Costa Rica with Kids: My Guide to Costa Rica Family Vacations
Last Updated on September 12, 2024
Costa Rica with kids is ridiculously fun, easy and filled with adventure. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan the best Costa Rica family vacations.
If I had to choose the best travel destination for outdoor-loving family travelers, it would be Costa Rica. There are outdoor adventures in every shape and size — from the squeal-inducing rush of a canopy zipline to hiking up volcanoes. And it’s just so easy and convenient to travel Costa Rica.
It’s also one of the best wildlife destinations: with unique animals like tarantulas and vipers, or sleepy-eyed sloths and howler monkeys roaming free. And let’s forget about the miles and miles of beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. “Pura vida” (pure life) isn’t a tourism gimmick or marketing phrase — it is truly what Costa Ricans live by.
On our recent family vacation to Costa Rica, we were impressed to find it a safe and easy travel destination. For other adventure-seeking families like us, here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your adventures in Costa Rica with kids.
Table of Contents
- Costa Rica with Kids
- Travel Insurance for Costa Rica
- Is it Easy to Travel Costa Rica with Kids?
- How to Get to Costa Rica with Kids
- When to Travel Costa Rica with Kids
- How Long to Travel Costa Rica with Kids?
- How to Get Around Costa Rica with Kids
- Travel Costa Rica with Kids Independently or on Guided Tour?
- Where to Stay in Costa Rica with Kids
- What to Eat in Costa Rica with Kids
- Where to Eat in Costa Rica with Kids
- Things to Do in Costa Rica with Kids
- What to Pack for a Costa Rica Family Vacation
- Language in Costa Rica
- People in Costa Rica
- Safety in Costa Rica
- Health in Costa Rica
- Food and Water in Costa Rica
- How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids
- Cost of Travel in Costa Rica with Kids
- Practical Tips for Traveling Costa Rica with Kids
- Further Reading on Costa Rica
Costa Rica with Kids
Travel Insurance for Costa Rica
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. Kids are covered for free as long as you ahve a plan. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
Is it Easy to Travel Costa Rica with Kids?
It’s a 100% yes! Costa Rica is a family travel playground, specializing in big adventures for the little ones. Whether you are zipping through the leafy canopy or spying a lazy sloth, this little dynamo of a country offers a plethora of fun experiences that every family member can enjoy. It’s an excellent place for active families who like the outdoors.
Plus, the country has excellent tourism infrastructure and great family hotels. Most of the tourist-oriented towns, such as La Fortuna and Tamarindo, have great supermarkets and restaurants with high standards of hygiene. You can even find many American brands around and international cuisine in major towns.
With the most stable democracy in the region, a good healthcare system and a highly educated population (most of whom speak English), Costa Rica is arguably the most child-friendly destination in Central America. We also went to Panama with our kid after Costa Rica and had a blast, though we can understand why Costa Rica family vacations are more popular.
How to Get to Costa Rica with Kids
Most nationalities including US, UK, EU and Canada citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. San Jose International Airport is the main gateway to Costa Rica. There are direct flights from Miami to San Jose (3hours) for just $360 return. Flights from Los Angeles to San Jose are around US$480 return, while it costs around $1200 to fly from New York to San Jose.
For those in Europe, you can find pretty good deals flying from Madrid to San Jose for just $700 or London to San Jose for $800 return. We flew over from Panama City and our flights cost only US$200 return, even though I booked it at the last minute.
Search for Cheap Flights to Costa Rica
When to Travel Costa Rica with Kids
The best time for Costa Rica family vacations is during the dry season: from mid-December to April. This period promises plenty of sunshine and little rain. We visited in April and we had excellent weather throughout our trip.That said, the dry season is also the most popular (and expensive) time to visit.
If you don’t mind getting a little wet, visit between May and November when prices are lower and there are less crowds. During June and July, rain showers pause briefly, and Costa Rica’s forests burst with green foliage. Keep in mind that the weather varies by region. In the thick forests of the Caribbean Sea coast and northern regions, expect high humidity and temperatures ranging between the 70s and high 80s year-round.
How Long to Travel Costa Rica with Kids?
