Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal, Avenida central y calle 13San Jose, Costa Rica506 2521 6610Social MediaOpen in Google Maps. Check out these dining recommendations for La Fortuna. Discover the region's vibrant nocturnal ecosystemsloths, bats, porcupines!on a guided night hike, then go for a boat ride through the park's canals amid the jungle; trek to the area's highest peak, Cerro Tortuguero, on day three. Is it engaging and enjoyable for kids? Its also best to compare the different attractions to know which is the gem. From natural landscapes to wildlife experiences and adventure sports, Costa Rica has much to offer families. Its a perfect place to visit in Costa Rica with kids. The Best Western Jaco Beach Resort is another very family-friendly Costa Rica hotel in fact it seemed more than half the guests were families with kids. I consider these factors when evaluating the accessibility of every activity. NYC, Italy, South Carolina, Costa Rica and more. And theres no perfect place to do it but at Diamante Eco Adventure Park. Tubing is another big hit on calmer stretches of river. Weve been wanting to give our kids more exposure to the beauty of underwater life so we went on a Cano Island snorkeling day trip. Watch hundreds of green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs near the Gulf of Papagayo on a guided tour. If youd like more information on this family-friendly Costa Rica all-inclusive resort, read our full review of the Riu Guanacaste with kids or check with the hotel for availability. Take a boat tour at Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Cao Negro or cruise the canals in the Parque Nacional Tortuguero, and you will see something birds, iguanas, monkeys, sloths or even a fewcaimans. For our final day in Manuel Antonio National Park, we joined a kayaking tour through the mangroves near the park. Lonely Planet's SVP of Content and Executive Editor, Nitya Chambers, takes us on a behind-the-scenes look at a recent extended family trip to Costa Rica. Finally, heres one geothermal activity that travelers of all ages can get excited about: hot springs! With waterslides and 25 thermal pools, Baldi guarantees hours of non-stop relaxation and fun for the whole gang. 9 Km Oeste Y Km 4 Norte Del Centro De La FortunaLa Fortuna, Costa Rica506 2401 3313Visit WebsiteOpen in Google Maps. And, even when its not a nesting season, youll still see plenty of beautiful sea turtles at this park. This article was first published April 2016 and updated June 2022. And dont forget that Tortuga Island Tour is all-inclusive. The Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour allows visitors to explore one of the countrys most biodiverse national parks. The lodge has a common area with a kitchen and dining area. Kids as young as six or seven years old can ride riverrapids with the correct safety gear (provided by rafting operators), and even smaller children can get out on the river on a 'safari float' on gentler river courses. Jade Museum has interactive displays and activities suited for kids 5 years old and up. The only downside is that time is so swift, and two or three hours are insufficient. It's not just wildebeest and humpback whales that make huge journeys. You'll get up close with animals at a wildlife rehabilitation center, then tour the cloud forest as well as the Children's Eternal Forest on guided hikes. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Manuel Antonio National Park for more information. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Park Inn San Jose by Radisson, Limon, Costa Rica506 2709 8086Visit WebsiteOpen in Google Maps. You'll fly into San Jos and transfer to La Fortuna. On day five, look for monkeys and tropical birds as you float down a jungle river on a safari-style boat tour. They have a great buffet breakfast and a large outdoor pool which is a very kid-friendly 3 feet deep. Read more on our family wildlife tour to Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park with kids. Learn more. The country is known for its warm hospitality, safety, and a wealth of activities suitable for children and adults alike. Yes, Costa Rica is generally considered very family-friendly. And let me tell you, nothing beats watching your kids face light up as they ride their first wave in Tamarindo. Hurricane Iota is the latest, and strongest, storm to ravage Central America this year and relief agencies are helping. Our jungle tour guide also spotted many other Costa Rica species we hadnt yet see on our family trip including colorful crabs, bats, moths and even a large, beautiful carnivorous flower! Transfer to Smara for the last part of the trip. While the Surf Lesson in Tamarindo did not only teach me how to surf, but I also gained new friends. With small waves and a sandy shoreline, its also a safe place for the little ones to swim and build castles. A well-maintained, 2km (1.2-mile) hiking trail starts behind theArenal Observatory Lodge inParque Nacional Volcn Arenal, leading to a stunning waterfall that's great for a family splash, though swimming here is best avoided if water levels are high. This time we had enough time to let the kids play at the pool, before crossing the parking lot to have our final meal in Costa Rica at Dennys. These two Costa Rica itineraries are perfect for a 1 week trip to Costa Rica or even a 2 week family vacation to Costa Rica. That includes animal sightseeing, horseback riding, and unbeatable swimming activity. Tortuga Island Tour (Editor's Choice) 2. Fun Factor: This measures the level of excitement, engagement, and enjoyment that the activity offers. Tips for a Cheap Trip, Age Compatibility: Preschoolers (4-5 years), The sea is not a good spot for snorkeling. Our advice for when to book your family trip to Costa Rica is a pretty tropical holiday guideline. Sky Adventures,Selvaturaand Mistico all have dangling bridge options. If youre searching for more outdoorsy attractions for kids in Costa Rica, look no further than this striking cascade. Wildlife watching can be tricky with kids, as you never know what you will (or wont) see, but Costa Rica has plenty of wild spots where you'll definitely see something exotic. The arribada (mass arrival) of olive ridley turtles at Playa Ostional from July to December is especially impressive, though you can take turtle tours up and down both coasts. Tortuga Island Tour, located in the Gulf of Nicoya, offers a tropical paradise experience. And the rainforests of Costa Rica serve up easy wildlife encounters with everything from sloths and coatis to hummingbirds and toucans. This place offers various activities for all ages. Cahuita National Park 8. But its not the only