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Kid- Friendly Things to do in Costa Rica: Fun for Everyone
2022-11-13
If you're seeking kid-friendly activities in Costa Rica, look no further! This magical country has everything from national parks and canopy tours to chocolate tours and hot springs. Your whole family will fall in love with this tropical paradise.
I took my family on a trip to Costa Rica which was operated by a company that specializes in catering to families. In the past, I would have used my research skills and travel knowledge to plan everything out myself. But since Costa Rica was unfamiliar territory for me, it felt safer entrusting the planning process to someone else this time around.
Before you travel, there are many questions you should consider that others often don't think about: will you need a stroller? Formula? Allergies? Disabilities? normal sleep schedules? Potty training status? etc.
If you're looking to book a tropical getaway, when is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica boasts many climate zones and biodiversity as a result of its volcanic peaks, neighboring both the Caribbean and Pacific oceans, straddling North and South America.
Located in Central America and just north of the equator, this country experiences two seasons: a dry season from mid-November to late April, and a wet season from May to early November. The dry season generally corresponds with winter holidays and spring break for families in the United States and Canada.
In the United States and Canada, the wet season occurs at the same time as summer school break. The mornings are usually dry with rain starting to fall in the afternoon or evening. Even though it's the rainy season, most of Costa Rica's roads are still paved so getting around is not a problem. Lower rates, thinner crowds, and more comfortable temperatures can be found during what we call "the green season."
How to Prepare for a Trip to Costa Rica with Kids
Wouldn't it be more convenient for you if someone else did all the work in advance so your family holiday was less stressful and more enjoyable? The 100% Costa Rican Sheely family, owners of Costa Rica Family Holidays, love their country and specialize in creating captivating family holidays. They have gone to the locations beforehand, chosen their suppliers carefully by hand, and only use those they would recommend themselves Emilio and Stephanie make sure of that).
You can find a list of accessible yet still fun places for the whole family on The Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network website.
Are Costa Rican Family Vacations Safe for Children?
Parents often feel trepidation when taking their children on vacation with them, but they can rest assured that Costa Rica is a safe and secure place to take the family. Not only that, but it's an amazing tropical destination that will create memories for years to come!
Costa Rica not only has clean water and food, but also excellent healthcare services! So go ahead and enjoy all the tropical fruit and salads you want.
While the roads between cities are generally paved, they can be dangerous if you're not used to them. San Jose is especially bad—if you're not experienced with driving in foreign countries, we recommend that you take public transportation or Uber.
Costa RicaLucee Santini
The Best Spots to Stay in Costa Rica with Your Young Children
If you're looking to travel on a budget, Costa Rica might not be the best option; however, there is still a wide range of accommodation options available. You can find anything from guesthouses to luxurious hotels depending on how much money you're willing to spend. There are also some great places that families would love!
Thanks to Stephanie from Costa Rica Family, I was able to find two great hotels with plenty of activities for kids. Without her help, I would have had a much harder time finding somewhere suitable for my family. Holidays. Since they have visited these places themselves and scouted out perfect family-friendly destinations in Costa Rica, I trust them to make these choices for us.
Whether you're staying solo or with family, Villas del Rio is the perfect place for you. They offer both suites and apartments that are accessible, and they're minutes away from schools, shopping centers, local businesses, parks, and clinics. Plus, they have all the amenities you would expect – and more!
The Villas del Rio: A Hotel Perfect for Families in Costa Rica
Consider these accessible and family-friendly destinations when planning your next trip. You have to keep everyone in the family happy, after all.
The hotel has two pools, a relaxing jacuzzi, and even a playground for children to enjoy. All of the rooms are clean and include modern amenities such as an iron, an ironing board, a hair dryer, organic bath products, a safe, etc. You will need all these conveniences for a comfortable stay.
You will be included in the delicious breakfast at our on-site restaurant and cafe, Sarapiquí. The meal consists of plenty of fresh fruit, various kinds of bread, and their famous rice and beans dish—all morning items that are local to the area.
fun facts: 1) Villas del Rio has water and energy-saving programs. 2) They are pet friendly and have a special spot in the garden for pets. The hotel even offers a walking service if you need it.
They can provide your dog with plenty of options to stay active while on vacation so that they're just as relaxed when they return home as you are! arrange a shuttle for you to pick you up from the airport, just call 48 hours ahead.
