Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Costa Rica
- Esteban Acedo
- 9 hours ago
- 6 min read
Costa Rica is one of the world’s safest and most exciting destinations for families. With wildlife encounters, kid-friendly beaches, volcano adventures, chocolate making, and endless nature tours, it’s the perfect place to spark curiosity in children of every age. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or multigenerational families, Costa Rica offers activities that are fun, safe, and educational.
We want to present you our Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Costa Rica—handpicked by us to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.
1. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
Best for: All ages
Location: Central Pacific Coast, close to Quepos
Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s most family-friendly national park thanks to its easy hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and calm beaches. Kids love spotting monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and tropical birds along the well-maintained paths.
Family Tips:
Visit early to avoid heat and crowds.
Hire a naturalist guide for the best wildlife sightings.
Combine your visit with a beach picnic inside the park.
2. Visit La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
Best for: Ages 4+
Location: Northern Highlands
From hot springs to hanging bridges, La Fortuna is packed with family adventures. Children especially love the thermal pools, easy nature trails, and volcano viewpoints.
Top Activities:
Family-friendly hot springs (perfect for little ones and teenagers)
3. Take a Wildlife Boat Safari in Palo Verde or Tarcoles
Best for: Ages 3+
Location: Guanacaste or Central Pacific
Boat safaris are ideal for young kids who may not want long hikes. Spot crocodiles, monkeys, and a huge variety of birds from the comfort of a covered boat.
Why Families Love It:
No walking required
Shaded boats keep everyone cool
Fascinating wildlife encounters
4. Try a Chocolate & Coffee Tour
Best for: All ages
Locations: La Fortuna, Monteverde, Sarapiquí
Kids adore chocolate tours—the chance to grind cacao beans, taste fresh chocolate, and learn how chocolate is made from scratch.
Parents love: Sampling coffee while kids enjoy the chocolate-making process.
5. Go Ziplining (with kid-friendly options!)
Best for: Ages 6+
Locations: Monteverde, La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, Diamante Park (Guanacaste)
Costa Rica invented the canopy tour, and many operators offer safe, kid-friendly ziplines with dual cables, seated harnesses, and short beginner lines.
Where to Go With Kids:
Monteverde’s family canopy tours
Diamante Eco Adventure Park
6. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest
Best for: Ages 6+
Location: Monteverde
Experience suspended bridges, hummingbird gardens, butterfly sanctuaries, and the magical cloud forest. Educational and adventurous, it’s a parent favorite!
Don’t Miss:
Hummingbird feeding stations
Sky Walk hanging bridges
Reptile & amphibian exhibits
7. Spend a Beach Day in Tamarindo
Best for: All ages
Location: Guanacaste
With warm water, gentle waves, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants, Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s easiest beach towns for families.
Fun for Kids:
Safe swimming zones
Sandcastle-worthy beaches
8. Take a Night Walk to Spot Wildlife
Best for: Ages 7+
Locations: Monteverde, La Fortuna, Tortuguero
Night walks are one of Costa Rica's most fascinating experiences—kids feel like explorers searching for frogs, insects, snakes, and nocturnal mammals.
What You May See:
Red-eyed tree frogs
Tarantulas (at a safe distance!)
Sleeping birds
Kinkajous
9. Visit a Sloth Sanctuary
Best for: All ages
Locations: Cahuita, La Fortuna, Guanacaste
Most sanctuaries offer educational tours designed specifically for children. Kids learn about conservation, rehabilitation, and the slow, adorable world of sloths.
Why it’s great for families:
Slow-paced, educational, and safe
Perfect photo opportunities
Guides trained to work with children
10. Book a Family-Friendly Catamaran Tour
Best for: Ages 3+
Locations: Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Papagayo
Catamaran tours include snorkeling, dolphin watching, and time to relax on deck. Calm waters make these trips perfect for families with young children.
Includes:
Snorkel gear
Fresh fruit & drinks
Sunset views
Family travel tips for Costa Rica
Book private transportation (rent a car or choose shuttle services) to make travel easier with kids.
Pack light rain gear—weather can change quickly.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
Plan 3–5 days per destination to avoid rushed travel.
Choose accommodations with pools—kids love afternoon swim time.
Why book through Pura Vida Traveling?
