If you’re thinking of visiting Costa Rica with children, this post is for you!
We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Costa Rica with kids.
Costa Rica is a great place for an unforgettable family friendly vacation. With its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and diverse wildlife, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous trip or a relaxing getaway, a Costa Rica family vacation is the answer – there are so many fun things to do in Costa Rica with kids!
Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a small country that packs a big punch. With coastlines on the both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is a diverse country with plenty of activities and attractions to keep your family busy.
From zip-lining through the rainforest to relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of family activities in Costa Rica to choose from.
Visit the Arenal area for volcanoes and hot springs or head to the Pacific coast for some of the best sunsets in the world.
Whatever style of adventure you prefer, you’ll be able to find in Costa Rica.
And the country is so family-friendly, that travelling to Costa Rica with kids is easy and enjoyable.
Ready to start planning your Costa Rica vacation? Here are some of the best things to do with kids in Costa Rica.
Best Things to Do in Costa Rica with Kids
Zipline Through the Rainforest
One of the most popular activities in Costa Rica is zip-lining. And, it’s no wonder why. Gliding through the rainforest canopy is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. There are several tour companies that offer different zip-lining packages, so you’ll be able to find one that works for your family.
Popular places to zipline include Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Just be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants to avoid getting scraped by the tree branches.
Experience the Hanging Bridges
If zip-lining is a little too adventurous for your family, then you can check out the hanging bridges instead. The Arenal and Monteverde area are the two main spots in Costa Rica where you can experience these bridges. The hanging bridges are suspended high above the ground and offer stunning views of the rainforest canopy.
Plenty of companies offer hanging bridges as part of a tour, or they can also be done as a self-guided walk at your own pace. Mistico Hanging Bridges, Arenal Hanging Bridges and Selvatura Park are some of the best places to experience the hanging bridges.
Visit the Volcanoes
Costa Rica is home to several volcanoes, including the Arenal Volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. While you can’t hike to the top of the volcano anymore, you can hike through the National Park and even walk on the lava fields.
The Arenal Observatory Lodge offers tours and hikes around the volcano, as well as horseback riding and bird watching. You can also visit the Arenal Hot Springs to relax in the therapeutic waters.
If you’re looking for a less crowded volcano experience, head to Volcan Poaz, which is a small, but active, volcano near San Jose. You can hike to the top of the crater for incredible views of the surrounding area.
Explore the Cloud Forest
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Costa Rica. And, it’s no wonder why. With its lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, the cloud forest is a nature lover’s paradise.
There are several hiking trails throughout the reserves, where you’ll feel like you are walking through the clouds. You can also go zip-lining, horseback riding, or take a canopy tour through the forest.
Soak in the Hot Springs
Costa Rica has plenty of hot springs, which are the perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring. The most popular hot springs are located in the Arenal area, where you can find several different resorts with their own pools and amenities.
Many hotels have hot springs on their property – and some offer day passes if you are staying elsewhere – but you can also find free hot springs in the surrounding area. A soak in the hot springs is a nice reward after a long day of adventure activities or hiking.
Kids will love sitting in the warm water, and several hotels have mini waterfalls or slides in the hot pools. It’s fun for the whole family!
Spot Wildlife in Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is a must-visit for any family interested in seeing Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife. The park is home to monkeys, sloths, toucans, and turtles. You can even spot crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the canals.
The best way to explore the park is by boat, which you can take on a guided tour. You’ll learn about the different animals that call the park home and might even spot a few during your tour.
Turtle nesting season is from July to October, so this is the best time to visit the park if you want to see turtles. Just be sure to book your tour in advance, as they fill up quickly!
Visit an Animal Sanctuary
Costa Rica is home to several animal sanctuaries, which are perfect for families who want to learn about the country’s wildlife. The most popular sanctuary is the Jaguar Rescue Center, which is located in Puerto Viejo.
The center is home to jaguars, ocelots, sloths, and monkeys that have been rescued from the illegal pet trade. You can take a guided tour of the center to learn about the animals and see them up close.
You can also visit the sloth sanctuary in Cahuita, where you’ll learn about the different species of sloths that live in Costa Rica.
Explore the Beaches
Costa Rica is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With lush rainforests meeting sandy shores, the country’s coastline is simply beautiful. And, since Costa Rica has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, you’ll have plenty of beaches to choose from.
If you’re looking for a beach with calm waters, head to Manuel Antonio Beach on the Pacific Coast. The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area if you need a break from the sun.
For a more action-packed beach day, head to the Caribbean Coast. Here you’ll find beaches with big waves perfect for surfing. Playa Hermosa is one of the most popular surfing beaches in Costa Rica.
