The ultimate guide to Costa Rica for families

Costa Rica has so many exciting, family-friendly things to do that no child has ever uttered those dreaded words: "I’m bored."

Okay, we can’t prove that, but we are certain you’ll find that travelling to Costa Rica with kids means an adventure for the whole family. This captivating country has activities to keep kids of all ages entertained, whether they’re budding birders hoping to spot an eye-catching quetzal in the cloud forest, daring adventurers itching to go whitewater rafting down river rapids, or aspiring chefs eager to learn how to make the perfect tortilla.

Is Costa Rica safe for families?

Family is central to Costa Rican culture, and in general, Costa Rica is safe for children and families. You should take the standard precautions you would anywhere in the world, such as leaving flashy jewellery at home, booking with reputable hotels and tour operators, staying on marked trails while hiking, checking weather conditions before heading out for the day, heeding lifeguard warnings, and wearing sun protection and appropriate gear for your activities.

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Experience out-of-this-world landscapes

Costa Rica is home to diverse and dramatic terrain, and the country has plenty of family-friendly ways to experience its natural beauty. Hike the otherworldly lava fields of Arenal Volcano and let the kids live out their astronaut dreams without leaving Earth. Invite them to play in the mud on a visit to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, where they can smear volcanic clay on their skin for a mineral-rich "mud bath." After a day of adventure, the whole family can unwind in the natural hot springs.

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Meet cute and quirky creatures

As one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, Costa Rica is a paradise for animal-loving kids. You can observe mischievous monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park, delight your budding birders with resplendent quetzal sightings in the cloud forests of Monteverde, and keep an eye out for crocodiles on a boat cruise through Palo Verde National Park. When darkness falls, search for red-eyed tree frogs, two-toed sloths, and other nocturnal Costa Rica animals on a night hike.

Local guides can provide safety tips, interesting facts, and a keen eye for spotting wildlife you might otherwise pass right by. Animal encounters tend to be exciting, whether you’re travelling to Costa Rica with toddlers or teens, and with hundreds of species to see — and many, such as the slow-moving sloth, with captivating traits — your children will be having so much fun they’ll hardly notice that they’re learning along the way.

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Cook local Costa Rican food

Your young chefs will love learning the secrets of tortilla-making in an interactive and family-friendly cooking lesson with a local expert. A cooking class is a great way to introduce your kids to Costa Rican food and culture as you work together to craft tasty tortillas and then sit down to a traditional meal. Getting in the kitchen will give your family a deeper appreciation for the food you’ll taste on your journey — and for the people who prepare it.

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Zip line over the treetops

Guaranteed to be a highlight for the adrenaline-seekers in your crew, zip lining is one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica for families. Feel the rush of soaring over the forest canopy while enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the jungle below. Zip lining is an excellent bonding activity, especially if your kids are a bit hesitant at first and have the opportunity to conquer their fears with your support.

Zip line activities typically have age, height, and weight restrictions for safety, but zip line parks tend to offer nature walks along hanging bridges as an alternative. If you’re travelling to Costa Rica with toddlers who are too young to zip line or anyone afraid of heights, consider a hanging bridge hike instead.

Take a surf lesson

Costa Rica's beaches are known to have warm water and some of the best waves in the world, making this country a popular surfing destination. Find surf schools along both coasts where you can sign up for family-friendly lessons. Manuel Antonio is one of the many spots with waves that are often small, gentle, and ideal for beginners. The abundance of nearby activities, including hiking and snorkelling in Manuel Antonio National Park, means plenty of options for entertaining kids with a variety of interests.

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Tour a chocolate farm

Costa Rica’s climate and soil are well suited for growing high-quality cacao, and the beans are so revered that they were previously used for currency and considered sacred by some Indigenous groups. Take the kids to a cacao farm for a tour, where they can learn how chocolate is made and then sample the sweet treats. Some farms also grow coffee, so if the adults in your group need a caffeine boost, they can easily refuel while touring kid-friendly Costa Rica.

Kayak through mangroves

Kayaking affords access to coves, lagoons, and coastlines that larger watercraft can’t reach. Stoke your children’s sense of adventure as you paddle through a mangrove ecosystem on a kayaking excursion in Manuel Antonio. If you’ll be visiting Arenal Volcano, take a paddleboarding or kayaking and wildlife-watching tour on Lake Arenal. Check age restrictions for paddling activities when booking.

Lend a hand

Costa Rica has all the ingredients for an exciting, educational, and family-friendly vacation, so it’s only natural that you’re feeling inspired to give something back to this beautiful country. Engage the whole family in a volunteer activity, such as a reforestation project in Monteverde, and create more memories together while instilling a sense of stewardship in your young travellers.

Enjoy a family beach day

Although there are so many adventurous things to do in Costa Rica with kids, don’t forget to save some time for a relaxing family beach day. Grab a picnic lunch and your snorkel gear to explore the underwater world, enjoying the idyllic views from your sun chair while recounting your favourite Costa Rica moments together.

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