Local Expertise: We know Costa Rica deeply — we can help you choose the right tours and experiences based on your kids interests and energy levels.
Safety & Reliability: We partner with vetted, professional guides.
Logistics Covered: We can handle transportation, transfers, and tour coordination — less stress for you, more time for fun.
Customized Itineraries: Whether your teen is into wildlife, adventure, or culture (or all three), we can build a personalized trip.
Support & Resources: Use our blog for inspiration, packing tips, and more.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica is truly one of the best destinations in the world for families seeking nature, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're spotting monkeys in Manuel Antonio, relaxing in La Fortuna’s hot springs, or learning about chocolate with your kids, every activity offers fun and educational value. With so many safe, family-friendly options, planning a trip can feel overwhelming—but that’s exactly where we can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costa Rica safe for families traveling with kids?
Yes. Costa Rica is considered one of the safest destinations in Central America for family travel. Standard precautions still apply — keep valuables secure, be mindful on isolated beaches, and follow lifeguard or surf flag warnings.
Are there free or budget-friendly things to do with kids?
Absolutely. Some of the best experiences cost nothing or very little:
Public beaches (all free except national parks)
Watching sunsets
Wildlife spotting in towns and forests
Free or low-cost waterfalls (e.g., Montezuma)
Local markets (“ferias”)
Community events like beach yoga, soccer games, artisan fairs. These activities are often teen favorites because they feel spontaneous and authentic.
What’s the best time of year to visit Costa Rica with kids?
The dry season (December–April) is ideal for beach weather and outdoor adventures. The green season (May–November) is great for fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and lush scenery — but rivers can be stronger and rain heavier in the afternoons. Kids who love adventure often enjoy the green season’s dramatic landscapes.
Are adventure activities safe for kids?
Yes — as long as you choose reputable, certified operators. Look for companies that provide proper helmets, harnesses, life jackets, and trained guides. Many tours also have age or weight minimums to ensure safety, especially for rafting or canyoning.
What should families pack for a Costa Rica trip?
Must-haves include:
Sunscreen & insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Lightweight rain jacket
Swimwear + rash guard
Good hiking or walking shoes
Power bank, camera/phone
Quick-dry clothing
Weather varies by region, so pack for both heat and rain.
Are there good cultural or learning activities for kids?
Yes — teens often love:
Chocolate or coffee workshops
Eco-farm visits
Afro-Caribbean cooking classes
Wildlife conservation experiences.
These activities add depth to the trip and help kids engage with local culture.
How much should we budget for activities as a family?
Adventure tours usually cost between $50–$120 per person, depending on the activity. Surf lessons, rafting, canyoning, and zip-lining fall within this range. Mixing paid adventures with free days (beaches, waterfalls, markets) keeps the overall cost manageable.
Why should we book our tours through Pura Vida Traveling?
PVT makes family travel smoother, safer, and more personalized:
Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of Costa Rica ensures you’re choosing the right activities based on your teen’s interests and energy levels.
Safety & Reliability: PVT works only with vetted, licensed, professional guides.
Logistics Covered: Transportation, transfers, and tour coordination are handled for you — meaning less stress, more family time.
Support & Resources: Access to travel guides, tips, and local insights.
Is Costa Rica a good destination for families?
Yes—Costa Rica is considered one of the safest and most family-friendly countries in Latin America. With kid-friendly beaches, eco-parks, national parks, and wildlife tours, it’s ideal for toddlers, teens, and parents alike.
How many days do we need for a family trip to Costa Rica?
A family vacation typically works best with 7–10 days, giving you enough time to explore 2–3 destinations without rushing. If traveling with small kids, 3–5 nights per location is ideal.
Do I need to rent a car when traveling with kids?
Renting a car is convenient for families, but private transportation or shuttles are also very popular and stress-free—especially if you don’t want to drive in a new country. Pura Vida Traveling can arrange all transportation for you.
Are the national parks suitable for strollers?
Some parks—like Manuel Antonio and parts of Arenal—have flat or partially paved trails. However, for easier mobility, a baby carrier is recommended for most trails.
Are there medical services available near major tourist towns?
Yes. Popular destinations such as La Fortuna, Tamarindo, and Manuel Antonio have clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals nearby. Travel insurance is always recommended.