Parents, looking for a place to stay in Costa Rica that will make your children happy? Look no further than Arenal Paraiso Resort!
Situated in La Fortuna, Arenal Paraiso Resort houses thermal mineral springs and offers picturesque views of the nearby Arenal Volcano. Just 4 miles from town, this resort spa is perfect for those wanting to escape the bustle of daily life.
The accommodations at the hotel are surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and walking paths, and guests can enjoy using the hotel’s swimming pools and hot springs. The hotel also offers family-friendly activities like Canopy Tours and Horseback Riding.
At the resort, you're able to pick from multiple types of rooms and villas. We stayed in a Superior Room which includes one bedroom with two queen beds as well as a porch with two chairs that has lovely views of the lush tropical gardens. It's also situated quite close to the hot springs!
There are different thermal mineral waters for everyone, which vary in temperature. These natural springs come from an underground river near the Arenal Volcano and carry minerals that can benefit the skin. The 7 pools have waterfalls and a relaxing hydromassage, with views of the Arenal Volcano.
The water's unmistakable blue coloring is because of the presence of minerals, including PH – Alkalinity – Calcium – Magnesium – Chloride – Sulfate - Silicon - Iron - Sodium- Potassium - Magnesium and Phosphate.
The hot springs offer a great opportunity to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
You Can Make a Difference by Planting Trees at Arenal Paraiso Resort
One of the best things I did while staying at Arenal Paraiso Resort was planting a tree to help offset the carbon footprint we were creating. It was really eye-opening to see how much Costa Rica values and protects its environment.
How to Keep Your Kids entertained in Costa Rica
Families are often drawn to Costa Rica because of the diverse array of activities available, such as visiting National Parks and going on coffee tours or zip-lining.
Espiritu Santo Coffee Tour en Naranjo
The coffee plantation tour was an excellent experience for the whole family where we learned about the process of making coffee, from growing the beans to brewing it. We were able to pick some coffee beans and Jose did a great job of showing us around and explaining everything.
Hiking the hanging bridges in Arenal and Monteverde is a must-do adventure for anyone visiting Costa Rica. Here you will see iconic views, an array of wild animals ranging from vipers to sloths, and a true sense of Costa Rica’s jungles.
Monteverde has cloud forests, while Arenal has regular forests, so I recommend doing both. They are suitable for people of all ages and do not necessitate much of an adventurous spirit!
Here you can cross 15 bridges, 6 of them hanging bridges. When you get to the end, you can see the breathtaking view of the Arenal Volcano. Put your walking shoes on and get your camera ready for some beautiful images; some of the lush tropical gardens and trails and some of the wildlife.
Zip lining in Costa Rica: a Family-Friendly Activity
There are 13 cables and 15 platforms, many located high up in the trees. This gives you an intimate view of the rainforest's beauty, including its stunning nature, exotic plants, and native animals. Zip lining is definitely an experience not to be missed.
Fun facts: 1) Coffee beans resemble cranberries. 2) The lower the elevation, the smoother the coffee tastes. 3) Coffee grounds have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Come appreciate the stunning beauty and nature of Costa Rica by crossing 15 bridges, 6 of which are hanging bridges. When you reach the end, you'll be able to see a breathtaking view of the Arenal Volcano.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridge Park is a place where you can not only see nature but also be entirely immersed in it. At night, guided tours are given where you can walk and look for different animals. This park is perfect if you're looking for things to do with kids while in Costa Rica.
Mistico Park is designed to be accessible for all types of guests. The trails have no stairs and are lined with railings, while the surface material is anti-slip concrete. Mistico Park offers three trails in total: the main trail, an accessible trail (visit 6 fixed bridges, optional 2 hanging bridges), and a bird observation trail.
Arenal Volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and it is responsible for La Fortuna's geothermal activity. The volcano is why there are so many natural hot springs in the area, making it a perfect destination for families.
Volcanoes and Hot Springs
At Parque Nacional Volcán Poas, you can get an up-close view of a volcano crater (which is wheelchair accessible, so it is also stroller friendly). You can catch other volcanic action, like bubbling mud pots, in the Pailas Sector of Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja or check out Las Hornillas near Volcán Miravalles.
