Family Vacations in Costa Rica: Top 12 Destinations to Visit

 A trip to Arenal Volcano National Park will leave the whole family thrilled with its abundant natural wonders and adventure activities throughout volcanic terrain. Lake Arenal, sitting at the base of the volcano, doubles the fun with plentiful water play. Further sweetening the deal, the surrounding area is home to multiple hot spring resorts offering sumptuous pools for a little relaxation time and family-friendly pools equipped with water slides great for adrenaline pumping and splashing around.

Family tours provide activities in and around Arenal Volcano National Park that are suitable for all ages.

Cool things to do 

• Visiting the town of La Fortuna
• Hiking around the Arenal Volcano
• Boating, canoeing, fishing, paddle boarding, and kayaking in Lake Arenal
• Nature walking and wildlife spotting in Arenal Hanging Bridges
• Swimming and waterfall rappelling and La Fortuna Falls
• Exploring the Venado Caves
• Relaxing in the hot springs near Arenal Volcano

Nature enthusiasts should plan a Costa Rica trip that includes a visit to Sarapiquí, one of the fastest-growing destinations for adventure travel. Situated at the mouth of the Sarapiquí River, this town is the gateway for thrilling river excursions, waterfall hikes, and wildlife preserves.

Cool things to do

• Rafting in Sarapiqui River
• Visiting chocolate plantations and farm tours in Puerto Viejo
• Wildlife tours, hiking, horseback riding in Braulio Carrillo National Park and Tirimbina Biological Reserve

For a family trip to Costa Rica that offers both land and sea adventures, a visit to Manuel Antonio Park is one of the top choices. Tropical jungle, palm-lined beaches, spectacular coral reefs, and mangroves create endless opportunities for fun in the sun. The local area surrounding is home to Central America’s longest zip line, amongst other action-packed activities. Many of the outdoor activities are easily accessible to children as well.

Cool things to do

• Discovering the quaint town of Quepos near Manuel Antonio National Park
• Hiking and exploring the mangrove swamps of Manuel Antonio National Park
• Swimming, snorkeling, surfing, paddleboarding, and fishing at Playa Manuel Antonio, Playa Espadilla Sur, Punta Cathedral, or Playa Biesanz
• Ziplining in El Santuario
• Horseback riding to Mulguri Waterfall
• Canoeing, kayaking, or taking a boat tour around Damas Island

A Costa Rica family vacation wouldn't be complete without a taking a trip to Tortuguero and exploring Tortuguero National Park, a truly unique opportunity that will inspire the family for a lifetime. Here, you can maximize the enjoyment of the outdoors while experiencing the traditional local life of a small Costa Rican village. With a focus on wilderness protection, ecotourism opportunities here are excellent. Some tours even offer visitors the opportunity to search for massive nesting sea turtles.

Since getting to Tortuguero can be challenging due to its limited access via a canal, planning this stop as part of a Costa Rica all-inclusive family tour is a good option. 

Cool things to do

• Turtle viewing in Tortuguero National Park
• Hiking in Cerro Tortuguero (Tortuguero Hill)
• Exploring the Caribbean Conservation Corporation Visitor’s Center and Museum
• Fishing, birdwatching, and boating tours in Tortuguero canals

For an unforgettable adventure, take the family on an expedition through Costa Rica’s cloud forest in Monteverde with a tour. You’ll navigate through the lush canopy on hanging bridges and zip-lines or walk interesting trails along the continental divide. Adults and kids alike will develop the skills of true explorers navigating the dense rainforest, sighting interesting wildlife, and enjoying the simple pleasures of the surrounding rural countryside.

Cool things to do

• Ziplining, skywalks, sky-tram riding, ATV Tours, and bungee jumping in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
• Hiking and horseback riding through the cloud forest 
• Visiting the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, the Bat Jungle, Monteverde Orchid Garden, and Frog Pond Ranario
• Farm-stays in Santa Elena

Cahuita is a small village on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica with a unique cultural history. With a strong Afro-Caribbean heritage, the town’s vibrant Creole culture is just one of its charms. Nearby you’ll find exotic black-sand beaches and one of Costa Rica’s most treasured spots, Cahuita National Park, which sports spectacular coral reefs and pristine rainforests. Snorkeling in the waters of Cahuita also provides great opportunities to discover historical shipwrecks.

