2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Active Family Getaway to Costa Rica: Cloud Forests, Beaches, Waterfalls & Wildlife

Experience Costa Rica's natural beauty on this kid-friendly adventure, perfect for active families. Witness rare green sea turtles nesting in Tamarindo, zip through the cloud forests of Monteverde, and ride horses along rivers and waterfalls in the Tocori Reserve. As a family, you'll also explore the secluded rainforests of Corcovado National Park, spend a day beach hopping in Manuel Antonio, and embark on a self-guided tour around San José.

Welcome to Costa Rica! After arriving in Liberia, your family adventure begins with a transfer to Tamarindo—your home for the first three nights. Spend the evening watching sea turtles nest at Playa Minas, then dive into kid-friendly activities with a hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park, a visit to Finca Verde Farm, and surf lessons on the agenda. Next, young explorers will be delighted to find themselves in Monteverde, a region known for ecotourism. Here, you'll embark on a horseback ride through coffee plantations, soar above the cloud forest via zipline, and visit the Selvatura Park Sloth Sanctuary.

Your family trip continues to Manuel Antonio, a resort district ideal for spending quality time together beach hopping and exploring the city center. In between, enlist the help of friendly guides for a fun kayak adventure among the mangrove forests of Isla Damas, a horseback ride through Tocori Reserve, and a hike in Manuel Antonio National Park. Next, you're off to Drake Bay, where more delightful family activities await, including a day snorkeling around Isla del Caño and a boat trip to Corcovado National Park. Lastly, fly to San José and spend your final day exploring on a self-guided tour. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Costa Rica's Mountains, Waterfalls, Wildlife & Beaches for Families

Ideal for families with school-aged children, this two-week trip packs in thrilling activities in the lush landscapes and on the pristine beaches of Costa Rica. From horseback riding in the Tocori Reserve and spotting wildlife in Monteverde's cloud forest to snorkeling in Sámara and playing in Rincón de la Vieja's volcanic hot springs, each day promises to be both educational and full of new experiences. Plus, with three nights each in Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Sámara, and Rincón de la Vieja, you'll get a well-rounded introduction to Costa Rica while still having downtime.

Your family vacation kicks off in San José, where you'll treat antsy plane legs to a guided walking tour of the city's highlights before transferring south to Manuel Antonio. While here, delight animal-loving kids with a horseback ride through Tocori Reserve, a hike to spot sloths and monkeys, and a boat tour into Isla Damas. Next, you're off to Monteverde, the ideal location to settle in for three days of exciting, kid-friendly activities. Spend your first evening discovering the cloud forest's nocturnal animals, then embark on a walking tour of a local coffee farm and a zipline excursion at Sky Adventures Park.

Midway through your trip, you'll transfer to the coastal village of Sámara and take a day to relax at the kid-friendly Playa Sámara. Then, it's back to the activities, with a nature hike through Werner Sauter Biological Reserve, a trip to a turtle-hatching beach, and an afternoon dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour on the agenda. After, continue to Rincón de la Vieja National Park for the last leg of your family trip. While here, watch young explorer's faces light up as you hike to the captivating Río Celeste Waterfall, soak in the Río Negro Hot Springs, and swim at the base of Victoria Waterfall. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Fun in Costa Rica: Culture, Wildlife & Natural Wonders

Crafted especially for families with younger children, this relaxed trip in Costa Rica features stays in La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Enjoy watching your little ones discover new animals while boating through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, visiting Sloth's Territory, and embarking on a guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park. In between, there's ample time to relax on beaches, let young chefs get hands-on during a family cooking class, and explore tranquil towns and the bustling city of San José at your own pace.

Begin your family trip with a leisurely evening in San José, learning about Costa Rica's culture while strolling the pedestrian-friendly city streets. Then, transfer north to La Fortuna, the gateway to the Arenal Volcano National Park, and settle in for a four-night stay. While here, let local guides take charge as you explore Sloth's Territory, visit La Fortuna Waterfall, and boat through the bird-filled Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. You'll also squeeze in a hands-on cooking class before transferring to Monteverde, where you'll surprise little ones with a thrilling evening at Monteverde Frog Pond Ranario theme park.

Your following two days in Monteverde are filled with memorable activities, including a hanging bridges tour, a chocolate processing center visit, and a stop by the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens. Next, transfer to Manuel Antonio, where superb family-friendly beaches await. Spend your first day playing in the tidal pools of Playa Manuel Antonio, then hop aboard a catamaran for a leisurely cruise, devote a day to activities of your choice, and discover the abundant wildlife like sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park. With your trip winding down, return to San José to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate Costa Rica Family Tour

Featuring volcanic landscapes, lush cloud forests, and white-sandy beaches, this slower-paced tour is perfect for nature-loving families with younger children. You'll find plenty of time to unwind as a family between engaging activities like ziplining, river rafting, and catamaran cruises. Top that with hands-on coffee and chocolate tours, and a visit to a traditional ranch, and the entire family will leave with a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica's relaxed and warm culture.

