What to do in Costa Rica with children
If you’re searching for a family holiday destination that perfectly blends wild adventure with luxury and safety, Costa Rica is a dream come true. With lush rainforests, active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, this vibrant country offers nature-rich experiences that excite and inspire travellers of all ages.
Costa Rica is one of the most bio diverse countries in the world, so it is like a real life geography lesson. Whether you’re ziplining through cloud forests, spotting sloths in the jungle, or relaxing in natural hot springs, here are our top 10 must-do activities for families exploring Costa Rica.
1. Spot Sloths & Monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is a family favourite, offering a unique blend of lush rainforest trails, golden sandy beaches, and incredible wildlife all within a safe and accessible environment. Kids will be thrilled to spot playful capuchin and howler monkeys, colourful toucans, and the famously sleepy three-toed sloths nestled high in the treetops.
For an unforgettable experience, take a family-friendly sea kayaking tour along the Pacific coastline. Paddle through warm, calm waters while pelicans soar overhead and iguanas bask on rocky outcrops. After your paddle, explore the park’s easy walking trails to discover even more wildlife before winding down on pristine beaches perfect for swimming and picnicking.
2. See the Arenal Volcano & Relax in Jungle Hot Springs
No trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting the iconic Arenal Volcano. This towering natural wonder offers families a magical blend of adventure and relaxation. Enjoy gentle nature walks along lava trails where children can learn about volcanic activity and rainforest ecosystems.
Nearby, soothe tired muscles in naturally heated hot springs surrounded by lush jungle — a perfect way for parents to unwind while children splash safely in warm mineral waters. Many luxury resorts in the area provide family-friendly facilities, including child-safe pools, on-site guides, and spa treatments for adults, making Arenal a highlight for all ages.
3. Drift Through the Jungle on a Peñas Blancas River Safari
For a peaceful wildlife adventure, float down the Peñas Blancas River near Arenal. This tranquil river meanders through dense rainforest, offering glimpses of monkeys swinging overhead, sloths lounging on branches, and caimans resting on sunlit banks. Keep an eye out for colourful toucans and curious iguanas as you glide silently in a motor-free boat.
This gentle safari is safe and relaxing for children, with expert guides sharing fascinating insights into the rainforest’s biodiversity — a perfect blend of education and wildlife exploration.
4. Learn About Sea Turtles in Tortuguero National Park
Often called the “Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero National Park offers magical boat safaris through rainforest canals teeming with wildlife. Glide past sloths, toucans, crocodiles, and bats while knowledgeable guides bring the ecosystem to life.
From July to October, families can witness one of nature’s wonders: sea turtles nesting on Tortuguero’s beaches. Join a guided night tour to see these amazing creatures lay their eggs and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. This unforgettable experience blends wildlife spotting, education, and adventure for curious children.
5. Explore Hanging Bridges in the Rainforest
Monteverde and Arenal are home to some of Costa Rica’s most enchanting hanging bridge trails. Walk gently above the treetops on safe, stroller-friendly suspension bridges that offer spectacular views of the rainforest canopy, waterfalls, and wildlife below.
In Monteverde’s Cloud Forest Reserve, guided walks through misty trails reveal fascinating orchids, mosses, and ferns. While elusive animals like jaguars and quetzals are rarely seen, the rich ecosystem offers endless learning opportunities about rainforest conservation.
6. Soar Through the Canopy on a Ziplining Adventure
For families craving a thrill, ziplining through Monteverde’s cloud forest is a must. Safely glide above the rainforest floor on world-renowned canopy tours featuring zip lines, sky bridges, and treetop platforms with panoramic views.
With professional guides and child-friendly equipment, even first-timers can experience the exhilaration of flying through the jungle canopy. This adventure perfectly balances adrenaline and nature, creating memories that last a lifetime.
7. Paddle the Calm Waters of the Gulf of Nicoya
Explore the peaceful Gulf of Nicoya along the Nicoya Peninsula by kayak or paddleboard. This calm marine environment is ideal for families, offering gentle waters perfect for beginners and children.
Guided paddling tours lead you past mangroves, rocky coves, and abundant wildlife, including sea turtles, rays, and playful dolphins. Many eco-lodges provide family-friendly excursions, making it a safe and enriching way to enjoy Costa Rica’s stunning coastline and marine biodiversity.
8. Discover Coffee & Chocolate on a Family Farm Tour
Bring the magic of Costa Rica’s agricultural heritage to life with a visit to a working coffee and chocolate farm. Kids will love hands-on experiences like grinding cacao pods, tasting freshly made chocolate, and watching coffee beans grow, be picked, and roasted.
Many family-oriented farms in the Central Valley and Highlands offer interactive tours filled with fun stories and delicious treats, making this a tasty and educational stop for all ages.
9. Snorkel at Cano Island
Introduce your family to snorkelling on a day trip to Cano Island off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Its crystal-clear waters are home to vibrant coral reefs bustling with tropical fish, reef sharks, stingrays, and turtles.
The boat ride is an adventure in itself, often accompanied by dolphins swimming alongside. From November to April, you might even spot migrating humpback whales. Cano Island promises safe, stunning, and unforgettable marine wildlife encounters.
10. Glamping on a Quiet Beach
For families seeking a blend of adventure and comfort, Costa Rica’s glamping options are unbeatable. Choose from safari-style tents with private decks at Playa Potrero, ultra-luxury tents at Isla Chiquita, or African safari tents at Matapolo.
These unique accommodations provide hotel-level comfort while immersing you in nature’s beauty. Spend days relaxing by lagoon pools, exploring pristine beaches, and soaking up breathtaking sunsets — a perfect way to experience Costa Rica’s coast with little ones.
Bonus Adventure: Explore the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park
For adventurous families with older children (6+), the remote Osa Peninsula is a true nature lover’s paradise. Home to Corcovado National Park, this region is packed with wildlife including scarlet macaws, tapirs, anteaters, spider monkeys, and even elusive pumas.
Family-friendly activities include guided jungle hikes, boat tours through mangroves, dolphin watching on Golfo Dulce, and night walks to spot frogs and nocturnal creatures. Eco-lodges here often offer family rooms, nature workshops, and cooking classes, making it an immersive and unforgettable experience away from the crowds.
We love Costa Rica as a family destination and would love to help you design the itinerary that best suited to your family. We love nothing more than talking about family holidays, so if you would like to know more about any of these destinations please call us on 0118 3360363 or get in touch through our contact us page.
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