If you only have one week in Costa Rica, you can see quite a lot in the short time. I suggest focusing on three areas and try to choose diverse locations to experience the rainforest, beach and wildlife of Costa Rica. Check out my Costa Rica itinerary for details of where we went, ate and slept!
Most people choose to focus on the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forests, which are both easy drives from San Jose. But these are the most popular areas in Costa Rica for tourists and can be crowded. Manuel Antonio National Park is another excellent place to visit and chances of seeing sloths here is almost guaranteed.
If you have the time, I recommend spending at least two weeks on your family vacation to Costa Rica so you can explore the best national parks, see the rich wildlife, do canopy tours and enjoy some downtime on the beach. In two weeks, you’ll be able to also visit Puerto Viejo in the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero another excellent area for wildlife-watching, and the more remote Osa Peninsula.
How to Get Around Costa Rica with Kids
By Car
Renting a car is easily the best way to travel around Costa Rica with kids. It’s more comfortable than lugging your kids on public transport. Also you won’t be able to reach the rainforests or remote rural areas to see wildlife without a car. Having your own wheels lets you travel independently, at your own pace.
However, roads in Costa Rica are in terrible conditions and many are actually unpaved. We actually punctured a tyre on our way to Monteverde. We had to change to our spare wheel in the forest. Renting a 4WD is highly recommended! Search for car rentals in San Jose here!
We booked our car rental on Discover Cars and paid around US$160 for one week of rental and a baby seat. The car hire company had excellent services and provided transfers in/out to the airport. Our car was a Suzuki Celerio, a very small compact car. Renting a 4WD will cost around US$300 for one week.
By Bus
Traveling by bus is by far the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica if you don’t want to drive. San Jose is the hub for virtually all bus services in the country. Some routes are so popular that it’s wise to book your tickets in advance. Bus schedules change with impressive frequency, so be sure to check in advance. You can download a comprehensive timetable here.
The main operator is Interbus, with comprehensive routes across the country. The similar but slightly more expensive Gray Line runs direct services between many tourist spots. Shared shuttles are a cost-effective way to get from one place to another, such as to and from the airport or to a particular destination. For example, Grayline and Interbus offer shared shuttles from San Jose Airport to Tamarindo for around $50.
Travel Costa Rica with Kids Independently or on Guided Tour?
Unlike other parts of Central America, Costa Rica is relatively safe and easy to travel around on your own. We traveled independently with our 4-year-old daughter and didn’t face any difficulty or challenges.
What I recommend is traveling on your own and booking day tours, especially if you want to see wildlife. Even though we have lots of wildlife-watching experience, we realised how much easier it was to see animals when we had a guide along. These guides are trained to spot animals and will be able to point out sloths, howler monkeys, anteaters much more easily.
If you’re not confident traveling Costa Rica independently, check out this 9-day Costa Rica family experience that’ll allow you to see all the areas I mentioned with other families. The minimum age for kids is 6 years old. G Adventures is a Canadian adventure tour operator I’ve worked with many times and can highly recommend! I traveled with them to Antarctica, Nepal, Brazil, Mongolia etc and every single trip was truly epic. I’ve made lifelong friendships on my trips with them.
Where to Stay in Costa Rica with Kids
Costa Rica has gone to great lengths to protect its national parks and invest in initiatives that ensure sustainable tourism in the country. For instance, the government rewards hotels and operators for their eco-friendly efforts, so I definitely recommend staying at eco-lodges in Costa Rica.
There are also lots of family-friendly resorts and ecolodges in Costa Rica. Many of them have family rooms, which are bigger and have extra beds for kids. Some also have kids’ clubs and surfing camps perfect for Costa Rica family vacations. Check out my full list of where to stay in Costa Rica.
Family Hotels in San Jose
Luxury: Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center
Housed in a colorful and eclectic building, this modern hotel stands right in the heart of San Jose, steps from the National Theater and Plaza de la Cultura. It’s perfect for families who want to explore San Jose and be right in the action. You’re literally surrounded by restaurants and shops so your kids won’t have to walk too much. Check the latest rates here.
