Costa Rica with kids

Dreaming of a tour to Costa Rica with kids, where you can see wild animals, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches – all in a safe environment?

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for adventurous families!

Read our guide to an unforgetable family holiday – and get tips for the best experiences for the entire family.

Can you travel to Costa Rica with kids?

Yes. Costa Rica is a very family-friendly destination. You will find a calm and relaxed atmosphere here, where you can have amazing experiences together as a family.

In Costa Rica, people live by the mantra pura vida, which translates to the simple life, and this way of life is felt in the present, calm, and positive local population, who will undoubtedly make you and your children feel very welcome in the country.

Moreover, Costa Rica is a safe and secure country to tour with kids.

Why should you choose Costa Rica for your family holiday?

You should choose Costa Rica because the country is full of exciting experiences that will create unforgettable memories for both children and adults.

Additionally, Costa Rica is a small country with short distances between its attractions – which is always a plus when travelling with kids. You could also choose Costa Rica for a self-drive tour. It’s an excellent way to allow even more flexibility on your family holiday, where the pace can be more aligned with your needs.

Things to do in Costa Rica with children

One of the main reasons to choose Costa Rica is that it has countless experiences suitable for both young and older explorers.

We’ve gathered some of them here for you.

Explore Costa Rica’s nature

Costa Rica’s national parks are among the world’s most beautiful, and here both children and adults can experience stunning landscapes and unique wildlife up close.

In addition to being fascinated by the exotic animals, kids can also learn about Costa Rica’s fantastic nature. Did you know that Costa Rica occupies only 0.03% of the world’s total land area, yet it contains 5% of the world’s animal and plant species? There’s truly a lot to explore here!

Most national parks are very kid-friendly – but depending on the age of your children, some may be better suited than others.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica, known for its beautiful, lush landscapes and its rich wildlife.

Imagine your child’s delight as they spot a sloth lazily hanging in a tree, or watch playful monkeys leap between branches. In Manuel Antonio National Park, wildlife is never far away!

The national park is also renowned as one of Costa Rica’s most family-friendly spots, with well-marked, easy-to-navigate trails, and even the possibility of taking a pram through the park. Once you’ve wandered through spotting wildlife, you can finish up with a splash in the waves at the kid-friendly beach within the national park.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

The fascinating cloud forest of Monteverde is a popular destination for families visiting Costa Rica with kids.

You’ll be guided along suspension bridges, from which you can observe a plethora of tropical creatures, such as birds and more than 600 different species of butterflies, along with plants like ferns and orchids.

Do you have kids who love speed and adventure? They will undoubtedly enjoy ziplining among Monteverde’s treetops! Imagine the thrill as you glide between towering trees, gaining a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest from a completely new angle – an experience you won’t soon forget.

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park is located on the Caribbean coast. The park’s name comes from the Spanish word “tortuga”, meaning turtle, due to the numerous turtles returning annually to lay their eggs on its beaches.

The journey to Tortuguero National Park is an adventure in itself. When the road ends, you’ll board a boat to traverse the narrow canals through lush rainforest. Within the park, you can experience what it’s like to live in a rainforest, as you’ll stay overnight in a jungle lodge and have the opportunity to visit the secluded village of Tortuguero enveloped by nature.

There is ample opportunity to see the rainforest’s wild residents, including caimans, turtles, sloths, tapirs, and monkeys, sure to be a hit with the kids.

Waterfalls and volcanoes

Costa Rica’s nature and landscapes are unparalleled, and opportunities to witness both waterfalls and volcanoes don’t come every day.

If your children are over 8 years old, embark on an exciting hike at the impressive Arenal Volcano and learn about the local flora and fauna. For families with younger kids, a boat trip on Lake Arenal offers a perfect alternative, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the volcano’s cone-shaped peak.

At Arenal Volcano, there’s a special treat in store for both the young and old: bathing in natural hot springs. The water, naturally heated by volcanic activity in the area, provides a tranquil wellness experience amidst stunning surroundings.

Don’t miss out on visiting the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall either. The water cascades 70 metres into a lush valley, and the lagoon below is ideal for a refreshing swim – an experience the kids will adore!

Discover Costa Rica’s stunning beaches

Costa Rica’s picturesque beaches are perfect for a concluding beach holiday, letting you truly unwind and relish the Pacific’s warm waves after an adventurous journey. For the little ones, tranquil days on the beach might be just what they need, while older kids may dream of water-based activities. Costa Rica’s charming coastal towns offer something for all ages.

You can, for instance, combine your tour with a visit to Playa Sámara. Here, you can enjoy the hotel swimming pool, laze by the beach, or explore the ocean life on a kayaking or snorkelling trip.

At Manuel Antonio Beach, where the national park of the same name is located, there are several delightful beaches. Playa Manuel Antonio, situated inside the national park, has even been rated one of the world’s best beaches.

Outside the national park, Playa Espadilla offers relaxation with a swim in the ocean or the chance to discover the underwater world on a snorkelling excursion.

Other questions about travelling to Costa Rica with kids

Many questions may arise when planning a trip abroad with your family.

We’ve answered some of them here.

Is Costa Rica safe for kids?

The short answer is yes. It is safe to travel to Costa Rica with kids.

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America, known for its friendly locals, calm atmosphere, and kid-friendly surroundings. You can confidently venture into nature to enjoy its wonders with your family.

How to best travel with kids in Costa Rica?

It greatly depends on your family. Our tours are available as traditional tours, where a shuttle bus transports you between locations, or as self-drive tours.

Self-driving in Costa Rica is a very kid-friendly way to travel, offering more flexibility and the ability to pace your trip to suit your needs. This can be beneficial when travelling with younger children.

How to best prepare for the trip?

Travelling with kids is a fantastic opportunity to open their eyes to the world’s diversity and create lifelong memories. However, it takes a relatively long time to tour Costa Rica, which can be challenging, especially if you’re travelling with younger children.

Make sure to set expectations and give the kids the chance to absorb the many new experiences at their own pace, take more frequent short breaks, and have plenty of snacks on hand during your day trips.

Read our tips for surviving a long flight with children or our good advice on holidaying with kids.

Are you ready to experience Costa Rica with kids?

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for adventure-seeking families. Whether you dream of exploring lush rainforests, spotting exotic wildlife, or getting sand between your toes on the Pacific coast, Costa Rica has something for you.

Are you ready to take your kids on a journey they’ll never forget? We will ensure everything is planned so you can enjoy the adventure together. Contact us today, and let’s find your tour to Costa Rica!

Exploring the world should be safe – we’re with you all the way!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller