Costa Rica Family Vacations

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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.

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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...

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Travel specialist Bryan Leon
active 1 day 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...

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Travel specialist Holden Ketchum
active 8 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 Elena Mora
active 6 hours ago

Elena Mora

"I was born in Costa Rica and grew up on my family's sugar and coffee plantation farm in the mountains of Turrialba. From an early age, I learned from my family to deeply cherish and respect our...

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Trip Reviews for Costa Rica

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Summer Trip to Costa Rica - 2025
Costa Rica | Jul 21 - Jul 31, 2025

Nicole
Nicole B.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Aug 01, 2025
Our Summer trip to Costa Rica in 2025 was truly amazing. I took my two adult kids as a celebration for them graduating high school and moving on to the next chapters in their lives. We made amazing memories and had 10 days of bonding time. Holden, Wilman, Nancy and the whole KimKim and Serendipity Adventures team were helpful from start to finish...beginning with the first day I started planning this trip a full year ago. Their attention to detail, patience with my endless questions and quick... Read more

Our Summer trip to Costa Rica in 2025 was truly amazing. I took my two adult kids as a celebration for them graduating high school and moving on to the next chapters in their lives. We made amazing memories and had 10 days of bonding time. Holden, Wilman, Nancy and the whole KimKim and Serendipity Adventures team were helpful from start to finish...beginning with the first day I started planning this trip a full year ago. Their attention to detail, patience with my endless questions and quick responses put my mind at ease and made planning and ultimately enjoying the trip totally seamless. Once in Costa Rica, any questions or needs we had were met promptly. Communication while there was a breeze. We even ended up adding some last minute excursions and they did all the leg work and set everything up. Everything we did was so fun!!! We visited La Fotuna/Arenal, Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio. Each place we equally amazing with a totally different experience

Hotel Reviews
The Falls at Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio

We liked this place. We stayed in the "apartment" and it was nice to have so much extra room and two full bathrooms. The only thing we missed about this room was having a patio where we could sit and enjoy the beautiful grounds and listen to the rain. We did see a group of squirrel monkeys out our window one morning though! The food at the Medusa restaurant is AMAZING! We loved the breakfast (free) and ate lunch and dinner there several times. The staff went above and beyond, everyone is so friendly and helpful. Finally, the location is good. Walking distance to a couple close restaurants and a quick bus or shuttle ride to the beach, Manuel Antonio park or in to town in Quepos.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Luna Llena
Tamarindo

This was a quirky place. We didn't hate it but we didn't love it. Pros: The bungalows were cute and funky and clean, and it was nice to have a full kitchen. And the extra space was for nice for our family. The complimentary breakfast was good and staff was very friendly. Also, you can't beat the location...a quick, easy walk to the fun town of Tamarindo and the main beach. Cons: Pool is kinda dirty and the hot tub isn't functioning. Also, the appearance of a swim up bar was a sad tease...as there is no poolside service at all, and the 'bar' is non-functioning. The worst part was the water pressure in the room. This was a strange one...it was truly hit or miss if any water would come out of the faucet at any given time. There were times the pressure was great, and other times literally nothing came out and we couldn't shower, wash our hands or flush the toilet. Every time we asked about it we got a different answer about what the issue was. A couple times in the 3 nights we were there, we had to use the pool to get clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

This was our favorite hotel of the trip. Everything was really amazing. Top notch staff and service, gorgeous grounds, a couple great restaurant options, two large pools with swim up bar and SEVERAL private smaller hot spring tubs. Quick taxi ride in to town for shopping and other restaurant options and close to lots of great excursions.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Canopy Zipline Tour
Canopy Zipline Tour
Costa Rica

This was super fun! Not real challenging but a fun adventure. Loved propelling down the little waterfall, and we even saw a sloth! Staff is super friendly too!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Sailing Adventure with Barbecue
Catamaran Sailing Adventure with Barbecue
Costa Rica

This was a favorite activity of the whole trip. Everything from the staff, the drinks, the food, the VIEWS! and just the whole vibe.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hikes
Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hikes
Arenal/La Fortuna

This was REALLY a cool experience. We enjoyed every minute. The lush rain forest is breathtaking and filled with wildlife. The bridges are so cool with spectacular views. And walking across and see the Arenal volcano was truly magical.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Aug 03, 2025

Thank you Nicole for your thoughtful review. We appreciate all of the feedback!

