Costa Rica is one of the most stable countries in Central America, with welcoming locals, accommodations to suit every style and budget, as well as long-established operators offering an array of family-friendly activities. Families can indulge in easy wildlife encounters with sloths and toucans or engage in adrenaline-fueled adventures.
Its landscapes, featuring smoldering volcanos, palm-fringed beaches, and magical rainforests, are nothing short of epic. Moreover, thanks to good infrastructure, all these natural wonders can be enjoyed by the youngest travelers.
Many attractions and public transport offer discounts for kids under 12, and toddlers and babies often go free—always ask if you’re unsure.
The Best Places to Travel in Costa Rica with Kids
La Fortuna is one of the top destinations in Costa Rica for kids of all ages, where activities revolve around the still-rumbling Arenal Volcano. Hiking, kayaking, zip lining, and soaking in hot springs are all on offer.
Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast provides easy wildlife watching and beautiful beaches. Additionally, Monteverde’s cloud forest reserves brim with colorful birds and butterflies, while Guanacaste Province offers the chance for kids to ride the Pacific rollers.
The Best Things to Do in Costa Rica with Kids
The Best Activities for Babies and Toddlers: Nature, Butterflies, and Cuddly-looking Animals
Many of Costa Rica’s national parks—including Manuel Antonio, Arenal Volcano, and Carara—feature accessible, well-marked trails suitable for strollers, making it easy to explore the beauty of the rainforest.
Immerse your young adventurers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the rainforest while looking out for monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws. A night hike presents an exciting adventure for young jungle explorers.
Visiting a wildlife sanctuary is also a great idea. For instance, Kids Saving the Rainforest in Manuel Antonio or the Sloth Sanctuary Selvatura Park near Monteverde provide fantastic educational experiences for young ones.
Best Activities for Young Children (Aged 4 to 7): Volcanoes, Hot Springs, and Foodie Tours
Young explorers will enjoy peering into Poás Volcano’s yawning crater with its stunning turquoise lake—the route to the viewpoint is stroller accessible. Aim to arrive early to avoid afternoon cloud cover.
Arenal Volcano’s perfect cone is situated within its namesake national park near La Fortuna. While climbing to the top is not allowed, several trails crisscross lava fields, leading through a rainforest rich with butterflies, birds, and snakes—making the short, flat Los Heliconias trail ideal for children.
Afterward, enjoy a family soak in the region’s hot springs. Baldi Hot Springs is budget-friendly and has a dedicated area for kids, while The Springs Resort & Spa offers extensive family packages with forest trails, water slides, and multiple pools.
Visit a local market to marvel at Costa Rica’s dazzling array of tropical fruits. Additionally, farms like Finca El Paraiso in Monteverde run kid-friendly foodie tours, allowing families to learn about cheese making and more.
Best Activities for Tweens and Teenagers: Zip Lines, Surfing, and Rafting
Thrilling zip lines across Costa Rica will excite even the most adventurous teen. Certain companies allow young thrill-seekers as young as three to soar above the forest canopy with the help of a guide, while some have specific weight and height limits—check before planning your adventure.
Ecoglide Arenal Park is among the finest zip-lining spots. Moreover, Selvatura Park in Monteverde offers family packages, including breathtaking views of the forest from a series of hanging bridges.
Beginner surfers of all ages can find ideal beach breaks along Costa Rica’s seemingly endless Pacific coastline. Surf schools like Peaks ‘n Swells, located close to Montezuma on the Nicoya Peninsula, cater to learners as young as four.
The calm waters of Playa Sámara are perfect for renting boogie boards. However, always remain vigilant about rip currents; consult locals, ideally lifeguards, for guidance before allowing young swimmers to take the plunge.
For additional water adventures, Costa Rica’s rivers boast exhilarating rapids. First-time rafters from four years old can navigate Class I rapids, with plenty of time to swim and have snacks, while older kids can tackle more intense whitewater challenges. Aventuras del Sarapiquí offers family-friendly rafting tours, relaxed tubing, and more.
Planning Tips for Traveling in Costa Rica with Kids
Tap water is generally safe to drink, except in remote rural areas. However, if you’d prefer not to risk it with your little ones, consider investing in a water filter such as LifeStraw, which donates safe drinking water to schools, making it a responsible choice for families.
Bring high-factor, reef-safe sunscreen as it tends to be pricier in Costa Rica. Additionally, pack long pants for rainforest hikes and closed-toe hiking shoes to keep your young explorers safe from fire ants.
This content showcases family-oriented travel opportunities, ideal for creating unforgettable memories in Costa Rica with children of all ages.
