Traveling in Costa Rica with Kids
Costa Rica is one big eco-adventure park, with scenic sights, thrilling experiences, and wildlife encounters that make learning fun. Various activities and attractions are suitable for children; consider incorporating the following kid-friendly experiences into your travel plans to make the trip memorable for the whole family.
Go zip-lining
Many zip-lining tours allow kids to participate. A favorite is the Big AMA Canopy Tour at Arenal Mundo Aventura Ecological Park in La Fortuna, which wows kids with views of Volcán Arenal and two waterfalls.
Swim at an accessible waterfall
Some of Costa Rica’s waterfalls can be tough to access or too powerful for swimming. Great for children, the Catarata Llanos del Cortés near Liberia has a shallow wading area and a lifeguard on duty. It’s only a five-minute walk from the parking lot and is free for kids ages six and younger.
Visit a nature-based theme park
Entertain everyone in the family with the attractions at Selvatura Park in Monteverde. These include hanging bridges, a reptile and amphibian exhibit, a butterfly garden, and a sloth sanctuary.
Tour or volunteer at a wildlife rescue center
Get up close and personal with rescued wildlife at the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in Alajuela or while volunteering for a few hours at the Proyecto Asis Wildlife and Sloth Rescue Center near La Fortuna.
Learn how chocolate is made
The Rainforest Chocolate Tour in La Fortuna and the Caribeans Chocolate Tour on the Caribbean coast are free for children ages five and younger.
Take a beginner surf lesson
Lots of surf schools welcome children. Have the kiddies start in Sámara; the area has a calm bay with gentle waves perfect for beginners.
Dine at a fun restaurant
Keep young ones smiling with meals at El Avión in Manuel Antonio—a restaurant that’s set in a cargo plane—and the Tree House Restaurant & Café in Santa Elena. Are the kids jonesing to see some animals while they eat? At Centro Turístico Las Iguanas near La Fortuna, you can see hundreds of iguanas in the trees outside. Scarlet macaws hang out in the trees behind Restaurante Mi Finca in Limonal.
Save for Later
