Costa Rica Family Vacations

plan your trip with a local travel specialist

Travelers love kimkim

"Hotels were fantastic as were the guides that were arranged." - Rich E., traveled to Portugal in April 2022
S
Susan B.
Illinois, United States
"We had an amazing time in Costa Rica, visiting Arenal Fortuna and Manual Antonio. We enjoyed our stay at the Volcano ..." read more
Traveled to Costa Rica as a family in May, 2025
Liz B. profile photo
Liz B.
California, United States
"We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Costa Rica, organized by Kimkim in collaboration with Serendipity ..." read more
Traveled to Costa Rica as a couple in May, 2025
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Alexis B.
Texas, United States
"Our trip to Costa Rica was so much fun! The accommodations were fantastic, providing comfort and stunning scenery at ..." read more
Traveled to Costa Rica as a couple in March, 2025
Ashifa K. profile photo
Ashifa K.
Washington, United States
"All in all we had a great experience. Planning the trip with Yuliana was a stress free experience. She was very promp..." read more
Traveled to Costa Rica as a family in May, 2025
Costa Rica is perfect for families who seek a more genuine and adventurous family holiday. Parents can rest easy as Costa Rica is wild and exotic, but at the same time safe, accessible and perfect for kids of all ages. 

There are few places in Costa Rica that are not well suited to families. Visit a wildlife rescue center, get to know Manuel Antonio National Park, cross suspension bridges in the Monteverde Could Forest, and explore the canals of Tortuguero National Park

With careful planning, driving times between regions can be broken up with fun nature excursions to keep the kids entertained. 

Get startedby describing your ideal trip, and we will connect you to a local specialist that will help you plan out the details.

Costa Rica Travel Insights

Explore Costa Rica's wildlife with your family
Why Costa Rica is Great for Families

For parents toying with the idea of an international vacation, this Latin American nation is chock-full of family experiences that will leave a lasting impression for years to come. Below, we’ve compiled five reasons why you should put Costa Rica at the top of your family's travel list.

Arenal Volcano
Map of Family-Friendly Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park- 9 Days
Family-Friendly Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park- 9 Days

Fun for the whole family, this itinerary covers two of Costa Rica's most famous areas. Arenal and Manuel Antonio are some of the best representations of Costa Rica; Arenal area features one of the most famous volcanos in the country, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, while Manuel Antonio National Park is renown for its white sandy beaches and vast diversity of tropical plants and wildlife.

Combine rainforest hikes and volcano views with beach time and surfing adventures on this six-day family trip
Map of Costa Rica Volcano & Pacific Beach Family Adventure - 6 Days
Costa Rica Volcano & Pacific Beach Family Adventure - 6 Days

Combine towering volcanoes with Pacific beaches on this six-day itinerary that's perfect for active families looking for plenty of adventure in a short amount of time. Start with wildlife-spotting hikes and waterfall swims in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, then head for the coastal surf village of Tamarindo for family surfing lessons and laid-back beach time. Wrap things up with a sailing cruise along the Guanacaste Peninsula, stopping for a barbecue lunch and some snorkeling along the way.

Ride the waves at sunset
Map of Coast to Coast Family Adventure - 11 Days
Coast to Coast Family Adventure - 11 Days

Experience the best Costa Rica has to offer on this family-friendly 11-day adventure. You'll watch sea turtles on the Caribbean beaches of Tortuguero National Park, hike around Arenal Volcano, zip-line through the cloud forest of Monteverde, and finally relax on the remote, Pacific beaches of Guanacaste. Along the way, you'll make your own hot chocolate and coffee from bean to cup, spot monkeys in the wild, swim under a waterfall—and maybe even catch a wave.

Snorkel with the family along Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast
Map of Family Fun on the Caribbean Side - 7 Days
Family Fun on the Caribbean Side - 7 Days

With your kids in tow, get out and explore Costa Rica's capital city before making your way through the lush lowlands toward the Caribbean Coast in this adventure tour. From nature treks to river rafting to pristine beaches, this week-long itinerary is created for families who want to experience Costa Rica's splendid scenery, wildlife, and distinctly laid-back culture.

6 Family-Friendly Activities in San José
6 Family-Friendly Activities in San José

Costa Rica abounds with wildlife and outdoor activities, setting the scene for an ideal family vacation. But you don't need to head straight to the beach—travelers flying into urban San José will find plenty to do with kids upon arrival. Interactive museums, local markets, and more are a great way to spend a day in the city.

Kayak with the kids in Costa Rica
Map of Volcano & Pacific Beach Family Adventure - 7 Days
Volcano & Pacific Beach Family Adventure - 7 Days

Experience a range of Costa Rica's top natural highlights on this family-oriented 7-day adventure. Beginning in Liberia, you'll explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park, home to a towering volcano of the same name. Next, you'll base yourself in the surf town of Tamarindo, a great jumping-off point for visiting the sun-kissed beaches and unspoiled rainforests of the Nicoya Peninsula. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, including waterfall hikes, kayak excursions, surf lessons, and whitewater rafting.

Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica
Map of Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica
Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica

For access to all the country has to offer, visit during the dry season that runs from December through April—winter is the most popular time, with great weather and sizable crowds. The rainy (or"green") season is great for travelers heading to the perennially sunny Caribbean coast—or to Monteverde, which will likely be wet no matter when you visit.

