Tips on traveling with children

If you feel like you could use some direction in how to approach a vacation to Costa Rica with kids, we can help you! Our article on how to travel with children expands on preparations, best destinations, most interesting activities and safety in Costa Rica.

Family Volunteer Vacations

You may be wondering about taking it to the next level and volunteering with your family? Then we can offer you some advice on which kinds of organizations can be found around the country. From working with turtles, to other animals, planting trees and visiting schools. Read all about the family volunteer vacations Costa Rica is most known for.

All – inclusive packages: Family beach time

Some families choose to stay at one of the country’s all inclusive family resorts. Many of which offer nanny services and daily activities that help keep the kids busy and give mom and dad some much deserved time to themselves. For a trip that bring all-inclusive packages together with safe, family fun, we would recommend a family trip to the Gulf of Papagayo. This part of the Guanacaste province is known for the high-end resort that caters to all your needs as well as maintains a balance with the natural wonders surrounding it. You can enjoy the many activities organized in and around the resort.

The best part is that the water at beaches like Playa Panama and Playa Hermosa are so calm that it is perfect for smaller children to swim in safely. Especially Playa Panama feels like you are stepping into a big swimming pool! Your trip to the Costa Rica beaches will be even more perfect with a horseback riding tour in the sunset!

Your kids would also love a day trip to Ostional Wildlife Refuge and spend some time watching the sea turtles nesting and eggs hatching! The Guanacaste beaches are the perfect trip for families and kids of all ages.

Adventure for the whole family

Canopy

The best trip is a varied one! You can’t miss a chance to see the stunning Guanacaste beaches, but don’t forget that Costa Rica is the adventure capital of the world! It is the perfect place to mix in some excitement with well-deserved relaxation. Forget the perfect resort for a while and plan a canopy! A canopy tour is the most thrilling activity you can do in Costa Rica. You can experience the majestic rain forest from above and take a zip lining tour above the trees with amazing views. It is the closest you will ever come to flying! Monteverde and Arenal are the best places to try out the canopy tour. When in Arenal, don’t forget to visit the volcanic hot springs, famous hanging bridges and swim in the La Fortuna Waterfall! When In Monteverde, take the Night Walk Tour and see the forest come alive with reptiles and amphibians!

White-Water Rafting

Take it a step further and go white-water rafting with the whole family! Costa Rica has several iconic rivers where you can raft including the Pacuare River. You will ride the thrilling rivers and enjoy a pleasant lunch by the river banks as well as bask in the natural beauty that is Costa Rica. There is also great rafting in Rincon de la Vieja! The all-day adventure pass will combine many great tours with a relaxing end of the day soaking in the thermal hot springs. We will put you in touch with the best tour operator who will pick you up right at your hotel!

Waterfalls

An activity much beloved by children and often overlooked, is waterfall rappelling. You can relax by a waterfall and you can swim in it, but you can also attach yourself to a rope and slide down one! These tours are awesome when combined with a canyoning trip.

If you don’t feel like rappelling down them, have a relaxing swim inside the water below the falls. Some of the best waterfalls ti visit with children include Llanos de Cortez just outside fo Liberia and La Fortuna Waterfall in Arenal National Park.

Hiking

Hiking is great bonding experience as well as one of the best ways to experience the country. There are several trails you can choose from, all varying in difficulty, but for a family trip we would recommend the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest and the amazing Manuel Antonio National Park. Here you can take a walk and spot some national wildlife life sloths, toucans and even scarlet macaws!

Snorkeling and boating

We can’t forget to make a special mention of the Caribbean Coast. If you want to take your kids snorkeling, look no further than Cahuita. Famous for its colorful coral reefs and even more colorful fish! When here, travel a bit north to Tortuguero and take a boat tour of the canals. See the turtles, crocodiles and many birds!

Horseback Riding

Your family adventure won’t be complete without combining nature with culture. Horseback riding is great way to experience the scenery around you as well as connect to the still present cowboy culture in Guanacaste. One of the best destinations for a horseback riding tour is Rincon de la Vieja National park. Enjoy the stunning park and spot monkeys and birds while riding on the trails exploring the woods and waterfalls.

Visit Costa Rica for the perfect family vacation!