18 Awesome Things to Do in Costa Rica with Kids
Costa Rica is an excellent place for a vacation due to its popular destinations. It is filled with fun things to do for people of all ages. Which makes it an excellent destination for families traveling to Central America.
With its gorgeous and varied landscape, families will find Costa Rica an enticing and enjoyable destination for a family vacation. There is certainly no shortage of exciting activities for families with their kids to do together in Costa Rica. There are tropical beaches, animal reserves, and beautiful woods to explore.
In addition, the location of many museums and other cultural attractions provides insights into its history. To make your time in Costa Rica as enjoyable and memorable as possible, we have compiled a list of the country’s best attractions for families.
#1: Visit the National Parks
One of the best things you can do in Costa Rica is to visit Manuel Antonio, National Park. This national park is a must-see since it contains a beautiful combination of breathtaking beaches and diverse animals.
As you make your way through this enormous park, you will come across a wide variety of endearing creatures, such as sloths and rare birds.
In addition, the park features kid-friendly hiking routes that lead to magnificent overlooks and beaches in the surrounding area. At this park, a wide variety of entertainment is available for people of all ages, including young children and teenagers.
#2: Swim with the Sea Turtles
This national park in the northeastern part of Costa Rica is famed for its sea turtles. And the only way to get there is by boat or aircraft. The national park’s beaches are some of the world’s most significant nesting grounds for sea turtles. You can enjoy swimming with sea turtles with your kids. This will be one of your favorite memories of the Costa Rica family vacation.
Four different kinds of sea turtles lay their eggs on these beaches between March and October. Even though it’s not the right time of year for them to nest, there are still plenty of stunning sea turtles in this park.
In addition to the Tortuguero Village and many locations ideal for birding, the park provides kayaking and other water sports opportunities. For young explorers aged 5 and above, the Tortuguero National Park is highly recommended as it is one of the best places to visit.
#3: Visit A Museum in San Jose
Is it the rainy season while you’re in Costa Rica with your children? Then, while making a list of places to visit in Costa Rica with children, be sure to add this museum. This museum opened its doors in 1950. It is home to a collection of items that provide insight into the history of Costa Rica.
Exhibits on antiquities, archaeology, and biology may provide families with a variety of facts on the history of the nation, and everyone will have a great time doing so within this museum.
There is a butterfly garden that welcomes visitors as soon as they step foot inside the museum. Adults, teenagers, and children older than six can all benefit intellectually from a visit to the National Museum of American History.
#4: Go On A Horseback Riding Tour
In Monteverde, there is an abundance of opportunities to see the surrounding countryside in a new light by participating in one of the many horseback riding tours. The tours depart at various times throughout the day.
So, you can choose whether you want to go on an early morning ride when you have the most incredible opportunity for bird watching. Or a late morning tour when you will have the best and most accurate viewpoints. With an afternoon tour when you can see some beautiful scenery. There is no requirement for prior experience.
#5: Take One of the Many Canopy Tours
The rainforests of Costa Rica are some of the most beautiful examples of pristine jungles anywhere in the world. Nevertheless, traversing these rainforests on foot may be difficult because of the heat, humidity, and discomfort.
And the majority of the forest’s inhabitants reside in the canopy. Ride one of the finest zip lines Costa Rica has to offer through the dense vegetation to gain an aerial perspective of the country.
The Original Canopy Tour, the country’s first zip line, is located in Monteverde, northwest of San José. However, there are now canopy tours located all over the country.
It should be no surprise that some people, regardless of age, find flying through the air at high speeds while suspended from a wire disturbing. Canopy walkways, also known as “hanging bridges,” are a good choice when you want to go at your own pace while exploring the rainforest because they allow you to stay above the ground.
#6: Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest
The meeting of the Caribbean and Pacific regions can be found in Monteverde, which sits on the transcontinental split. The temperature and humidity combine to provide a one-of-a-kind moist and humid climate, perfect for developing these verdant, lush woods.
Children’s Eternal Rainforest Reserve, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve are the three cloud forest reserves that can be found in Monteverde. Any one of the reserves is sure to provide a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
You may reserve hanging bridges individually from many of the adventure parks, even though they are typically included in the packages offered by such parks.
The bridges at Selvatura provide a fantastic opportunity for families to explore the cloud forest and better look at the local species from a closer distance. To have a better understanding of what cloud forests are comprised of, take your time exploring the pathways and crossing the bridges. The bridges provide spectacular views of the forest’s high canopy and a glance down into the branches of the trees below.
Visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden when you need a break from the exciting activities available. As you make your way around the gardens, you may listen to the experienced guides as they provide information on orchids and provide advice on how to cultivate orchids at home. Visitors may get up and personalize with the blooms using the provided magnifying glasses during the excursions, which typically last for around half an hour.
#7: Relax in the Natural Hot Springs
Natural hot springs may be found in the region of Costa Rica. These soothing mineral springs make the region around Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna well-known.