After a fun-filled day in San José visiting the famous children's museum, Museo de los Niños, you'll leave the city behind and transfer north to La Fortuna, stopping en route at the La Paz Waterfall & Gardens. Then, over the following three days, you'll explore the many highlights of Arenal Volcano National Park. Kids of all ages will love rafting down the calm waters of Río Peñas Blancas, embarking on short hikes through Ecocentro Danaus' wildlife-filled rainforest, and discovering unique volcanic landscapes. Next, surprise young ones with a fun transfer by boat to Monteverde and rejuvenate during a relaxing evening.

With two more days in Monteverde, you'll head to Selvatura Park to walk along a hanging bridge network and embark on a hands-on coffee and chocolate tour at the Don Juan Farm before continuing to Quepos. Known as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park and fronted by white-sand beaches, Quepos is the ideal spot to hike in search of monkeys, spend a day playing in the kid-friendly waters of Playa Espadilla Sur, and hop aboard a catamaran cruise. However, all too soon, it'll be time to transfer back to San José for a memorable last day roaming as a family. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Family Exploration of Costa Rica: Wildlife & Adventure in Arenal, Monteverde & Sámara

Immerse your family in the natural beauty of Costa Rica on this two-week adventure that spans the country's volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches. Perfectly crafted to feature activities the entire family will enjoy, you'll hike through volcanic landscapes, zipline through the cloud forest, and join a family surfing lesson in Sámara. In between, you'll also find plenty of relaxing activities, including a family cooking class, a visit to a chocolate and coffee farm, and a snorkeling sunset cruise.

Begin your family adventure with a day shrugging off jet lag in San José, then leave the city behind for an afternoon at La Paz Waterfall & Gardens on the way to La Fortuna. Young explorers will wake excited the following morning with a trek in El Silencio on the agenda. Next, spend a day as you please before embarking on a guided hike to La Fortuna Waterfall. You'll then transfer by boat and shuttle to Monteverde. After a relaxing evening exploring as a family, you'll devote a day to walking above and ziplining through the Monteverde Cloud Forest at Monteverde Hanging Bridges.

The following day promises to be a treat for the entire family, with a chocolate and coffee farm tour and a night hike on the agenda. Afterward, continue to Sámara, a coastal village in Guanacaste, and your home base for four nights. Kickstart your stay with a free afternoon, then head to Palo Verde National Park for a jungle cruise, join a family surf lesson on Playa Sámara, and cruise along the bay on a catamaran. Next, delight young conservationists with a day exploring Werner Sauter Biological Reserve before transferring back to San José, where your fantastic journey wraps up. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Costa Rica Adventure for Active Families: Rainforests, Rivers & Beaches

Packed with adrenaline-pumping activities, this two-week Costa Rican trip is perfect for active families with teens eager to stretch their comfort zones. As a family, you'll raft down Class III and IV rapids, zipline through jungle canopies, snorkel at Las Catalinas, and take a surf lesson in Tamarindo. In between, get to know Costa Rica's culture while attending a kid-approved chocolate-making workshop and getting hands-on during a family cooking class.

Straight off the plane in San José, you'll dive into your new surroundings during a family-friendly foodie tour and a thrilling whitewater rafting trip on the Río Pacuare. Then, transfer to Puerto Viejo and settle in for three epic days of fun and discovery. Kid-friendly activities include visiting Bribri Reserve for a chocolate-making demonstration, a surfing lesson at Playa Cocles, and a kayak trip along the Río Punta Uva. Continue to La Fortuna next, where a family cooking class, a refreshing dip in Ecotermales Hot Springs, and an adrenaline-pumping ziplining tour await. 

Halfway through your trip, a three-night stay in Rincón de la Vieja National Park offers the opportunity to ride horseback to Las Pailas and embark on a thrilling excursion to La Leona waterfall. The entire family is sure to enjoy a relaxing transfer to Tamarindo next, but after a rejuvenating evening, it's back to the activities. Start with a guided hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park, then treat young adventurers to a Tarzan-like experience at the Hacienda Guachipelín Adventure Center, and snorkel, surf, and beach hop your way along the coast until it's time to catch your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Costa Rica Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these other two-week Costa Rica itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.