Our Top 6 Costa Rica Family Vacations & Trips

Name: Costa Rica Tours & Travel
Brand: Adventure Life
Rating: 4.8 (407 reviews)

Our Favorite Spots for Family Travel in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park mixes sun, beaches, rainforest, eco-lodges and adventure in one spectacular park like nowhere else on earth. After a day of exploring the rainforest and spotting an amazing variety of creatures including butterflies, birds, plants, insects, sloths, and four species of monkeys, relax on the beach for a while. But watch out, a monkey or coatimundi might try to steal your snacks! What's a coatimundi? You have to come and see for yourself, the photos don't do them justice, they're so cute!
Monteverde Cloud Forest is high in the mountains, dense and green, and home to some of the same species you'd find in a lowland rainforest, like howler monkeys and sloths. But many more species are unique and thrive in this cooler, more humid forest in the clouds. Your guide will imitate the call of Central America's most legendary bird, revered even by the Maya. Woooeeee, woooooeee! And with some luck, a brilliant green and red Quetzal will come to see who's making all of the Quetzal sounds!
Arenal Volcano is a chance to get just close enough to an active volcano. On some days, you might see plumes of steam coming out of the top. There are volcanic hot springs with pools and literally an entire river of hot water!

Contact one of our Costa Rica family travel specialists to start planning your trip to Costa Rica today.

Our Favorite Costa Rica Family Hotels and Lodges

Hotel Arenal Manoa

Turtle Beach Lodge Hotel

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Costa Rica Family-Friendly Activities and Fun-Filled Adventures

Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling in Tamarindo: Set sail on a catamaran off the coast of Tamarindo for a day of ocean fun. This tour combines the excitement of sailing with the tranquility of snorkeling. Families can enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, spotting colorful marine life, and relaxing on deck. No minimum age is required for sailing, making it ideal for younger children and adults alike.
Zip-line Tours in Arenal and Monteverde: For a high-flying adventure, zip-line tours in Arenal and Monteverde are a must. Soar through the treetops and enjoy breathtaking views of the rainforest. Most zip-line operators in Costa Rica require participants to be at least 5-8 years old, depending on the company and course.
Tubing in Arenal and Hacienda Guachipelin: Experience the thrill of tubing down gentle rivers in Arenal and at Hacienda Guachipelin. These tours offer a fun and family-friendly way to enjoy the rivers. Children as young as 8 years old can join in, making it a great option for families with older kids.
Rafting the Reventazón, Sarapiquí, and Pacuare Rivers: For families seeking a more intense adventure, whitewater rafting on the Reventazón, Sarapiquí, and Pacuare rivers provides exhilarating rapids and stunning scenery. Minimum age requirements vary by river and tour operator, typically starting at 10 years old for moderate rapids and 12-14 years old for more challenging sections.
Hanging Bridges Tours in Arenal: Explore the rainforest from a unique perspective with hanging bridges tours in Arenal. Walk among the treetops and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. These tours are suitable for families with children as young as 6 years old.
Hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park: Discover the beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park on a family-friendly hike. Traverse trails through lush forests and along pristine beaches, where you might spot monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. The park’s trails are accessible to children aged 6 and up.
Rainforest Adventures on the Osa Peninsula: The Osa Peninsula offers an immersive rainforest experience where families can hike through dense jungle, explore beautiful coastlines, and spot diverse wildlife. Enjoy swimming in the ocean and discovering the wonders of this remote region. There are no strict age limits, but younger children should be comfortable with moderate hiking and outdoor activities.
Turtle Watching in Tortuguero: Witness the incredible sight of sea turtles nesting on the shores of Tortuguero. Night tours provide the chance to see these majestic creatures as they come ashore to lay their eggs. Tours are suitable for children over 8 years old, providing an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
Hiking to Waterfalls: End your adventure with a hike to a stunning waterfall. Many of Costa Rica’s waterfalls are accessible via scenic trails, where families can cool off with a refreshing dip in the natural pools. Suitable for children aged 8 and up, these hikes offer both excitement and natural beauty.