The beaches in Guanacaste are also great for families. Many of the beaches have resorts with kids’ clubs, so your kids can have fun while you relax by the pool.
Take a Coffee Tour
Coffee is one of Costa Rica’s biggest exports, so it’s no surprise that there are several coffee plantations open for tours.
Now hear me out, I know a coffee tour doesn’t sound that exciting for kids and I almost didn’t do one because I figured there was no way the boys would be interested and last through a 2.5 hour tour. But I’m so glad I did take the tour because the boys loved it! The tour that we did was really kid-friendly and they went out of their way to make it interactive and provide hands-on experiences for the kids.
There are plenty of coffee tours in the Central Valley and around the Arenal and Monteverde region. Most tours will take you on a tour of the plantation where you’ll learn about how coffee is grown and processed. You’ll even get to taste some of the estate’s coffee at the end of the tour.
Hike through the Rainforest
One of the best ways to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty is by hiking through its lush rainforests. There are trails for all skill levels, so everyone in your family will be able to find a hike that’s perfect for them.
You’ll find short, family-friendly trails at many of the national parks or the cloud reserves, although there are also longer, more challenging hikes as well.
One of our favorite family-friendly hikes is the trails in Arenal Volcano National Park. The park has several trails of different lengths, and you’ll be able to see plenty of animals and plants along the way, as well as have the chance to walk on the lava fields.
The La Paz Waterfall Gardens is another great option for families. The gardens have over five miles of hiking trails, as well as a butterfly garden, a hummingbird garden, and plenty of other animals to see in the sanctuary.
Hiking is a great activity for families, as it’s a relatively easy way to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Just be sure to wear good shoes and bring plenty of water!
Spot Wildlife at Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular places to see wildlife in Costa Rica. The park is home to monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and even crocodiles!
You can take a guided tour of the park, or explore it on your own. Either way, we recommend getting there early in the morning, as that’s when the animals are most active.
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica, so be sure to take some time to enjoy the views! The park is located on a peninsula, so you’ll have views of both the rainforest and the ocean.
Take a Boat Tour
Costa Rica is home to some of the most biodiverse waterways in the world, so it’s no surprise that boat tours are one of the best things to do in Costa Rica with kids.
There are several different types of boat tours available, from catamaran tours to glass bottom boat tours. You can even take a riverboat tour through the mangroves!
Boat tours are a great way to see Costa Rica’s wildlife, as you’ll be able to spot animals that you wouldn’t see from the shore. Be sure to bring your camera, as you’re sure to want to take plenty of pictures.
Visit a Waterfall
Costa Rica is home to plenty of gorgeous waterfalls. Many of them are located in national parks, so you’ll have the opportunity to explore the rainforest while you’re there.
One of the more well-known waterfalls in Costa Rica is La Fortuna Waterfall. Located in La Fortuna, it’s a popular waterfall to visit. Be sure to bring your bathing suit – after admiring the stunning waterfall, you can swim in the river at the bottom of the waterfall.
Another popular waterfall is the Montezuma Waterfall, located in the Montezuma region. This waterfall is taller than La Fortuna Waterfall and has a pool at the bottom where you can swim.
There are plenty of other waterfalls worth visiting in Costa Rica. Just be sure to wear good shoes, as some of the trails can be slippery!
Take a Surfing Lesson
Costa Rica is a great place to learn how to surf! The country has plenty of beaches with good waves, and you’ll find surf schools in most beach towns.
If you’ve never surfed before, don’t worry – most surf schools offer lessons for all levels, from beginners to experienced surfers.
Once you’ve mastered the basics, there are plenty of other activities to try, like stand-up paddleboarding or bodysurfing.
Just be sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated – the sun can be strong, even on cloudy days!
Visit a Chocolate Farm
Costa Rica is one of the world’s leading producers of chocolate, so it’s no surprise that there are several chocolate farms open for tours.
Most chocolate tours will take you on a tour of the farm, where you’ll learn about how chocolate is grown and processed. You’ll also get to taste some of the farm’s chocolate at the end of the tour.
Chocolate tours are a great way to learn about a traditional Costa Rican industry, and they’re sure to be a hit with the kids. Just be sure to save some room for all that chocolate!
Have you been to Costa Rica? What are your favorite things to do in Costa Rica with kids? Let us know in the comments below!
For more ideas on Costa Rica travel with kids, be sure to check out these posts:
- 13 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Top Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids
- Manuel Antonio National Park: A Guide to Visiting with Kids
- 10 Day Costa Rica Itinerary for Families
- Costa Rica Travel Budget: How Much Does 10 Days in Costa Rica Cost?
- 18 Things to Know Before Going to Costa Rica