If you're looking for a geothermal activity that everyone can enjoy, then natural hot springs are perfect. There are soaking springs near Miravalles (Ro Perdido, Termales El Guayacán) and Rincón de la Vieja (Canyon de la Vieja, Hot Springs Ro Negro), but the most elaborate thermal pools are near La Fortuna. These include places like The Springs or Eco Termales with their fancy setups.
Costa Rica is an excellent destination for families with children of all ages. There are many kid-friendly activities that will keep your little ones entertained and engaged. Here are some great things to do with kids in Costa Rica.
Sarchi Artisan Village in Sarchí, Alajuela
The Sarchi Artisan Village in Sarchí, Alajuela is home to the country's most vibrant and bright-colored handcrafted oxcarts.
After I took the Corso Lecheria Tour, my interest in cows intensified. I mean, how couldn't it with these cutie pies around? The strawberry ice cream and cheese were also delicious and added to the experience.
Not to be missed, horseback riding is a great opportunity to see different aspects of the jungle you would have otherwise missed, like climbing volcanoes and exploring beaches. Often, children as young as four can ride on their own if the horse is tame enough.
If you wish to ride a horse up Arenal Volcano, the national park provides this opportunity. Keep in mind though that there is zero natural shade, so sunscreen is an absolute must.
Visiting Cloud Forest
Costa Rica is home to many mystical cloud forests, and taking a step into one will transport you to another world.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the best places to see the eye-catching quetzal. It's also a great place for birdwatching, with 26,000 acres of protected land and hanging bridges that are up to 2,400 feet high. You might even spot some howler monkeys!
Kayak into the Night in a Bio-luminescent Bay
A quiet and moonless night is the perfect setting for a kayak or boat tour to Tambor Beach and Tortuga Island. As you lower yourself into the dark waters of Golfo Nicoya, you'll be surrounded by peace and tranquility.
The magic begins when you start to stir the water with your hands and release a million tiny neon lights. These lights are created by bio-luminescent algae that reside in gulfs, where fresh and saltwater mix.
Hiking and Swimming at a Waterfall
Experiencing the beauty of a waterfall is something many people Ticos, as Costa Ricans are called, jump at the chance to do. And one of the most family-friendly falls is La Fortuna. Don't worry, it's not a difficult 500-stair hike down like some other waterfalls–it's an easy walk for all ages that will lead you right to the cool refreshing swimming hole and waterfall. You might have to carry your little ones back up but it'll be worth their laughter and memories!
White Water Rafting. If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping white water rafting adventure, head to the Penas Blancas River. But if you're traveling with young children or are looking for a more mellow family trip, try one of the day trips available from Arenal and La Fortuna. These areas are frequently referred to as the "gateway" to adventure activities, and they offer plenty of fun (and safety) for families traveling in slower-moving boats on gentler waters.
Surfing on the Longest Wave in the World
Costa Rica is a surfing paradise with beautiful beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. However, only one beach, Playa Pavones, is known for having the world’s longest wave. Costa Rica’s water is warm and shark-free all year round, so you won’t need wet suits. Other popular surfing beaches include Hermosa Beach, Avellanas Playa Negra, Playa Grande, and Playa Viejo. Tamarindo’s beach is popular with families and first-time surfers alike.
Taking a Night Walk to See Creepy Crawlies
Taking a night stroll is one of the best things you can do while in Costa Rica. You're able to see many nocturnal animals that hiding during the daytime, such as:
-Red-eyed tree frogs
-Tarantulas
-A wide variety Of various other frogs
Sleeping toucans Sloths And plenty more! This should be something you mark down On your bucket list for definite places To go in Costa Rica.
Exploring the Jungle in Search of Wildlife: A Family-Friendly Activity
For all adventurers, big and small, one of the best things to do in Costa Rica is to walk through the jungle searching for wild animals. This doesn't have to be frightening or difficult; instead, it can be as simple as a guided walk through Curi Cancha Wildlife Preserve searching for beautiful quetzal birds or sleeping sloths.
Surfing: Lessons for Kids
Amongst the beautiful beaches that offer specific amenities for families is Safari Surf in Nosara, Matos Surf Shop in Tamarindo or Playa Grande, and One Love Surf School in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca--all of which teach children as young as five years old.
Looking to avoid lessons and head straight to the waves? In Playa Sámara, you can rent a boogie board from one of the many vendors on the beach. Your kids will be mastering belly riding in no time!
So many things.to do with the family in Costa Rica!
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