It looks like you had an amazing time here in Costa Rica with your children. I'm sure they appreciate all of the effort you put into planning the perfect trip. I love the photos!!!

Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures

Costa Rica adventure!
Costa Rica | Jul 20 - Jul 24, 2025

Amy
Amy M.
Canada | Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025
The team at KimKim and Serendipity Adventures were so helpful from start to finish. Holden provided an itinerary that suited our needs perfectly; a mixture of adventure and relaxation. I was traveling with a friend. Getting our rental car was such an easy process. He booked the Heliconias Nature Inn near La Fortuna and Bosque Del Mar Hotel in Playa Hermosa and we couldn't be more happy with these choices. He also booked two tours during our 5-day stay, Canyoning and Sailing/snorkeling.... Read more

The team at KimKim and Serendipity Adventures were so helpful from start to finish. Holden provided an itinerary that suited our needs perfectly; a mixture of adventure and relaxation. I was traveling with a friend. Getting our rental car was such an easy process. He booked the Heliconias Nature Inn near La Fortuna and Bosque Del Mar Hotel in Playa Hermosa and we couldn't be more happy with these choices. He also booked two tours during our 5-day stay, Canyoning and Sailing/snorkeling. Although both were fantastic, the Canyoning was my favourite!

Wilman maintained contact with us through WhatsApp before, during and after our trip which was extremely helpful. He responded very quickly to all of our inquiries and even helped reserve a last minute tour and provided several recommendations for dining.

Holden, Wilman, and the team at KimKim and Serendipity Adventures helped make our trip run smoothly and we are so grateful for their guidance and support!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Playa Hermosa

What a beautiful hotel! It was beachfront but also surrounded by forest with lots of native trees and plants. We saw howler monkeys on two occasions. We stayed in room 201 and we couldn't be happier with it. There were two queen beds with a separate living area that looked out to the forest with floor to ceiling windows. We also booked a sailing/snorkeling tour that picked us up from the beach which was very convenient.

Authenticity & Character
It was just beautiful and clean.
Location
Close to souvenir shops and a mini market. It was also a 10 minutes drive to the town of Coco which has lots of places to shop and places to eat.
Staff
Everyone was friendly and approachable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were super comfortable and the room was immaculate.
Heliconias Nature Inn
Peñas Blancas

Such a beautiful resort-like setting. We stayed at the Tucan Suite which was nestled in the forest. Alejandro and the staff were so friendly and made sure our stay was memorable. Although we didn't have time to do the night tour on the site, it seemed like it would've been a great experience.

Authenticity & Character
The rooms and grounds were just beautiful.
Location
We loved the location since it was nestled in the forest. However, we didn't mind driving. If you're not driving, it's about 27 minutes from La Fortuna.
Staff
We interacted mostly with Alejandro, Diego, and Carlos but everyone was friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds were very comfortable and the room was clean. We would recommend better lighting and more towel hooks. There were only two. We would also recommend providing an umbrella for the guests, especially during the rainy season.
Activity Reviews
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Costa Rica

It was a beautiful sail to our snorkel site. We even saw sea turtles on the way! We had so much snorkel time and saw some beautiful fish. It was amazing! Loved the atmosphere of the boat, familiar tunes but with a spanish flair, the bottomless drinks, and finger food snacks were perfect.

Quality of Experience
The sailing part of the tour was incredibly comfortable and beautiful. The care we were given on board, and the marine life seen were amazing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All staff were amazing!
Transport
We were picked up at the beach of our hotel which was a bonus!
Canyoning in Arenal
Canyoning in Arenal
Arenal/La Fortuna

Everything about this tour was amazing. If you like adventure but still a beginner like me, this would be a great tour. Also, the lunch at the end was delicious and much needed. We all got a bit hungry after the tour lol

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All the staff were amazing!!!
Transport
Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 30, 2025

Hello Amy, thank you for taking the time to write a thoughtful review. ⭐ It sounds like you and Kim made the most out of your short trip. I'm glad you liked the Heliconias Nature Inn and enjoyed your time in the forest 🌿
Thank you for mentioning individuals by name, it means a lot to us that you were well-cared for on your trip! 🙏

Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures

Our trip to Costa Rica was incredible.
Costa Rica | Jul 17 - Jul 27, 2025

J
Jane S.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025
Our trip to Costa Rica was incredible. The country is beautiful and the people are wonderful. Our trip was perfect for us due to the planning of the Kimkim team and the implementation of their in-country partners.
We chose not to drive around the country which meant spending time with 4 drivers as we moved from area to area. Rodney, Brian, Charlie and Christian were great drivers, knowledgeable about the country and always looking out for wildlife or viewpoints. That made long drives...
Read more