Midrange: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Located near the airport, this hotel is a great option for those who are flying in late and just want to stay somewhere comfortable without spending too much. The hotel has an excellent pool and spacious, comfortable rooms great for families. Definitely great value for money! We like the quiet area, with restaurants and shops just steps from the hotel. Check the latest rates here.
Budget: Hostel Urbano
A funky and tastefully-designed option for families who are on a budget. The modern hostel is big and spacious, with family rooms that have bunk beds (great for bigger kids!). It’s located on a hilltop with nice views of the city but just a 15-minute walk from the National museum. Check the latest rates here.
Family Hotels in La Fortuna
Luxury: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
The Springs Resort is possibly the most famous hotel in the Arenal area and definitely one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica. It’s a landmark hotel and an established property with its own private hot springs and stunning, unobstructed view of the volcano. Every room has a jacuzzi and big spacious lounge area, suitable for big families. You’ll get free access to the hot springs, which on its own already costs close to $100. Check the latest rates here.
Midrange: Arenal Observatory Lodge
The only hotel actually in the national park with the closet view of the volcano. Surrounded by 860 private acres of tropical rainforest, the hotel features an on-site bird sanctuary that has around 500 different species of birds. The lodge also has an on-site lake, a swimming pool, a sun terrace and games room. There’s seriously so much you can do here without leaving the lodge. Check the latest rates here.
Budget: Arenal Backpackers Resort
Located close to the town of La Fortuna, this resort may be for backpackers but it also welcomes families. There’s a large swimming pool and hammocks everywhere, plus stylish tents with beds that are comfortable and big enough for families. Food is excellent, plus you get unobstructed views of the volcano from the resort. Check the latest rates here.
Family Hotels in Monteverde
Luxury: Koora Monteverde
Located right inside a private reserve, this stylish yet rustic hotel is a magical place poised on a hilltop overlooking the clouds forests. There are hiking trails all around the reserve where you’ll find animals like howler monkeys, aguti and the resplendent quetzal. You’ll be able to experience sleeping in the jungle without sacrificing comfort. Check the latest rates here.
Midrange: Monteverde Country Lodge
Located close to the cloud forest of Monteverde, this eco-friendly hotel offers rustic wooden cabin-style rooms surrounded by lush gardens. Guests of Monteverde Country Lodge enjoy free access to facilities at Hotel Poco a Poco, including an indoor pool, gym, hot tub and kids’ club. It’s a great choice for families who want to experience staying in the jungle. Check the latest rates here.
Budget: Casa Campo Verde
We stayed at this family-run lodge just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Santa Elena town. It’s great value for money, plus the view of the cloud forest from the second-floor guest room is fantastic. If you like local comfort food, you’ll love the breakfast and dinner here. Check the latest rates here.
Family Hotels in Tamarindo
Luxury: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Located right on the Tamarindo Beach, this four-star resort is a big property with three swimming pools and a range of restaurants. It’s got an excellent location on the beach and steps from shops and restaurants in Tamarindo. This is a great option for those who like to be in the action and still have direct access to the beach. Check the latest rates here.
Midrange: Drift Away Eco Lodge
Drift Away feels like an oasis in the midst of a jungle, with an empty and rugged beach steps away and Tamarindo a 20-minute drive away. We love the eco-friendly ethos of the lodge, which features locally-sourced furniture and natural products in their toiletries. Staying here feels like a real escape and we relish it with long days at their swimming pool, sipping smoothies and enjoying healthy local Costa Rican food. Read my full review of Drift Away!
Budget: Tee-K Lodge
An excellent value for money, this budget lodge is brand new, beautiful and well-priced, though it’s quite a distance from the beach. It’s suitable for families who have their own car. Rooms are stylish and spacious, with gorgeous earth-colored furnishing. Check the latest rates here.
What to Eat in Costa Rica with Kids
Typical Costa Rican food is similar to food in the rest of Central America. Rice and beans are the staples, and you’ll find that Costa Ricans eat them for almost every meal. They are very healthy and great for kids. Here are the typical foods to try in Costa Rica:
- Gallo pinto — The national dish of Costa Rica is rice and beans. It’s actually a breakfast item, served alongside eggs or cheese. Most hotels and guesthouses serve them.
