Costa Rica Family Holidays

Costa Rica, with its ruggedly lush landscapes, abundant wildlife, and welcoming culture, is the perfect destination for a family adventure. Whether it’s ziplining through cloud-drenched rainforests around the Arenal Volcano, encountering tapirs and toucans on the Osa Peninsula, or white-water rafting on the Reventazón River, there is a wealth of activities perfect for kids and adults alike. Costa Rica is also one of the safest destinations in Central America, with a politically stable economy, long-established operators, and welcoming retreats where the ‘Pura Vida’ – the quintessentially Costa Rican philosophy of pure and laidback living – is a central part of every visitor’s experience.

Best places for families in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano

Situated in the north-western province of Alajuela, Arenal Volcano is an iconic feature of the Costa Rican landscape, with its impressive height and perfectly conical shape. The national park surrounding the now inactive volcano offers beautiful rainforest hikes, as well as rope bridge excursions and zip lines through the canopy; perfect for young kids and teenagers looking for an active vacation. Combining these with a visit to one of the many hot spring swimming spots is perfect for families looking for a combination of adventure and relaxation.

Osa Peninsula

In a country renowned for its biodiversity, the Osa Peninsula in south-western Costa Rica is the jewel in the crown, particularly Corcovado National Park. With nearly 300 different species of reptiles and mammals and over 400 types of bird, it is the most ecologically intense place in the world and the perfect destination for families wanting to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. Encounter tapirs wandering the sands of the Pacific beaches, or howler monkeys in the trees above. There is even a dedicated sloth sanctuary where kids can get up close to these charismatic tree-creepers in their natural habitat.

Limón

This bustling city sits on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline and is therefore a great destination for families looking for a relaxing beach holiday and vibrant culture. However, there is also ample opportunity for adventure as you head further into the interior, including rafting on the Pacuare and Reventazón Rivers, which offer slightly easier conditions with Class II to III rapids, ideal for beginners and families, and are easily accessible for day trips from the city.

Tortuguero National Park

With a name that literally means ‘Turtle Catcher’, this stretch of the coast of Limón Province is a world-renowned haven for several species of sea turtles, including Green, Leatherback, and Hawksbill. Between March and October, the females emerge from the warm waters of the Caribbean at night and climb the wide sandbanks to lay their eggs. These then hatch from August to November, and the baby turtles race back to the safety of the sea. Families wanting to witness this awe-inspiring natural event can hire local guides to take them on evening turtle tours.

Best activities for families in Costa Rica

Ziplining

Costa Rica practically owns the patent on ziplining, as it is arguably where this adrenaline-fuelled activity has been perfected. Flying through the top canopy of the jungle with nothing but a harness and a wire to keep you aloft is one of the best things you can do in Costa Rica and a great way to see some of its most breath-taking landscapes at speed.

Wildlife immersion

If there is one thing Costa Rica can truly boast about, it is its abundant wildlife. The Osa Peninsula in the south west alone boasts more than 700 different species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, all crammed onto a spit of land measuring just 20 miles by 35 miles. Tortuguero National Park also plays host to thousands of nesting turtles every summer, as well as a wealth of colourful bird species, including macaws and toucans. For families looking to discover nature together, this is the perfect place.

White-water rafting

One of the best ways to experience the excitement of the natural world in Costa Rica can be found whilst being hurled – albeit safely – down rapids in one of the many white-water rafting experiences. Limón Province offers some of the best spots for this, including the Pacuare and Reventazón Rivers, where the slightly milder rapids are great for beginners and younger kids too.

Horse riding

If you’ve dreamed of galloping full-tilt along a wide, sandy beach, or exploring the ancient rainforests from the saddle, then a horse riding holiday in Costa Rica is for you. Tracing the hoofprints of the original ‘Sabaneros’ – Costa Rican cowboys – can be the ideal centrepiece for a family adventure, with child-friendly guides and horse riding trails for all abilities.

Chocolate tour + tasting

For those looking for a slightly slower-paced but just as enriching activity, a visit to one of the many cacao bean farms that line the fertile slopes of Arenal Volcano is the perfect choice to learn about the process of chocolate making, from bean to bar. It is an educational experience perfect for children and adults alike and, most importantly, includes plenty of opportunities for tasting!

Beaches

With coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, totalling approximately 800 miles, Costa Rica has plenty to choose from when it comes to family beach holidays. Favouring wide, sandy beaches with relatively little development, particularly in places like the Osa Peninsula and Tortuguero, it is perfect for families wanting to get off the beaten track and enjoy a peaceful coastal experience. There are also some brilliant surf retreats that offer specialised instructors for younger surfers and beginners.

Best places for families to stay

El Remanso, Peninsula de Osa is the textbook example of the Costa Rican eco-tourism model, sustainably run and designed to blend in with its natural surroundings. It offers guided forest hikes with expert naturalists; perfect for families wanting to see the full bounty that this ecologically rich corner of Costa Rica has to offer. There are also plenty of opportunities for adventure, with zip-lining, waterfall rappelling, and horseback riding available at the retreat.

For families looking for the perfect mix of adventure and cultural immersion, Pacuare Lodge, Limón is a great choice of stay. Situated in the heart of the jungle along the Pacuare River, it is only an hour-and-a-half drive from the regional capital, Limón, but feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. There is also plenty of opportunity for white-water rafting, as well as guided tours with the local indigenous Cabécar community, introducing visitors both young and old to their local traditions, history, and way of life.

Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero National Park

Sitting on the banks of the Tortuguero River, Tortuga Lodge is ideally placed for families wishing to explore the wider area, with regular boat excursions into the rainforest and down to the coast. There are also guided nature tours, including expert guides to find the best places to view turtle hatchlings in the evenings between August and November.

Hotel Nantipa in Santa Teresa, is a relatively small resort, great for families wanting to get off the beaten track and enjoy intimate quality time in a quieter setting. There are still plenty of activities,  from snorkelling and surfing to horse riding and nature hikes, all taking place in the peaceful environment of Costa Rica’s north-west Pacific coast.

The best time for families to visit

For those looking for the best all round weather, the ‘dry season’, from December to April, is arguably the best time to go, with plentiful sun and low humidity. However, this can also be the most crowded time, and you are less likely to get the best deals. Alternatively, the ‘green season’ lasts from May to August and, whilst it is rainier, this is usually confined to short, sharp showers in the afternoon, with otherwise good weather for the rest of the time. This is also a much quieter period for most retreats, and you are therefore more likely to find better deals on stays.

Why book with c+l?

We, at cazenove+loyd, know the best local hosts, insiders and guides who will take you off the beaten path and under the skin of your desired country. You can trust our knowledgeable team of specialists to design the perfect bespoke itinerary for your luxury vacation. Get in touch to speak to an expert and start planning your next adventure now.