Costa Rica has plenty to offer, from beautiful sandy beaches, volcanoes, luscious forests to hilltop hideaways with exotic flora, fauna, and incredible scenery. When looking to explore the Latin American culture with your family, this country will provide the perfect worry-free environment that will be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
Where To Begin?
San Jose and Central Valley are probably the most popular places for families to stay. These locations are a great place for your introduction to beautiful Costa Rica. Here you’ll be able to enjoy almost every activity you could ever dream of while taking in all the beautiful landscapes and scenery.
If you’re looking for something exciting and adventurous, you can try horseback riding, kayaking, or white water rafting down the Pacuare River. On the way, make sure to keep your eyes open for some of the fascinating plant life, including the palms, orchids, ferns, figs, and bromeliads that are in abundance around the place.
Engage with your kids along the way and challenge them to spot some of the 850 different types of bird species. Offer an ice cream as a reward if they manage to find the endangered quetzal. Should you choose to adventure up the lava flow, nature will provide you with a spectacular view of the breathtaking Arenal lake. From there, you can head to the glorious mineral hot springs, nature’s water park for children.
If your kids get bored quickly, take them on the thrilling adventure atop the canopy of the rainforest, where you’ll tour the beautiful rainforest down below. The journey will have you traveling on an air-gondola followed by a 1.7 mile-long zipline.
Something Spectacular
If you’re looking to create a holiday that will have the kids talking for months, the Manuel Antonio National Park will provide you with the experience you’re looking to create. This park is bursting with wildlife just waiting to be explored. Enjoy any of the multiple trails that snake through the reserve while being guided through the jungle.
These guides will point out all of the creatures and creepy crawlies along the way, leaving your children excited and exhausted with amazement. Most of the pathways will lead you down to the warm pacific waters and beautiful sandy beaches, the perfect way to end off a day of trekking in the jungle.
Unforgettable Ideas
National Geographic describes the Osa Peninsula as the “most biologically intense place on earth,” and we couldn’t agree more. The primary spot to go here is the Corcovado National Park, home to elusive species such as the jaguar, puma, scarlet macaw, tapir, and poison dart frogs.
Why not explore the Caño Island Biological Reserve and its spectacular snorkeling experiences for sea life? Here you’ll have a chance to see Triggerfish, Needlefish, Parrotfish, Angelfish, puffers, barracudas, rays, sea turtles, and white tip reef sharks. The dolphin tours also tend to be a big hit with the kids.
Places To Stay With Young Kids
Hyatt Andaz Peninsula Papagayo
The Hyatt resort sits overlooking the beautiful cobalt blue waters of Culebra Bay. This location is excellent for families with kids of all ages. This family-friendly resort has Cambi Kids Club with a range of activities to keep the kids busy while you relax next to the pool with a cocktail or go for a lovely meal somewhere in town.
The family pool has three different sections to suit the different ages and skill levels. The resort also has a weekly rotating activity chart with forest walks, yoga, kayak tours, and dance classes for everyone to enjoy. The resort is conveniently located for those looking to brush up their surfing skills or spend a day out on the water in one of the boat rentals.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Papagayo Bay
The Four Seasons Resort will accommodate and tailor your experience according to your child’s desires. Their kids’ program offers exciting adventures led by qualified staff for children between the ages of 4-12.
Children can enjoy a tour of the area, looking for insects and reptiles, plants, crabs, treasure hunting along the beach, building sandcastles, or playing soccer. Be sure to grab childrens wetsuits ahead of time for your beach visit. On colder days, the indoor activities provided by the resort will keep them more than happy. With a vast array of movies, games, and puzzles available in the recreation room, you’ll have plenty of time to yourself each day.
Teens will enjoy this spot thanks to the Tunis Center designed especially for them. Teenconcierges are there to accommodate your child’s needs and wants and will arrange excursions such as ziplining, white-water rafting, jungle adventures, snorkeling, sunset kayaking, and volcano hikes.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel and Villas, Nicoya Peninsula
If you have older kids or teenagers and are looking for a more relaxed getaway, the Cala Luna Boutique Hotel is the place for you. Enjoy your surroundings set back from Langosta Beach on the outskirts of Tamarindo. Cala Luna runs adjacent to Central America’s prime spot for surfing, Tamarindo Beach, and is perfect for anybody who enjoys some sport fishing or scuba diving.
There are also plenty of active adventures for the children to participate in, including kayaking, mountain biking, canopy tours, and surfing. There is also a spa if any parent feels the need to wind down after a busy day exploring the scenery.
Costa Rica will leave you wanting more as you’ll never run out of things to do on your visit. With plenty to see and do, the kids will have plenty to brag about next time they go to school, so make sure you take lots of photos for show and tell.
Costa Rica has plenty to offer, from beautiful sandy beaches, volcanoes, luscious forests to hilltop hideaways with exotic flora, fauna, and incredible scenery. When looking to explore the Latin American culture with your family, this country will provide the perfect worry-free environment that will be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
