Top 10 Family Activities In Costa Rica
What To Do In Costa Rica For Families?
Full of adventure and excitement, Costa Rica offers incredible experiences for the whole family. Known for its pristine beaches and wildlife rich (or filled if you prefer) rainforests, Costa Rica is a destination that will capture your heart. Lap up lustrous waterfalls and rich heritage across this diminutive yet spectacularly diverse country.
We highlight the top ten must-do activities for your family to enjoy in Costa Rica.
We highlight the top ten must-do activities for your family to enjoy in Costa Rica.
- A wildlife safari in Tortuguero
- Ride a zip wire
- Relax in the rainforest by the ocean
- Raft into Pacuare Lodge
- Spend a day in San Jose
- Surf off the Nicoya Peninsula
- Wake to a chorus of howler monkeys
- Walk the hanging bridges
- Rappel down a waterfall
- Jobs for the kids
1. Enjoy a Wildlife Safari in Tortuguero
Tortuguero on the north Caribbean coast is known as the “Amazon of Central America”. From June to October, thousands of sea turtles make their way up the remote beaches to nest and lay their eggs.
You can see this on a special safari from a luxurious Manatus Lodge. Explore the amazing swamp forest and waterways by boat and kayak in search of American crocodiles, red-eyed frogs, green ibis and white-faced monkeys.
You can see this on a special safari from a luxurious Manatus Lodge. Explore the amazing swamp forest and waterways by boat and kayak in search of American crocodiles, red-eyed frogs, green ibis and white-faced monkeys.
2. Ride a Zip Wire
Fly like a bird on a mile-long zip wire through the forest canopy!
We can organise thrilling zip wire rides on the Arenal Volcano and in the beautiful Monteverde Cloud Forest. It’s an adrenaline-charged way to experience the forest canopy.
Afterwards, your private guide will take you through the forest more slowly looking for hummingbirds, quetzals, howler monkeys and gaudy leaf frogs.
We can organise thrilling zip wire rides on the Arenal Volcano and in the beautiful Monteverde Cloud Forest. It’s an adrenaline-charged way to experience the forest canopy.
Afterwards, your private guide will take you through the forest more slowly looking for hummingbirds, quetzals, howler monkeys and gaudy leaf frogs.
3. Relax in the Rainforest by the Ocean
At Arenas del Mar your magnificent family suite will be in the Manuel Antonio rainforest yet overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Exquisitely private, this is the perfect place to swing in a hammock with a cocktail as the Pacific laps at the shore. A soothing massage will aid your recovery from adrenaline-charged activity.
But if members of your family want to keep exploring, the hotel sits in its own 11-acre rainforest reserve.
Exquisitely private, this is the perfect place to swing in a hammock with a cocktail as the Pacific laps at the shore. A soothing massage will aid your recovery from adrenaline-charged activity.
But if members of your family want to keep exploring, the hotel sits in its own 11-acre rainforest reserve.
4. Raft into Pacuare Lodge
There are no roads to Pacuare Lodge. To reach this superb rainforest lodge you either take a helicopter or ride the river. Choosing the river means a two hour white water rafting adventure.
Through canyons and rainforests. One moment you’re watching a blue morpho butterfly flutter by. The next, you’re plunging into a foaming rapid. Your reward is a stay at one of Costa Rica’s finest jungle lodges.
Through canyons and rainforests. One moment you’re watching a blue morpho butterfly flutter by. The next, you’re plunging into a foaming rapid. Your reward is a stay at one of Costa Rica’s finest jungle lodges.
5. Spend a Day in San Jose
Founded in 1737 San Jose is a friendly, walkable city. Stroll down Avenida Central with its coffee shops, street artists and musicians.
Continue into the stylish Barrio Amon where you can wander streets lined with colonial mansions built during the coffee boom years. In the underground Museo de Oro Precolombino you’ll find 1600 ancient gold artefacts.
Back above ground, there’s the lively central market where you can try street food. We love taco tico – shredded beef with chips.
Continue into the stylish Barrio Amon where you can wander streets lined with colonial mansions built during the coffee boom years. In the underground Museo de Oro Precolombino you’ll find 1600 ancient gold artefacts.
Back above ground, there’s the lively central market where you can try street food. We love taco tico – shredded beef with chips.
6. Surf off the Nicoya Peninsula
The Pacific waves that run onto the Nicoya Peninsula are consistent and perfect for surfing.
If your family takes one of the beautiful villas at Florblanca beach hotel you can surf, snorkel or head off in a deep-sea fishing boat to catch your dinner. Instructors will teach you to ride the waves on the Playa Hermosa.
Or, if you’re an experienced surfer they will take you to some challenging spots on the peninsula.
If your family takes one of the beautiful villas at Florblanca beach hotel you can surf, snorkel or head off in a deep-sea fishing boat to catch your dinner. Instructors will teach you to ride the waves on the Playa Hermosa.
Or, if you’re an experienced surfer they will take you to some challenging spots on the peninsula.
7. Wake to a Chorus of Howler Monkeys
At dawn the howler monkeys at Lapa Rios Llodge do just that – they howl. This is more something that happens to you than an activity!
The eerie howling and the chattering of scarlet macaws are reminders that you are living in a rainforest. Get out of bed and wander onto your deck and you might find a friendly three-toed sloth swaying on a branch.
Turn around and there’s the ocean in its morning glory.
The eerie howling and the chattering of scarlet macaws are reminders that you are living in a rainforest. Get out of bed and wander onto your deck and you might find a friendly three-toed sloth swaying on a branch.
Turn around and there’s the ocean in its morning glory.
8. Walk the Hanging Bridges
Dawn of a new day at Nayara Camp. As rejoicing birds chatter and sing take a stroll across the hanging bridges of Nayara.
