Costa Rica family holidays

Every day is an adventure in Costa Rica, discovering some of the country’s epic wildlife and dramatic scenery, from volcanoes to beaches, rainforest, cloudforest, jungle and more. So the question isn’t whether to plan a Costa Rica family holiday, but how soon can you go?

And there’s a Costa Rica family adventure for every age and style, whether you’re looking for a two-week summer holiday escape, a few adrenaline thrills with teens, an itinerary packed with nature and wildlife or an active break making the most of Costa Rica’s great outdoors.

With tips on everything from where to stay in Costa Rica with kids to how to get around, as well as what to pack, see and do, this one-stop guide is designed to answer all your questions about what to do in Costa Rica with kids.

The main thing to decide when planning your Costa Rica family trip is how much adventure you want to cram in. After beginning your holiday in the capital San Jose, you could start with a bang at one of the country’s volcanoes – Arenal is the most famous, with hot springs in the national park around the dramatic cone, but for a few added thrills, you’ll find white water rafting and canyoning near the volcano at Turrialba, not to mention coffee plantations and tortilla making.

Wildlife

Then there’s Costa Rica’s famous wildlife, from sloths to dazzlingly green frogs, monkeys and a whole lot more. At Tortuguero, you can cruise through the jungle waterways to spot them, as well as the sea turtles which come here to breed for several months a year. The Monteverde cloudforest is another highlight, crossing bridges suspended high above the forest floor, with ziplining through the jungle plus the chance to spot sloths and other wildlife.

Off the beaten track

Or for a less-visited corner of the country, the rainforest of Boca Tapada in the north is well off the beaten tourist track with easy jungle treks and kayaking on the lake. Combine it with a visit to a pineapple farm in Sarapiqui to explore the countryside which most visitors never see, along with rafting, walking and an opportunity to meet the locals.

Want to go right off the grid? How about a desert island experience where you’ll catch your own fish for dinner, build a bonfire to cook it and eat under the stars – no electricity, no WiFi, no stress!

Beaches

If you’d prefer just to relax by the beach, you’re spoiled for choice. Samara on the Nicoya Peninsula is ideal for wannabe surfers, and for chilling out at the end of your trip, while Manuel Antonio has its own enticing beaches, backed by national park for some wildlife spotting. Or over on the Caribbean coast, Cahuita has its own laid-back vibe as well as another chance to head into the national park here if you just can’t get enough of the country’s natural wonders.

More than twice the size of Wales, with two coasts and all those national parks to explore, you’ll be covering a lot of ground on your family trip to Costa Rica, most of it on four wheels.

While there are some internal flights, these tend to be small prop planes and you’ll be limited when it comes to baggage, so the two main options for getting around Costa Rica are hiring your own car or taking shuttle buses between key destinations.

The shuttle buses have air-con and usually a maximum of 20 seats and will drop you at your hotel. You may find you stop at several others along the way, and you may then need taxis to take you from your accommodation into towns or to nearby restaurants – easy in the cities, harder to find in the national parks.

Self-drive

A self-drive Costa Rica family holiday gives you more flexibility and most roads are paved, although road conditions mean you’re unlikely to be travelling at more than 50mph, often less.

Once you arrive at your destination, we’ll arrange shared transfers to your activities, to help cut the number of vehicles on the roads, and stick to environmentally-friendly methods of transport, such as canoes rather than motorised boats, as well as plenty of opportunities to walk.

Accommodation is a key part of the experience on our Costa Rica family holidays, focusing on small-scale lodgings rather than sprawling resorts, with plenty of character and independently owned. All our accommodation is categorised in four levels, from In Style (such as a boutique hotel with a pool) to Standard, Simple and Basic, which usually lets you rub shoulders with the locals.

There are some unforgettable places to stay in Costa Rica with kids too, from a traditional hacienda just outside a national park to a Caribbean-themed hotel on the east coast. And you’ll find plenty of unique experiences on your Costa Rica family adventure, including a treehouse, an eco-lodge in the jungle, camping on a tiny island and a stay on a pineapple farm.

Weather

Costa Rica’s climate is mostly hot and humid, so stick to lightweight natural fabrics such as cotton to help you keep cool, as well as sandals and plenty of swimsuits for a refreshing dip in the sea or pool. Do check when to go to Costa Rica as well, with different rainy seasons on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

You’re unlikely to avoid wet weather altogether, especially at higher ground and in the Monteverde Cloudforest, so make sure to pack some lightweight waterproofs along with your SPF. A pair of hiking shoes or sturdy trainers is also a good plan for when you’re heading off into the jungles and forests, along with a warm layer for cooler weather at higher altitudes.

Modesty

Attitudes to clothing are fairly relaxed by the coast, but you’re advised to dress modestly in rural areas and tribal villages, where adults and older teens may be expected to cover up more – rules tend to be less strict for younger kids.

A basic first aid kit is always helpful when you’re travelling with kids too, including insect repellent, especially if you’re travelling during the rainy season when most mosquitoes will be buzzing around. High UV and strong sun mean hats are essential, along with high SPF sunscreen. This can be expensive in Costa Rica, so it’s well worth bringing enough from home.

Don’t forget a pair of binoculars too, for the best views of the country’s fantastic wildlife.