The 8 Best Family Things to Do in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers all sorts of wonderful wildlife experiences that will captivate children and adults alike. Corcovado National Park is a top destination for wildlife lovers, boasting three-toed sloths, tapirs, toucans and more. In Manuel Antonio National Park you can spot all four species of monkey that are native to the country, including the adorable squirrel monkey. Visiting Manuel Antonio is also among the best things to do in Costa Rica with toddlers thanks to its easy trails.

Need to know: The best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife encounters is generally the dry season (December–April), but certain species are more visible in the green season.

Learning to surf together is a family bonding experience you’ll never forget. Costa Rica is full of beginner-friendly breaks, especially on the Guanacaste Coast and the Nicoya Peninsula. Head to the idyllic beaches of Nosara and Tamarindo for ideal conditions. We can organise private lessons at Playa Guiones, Playa Pan Dulce or any number of other spots, including equipment and expert instruction that’s adapted to suit each family member.

Need to know: December through April brings perfect waves for beginners to the Pacific coast, while the rainy months of September and October are favoured among advanced surfers.

If your family is the adventurous type, give some of Costa Rica’s famous water sports a try. The whitewater rafting here is world-renowned, with class I, II and III rapids that are perfect for families with older children. At Pacuare Lodge, one of the best family-friendly lodges in Costa Rica, you can even raft in and out of the hotel. For something a bit slower-paced, go kayaking through the lush mangrove forests of the Osa Peninsula or the Nicoya Peninsula.

Need to know: Most whitewater rafting experiences have a minimum age, which can range from 6 to 12.

For a natural spa experience that will interest even the youngest explorers, head to Arenal in northwestern Costa Rica. This region is named after the dormant volcano that looms over it, whose thermal heat can be felt in the various hot springs scattered around it. After a fun day of hiking through the area’s dense forests and lava fields with your family, nothing beats sinking into a steaming mineral-rich pool.

Need to know: Costa Rica’s hot springs can be enjoyed throughout the year and are open to all ages, although younger children should be closely supervised.

For a bit of insight into Costa Rican culture and cuisine, we suggest visiting a traditional farm. One of our favourites can be found in Arenal, where you and your family can help to harvest local crops and then prepare a delicious lunch. Children are sure to love a hands-on tour of a cacao farm, where they’ll get to make their own chocolate drinks, chocolate bars and sugarcane juice.

Need to know: Arenal is at its best during the dry season from December to April, which coincides with the harvest season for both cacao and coffee.

Zip lining is definitely one of the most exhilarating activities in Costa Rica, but it’s also a terrific way to see the country’s stunning wilderness from a different perspective. Kids, teenagers and adults alike will love the adrenaline rush of a zip line tour through the treetops of the central cloud forests or Rio Celeste. Our travel designers can help you choose a zip line experience that everyone in your family will enjoy.

Need to know: Most zip line tours have a minimum age ranging from three to eight years old, and some have height and weight restrictions as well.

Every year, the sandy shores of Tortuguero welcome thousands of sea turtles to nest. A few months later, their eggs hatch and the baby turtles make the journey to the sea. Watching either of these remarkable events is among the most memorable family activities in Costa Rica, and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy with your loved ones. Beyond Tortuguero, you can also see nesting and hatching turtles in Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

Need to know: Sea turtles nest in Tortuguero from around July to October and start hatching in late August, making this one of the best things to do in Costa Rica during the green season.

Beneath the sparkling waters off Costa Rica’s coasts, there’s a thriving marine ecosystem just waiting to be explored. Snorkelling offers a kid-friendly window into this world, while older family members can strap on scuba tanks to delve deeper below the surface. For an even more exciting family trip experience, step aboard a boat for a private tour of the Golfo Dulce, including stops to snorkel, swim and enjoy lunch on a secluded beach.

Need to know: The best time to go snorkelling or scuba diving in Costa Rica is during the driest months: December to April on the Pacific coast and September to October on the Caribbean coast.