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Costa Rica
Travel specialist Olman Romero
active 3 hours ago

Olman Romero

I was born in Turrialba, it is a region famous for hosting the Guayabo Archeological Monument, which is the oldest and most important pre-hispanic archeological site in the country. Turrialba is...

read more...
Travel specialist Holden Ketchum
active 6 hours ago

Holden Ketchum

I have lived in Costa Rica for eight years and made it my home. My role is to help travelers connect to the activities and experiences that will bring them the most joy and provide lasting...

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Travel specialist Yuliana Valverde
active 12 hours ago

Yuliana Valverde

For over a decade, my passion for creating unforgettable trips in Costa Rica shines a deep understanding of the country's diverse attractions and activities, as well as a genuine commitment to...

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Travel specialist Bryan Leon
active 7 hours ago

Bryan Leon

Growing up in a coffee plantation area near San Jose, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for nature. As a certified...

read more...

Trip Reviews for Costa Rica

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

We had an amazing time in Costa Rica, visitin...
Costa Rica | May 16 - May 25, 2025

S
Susan B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 27, 2025

We had an amazing time in Costa Rica, visiting Arenal Fortuna and Manual Antonio. We enjoyed our stay at the Volcano Lodge and were blown away by how beautiful Los Altos Hotel was. Everywhere we went we were met with polite, friendly and helpful staff. The Kimkim team was very helpful in planning our trip and making the vacation relaxing.

Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on May 27, 2025

Hello Susan,
Thanks so much for your kind words! We're really happy to hear you had such a great time in Costa Rica. Arenal and Manuel Antonio are beautiful places, and it’s great that you enjoyed both Volcano Lodge and Los Altos Hotel. It’s always nice when the people you meet are friendly and helpful, it really makes a difference. We're so glad the Kimkim team could help make your trip easy and relaxing. Hope you come back to visit again someday, pura vida!
Yuliana

Pura Vida Perfection!
Costa Rica | May 4 - May 10, 2025

Liz
Liz B.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on May 24, 2025
We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Costa Rica, organized by Kimkim in collaboration with Serendipity Adventures—and we couldn’t be more impressed. From the very beginning, the planning process was smooth and highly personalized. Bryan was amazing! He truly listened to what we were looking for—adventure, nature, culture, and relaxation—and crafted the perfect itinerary. Serendipity’s attention to detail and local expertise shone through at every stop. Our guides, Alex and... Read more

We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Costa Rica, organized by Kimkim in collaboration with Serendipity Adventures—and we couldn’t be more impressed.

From the very beginning, the planning process was smooth and highly personalized. Bryan was amazing! He truly listened to what we were looking for—adventure, nature, culture, and relaxation—and crafted the perfect itinerary.

Serendipity’s attention to detail and local expertise shone through at every stop. Our guides, Alex and Mauricio, were incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and friendly. Every drive with Alex felt like a fascinating history lesson, and we loved that he took us to his favorite local restaurants. Pulling over to see sloths was an unexpected and unforgettable treat! Our final stop at Vista Mar was the perfect way to end the trip—watching the sunset while enjoying delicious food.

With Mauricio, our hikes and adventures were equally enriching, filled with history, personal stories, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. His local recommendations were also fantastic—we’re still dreaming about the smoothies at Red Frog!

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and want a customized, immersive, and stress-free experience, I can’t recommend Kimkim and Serendipity Adventures highly enough. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience
San Carlos, Alajuela
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on May 24, 2025
Hola Liz! Wow—thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful words! It truly means the world to us to know that your journey through Costa Rica was everything you hoped for and more. It was such a pleasure working with you to create a personalized itinerary that matched your sense of adventure, love for nature, and desire to experience our culture. I'm thrilled to hear that Alex and Mauricio made such a meaningful impact on your trip—they both take great pride in sharing their... Read more

Hola Liz!

Wow—thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful words! It truly means the world to us to know that your journey through Costa Rica was everything you hoped for and more.

It was such a pleasure working with you to create a personalized itinerary that matched your sense of adventure, love for nature, and desire to experience our culture. I'm thrilled to hear that Alex and Mauricio made such a meaningful impact on your trip—they both take great pride in sharing their knowledge and love for Costa Rica, and I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to them!

We’d be honored to welcome you back anytime for another adventure!

Pura Vida Always☀️
Bryan - Serendipity Adventures

An escape to Costa Rica, highly recommend!
Costa Rica | Mar 2 - Mar 6, 2025

A
Alexis B.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on May 22, 2025
Our trip to Costa Rica was so much fun! The accommodations were fantastic, providing comfort and stunning scenery at every stop. Wildlife sightings stole the show and made the adventure unforgettable, from colorful birds to swinging monkeys to serene sloths hidden among the trees. We even bought a wildlife guide to help us check off and identify all the amazing animals! Exploring the outdoors was a dream—walking across hanging bridges, witnessing majestic waterfalls, and immersing ourselves... Read more

Our trip to Costa Rica was so much fun! The accommodations were fantastic, providing comfort and stunning scenery at every stop. Wildlife sightings stole the show and made the adventure unforgettable, from colorful birds to swinging monkeys to serene sloths hidden among the trees. We even bought a wildlife guide to help us check off and identify all the amazing animals! Exploring the outdoors was a dream—walking across hanging bridges, witnessing majestic waterfalls, and immersing ourselves in the beauty of lush forests.

The food was delicious. One particularly memorable dinner came from our specialist's recommendation, where we dined while hummingbirds zipped past us—it was an unforgettable experience! We would recommend this destination and can't wait to return for an even longer stay!

Local specialist: Adam Gomez

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.