These multi-day tours takes you to all of Costa Rica’s highlights including Cahuita National Park.

Cool things to do

• Hiking in Cahuita National Park
• Snorkeling in Playa Cahuita and Playa Negra
• Visiting the Sloth Sanctuary
• Swim and relax on the beaches of Playa Blanca and Playa Negra

Unwind as a family while discovering the treats of one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. In this oasis in the southern end of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, you’ll find some of the last remaining virgin rainforests in Costa Rica, breathtaking bays, secluded beaches, and enticing rivers. The Osa Peninsula balances a slower pace with unmatched wildlife-viewing opportunities that will nurture everyone’s appreciation of life’s simple joys.

Cool things to do

• Hiking, wildlife tours, night jungle tours, and bird watching in Corcovado National Park, Piedras Blancas National Park, and Campanario Biological Reserve
• Snorkeling and scuba diving in Caño Island Biological Reserve
• Surfing and boat tours in Drake Bay
• Rappelling in San Pedrillo Waterfalls and La Llorona Waterfall

San José, Costa Rica’s capital, is often overlooked as a quick pitstop for taking flights and arranging tours. But those who spend a bit more time exploring this historic town will be happily surprised by the great number of appealing attractions, vibrant culture, and range of things to do nearby.

If you are going for a tour in San Jose, try these short city tours in Costa Rica’s capital.

Cool things to do

• Shopping in Mercado Central
• Take a gastronomic tour in Barrio Escalante
• Urban Walks in San Jose
• Visit the National Theatre and learn the cultural significance of neoclassical culture
• Museum tours in the National Museum, pre-Columbian Gold Museum, National Children’s Museum, Parque Diversiones Amusement Park, INBioparque (National Biodiversity Institute), and The Insect Museum

Lying south of the bustling city of San José, San Isidro is a peaceful town with rolling valleys and serene mountains. Known for its importance as an agricultural center, this is an excellent stop for families seeking authentic tours of working farms (think coffee, sugar, and fruit), protected wildlife areas, and treks up Costa Rica’s highest peak. It’s also an absolute must for birding enthusiasts.

You can also hike from San Isidro to Piedras Blancas along with other wildlife destinations like Dominical, Diamante Verde and Uvita.

Cool things to do

• Bird watching in Los Quetzales National Park and Los Cucingos Neotropical Bird Sanctuary
• Hiking Mount Chirripo in Chirripó National Park
• Wildlife tours in Cloudbridge Nature Reserve
• Swimming in Nayaca Waterfalls

Take the kids on a fascinating geological expedition, wandering through a volcanic paradise. This park sports two volcanoes, nine craters, rivers, streams, hot springs, geysers, and spectacular trails. The kids will marvel at the steam vents and bubbling mud while you enjoy some much-needed healing in the natural spas.

Take multi-day trips that take you from Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast to the Pacific Coast passing through the jungles of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Cool things to do

• Get mud baths and relax in hot springs near the volcanoes of the national park
• Coffee farm tours in Santa Maria
• Camping and horseback riding in Ponderosa Adventure Park in Liberia

If a coastal adventure is in the cards for your Costa Rica family holiday, you won’t want to miss the fabulous beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. This expansive 80-mile coastline is a haven for water sports and beach-combing on idyllic bays. With a fair share of national parks, wildlife reserves, and jungle-lined coastline, there are plenty of opportunities for land-based exploration too!

Take a Costa Rican Vacation through Arenal and Nicoya Peninsula and experience the highlights of Costa Rica such as beaches, volcanos, and rainforests. 

Cool things to do

• Surfing, kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding in Malpais, Samara, Tamarindo, and Montezuma
• Turtle watching in Las Baulas National Marine Park
• Snorkeling in Tortuga Island

Board the boats and head out for a day of family fun in beautiful Uvita. This town is one of the best-kept secrets for sea-loving travelers while the beaches provide much needed time to lay back and relax for the entire family. The bays are excellent for swimming and you’ll have a whale of a time spotting humpbacks and dolphins.

