6 Family-Friendly Things You Must Do Together In Costa Rica

6 Family-Friendly Things You Must Do Together In Costa Rica
Sarah
Sarah 
Updated
| 4 min read

Flying to Costa Rica is fairly affordable and the country itself is a one-of-a-kind place. It is easy to see why you would want to bring the whole family to this spectacular destination. The question is, what are you going to do with them once you get there? Luckily, Costa Rica is filled with a lot more than just pretty views. Follow the list below during your trip to Costa Rica and your kids will be begging you to take them back sooner rather than later.

Come see Costa Rica in all of its natural glory!

1. Go for a hike in one of Costa Rica’s famous national parks

6 family-friendly things you must do together in costa rica | go for a hike in one of costa rica’s famous national parks

Nearly 25% of the land in Costa Rica is protected land. There are few other places on Earth where you can find such rich, untouched nature that is alive with diverse wildlife such as toucans, monkeys, and sloths. Make sure you visit one of the beautiful national parks while in this country. Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and Rincon are a few of the most famous ones. Because Costa Rica is such a popular destination for all types of travelers, the hiking trails in these national parks are very accessible. This means you can go for a kid-friendly hike and enjoy the peaceful nature while the little ones run around trying to see if they can spot any wildlife.

2. Enjoy a swim in the Llanos de Cortes waterfall

6 family-friendly things you must do together in costa rica | enjoy a swim in the llanos de cortes waterfall

The Llanos de Cortes waterfall is a stunning waterfall just outside of Liberia. A taxi or tour guide can take you right to the entrance where a very short trail will bring you to the base of the falls. Families and travelers of all types dot the small shore, enjoying picnics and fighting for shade under the sparse tree cover. Your children will enjoy splashing in the warm water and wading towards the cascading waterfall. The falls are light enough that you can stand directly under them without harm. All day at Llanos de Cortes you can see families laughing as they feel the impact of the waterfall on their backs. Just make sure to bring snacks!

3. Spend a day playing in the sand in Tamarindo

6 family-friendly things you must do together in costa rica | spend a day playing in the sand in tamarindo

There are countless beaches along the coasts of Costa Rica, but Tamarindo is one of the most popular beaches for tourists. While it can get a bit crowded during the high season, Playa Grande in Tamarindo is arguably the best beach for families. This clean, sprawling shore offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. The white sand is ideal for building castles and the beach is full of opportunities for water fun (such as surf lessons, jet ski rentals, and more). Because this beach is so popular, you can easily find food, snacks, restrooms, and more.

4. Pretend to be pilots at El Avion

6 family-friendly things you must do together in costa rica | pretend to be pilots at el avion

If you are looking for a unique dining option that is as fun for kids as it is for the parents, then El Avion in Manuel Antonio is perfect. The entrance to this iconic restaurant is an old C-123 Fairchild cargo plane that has been gutted and remodeled to feature one of the world’s coolest bars. The restaurant itself offers delicious food paired with an unbeatable view of the sunset over the ocean. After filling up on some incredible Costa Rican cuisine, make sure to stop by the bar as your kids can climb into the cockpit and play pilot—great fun for them, and a great photo opportunity for you!

5. Watch turtles lay their eggs on Playa Jesus

watch turtles lay their eggs on playa jesus

Of all the tours available in Costa Rica (think zip lining and ATV tours), one of the most unique and unforgettable tours is the turtle watching tour at Playa Jesus. You will meet up with your tour guide as the sun sets and drive to one of the beaches where the turtles are known to nest. If you are lucky, you will find a turtle fairly quickly at the beach where you start. The less lucky tourists may have to walk to another beach or wait upwards of an hour to spot a turtle. Either way, the end result is well worth it. You and your kids will be mesmerized by the once in a lifetime opportunity to watch a massive sea turtle dig her nest, lay her eggs, and return to the ocean.

6. Rent a paddle boat at La Sabana park

rent a paddle boat at la sabana park

San Jose is a city almost everyone stops in either on their way to or on their way out of Costa Rica. This city is not the most kid-friendly city, so it’s best to move on fairly quickly. If you do find yourself with a day to spare in San Jose, head to La Sabana park. This massive park at the edge of the city is full of fun. There’s tons of space to run around, local food to dine on for lunch, and a man-made lake right in the center. While you are there you can rent paddle boats and enjoy some family fun paddling around the lakes.

Costa Rica is full of fun for the whole family

Costa Rica is not just for cruise ships and honeymoons. This diverse country has tons to offer for the whole family. No matter how old your kids are, they are sure to find something about Costa Rica to fall in love with — as will you! So book the tickets now, because Costa Rica is calling.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sarah Dittmore is a freelance blogger and travel addict. Though currently living in California, she is constantly on the road and in search of her next adventure. Sarah has visited over 25...Read more

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