Things to Do in Costa Rica with Kids: Family Adventures in Paradise
Things to Do in Costa Rica with Kids: Family Adventures in Paradise
Costa Rica is one of the top destinations in the world for families who want to combine nature, adventure, and learning in one trip. With this article, I want to show not only the most popular activities, but also share practical experience to help you plan an unforgettable journey with your children.
Why Costa Rica is Perfect for Traveling with Kids
Safe and welcoming: Costa Ricans are known for their friendly “pura vida” attitude. Many families highlight that Costa Rica offers a warm and family-friendly environment.
Educational and fun: Children learn about conservation and biodiversity while having fun. They can spot animals, understand ecosystems, and experience nature first-hand.
Compact country: Short distances make it easy to explore multiple regions without long drives. This means less time traveling and more time enjoying.
Diverse activities: From beach relaxation to rainforest adventures, you can combine calm days with exciting ones, which is ideal when traveling with children.
1. Explore National Parks: Manuel Antonio
One of the classics when planning things to do in Costa Rica with kids is visiting Manuel Antonio National Park.
Easy trails, playful monkeys, and calm beaches make this one of the best spots for families. Kids love spotting sloths and iguanas in the trees.
Key tips:
Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat.
Hire local guides who can point out animals and explain flora and fauna.
Take advantage of the calm beaches inside the park for safe swimming.
2. Adventures in Arenal / La Fortuna
The Arenal area is full of family-friendly activities:
Hanging bridges: Easy rainforest walks with stunning views, perfect for children who don’t want extreme heights.
La Fortuna Waterfall: Safe for older kids to swim. The 70-meter cascade is impressive, though the trail includes more than 500 steps.
Family hot springs: Relaxing thermal waters after a busy day.
Chocolate & coffee tours: Interactive tours in Sarapiquí or Arenal let kids make chocolate from cacao beans — a hands-on experience they’ll never forget.
River safaris / boat tours: Perfect for families who prefer observing wildlife without much walking.
Arenal Eco Zoo: An educational center with more than 70 species (snakes, frogs, insects).
💡 Pro tip: Alternate active days (like hanging bridges) with relaxing days (like hot springs) to keep everyone balanced.
3. Bird Watching: Make It a Family Game
Costa Rica is a true paradise for bird watching — home to more than 900 bird species. For kids, it can easily become a game: “How many birds can you find today?”
Use child-friendly binoculars and illustrated guides.
Great family-friendly birding spots: Curi Cancha Wildlife Refuge near Monteverde, where you can see quetzals, toucans, and monkeys.
Keep hikes short so kids don’t get tired.
👉 For families interested in turning this into a highlight of their trip, don’t miss our complete guide to bird watching Costa Rica. It includes the best destinations, tours, and tips for spotting colorful species with children.
4. Beach Days in Guanacaste (and Beyond)
Playa Conchal and Playa Hermosa offer calm waters and safe spots for swimming. Families can snorkel, paddle, or just build sandcastles under the tropical sun.
Other recommendations:
Playa Biesanz (Manuel Antonio): A small, protected bay with calm waters.
Protected Guanacaste beaches: Playa Ocotal and Playa Hermosa are great options for kids.
Simple activities like kayaking, snorkeling, or building sandcastles are often family favorites.
5. Tortuguero Canal Tours
One of the most memorable experiences:
Families can ride boats through jungle canals, spotting caimans, monkeys, and exotic birds. During nesting season, children can also see sea turtles — a magical moment.
Tortuguero’s navigable canals make wildlife viewing easy, and if your trip coincides with turtle nesting season (July–September for many species), it’s an unforgettable family memory.
6. Animal Rescue Centers & Conservation Projects
Places like Toucan Rescue Ranch or Jaguar Rescue Center teach kids about animal conservation and let them get close to rescued sloths, monkeys, and parrots.
These centers offer a responsible way to learn about wildlife, while sparking children’s curiosity for conservation and science.
7. Child-Friendly Ziplines & Canopy Tours
Costa Rica invented canopy tours, and many operators now offer child-safe ziplines. Even kids as young as 4 can participate in guided, secure adventures.
⚠️ Always check age, weight, and safety requirements before booking.
8. Easy Waterfalls & Gentle Hikes
Llanos de Cortés Waterfall (Guanacaste): A short trail and calm pool, ideal for families.
El Pavón Waterfall (Uvita): Shallow waters and simple access.
Butterfly gardens and private reserves: Gentle trails perfect for small kids.
9. Cultural Experiences & Museums in San José
If your itinerary passes through the capital:
Children’s Museum (Museo de los Niños): Interactive and fun.
Jade Museum: Pre-Columbian artifacts that fascinate children.
Butterfly Gardens (Spirogyria): A magical place for kids to see butterflies up close.
Great options for rainy days or travel transitions.
10. Practical Tips for Traveling with Kids in Costa Rica
Keep transfers short to avoid fatigue.
Stay at least 2–3 nights in each destination for balance.
Pack essentials: repellent, sunscreen, light rain jackets, proper shoes, snacks, and extra clothes.
Use purified water for small children.
Consider travel insurance covering rural healthcare.
Alternate between active and relaxing days.
| Day | Destination | Main Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | San José | Children’s Museum / Butterfly Garden |
| 2 | Arenal | Hot springs + gentle walk |
| 3 | Arenal | Hanging bridges + river safari |
| 4 | Arenal → Tortuguero | Transfer + canal boat tour |
| 5 | Tortuguero | Turtle tour (in season) + wildlife |
| 6 | Tortuguero → Manuel Antonio | Transfer + Playa Biesanz |
| 7 | Manuel Antonio | National Park + zipline or beach |
This balance keeps the trip fun, educational, and manageable for all ages.
When it comes to things to do in Costa Rica with kids, the list is endless: national parks, calm beaches, animal rescue centers, gentle waterfalls, canopy adventures, and cultural experiences.
And beyond the adventure, Costa Rica also offers some of the best bird watching experiences in the world — making it the perfect destination for families who want to mix fun, education, and nature.
A family trip to Costa Rica is not just a vacation — it’s an opportunity to create lasting memories together.