Cool things to do

• Swimming, snorkeling, scuba-diving, kayaking, paddle boarding and surfing in Uvita Beach
• Whale watching and boating in Marino Ballena National Park
• Horseback riding in Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge
• Hiking to Santa Lucia Falls and Uvita Waterfall

1. HOTEL ROBLEDAL       

Hotel Robledal prides itself on its relaxed family atmosphere. The hotel has a good value family room, and offers excursions including birdwatching with a naturalist guide and walking in Carara National Park. Children under five stay for free.

• Location: Alajuela Province, 55 km from Carara National Park, 22 km from San José

2. BARCELO TAMBOR       

Overlooking the beautiful Ballena Bay, the Barcelo Tambor is in an enviable location facing a white sand beach and backed by tropical rainforest. The hotel has some excellent facilities for children including a kid’s club, teens’ house with video games and a climbing wall and paddle pool for smaller children.

• Location: Puntarenas Province, 23 km from Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, 155 km from San José

3. CARIBLUE BEACH AND JUNGLE RESORT       

Cariblue has a two-bed jungle house to accommodate families and plenty of activities on offer including snorkeling, cycling, hiking and fishing. There’s a playground, game-room and a kid’s club so parents can get some time to themselves, too.

• Location: Limon Province, 10 km to Cahuita National Park, 220 km from San José

4. EL ESTABLO MOUNTAIN HOTEL       

This hotel on the edge of the Monteverde Cloud Forest is located close to some great family-friendly attractions including the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens and the Bat Jungle. The hotel offers tree-top canopy tours and nighttime nature walks too. There's plenty to keep kids entertained on-site as well, including a tennis court, soccer court and swimming pool.

• Location: Puntarenas Province, 4 km from Monteverde Cloud Forest, 150 km from San José

5. ARENAS DEL MAR BEACHFRONT AND RAINFOREST RESORT       

With direct access to the Playitas Beach, this kid-friendly resort offers movie nights, bracelet making and nature guides to keep youngsters entertained. Learning to surf is an excellent activity for the whole family; this hotel will arrange your lessons.

• Location: Puntarenas Province, 5 km from Manuel Antonio National Park, 100 km from San José

6. ANDAZ PENINSULA PAPAGAYO       

Located on the unspoilt Papagayo Peninsula and perfect for adventurous offspring, this hotel offers complimentary use of electric bikes, as well as snorkeling, kayaking and SUP gear. There’s access to four pools and three beaches, a kids club for children aged 5-12 and excursions for teenagers.

• Location: Guanacaste Province, 39 km from Santa Rosa National Park, 44 km from Liberia

7. LAPA RIOS LODGE        

1,000-acre rainforest reserve Lapa Rios is a brilliant resort for children. Kids can take part in many different rainforest adventures, including birdwatching and nighttime nature walks. A pioneering sustainable resort, they can learn all about nature conservation, meet children from a local school, and plant trees in a secondary rainforest. Surf lessons are available too.

• Location: Puntarenas Province, 1 km from Corcovado National Park, 360 km from San José

8. PACUARE LODGE       

Looking for a grand adventure? Undoubtedly one of Costa Rica’s most special resorts, the Pacuare Lodge is an eco-hotel on the banks of the Pacuare River. Completely off the beaten path, the lodge cannot be reached by road, so arrival is by white water raft. Each stay includes a host of adventurous activities including rafting, canyoning, kayaking and hiking. Children must be aged 7 or above.

• Location: Limón Province, 42 km from Barbilla National Park, 90 km from San José 

Family vacations in Costa Rica provide unimaginable levels of excitement and joy. With activities and sites for a range of ages and interests, your experiences in this serene country will create lasting memories for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re planning a family vacation to Costa Rica, feel free to get in touch with our local travel experts for the perfect customized trip and ensure it goes swimmingly!

Are you planning to take your brand-new family on vacation to Costa Rica? Make sure to read our top tips for traveling with babies and toddlers.