To avoid paying the daily fees to see these attractions, consider staying at a resort that is also home to several. Also, because of the country’s high level of geothermal activity, Costa Rica is home to a diverse selection of relaxing hot springs that are perfect for families.
In fact, there is a wide range of diversity in terms of the sizes, contours, and temperatures of Costa Rica’s hot springs. This ensures that you and your loved ones can discover the perfect hot spring to unwind and recharge while on holiday in Costa Rica.
To begin, The Springs Resort and Spa comes highly recommended for the whole family. The Arenal Volcano can be seen clearly from this hot spring, considered one of the most incredible hot springs in Costa Rica for families with children. The water temperature ranges from 83 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and visitors may enjoy the scenery while bathing in the spring.
In addition, children will have a great time on the fascinating water slide known as the Monkey Slide located on the premises. In addition, Arenal Springs Resort & Spa is another alternative for experiencing the hot springs advised by parents when traveling to Costa Rica. Families will have a great time relaxing in hot springs surrounded by tropical gardens since these lodgings have a more genuine feel than others.
#8: Take A Breather at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
This eco-park, located in the central region of Alajuela, provides an escape to a tropical rainforest that will re-energize your family. An abundance of breathtaking natural treasures surrounds La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This eco-park, which features a tropical rainforest and miles of hiking paths, will likely bring out the outdoor explorer that lies dormant inside your child.
At La Paz Waterfall Gardens, you may take in the sights of some beautiful scenery. This family-friendly site is like a miniature version of Jurassic Park. It features a natural park as well as an animal sanctuary.
It is close to the San Jose International Airport. Simply wandering among the breathtaking waterfalls and verdant gardens might easily take up an entire day’s worth of time here.
The first sections of hiking trails are typically paved, making it simple for youngsters to walk along and discover their surroundings. The information that is dispersed all across the park will, in addition, offer some categorization of Costa Rican culture.
It is home to five waterfalls that are both relaxing and beautiful to look at. The park offers a trip called Night Out with Frogs, which allows visitors of all ages to get up close and personal with tree and leaf frogs.
#9: Go On A Chocolate Tour
This fascinating and unique trip to La Fortuna de San Carlos lasts two hours and does not feature a moment of boredom. Participating in this chocolate tour in Costa Rica is sure to sate your children’s cravings for something sweet.
As part of the Don Olivo Chocolate Tour, every member of your group will get a bar of chocolate and a steaming mug of cocoa as a special gift. In addition, complimentary samples of their freshly squeezed sugarcane juice, standard apples, Leche, and papaya are provided during the trip.
In addition, the tour will provide you with a sneak peek into the method they use to make chocolate. This tour is an enlightening experience appropriate for children of all ages.
#10: Get Spooky On One of the Night Tours
You can enjoy one night tour in Costa Rica iht your kids in addition to your day trip. Bats, witches, and black cats are iconic figures in Costa Rica’s wildlife tour. During a night tour in the leafy Monteverde area, you will get the chance to discover more about these incredible flying creatures and observe them in their natural habitat.
When guests arrive at the Monteverde Bat Jungle, they are given an introduction to the species. This covers everything from the bats’ leathery wings and high-pitched echolocation calls to their place in the natural order.
A guide then leads the participants through an enclosure in the forest home to eight distinct species of bats, during which they can observe the bats up close as they go about their daily activities. You will get a deeper understanding of these animals, which are frequently misunderstood, and it is possible that this could motivate you to dress up as one for the following Halloween.
#11: Take Advantage of All the Amazing Outdoor Activities
You can enjoy multiple outdoor activities at different places in Costa Rica. Gather your loved ones and set sail on a luxurious catamaran for an energizing journey to a picture-perfect island that provides outdoor activities for people of all ages, including children.
This place is an excellent option for spending the best time in the perfect place. Clear, calm seas are ideal for novice snorkelers and more experienced divers who want to explore the underwater world.
Parents may relax on the sands flanked by palm trees while their children play volleyball or explore the fascinating rock formations along the shore. Hikes in the woods, on which one may observe a wide variety of animals, are enjoyable for people of any age.
Are you prepared to take your trip to the island to the next level? Grab a seat on a banana boat and get ready for a fantastic ride that will have the whole family laughing and smiling as they get wet. You can enjoy plenty of activities there.
#12: Conquer Your Fears On the Hanging Bridges and the Suspension Bridges
It is a great time to conquer your fear of hanging brides in your family travel to Costa Rica. At Mistico Hanging Bridges Park, an exciting journey is waiting for you and your family to overcome your fear. Its position is in the transition zone between a lowland, some woods, and a highland.
From the top of the bridges, you have a view that encompasses the whole biosphere of the area, including its complex ecology. Here, you will find a magnificent view of the lake and other breathtaking panoramas.
Take your children on a stroll in the forest or go on a sightseeing tour with a wildlife expert in addition to the hanging bridges throughout the park. You can take part in a trek that will take you to the famed Arenal Volcano. You may, however, go exploring on your own if you are working with a limited budget.
#13: Spot Humpback Whales
Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica. This growth can be attributed to the remarkable yearly migration of two groups of humpback whales.