- Casado — This typical set lunch consists of meat or chicken, salad and, you guessed it, rice and beans. It’s simple, tasty and filling. If your child is really lucky, there might be a sweet, fried plantain on the side.
- Batidos or jugos naturales — These are fresh fruit smoothies, made with banana, mango, pineapple, papaya, watermelon, or just about any other fruit. One batido guarantees a day’s worth of Vitamin C – ask for it made con leche (with milk) and you’ve got your kid’s calcium intake covered too.
In case they (or you) crave for variety, you’ll find that there are lots of international options in Costa Rica. You can find excellent Mexican food as well as Japanese, Chinese and Italian especially in more touristy parts like Tamarindo.
Where to Eat in Costa Rica with Kids
Our daughter is quite a fussy eater, but we had no issues finding food she likes on this trip to Costa Rica. It was easy to get quesadillas, spaghetti, traditional Costa Rican rice, and noodles everywhere we went.
Here are some of the restaurants we recommend to eat at with kids:
Tiquicia Restaurant, Arenal — Come here for the best casado in Arenal! Casado is a typical Central American dish of rice with meat, stewed beans (frijoles), salad and deep-fried plantain. Costa Ricans really take pride in them and Tiquicia is said to have the best casado in town — we can attest to that!
Sabor Tico, Monteverde — Possibly the best place in Monteverde to try traditional Costa Rican food! Sabor Tico is a fixture in town and it’s popular with both locals and tourists. The mixed rice and casado here are delicious and so is the mango smoothie. There are two branches in town, one next to the football field and the other at the bus terminal.
Taco Taco, Monteverde — This is an authentic and funky Mexican place that serves refreshing drinks and some of the best burritos I’ve ever had. There’s also a wide range of refreshing smoothies and excellent cocktails. You can also sit on the outdoor verandah and enjoy spectacular views of the cloud forest.
Eat at Joe’s, Tamarindo — Located on the beachfront, this American diner is a place you’d go to enjoy the atmosphere and get some food that your kids might be more familiar with. Don’t miss their fish tacos, black bean burger and nachos! Your kids will love the food and you can just sip margaritas and enjoy the sea breeze.
Bamboo Sushi Club, Tamarindo — Another excellent choice if your kids are craving for something other than rice and beans. This sushi place has excellent and fresh sushi rolls. Our kid loves sushi, so we knew we had to try this. Their tuna takaki was excellent and so was the passionfruit mojito!
Kon Tiki, Playa Negra — This was the best pizza place in the Playa Avellana area we were staying (30 minutes from Tamarindo). They serve handmade European-style pizzas made fresh in a traditional clay oven and delicious frozen sangria. A surprisingly good place considering it’s in the middle of an unpaved road out in the bush!
Things to Do in Costa Rica with Kids
Go on a Zipline in Arenal National Park
Costa Rica is most famous for having some of the highest and coolest ziplines in the world. It’ll be a great opportunity to introduce some adventure to your kids’ life. Most kids from 6-12 would love ziplining; to ensure their safety, they can also go tandem with an instructor. The minimum height for ziplining is 1.20m so sadly our daughter couldn’t go on it. The most popular and reputed park for ziplining in Anrela is Sky Adventures. This combination package (zipline, sky tram and sky walk) costs $120 for adults and $60 for kids.
Walk on the Hanging Bridges of Monteverde
This is an excellent activity for kids as the hanging bridges are short and even toddlers will be able to walk and enjoy the forest this way. We booked our walk with Sky Adventures Monteverde. They have the highest and longest ziplines and hanging bridges. The hanging bridges range up to 800 feet long and 2400 feet in altitude. A walk on the bridges, along with ziplining and sky tram, costs US$120 per adult and $60 for kids. Book your tickets here!
Do a Night Walk in the Curi-Cancha Reserve
To see some interesting creepy-crawlies in the forest, be sure to sign up for a nocturnal hike in the private Curi Cancha Reserve. Kids of all ages, especially boys, would love this! Our 4-year-old daughter wasn’t scared at all and had a blast seeing tarantulas, snakes and frogs up close.
