisine.
4. Hanging Bridges and Jungle Hikes
The Arenal Rainforest has long hanging bridges scattered throughout the jungle, with different hanging bridge tours you can take. You’ll also find guided or solo jungle hikes through Costa Rica. We loved exploring the jungle and spotting different species of plants, animals, and birds.
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park is another fun place to take a rainforest hike and tour hanging bridges. Many national parks have stroller or wheelchair-accessible trails, so even if you have young kids or someone in your family with mobility issues, you can still enjoy the beautiful rainforest.
Hiking with kids can be a handful! We made a list of The Most Essential Hiking Gear For Worry-Free Family Hiking to help you plan and pack for your adventure.
5. Natural Hot Springs
Costa Rica has a lot of thermal activity, so you’ll find hot springs to rejuvenate and relax on your family vacation. There’s The Springs Resort and Spa, which offers great views of the Arenal Volcano, and the Tabacon Thermal Resort, where a visit to the hot springs is included with your stay.
Some hot springs even have amazing places for unique nighttime dinners too. My family absolutely loved our hot springs experience at the Baldi Hot Springs, where we dined in a private open-air gazebo surrounded by nature and enjoyed delicious traditional cuisine. It was such a memorable experience for all of us.
6. Zip Lines
You’ll find plenty of opportunities for zip lining through Costa Rican rainforests throughout the country. Honestly, if you love outdoor adventures during your family travel, this is one of the best ways to tour the area.
Ziplining was a total highlight for my kids! The look on their faces as they soared through the canopy, taking in the breathtaking views of the rainforest below, was priceless.
7. River Cruises for Crocodiles
One of our favorite activities was cruising the rivers for American Crocodiles. It was exhilarating and a little scary all at once. There are plenty of boat tours, including a Tarcoles River cruise, a Mangrove Boat tour, and more.
8. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
One of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica is the Manuel Antonio National Park. You can take guided tours of the park that last around 2.5 to 3 hours. Spend the rest of the day inside the park at one of the beautiful beaches, watching animals, and more.
You can also tour the park on your own by purchasing tickets online. We decided to explore on our own and were lucky enough to see a family of adorable squirrel monkeys swinging through the trees!
Are you a National Park fanatic? Check out our list of the Best National Parks on the East Coast for more family-friendly park adventures.
9. Sloth Tour
Sloths are one of Costa Rica’s most popular and cutest animals. The Sloth Sanctuary near Puerto Limon, located on the east coast of Costa Rica, offers sloth tours every day but Monday. You might even be touring when baby sloths are in the sloth nursery. These little guys are too cute to miss!
We also recommend taking a horseback ride through the Costa Rican rainforest. You can take a tour of the La Fortuna Waterfall this way. The San Jose Province also offers horseback riding adventures. My family and I had the best time horseback riding through the rainforest. It’s definitely a unique and memorable experience.
10. Night Safari
Several locations in Costa Rica offer nighttime jungle tours, like Manuel Antonio Park, The Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Tour, and Tortuguero National Park Night Tours.
My kids were amazed at how much more wildlife we could see on the night safari. We spotted sleeping birds, tarantulas, insects, lizards, and frogs. It was a great opportunity to see the rainforest come alive in a completely different way.
Love taking tours on your family vacations? Check out these other popular tours that my family and I loved:
11. Whitewater Rafting
The Arenal Volcano area features Lake Arenal and three main rivers, perfect for whitewater rafting adventures. Costa Rica is considered one of the most beautiful rafting destinations in the world. During our whitewater rafting adventure, we saw incredible scenery, spotted wildlife like monkeys and birds, and got our adrenaline pumping navigating the rapids.
Most rafting tours are family-friendly and offer different levels of difficulty depending on your group’s age and experience. So whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rafter, there’s something for everyone in Costa Rica!
12.Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is one of the most stunning national parks in Costa Rica, where you can see Leatherback Turtles hatch baby sea turtles. We had an incredible learning experience with our knowledgeable tour guide, who taught us about the endangered turtles and their nesting habits.
Tortuguero National Park is best explored by kayak, canoe, or boat. We highly recommend taking a tour to fully appreciate the beauty and biodiversity of this unique place.
13. Bird Watching
Costa Rica is heaven for bird watchers and nature lovers everywhere. The lush rainforests and natural scenery give you plenty of opportunities to watch colorful exotic birds. You’ll find over 700 species in Costa Rica. It was so much fun spotting birds during our hikes and tours. Bring your binoculars!
14. Monteverde Cloud Forest
Like the Arenal Volcano area, this cloud forest is a popular place to take canopy tours on a zip line. It’s called a cloud forest because the elevation creates a natural cloud cover, giving a mystical feel to the forest. We loved our zip line adventure through the treetops, where we got a bird’s-eye view of the forest and saw unique plant and animal species.
15. Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano National Park is another place you don’t want to miss, as it’s home to the world-renowned Arenal Volcano area. The volcano last erupted in 2010 and is considered to be in the resting stage at this time, though it is an active volcano.
