Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Costa Rica with Kids

With lush rainforests, exotic wildlife, and spectacular beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Costa Rica is an ideal family travel destination — and often the first international trip that travelers with kids tackle. It’s known as one of the safest and most stable countries in Latin America, affordable and easily accessible from the United States and beyond. Ready to embrace the Costa Rican concept of pura vida (pure life) with your family?

Keep reading for our complete guide to visiting Costa Rica with kids.

Getting there and getting around

Most visitors to Costa Rica arrive by air, which is particularly easy for many U.S. travelers — there are many nonstop flights offered between the two countries daily ranging from three to six hours. There are two major airports in Costa Rica: Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José (SJO) and Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR). Which airport in Costa Rica is better? It really depends on where you’re going — San José is a larger airport in the capital and more centrally located. If you’re flying somewhere within Costa Rica, this airport may be your only option. Liberia is more northern, which may be better suited for those visiting the beaches of Guanacaste or the Peninsula Papagayo.

Once you’ve arrived, renting a car is by far the easiest and most convenient way to get around Costa Rica. There are networks of buses throughout the country, but they’re known to be slow and unreliable. Save yourself the trouble and rent a car instead. The roads in Costa Rica are well-maintained and easy to navigate, and you’ll be happy with the freedom and flexibility that your own vehicle allows.

Mapping out your Costa Rican itinerary

Costa Rica is such an easy place to fall in love with. The toughest part of your adventure may be just deciding where to go! Though it’s fairly compact — roughly the size of West Virginia — the country offers a wealth of experiences ranging from surfing at a tropical beach to ziplining through the rainforest beside a volcano. The good news: If you have a week or two and you’re feeling ambitious, you can manage to hit all of the highlights in Costa Rica. Here are our favorites:

Guanacaste

On the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica near the border of Nicaragua, Guanacaste is home to some of the country’s most popular beaches — like Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, Playa del Coco, and Playa Conchal. Here you’ll find everything from high-rise hotels to luxury resorts, with tourist-friendly beach towns scattered up and down the coast. 

Central Pacific Coast

Stretching from the city of Puntarenas to the Dominical de Osa, Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is less than two hours from San José — making it a popular destination for both visitors and ticos (Costa Ricans). This region is known for its beautiful beaches bordered by verdant tropical forests, with some of the most popular towns including Jacó, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio. Mount Chirripó, the country’s highest mountain, is also here. 

Northern Costa Rica 

In search of volcanoes, cloud forests, and adventure sports? Then head to Costa Rica’s northern region. This is where you’ll find some of the country’s top attractions like the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and Braulio Carrillo National Park. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, and windsurfing, and accommodations range from luxe resorts to remote mountain lodges and farms. 

Caribbean Coast

With a quieter, less developed vibe, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast stands in stark contrast to the Pacific side. The Caribbean culture is strong here, as most of its residents are of Afro-Caribbean descent. Puerto Viejo, Playa Cahuita, and Tortuguero are some top destinations in this region — the latter is one of the best observation areas for Atlantic Green Sea Turtles. Don’t expect to find mega-resorts and big hotels in this more remote region.

What to do in Costa Rica with kids

Costa Rica is ripe with activities and attractions that are just as fun for kids as they are for parents — which is exactly what makes it such a family-friendly destination.

Here are five crowd-pleasers to add to your to-do list in Costa Rica:

Go zip-lining in a rainforest.

If you’ve never soared above the forest on a zipline, looking down at monkeys and tropical birds, have you ever really lived?

Learn to surf.

The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica offers ideal conditions for beginning surfers, with gentle waves, warm waters, and uncrowded surf spots.

Go on a wildlife expedition.

Animal lovers of all ages won’t be disappointed in Costa Rica — this is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth! Throughout the country, eagle-eyed explorers can see everything from sloths and howler monkeys to toucans and humpback whales.

Explore a national park.

More than 25 percent of the country’s land is devoted to protected parks and nature reserves boasting towering volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, tropical rainforests, and beautiful beaches. You can’t go wrong with popular sites like Arenal Volcano National Park, Irazu Volcano National Park, and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Relax at a resort.

Need a break from adventuring? Costa Rica offers a wealth of family-friendly resorts designed for rest and relaxation. From boutique beachside resorts to all-inclusives and adventure resorts, there’s truly something for every style of traveler.

Costa Rica with Kids FAQs

When should I visit Costa Rica with kids?

Costa Rica’s drier summer season (verano) stretches from December through April, while the winter season (invierno) spans from May to November — this also tends to be the rainiest time of year.

What language do they speak in Costa Rica?

Although Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, English is widely spoken, especially in the more touristy areas. 

What should I pack for Costa Rica? 

Costa Rica does present some packing challenges because you may find yourself going from the beach to the humid rainforest in a matter of days. Make sure to pack moisture-wicking clothes, rain gear, sunscreen, and bug spray.