The hike runs everyday from 5.30 to 7.30pm for $20 per person. Curi Cancha Reserve is said to be the best place to see wildlife in Monteverde. Our guide David was knowledgable, fun and excellent in spotting wildlife. He also carried a huge telescope that allowed us to see small insects or illusive birds clearly.
See Wildlife in the Manuel Antonio National Park
This national park south of San Jose is where the rainforest meets the ocean, and where many of the country’s unique animals live. If you really want to see a sloth in Costa Rica, this is one of the best places to see them. You can easily hike the national park in one day. There are several trails that lead to beaches and viewpoints and along the way, you can run into monkeys, frogs, snakes, deer and more.
Learn to Surf at Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo is probably the most famous beach in Costa Rica and it’s easy to see why once you’re here. It’s home to some of the best swells in the world and the beach is lined with cool bars and restaurants. Waves are small and the beach is generally safe for kids. Book your surfing lesson here or simply rent a board from any of the surf shops in Tamarindo and brave the waves. Iguana Surf runs surfing lessons for kids and it has the best reviews on TripAdvisor. Our kid’s only 4 so we just rented a boogie board.
See Sloths at the Diamante Sloth Sanctuary
If you’re heading to the Pacific coast, Diamante Eco Adventure Park is a great spot for families who want to see sloths up close and personal. It’s quite difficult to see sloths in the wild for kids as they’re usually high up in the trees. So if you still haven’t seen one towards the end of your trip, I recommend heading here. The adventure park is home to the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica. Besides three beautiful sloths, there are also lots of toucans, butterflies and jaguars who have been rescued and rehabilitated here. Book your entrance tickets here!
Sunset Sailing off Tamarindo
Book a sunset sailing trip to experience the bay on a catamaran — your kids would love hanging around the catamaran’s trampoline. The catamaran will also make a snorkeling stop at a tranquil bay. On the way, you might have the chance to see dolphins, turtles or even whales during the right time of the year. Sunsets at Tamarindo are world famous, so you won’t want to miss this!
What to Pack for a Costa Rica Family Vacation
My mantra has always been, “the less you pack, the happier you’ll be.” Packing light makes it easier to move around, and allows you to explore more without the extra weight.
For your kids, remember to pack biodegradable sunscreen, floaties (or life-vests) and swimsuits with UV protection. Click to find out the best biodegradable sunscreens.If you do plan to go hiking in the jungles, then pack socks and hiking shoes. KEEN footwear is perfect for both hikes and water activities (like walking on corals or waterfalls) as they’re waterproof. Both Kaleya and I wear them. Some of the items I listed below can also make great travel gifts for kids, so you can make use of the holiday season to gift something that they’ll need on the trip.
In terms of food for babies, you might want to bring a few jars of puree and yogurt for the flight and stock up at the supermarkets in Costa Rica. You’ll be able to find other baby necessities like diapers and formula here, even those of the same brand as back home.
Packing List for Costa Rica with Kids:
- SPF 70 Sunscreen for kids
- Mosquito repellent with DEET
- Dry bag for snorkeling/kayaking
- Quick-dry towels
- Sun hat that covers the neck
- UV protection swimsuit for kids
- KEEN covered sandals
- Floaties if your kid can’t swim
- SteriPen to sterilize water
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Dress
- Thin jacket for night walk
- Long pants for night walk
- Head torch for night walk
Language in Costa Rica
Like the rest of Central America, Costa Rica uses Spanish as its official language. But a large percent of Costa Ricans speak English as well, and it’s easy to get by in English.
Once in Costa Rica, you’ll hear this phrase used often by locals: “pura vida”, which means pure life. It isn’t just a saying — it is a way of life here in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans use the term to say hello, goodbye or simply say everything’s great. “Pura vida” to them means being thankful for what they have. It reflects their laidback attitude and simple way of life.
People in Costa Rica
It’s easy to see why Costa Rica was named one of the happiest countries in the world. Costa Ricans, affectionately known as Ticos, are a laidback bunch of people. They have a relaxed way of looking at life. No worries, no fuss, no stress.