For two miles you’ll feel you’re walking on air as you cross six hanging bridges.
Gaze into ravines, admire the conical slopes of Arenal volcano and pause a while by a silvery waterfall. A macaw flits through the trees in a flash of colour. Breakfast and hot coffee are waiting. What will the day bring?
For two miles you’ll feel you’re walking on air as you cross six hanging bridges.
Gaze into ravines, admire the conical slopes of Arenal volcano and pause a while by a silvery waterfall. A macaw flits through the trees in a flash of colour. Breakfast and hot coffee are waiting. What will the day bring?
9. Rappel Down a Waterfall
If you’re feeling a bit too pampered at luxurious Nayara Tented Camp, enliven your day by rappelling into a canyon. You’ll get a full safety talk and equipment, then you’re ready for a series of breath-taking rappels.
The longest is 195 feet and the wettest is the 60 foot “monkey drop” in a waterfall pool. If that isn’t enough adventure for one day, you can continue down the river rapids by raft.
The longest is 195 feet and the wettest is the 60 foot “monkey drop” in a waterfall pool. If that isn’t enough adventure for one day, you can continue down the river rapids by raft.
10. Explore the Osa Peninsula on Horseback
There isn't a more authentic way to discover one of Costa Rica's most remote locations. It is truly magical to experience nature as indigenous communities would.
Trek on horseback through the forest, past secluded waterfalls. Ride along open beaches with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
Stopping along the way to learn about the regional flora and fauna. Your trusted guide shares stories about the local culture and customs as you sip a refreshing coconut drink.
Trek on horseback through the forest, past secluded waterfalls. Ride along open beaches with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
Stopping along the way to learn about the regional flora and fauna. Your trusted guide shares stories about the local culture and customs as you sip a refreshing coconut drink.
Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Nayara Springs
As soon as you cross the footbridge into the grounds of Nayara Springs, you will know you have come to a place that will fulfil your expectations. Whether you want a romantic and secluded getaway, luxurious indulgence in the spa or in your private hot pool, or some adventure in the lush forests on the slopes of Arenal Volcano, Nayara Springs has it all.
Guanacaste, Andaz Papagayo Resort
Andaz Papagayo Resort
With superb facilities, white beaches, and an excellent location near national parks, Andaz Papagayo Resort is a place where you can relax and recharge in style whilst also venturing out into the wonderous wilds and even the community of the surrounding area. The curved armadillo-inspired shapes of the buildings, designed by Ronald Zurcher, are inspirational.
Nayara Tented Camp
Nayara Tented Camp
At the top of a hill with exceptional views of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by the lush forest of a sloth sanctuary, and with bubbling hot geothermal water, the Nayara Tented Camp must be in consideration for being one of the world’s best experiences of extreme glamping.
Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Arenas del Mar
Perfectly located as the only beach resort in the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, this luxurious hotel offers the perfect combination of facilities and activities. Panoramic views from its clifftop location, brilliant beaches, copious adventure options, plentiful wildlife opportunities and two infinity pools are what stand out for us. Journeysmiths also love the resort’s commitment to sustainability.
Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Hotel Senda Monteverde
Private cabins perched on hills with excellent views are a feature of this cozy and charming eco-lodge experience. It is a great base for exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest and an excellent adjacent private reserve.
Central Valley and San Jose, Costa Rica
El Silencio
With extensive tropical forest, a winding river and three waterfalls, it is hard to beat El Silencio as an eco-lodge experience. The name – El Silencio (“silence”) – is appropriate to this remote and tranquil place where you will be able to experience the majestic environment of Costa Rica’s Central Volcanic Valley.
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Lapa Rios
Lapa Rios will always have the distinction of being Costa Rica’s first, and therefore trailblazing, eco-lodge. It has not rested on its laurels, and has maintained the highest of standards in comfort, sustainability and guest experiences of the abundant nature of this area.
Tortuguero & Pacuare, Costa Rica
Pacuare Lodge
For the experience of arrival and departure alone – either by white water raft, or by 4x4 and a cable car - a stay at Pacuare Lodge is unforgettable. Once there, you are justified in relaxing in this secluded piece of paradise.
Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
Amor Hotel
The terracotta roofs emerging through the lush forests flanking the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano are actually the luxury casitas of Amor Arenal, an independent small-scale retreat based on using invigorating mineral waters whilst introducing guests to the surrounding pristine ecosystem.
Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Hotel Belmar
The Belmar family opened Hotel Belmar in the 1980s and they are still active around the hotel today. They make a great effort to greet guests personally and are right at the heart of the warmth and tradition of the guest experience.
Central Valley and San Jose, Costa Rica
Grano de Oro
In this grand and decadent building, a former family home dating from Costa Rica’s Golden Age, you will be surrounded by details of Victorian elegance whilst enjoying modern comforts.
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
El Remanso
The diverse myriad of coastal, river and rainforest habitats of the unique Oso Peninsular provides the setting for the El Remanso Lodge. It is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the abundance of nature in Costa Rica’s most biodiverse region.
Tortuguero & Pacuare, Costa Rica
Tortuga Lodge and Gardens
With the air of an elegantly rustic safari camp, the open style of the design of Tortuga Lodge gives its guests the ultimate experience of the lush nature surrounding this perfect location. You will find plenty of hammocks to satisfy your Caribbean tendencies.
Tortuguero & Pacuare, Costa Rica
Manatus Lodge
Staying at the Manatus Hotel is an exclusive experience, perfect for romantic getaways as well as family vacations. There are plenty of outdoor spaces that bring you as close to the water as possible; at times it seems that this is more of a luxury riverboat than a lodge!
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