Follow in the Footsteps of These Happy Families

Gabs is ready to do a little tree climbing at Selva Bananito

Mother-Daughter Costa Rica Adventure

My 12-year-old daughter, Gabs, and I had an absolute blast in Costa Rica. Beginning in the remote rainforest, continuing to the sunny and sandy Caribbean coast and ending with an awesome adrenaline rush on a Pacuare river rafting adventure. It was a perfect mix for us! I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.

Day 1 balcony view at Hotel Bougainvillea

Costa Rica Family trip - turtles and rainforest, pacuare

What a memorable Costa Rica trip for the whole family -- my husband and I, with our two children, age 6 and 9. We can't wait to go on another adventure.

Mother and Son in Costa Rica

I took my animal loving, adventurous, knowledge-thirsty son to Costa Rica for a week this summer -- we had the time of our lives.

We did it! A happy family after a zip line tour in Costa Rica

Discovery and wonder in Costa Rica

I went on a Costa Rica Quest with my family and thought I was just in for a nice vacation. Instead, I was surprised to rediscover - with my kids - the pure joy and wonder of exploration and adventure.

Costa Rica Family Adventure

Costa Rica translated means “rich coast” and for our family adventure it was priceless. Sharing experiences and discoveries in the mountains, jungles, and beaches, made memories that will truly last a lifetime.

Essential Tips for a Family Trip to Costa Rica

Hotel Discounts: Many hotels offer discounts for families with children under 18, allowing for savings on accommodations. Consider your family’s sleeping arrangements to maximize your budget. Booking a larger room or suite might be more economical than reserving multiple smaller rooms.
Balance Coastal and Highland Stays: Costa Rica’s coast can be hot and humid, so balance your time with stays in higher elevations, like Arenal and Monteverde, where the weather is cooler and more comfortable. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—beach relaxation and cooler highland adventures.
Minimize Driving: To avoid spending too much time on the road, choose regions that are relatively close together. Alternatively, use internal flights to hop between destinations, saving time and reducing the stress of long drives on winding roads.
Prepare for Motion Sickness: Many roads in Costa Rica are winding and can cause motion sickness. Bring motion sickness medication to keep everyone comfortable during travel. It’s also a good idea to take breaks and enjoy scenic spots to help manage any discomfort.
Wildlife Scavenger Hunt: Enhance your children’s experience by bringing a wildlife guide and creating a scavenger hunt. This interactive activity will make wildlife spotting more engaging and educational for the whole family.
Pack Light, but Smart: Pack light, breathable clothing for the coast and warmer layers for the highlands. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and waterproof gear for unexpected rain.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Keep hydrated and have snacks on hand, especially during long excursions or in remote areas. Fresh fruit and local cuisine are delicious and help keep energy levels up.
Respect Local Wildlife and Nature: Teach your children to respect wildlife and follow local guidelines to protect natural habitats. Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity is a privilege to experience, and preserving it ensures future generations can enjoy it too.

Our Top Recommendations for Costa Rica Family Tours

Hike, Raft, and Zip-line: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park. More Information
Action-Packed Coastal Holiday: Discover the Savegre Reserve, Hacienda Baru, Ballena National Marine Park, and the pristine beaches of the Pacific Coast. More Information
Diverse Landscapes Exploration: Raft, hike, and glide through rivers, cloud forests, rainforests, and volcanoes in Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. More Information
Thrilling Adventures: Enjoy canopy tours, horseback riding, tubing, rappelling, and relaxing in hot springs at Rincon de la Vieja, Hacienda Guachipelin, Playa Panamá, Tamarindo, and Captain Island. More Information
Adventure and Relaxation Combo: Sail around the Pacific Islands, explore the lush rainforest and majestic Arenal Volcano, unwind in natural hot springs, and enjoy thrilling helicopter rides. More Information
Corcovado Exploration: Experience Corcovado, the most biologically intense place on Earth, according to National Geographic, by hiking and whitewater rafting, strolling along deserted beaches, and spotting wildlife in the rainforest. More Information