Our trip to Costa Rica was incredible. The country is beautiful and the people are wonderful. Our trip was perfect for us due to the planning of the Kimkim team and the implementation of their in-country partners.
We chose not to drive around the country which meant spending time with 4 drivers as we moved from area to area. Rodney, Brian, Charlie and Christian were great drivers, knowledgeable about the country and always looking out for wildlife or viewpoints. That made long drives enjoyable and feel like part of the trip rather than just transport. Hats off to those four gentlemen!
The planned activities were great. Guides always arrived on time, were professional, friendly and very knowledgeable. Rodrigo, (Puerto Viejo kayaking), Dion (Arenal volcano), and Ronaldo (El Tigre waterfalls) were such a pleasure to spend time with.
Monte Verde was stunning. Zip lining and El Tigre waterfalls are highly recommended. The Cloud Forest Lodge was wonderful and their restaurant had delicious food!!
La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano was wonderful. The natural hot springs were delightful even though it was a rainy day. Lomas del Volcán hotel was beautiful. Also good food. We had a spa treatment that was incredible.
Puerto Viejo has an incredible vibe. Kayaking the Punta Uva river was beautiful. The black sand beach was incredible. We body surfed all day. Umami Hotel Garden Spa is a beautiful boutique hotel.
Thanks so much to Adam for his patience and thoroughness when planning our trip. Thanks so much to Greg for booking everything and being in touch during our trip when we thought we needed him

Hotel Reviews
Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas
San José
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Umami Hotel Garden Spa
Puerto Viejo

Beautiful boutique hotel with wonderful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was at the edge of the jungle and we watched howler monkeys in the trees. (With binoculars)
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna

Beautiful grounds, pools, rooms. Good food. Pleasant staff. In our three day stay, the power went out twice. They have generators for the main part of the hotel so the restaurants and lobby still function. The rooms do not. A battery operated lantern would have been nice. We packed to leave by the lights from our phones. Our guide for the next day was trying to be in touch but we did not have wi-fi in the room due to power outage. Once we went to the lobby, we easily were in contact. The hotel is one of the closest hotels to the volcano and the view is amazing when it is clear. The spa is incredible. It was a nice place to stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Power outages were unfortunate.
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde

Peaceful, hiking trails on the property, views, so many humming birds, and an incredible restaurant all while committing to protecting and preserving the local environment. Impressive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore the Beaches Around Puerto Viejo
Explore the Beaches Around Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

We saw Punta Uva beach, Puerto Viejo beach and Playa Negra. They were all beautiful and the water was warm and amazing. We walked the black sand beach and then body surfed for hours. Great way to spend a day.

Quality of Experience
Kayak Adventure & Rainforest Hike in Punta Uva
Kayak Adventure & Rainforest Hike in Punta Uva
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Our guide was great. Punta UVA beach is beautiful. Kayaking on the river was wonderful. We saw lots of animals. Hiking afterwards was lovely. Sloths everywhere. Such a great day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & EcoTermales Hot Springs Visit with Meal
Arenal Volcano Hike & EcoTermales Hot Springs Visit with Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide was fabulous and the hike was beautiful. Although a rainy day, the volcano cleared for us. It was amazing. The hot springs were wonderful. It rained a lot of the time that we were there but that didn’t matter one bit. The food was fabulous. It was a great day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Self-Guided Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Self-Guided Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

It was a very rainy day so we were not able to swim at the bottom. It is a beautiful waterfall and a lovely place. But compared to the waterfalls in the natural environment throughout Costa Rica, it is a bit of a let down.

El Tigre Waterfalls Excursion
El Tigre Waterfalls Excursion
Monteverde

This was an absolutely stunning hike. Highly recommend. The waterfalls were breathtaking, the jungle was amazing and the hanging bridges at the bottom above the river were truly incredible.

Quality of Experience
Food
Delicious food here! Definitely have rice and beans and use their verde hot sauce. Yum!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I believe our guide was named Ronaldo. He was so knowledgeable, friendly and funny. Great guide!!!
Transport
The roads here were terrible and our driver was so skilled. Also it was pouring both ways ( but not during our hike) and he was a great driver.
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
Monteverde

Zip lining was amazing. Hanging bridges were beautiful. Tram had a great view.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Adam Gomez

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