This lengthy voyage begins as the weather in North America and South America becomes more seasonably appropriate for the different winter seasons. The warmer seas found closer to the equator are immediately sought out by humpback whales, and Costa Rica is known to be one of their favorite destinations.
This migration, which may be up to 5,160 miles long, holds the record for being the longest of any animal anywhere in the world. Once the whales arrive in Costa Rica, their trip will be more than just relaxing in the sun. During the months in this area, humpbacks congregate together and use this time to locate partners, have offspring, and nurture their young.
There are two distinct migrations that humpback whales take: the first begins in northern regions such as California, while the second begins in the Antarctic zone and travels southward. These migrations take place at distinct periods throughout the year and do not coincide with one another.
The first northern humpback whales to arrive in Costa Rica normally do so in December and can be spotted there until about April. Not until later in July do those in the south appear, and they remain until the start of November. This indicates a good chance of sighting humpback whales in Costa Rica during 9 out of the twelve months of the year!
#14: Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center
A tour you may do at the JRC Sanctuary is unlike any other encounter with animals you have ever had. The tour is the most informative and entertaining for individuals of all ages and cultures.
During the excursion, which lasts an hour and a half, experts will show you the local wildlife creatures, tell you about their histories, describe their traits, and discuss their issues. You may encounter well-known creatures such as monkeys, sloths, birds such as macaws or toucans, deer, snakes, and so on. Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity may be crammed into one itty-bitty nook of the Caribbean.
#15: Enjoy the Salty Breeze While On A Boat Tour
The best way to observe birds and other wildlife in Costa Rica while also gaining information about the country’s crucial safeguarded waterways is to take a trip on a mangrove boat.
You are likely to see white-faced capuchin monkeys, a great variety of bird species, and perhaps even crocodiles, although this will depend on the region of the nation in which you are traveling. You can enjoy the salty breeze on your boat tour. Consider going on a kayak tour instead of a boat trip if you’re looking for something more exciting.
#16: Find A Kids Club
Find a kids club for your kids to enjoy. The Tortuga Kids Club provides a variety of exciting and engaging games and activities for children to participate in while their parents are engaged in adult pursuits such as golfing, fishing, or other resort activities.
Children will enjoy doing everything from arts and crafts to instructive environmental tours, films, and cooking. They will also like creating bracelets and having water balloon wars. Tortuga Kids Club offers a daily program for children ages four to eleven.
#17: Get Reinvigorated At One of the Coffee Plantations
You have probably heard of the animals, the lush jungle, and the stunning beaches of Costa Rica, all of which have contributed to the country’s fame. Coffee is another reason you should put Costa Rica on your list of countries to see before you die.
In addition to taking home honors in some of the most renowned contests in the world, Costa Rican coffee has evolved into a local culture. It contributes far more to the country than simply to its economy. This concise travel guide will show you where you may partake in this mouthwatering custom on your upcoming trip.
Finca Posa Blanca Resort
The Finca Rosa Blanca is a resort designed in the style of a boutique hotel. It allows its guests to explore the famed coffee plantation on the site. This pleasant activity can be found in the broader Central Valley area. And is less than one hour away from San Jose’s international airport.
This is a beautiful, stress-free way to make your trip to Costa Rica more authentic. Primarily since it offers views of the volcanoes that are located nearby and is surrounded by gorgeous green scenery.
One of the enormous coffee and sugarcane farms in Costa Rica may be found on the Doka Estate. This firm, which a family holds, exemplifies the agricultural tradition and history of the country. Within its walls is the nation’s oldest wet mill.
Take a tour of the picturesque site with one of the friendly staff members. You can also make mental notes about the many steps to produce a delicious cup of coffee.
Hacienda Alsacia is Starbucks’ very first coffee plantation, and it’s located in the Costa Rican foothills of a volcano. Experience the farm firsthand by booking a tour. Learn about coffee’s journey from bean to cup, sample the freshly brewed coffee, and browse the gift shop.
#18: Catch A Wave With One of the Surf Schools
You may start with a surfing class in Costa Rica with a lesson in a small group in Manuel Antonio. All classes are small and have a dedicated teacher. This way, you’ll get the one-on-one attention you need to stand up and paddle confidently in no time!
Whether it’s your maiden on a board or you just want to brush up on your abilities. Feel like taking a break from the surf? Use the beach chairs and umbrellas supplied and eat fresh fruit while sipping coconut water.
On a beach, you may receive instruction in the fundamentals of surfing, including security, practice, and etiquette. Individualized attention can be provided to students of any age or skill level through smaller class sizes. In between waves, you’ll appreciate having access to shady beach loungers, refreshments, and snacks. Included are pick-up and drop-off services from your accommodation in Manuel Antonio.
Wrapping Up
We hope you found this list of 8 Awesome Things To Do In Costa Rica With Kids helpful! Costa Rica will surely bring out the explorer in even the most reserved travelers from coast to coast. Your vacation won’t be any different. So take advantage of it and have fun with your loved ones in Costa Rica.