While it’s often shrouded in fog, you don’t want to miss the scenery around it, including what remains of the 1968 devastation area and guided hikes of this location. We were in awe of the natural power and beauty of this active volcano.
For more cool volcano views, check out The Best Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hikes for Kids!
16. Spend the Day at the Beach
Costa Rica is home to some gorgeous Pacific coast beaches and is also known as a surfer’s paradise. It was nice to slow down from all the adventuring and enjoy some downtime lounging on the beach.
If the kids still have some energy, there are surfer and boogie boards available for rent. But note there are strong riptides in many areas, so be careful.
Need help gearing up for the beach? We made The ULTIMATE Family Beach Packing List For 2024 to make sure we didn’t forget anything!
17. Eat Delicious Costa Rican Food
Costa Rican food is delicious, with traditional delicacies like picadillo, gallo pinto, and ceviche. What’s especially cool is that you can eat in unique restaurants. We dined in a plane-themed restaurant and a train-themed restaurant, which my kids absolutely loved.
Don’t forget to try the local fruits and vegetables, as well as some of the best coffee in the world.
18. Snorkeling
No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without snorkeling in the Caribbean Ocean. Here, you can see colorful marine life, sea turtles, and more. There’s even a Sunset Snorkeling Cruise where you can view a stunning sunset and dine on this evening cruise. My husband and I enjoyed a romantic date while the kids had fun spotting fish and exploring with their snorkels.
Things To Know Before You Go to Costa Rica With Kids
Check for Vaccine Requirements
Just like any other international destination, be sure to check for vaccine requirements in Costa Rica because you won’t be allowed in if you don’t meet the country’s mandates.
Bottled Water
Even though most of Costa Rica’s tap water is considered safe to drink, I recommend you bring refillable water bottles on your trip. We filled up at some of the local waterfalls we visited, like the Tao at the La Fortuna Waterfall. You can also buy jugs of water at markets too.
If you’re out in rural Costa Rica, be sure to ask someone if the water is safe to drink there because you don’t want a stomach bug on your vacation.
Currency
The official currency of Costa Rica is Costa Rica Colones, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted across the country. I recommend you get some Colones, just in case. You can get these from an ATM at one of the airports.
You definitely wanted to keep cash for tipping workers, guides, and drivers during your stay. However, many places take credit cards because of the tourist industry.
Travel Safety
You may be wondering, “Is Costa Rica safe for travel?” Honestly, besides all the amazing things to do in Costa Rica, it’s the perfect destination in Central America for families.
Most of Costa Rica is very safe, even for kids, as the culture is welcoming of families. The locals go out of their way to make children feel safe and comfortable. But still, there is petty theft, so watch your belongings and use the safe in your hotel rooms.
Don’t carry your money in one place. I would split it between adults. Be sure to keep copies of your ID and passports in a separate bag from the originals in case one set is stolen.
Be extra vigilant in cities, as crime is more likely to happen here. And always trust your gut instinct, as it’s rarely wrong.
Worried more about getting there with your sanity still intact? Here’s a list of The Very Best Tips For Flying With Kids By Age Group.
Passports
While you don’t need a Visa to go to Costa Rica, you do need a valid passport. So make sure that no one’s is expired and that it is valid for six months past the date you leave America on your trip.
Where To Fly Into
Costa Rica has two international airports: San Jose and Liberia. The one you fly into depends on your destination. Liberia is located in the northern Guanacaste region. If you want to visit the Southern or Eastern Coast of the country, flying into the capital, San Jose, is your best bet.
Where To Stay
There is such a wide variety of places to stay when you visit Costa Rica with kids, from eco-lodges to swanky resorts to less expensive family hotels.
One of our favorite places to stay was Lost Iguana in Arenal, but Shana By the Beach in Manuel Antonio and the Marriott in San Jose are great accommodations too.
FAQS
Is Costa Rica good for children?
Absolutely! Costa Rica has a reputation as one of the safest and most kid-friendly countries in Central America. The nature and outdoor activities will keep your little ones entertained for days.
Is Costa Rica a good family holiday destination?
Yes, Costa Rica is a fantastic family holiday destination. With its diverse landscape and abundance of outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
What is the safest beach for kids in Costa Rica?
Some of the safest beaches for kids in Costa Rica include Playa Conchal, Manuel Antonio Beach, and Tamarindo Beach. These beaches have calmer waters and are monitored by lifeguards, making them great options for families with young children. It is always important to exercise caution when swimming in the ocean, especially with children.
Final Thoughts on Costa Rica With Kids
Now that you know all the fun things to add to your Costa Rica itinerary, I hope you’re as excited as we were to visit this amazing country. While it’s a great place to visit all year round, it’s the perfect place to escape the U.S. winters.
With wildlife and sea creatures like baby turtles, sloths, crocodiles, and more, you won’t miss out on viewing exotic wildlife. It’s also a great place to see stunning scenery that ranges from wet rainforests to dry forests, and you can even visit a cloud forest.
With plenty of things to do in Costa Rica with children, tweens, and teens, it’s an adventure you and your family will never forget!