Like most other Latin countries, children are a fundamental part of society in Costa Rica. Families are more than welcomed in hotels and restaurants and on guided tours and trips. Very few hotels do not accept children, and you’ll find that the comparatively early opening hours in restaurants actually favor the routines of younger families.
Safety in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is largely a safe destination to travel around, with a long history of political stability and far less crime than in neighboring countries. We felt very safe here, and never once did we have any dodgy encounter (like the ones we experienced in other parts of Central America).
That said, Costa Rica lies on the edge of active tectonic plates, so it is decidedly earthquake prone. Recent major quakes occurred in 1990, 1991 and 2012. Smaller quakes and tremors happen quite often, cracking roads and knocking down telephone lines. Two of the most popular volcanoes in Costa Rica, Poás and Turrialba, have been very active recently with a number of eruptions of varying degrees since 2014 and 2015.
Health in Costa Rica
You don’t need specific vaccinations to travel Costa Rica with kids. However, as in most tropical countries, there is a risk of getting infected by mosquito-borne diseases in Costa Rica. Costa Rica’s government takes mosquito-borne illnesses very seriously and has aggressive campaigns to prevent the spread of such diseases.
Malaria is only present in the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica (south of Limon) and dengue cases have only been found in Limon and Central Pacific areas. To prevent these diseases, it’s important to use a good insect repellent and wear long sleeves at night to avoid getting bitten. Refer to CDC for health information on Costa Rica.
In the unlikely scenario that you do require medical help, the private healthcare system in Costa Rica is excellent, with a couple of top-notch clinics in San Jose. The capital’s Hospital Nacional de Niños has the best pediatric specialists in Central America.
Food and Water in Costa Rica
It’s generally safe to drink tap water in Costa Rica, except in the most rural and undeveloped parts of the country. We drank tap water most of the time and didn’t have any issues. Most of the hotels we stayed at also provided free bottles of mineral water, so we took advantage of that.
If you’re uncomfortable with drinking tap water in Costa Rica, vigorous boiling for one minute is the most effective means of water purification. At altitudes greater than 2000m, boil for three minutes.
Alternatively, carry a SteriPen that destroys most bacteria, viruses and protozoa with UV light. We have traveled with that previously and it’s convenient to carry around and effective in sterilizing water.
How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids
I highly recommend getting travel insurance that covers COVID, personal loss, theft, and medical on top of damages that may incur on your vehicle in Costa Rica.
Many travel insurance providers offer free travel insurance to cover kids who are traveling with their parents, or even grandparents. There is usually a one-to-one ratio, that is you usually have to have at least one insured adult per traveling child to earn the free coverage. Travel insurance plans usually have a minimum (around 6 months) and a maximum age (17 to 20s) for traveling kids to qualify for the free coverage.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
Cost of Travel in Costa Rica with Kids
Costa Rica is not a cheap destination for family travel. It is definitely the most expensive country in Central America, with prices comparable to that in the United States. However, it is possible to go on a budget family trip to Costa Rica if you eat at local eateries and stay at simple guesthouses or hostels.
Expect to pay around $50-80 for a midrange hotel with air conditioning, private bathroom and WiFi. Hotels on the beach are definitely much more expensive, at $100-150 for the same standard of accommodation. Food is affordable in local eateries but international restaurants are of course much more expensive. A meal in a Costa Rican diner is usually around US$5-10 and a meal in an Italian/Mexican place is around US$15-20 per person.
Day tours in Costa Rica tend to be quite expensive. A canopy zipline tour is usually around US$50-100, while a snorkeling and sailing trip is around US$80-100. A wildlife tour with a naturalist guide usually costs around US$25-60 per person.
Practical Tips for Traveling Costa Rica with Kids
- Children under the age of 12 get a 25% discount on domestic flights while children under two fly free.
- Car rental agencies offer children’s car seats, but their condition cannot be guaranteed. Our hired car came up with a decent car seat that was perfect for Kaleya.
- There are well-stocked pharmacies in most towns and tourist hubs (like La Fortuna and Tamarindo), where you’ll find baby creams and baby aspirin. But if you are staying in remote areas, be sure to bring your own.
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, though you can get bottled water from supermarkets if you want to be more cautious with infants.
