The Best Family-Friendly Lodges in Costa Rica

When it comes to family resorts in Costa Rica, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort is hard to beat. This boutique resort occupies a privileged location on the Guanacaste Coast. Two- and three-bedroom penthouses, pool suites and villas provide plenty of space for families, and activities include everything from an aerial adventure course to cultural road trips.

Need to know: Many of Costa Rica’s family-friendly resorts offer special programmes for kids; at Andaz, the Cambi Kids Club ensures that those aged 4 to 11 have the time of their lives.

Arenal is a dream destination for adventurous families, with plenty of hiking trails, wildlife, waterfalls and volcanic hot springs to explore. Stay at Nayara Tented Camp to be fully immersed in the environment without compromising comfort. Six of its tents are specifically designed for families, with interconnecting rooms separated by outdoor areas and private plunge pools.

Need to know: Nayara Tented Camp welcomes guests of all ages, although certain activities have a minimum age requirement ranging from 4 to 8 years old.

Watching sea turtles nest or hatch is an unforgettable family bonding experience, and Tortuguero is the best place in Costa Rica to witness these natural spectacles. Tortuga Lodge is a family-friendly retreat that offers not only guided excursions to see the turtles, but also kayaking, hiking, boating, village visits and artisanal chocolate tours.

Need to know: Visit from July to September for the best chance of seeing nesting sea turtles, or from late August to October to watch baby turtles hatch and make their way to the sea.

If you’re hoping to enjoy some quality time in nature with your family, Playa Cativo Lodge is a fantastic choice. Set in a secluded section of the Osa Peninsula, this place has its own private beach and is only accessible by boat. The spacious Family Ocean View Villa accommodates up to six guests, and children aged 5 and up are welcome.

Need to know: As part of our Positive Impact Collection, Playa Cativo Lodge runs entirely on hydropower and solar energy and uses only environmentally friendly products.

Enjoy a Costa Rica family vacation high among the treetops at Pacuare Lodge, an isolated oasis tucked deep into the Pacuare Reserve. Here you can spend your days zip-lining through the canopy, rafting down the river, climbing through canyons and swimming in natural pools. In fact, this lodge is so remote that the only way to reach it is by river raft or 4×4 vehicle.

Need to know: Pacuare Lodge welcomes children aged 7 and up, but some activities – including rafting – have a minimum age of 12.

Among all of Costa Rica’s luxury resorts for families, Arenas del Mar stands out for its idyllic beachside location. Here the sandy shores of Manuel Antonio are never more than a few steps away. The hotel offers interconnecting rooms to accommodate larger families, as well as kid-friendly activities, excursions and meals.

Need to know: If your priority is to make your family trip as easy and relaxing as possible, Arenas del Mar is the perfect place to stay.

Silvestre is one of the best family-friendly hotels in Costa Rica for experienced and aspiring surfers alike. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula in the laid-back surf town of Nosara, it’s a chic hotel with nine beautiful residences – some of which are designed for larger families. Guests of all ages can take surf lessons at the nearby beach and swim in the rooftop pool.

Need to know: The best time to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, including Nosara, is during the dry season, from December to April.

For families with older children and a taste for adventure, Rio Perdido is a riverside paradise in the Rio Celeste region. This is among the top destinations for adventure travel in Costa Rica, promising unique activities like cliff-side yoga, white-water tubing and zip-lining across canyons. The hotel’s Center Bungalows can be configured in multiple ways to meet your family’s needs.

Need to know: Children must be at least 8 years old to stay at Rio Perdido. Certain activities are only available for guests aged 12 and up, making the perfect choice for families travelling with teenagers.