Further Reading on Costa Rica
Phew! Thanks for reading all the way to the end. Let me know if you have any questions on traveling Costa Rica with kids. I hope this guide will help you plan an exciting adventure in Costa Rica with kids.
Pura vida!
Check out other articles I’ve written on Costa Rica and other parts of Central America:
- One Week Costa Rica Itinerary
- Panama with Kids
- Sailing San Blas Islands
- Dominican Republic with Kids
- 10-Day Dominican Republic Itinerary
- How to Visit the Galapagos Islands
- Galapagos with Kids
- Colombia Itinerary: A Detailed Guide for 10 Days in Colombia
- 22 Things to Do in Medellin, Colombia
- Bogota Travel Guide
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!
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The Comments
Aleksandra
Love it, thank you so much for all information, well done Nellie, lots of interesting information and definitely will try some.
Nellie Huang
AleksandraThanks Aleksandra for the kind words! Let me know if you have any questions at all :)
Annie Koshenina
If traveling there for 2 weeks would staying in one location be advisable? Is it easy to do day trips to all of the highlighted areas? If not, what 2 places would you recommend staying at?
Nellie Huang
Annie Kosheninahi Annie, thanks for dropping by! No, it would be hard to visit all the areas I mentioned on day trips as driving distances are long. Feel free to check out my one-week Costa Rica itinerary. If you prefer to base yourselves in just two places, I would suggest Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park for jungle walks, ziplining, wildlife tours and adventures on the beach.
Staci
Thank you for the great information. If we go for 10 days to two weeks, how many days would you recommend spending in each place for a relaxing vacation. I have three teenagers in our family of 5.
Nellie Huang
Stacihi Staci, thanks for dropping by! If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, I would recommend spending at least 4 days in each place. Your teenagers would probably want to swim and enjoy the place, rather than move around a lot and spend time commuting. Arenal is a good spot to do that and so is Tamarindo.
Mirnada
Thank you so much for the read. I am researching at the last minute for our upcoming trip next week. Unfortunately we haven’t had much time to book things in advance but I hear its not a problem to book most things at the hotel/resort? We are staying in Arenal and want to do zip lines, hanging bridges, hot springs, maybe the float river ride, and some light hiking, nothing too intense. Our son is 5, does he need hiking shoes or would chacos be okay? Do we need to bring any warmer clothes or just a rain jacket?
VJS
Which one would you recommend with two small kids and elderly grandparents: Panama or Costa Rica? Also considering Puerto Rico.
Nellie Huang
VJSIt depends on what your family likes, I think if they like nature then Costa Rica is more accessible. Both have similar infrastructure. I’d recommend renting a vehicle that’s big enough for the whole family and that will make getting around easy. We did that in Costa Rica and found it super easy to get from one place to another!
Kinjal
VJSHi Nellie,
We are looking to go to Costa Rica for 11 days including travel days with a 1 and 4 year old.Do you think we can do arenal,monteverde and Manuel Antonio in that time.Would you recommend 2 nights in each place or maybe reduce a night in either arenal or monteverde and have an extra day in Manuel Antonio.
Nellie Huang
Kinjalhi Kinjal, sorry for the late reply. I would recommend at least 2 nights at each place. Monteverde is a smaller place, so if you’re looking to reduce nights maybe cut it down there. Hope this helps!
Terrie Large
We can only go for one week. Whats best area or town to stay in that is easy to access to a volacano, a rain or cloud forest, and be close to a swimmable beach? Will fly into San Jose. Family vacation with 6 adults and two kids, 5 and 7.
Nellie Huang
Terrie Largehi Terrie, you can actually do quite a bit in 1 week in Costa Rica! Have you seen my 1-week itinerary? You can easily spend 3 days in Arenal (volcano), 2 days in Monteverde (cloud forest), and 2 days in Tamarindo (beach). But of course, that means quite a lot of moving and you’ll need to rent a car. If you’d rather just base yourselves in one spot, I would recommend choosing Arenal as you’ll have access to the volcano, cloud forests, and hot springs. The only thing missing is the beach, which is quite a distance away. There are SO much to do you’ll definitely be kept busy throughout the week though.