activity available. In fact, youll even see them hanging from phone wires. Birds, monkeys, and other tree-climbing creatures come calling at the Tree Houses Hotel near San Carlos and the Tree House Lodge near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Our goal was to be able to have a memorable trip without all of the stress associated with", "We had an excellent experince from beginning to end with Kim Kim and all those we met along the way. From water sports and mountain hikes to rainforest wildlife watching and cloud-forest birding, these are the best things to do in Costa Rica. Then witness green turtles laying their eggs on the beach. From the beaches to the rainforest, Costa Rica was made for family fun Fertnig / iStockphoto / Getty Images, The best things to do with kids in Costa Rica, from surf beaches to jungle hikes. For our family vacation, we stayed at a variety of accommodations including family-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. From 1908 to 1979, this castle-like structure was Costa Ricas most feared prison. It was great fun sharing kayaks with our kids as we made our way through the atmospheric mangroves. Get some rest before traveling to the surf town of Tamarindo on day three. Activities on day two include a guided nighttime hike through the rainforestyour naturalist guide will point out a variety of flora and fauna. Spend the last part of the trip in Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll stop at a lookout point to view large crocodiles along the journey. Even your lodging is an opportunity for a family adventure in Costa Rica. La Paz is blessed with a wealth of stunning natural wonders. I ask myself these important questions when rating the activitys educational value. As mentioned previously, due to the relative inconvenience of public transportation, ours was a self-drive road-trip itinerary for Costa Rica. Learn more. On day two, hike to a waterfall, then explore Tenorio Volcano National Park, walking along the bright blue Ro Celeste river. These include exploring lush rainforests, visiting wildlife reserves, hiking in national parks, and enjoying beautiful beaches. In fact, a decent portion of the drive between San Jose and Liberia is along a divided highway. We hope you love your family vacation to Costa Rica with kids as much as we did! Near Bagaces,Llanos de Cortsis another easily accessible and spectacularly beautiful waterfall with a picture-perfect swimming hole. Both major Costa Rica airports are in rural areas, allowing you to avoid driving in the heart of these large cities. Last, but definitely not least, on our list of fun things to do in Costa Rica with kids, is Tamarindo. I longed to see sloths my whole life, and it happened through Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guide Tour. We created our family Costa Rica itinerary by focusing on our interests we wanted to see as much amazing Costa Rica wildlife and jungle as possible with a healthy dose of beaches and family-friendly resorts as well. Take a surf lesson at Tamarindo Beach and finish the trip with a boat tour of Tamarindo Mangrove and Estuary. Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour is your key. If youre traveling with a baby, you can relax on its beaches: Puerto Vargas and Playa Blanca. Then tour the coastline on a catamaran cruise, stopping for snorkeling if the gang desires. This is when the weather is typically dry and many tourists visit the country for its beaches, wildlife, and adventure activities. To get abirds-eye view, ride one of Costa Rica's impressive zip-lines through the lush greenery. If youre looking for a beautiful and tranquil destination, look no more, as the country has Tortuga Island. She even made several suggestions that were definitely much needed. The all-ages Riu Guanacaste all-inclusive hotel sits on an incredible piece of beachfront property along a large bay. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Corcovado is more remote and rugged, while Manuel Antonio is much more accessible. Itinerary #5: Family Trip to the Cloud Forests, Rivers & Beaches of Costa Rica. You'll continue to Tortuguero National Park to look for spiders, frogs, bats, sloths, porcupines, and more in their natural habitat. With its ocean-front location and variety of activities available, Diamante Eco Adventure Park is a perfect alternative to Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour and Surf Lesson in Tamarindo. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. The key danger families should be aware of is rip tides on Costa Rica's beaches seek local advice before letting the kids dive in. The perfect stop in Central America for family travel, Costa Rica is a safe, exhilarating tropical playground that will make a huge impression on younger travelers. Costa Rica with Kids: 15 Fun Things to Do (Family Friendly Activities! Ever since visiting for the first time over a decade ago, Ive always dreamed of coming back to Manuel Antonio with my family. Itineraries fun for the whole family include a trip to La Fortuna Waterfall Reserve, an excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park, a wildlife excursion around Arenal Volcano (plus a zip line adventure! Theres something about bathing under a waterfall thats uplifting for body and soul. Although its harder to spot wildlife while kayaking, we still had several great encounters, including an up-close visit from some white-faced capuchin monkeys. Founded in 1977, this archaeological museum gives families a unique cultural experience. We even splurged and hired a private national park tour for our family on Christmas day! Afterwards, we headed inland for some adventure in La Fortuna, before spending another night at a beach resort in Jaco. Costa Rica Highlights: Arenal & Manuel Antonio National P Monteverde Cloud Forest & Manuel Antonio National Park - 8 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas, 1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas, 6 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas, 9 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas, 5 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itineraries, 1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas. Today, it serves as a home to a cheery and educational childrens museum. Museo de los Nios has interactive activities suitable for children ages 12 and younger. Given we couldnt spend Christmas at the Riu Guanacaste all-inclusive resort like we had originally wanted, we did the next best thing and planned our visit to Manuel Antonio National Park over Christmas. Children's menus aren't common in restaurants and it may be wise to book accommodation with kitchen facilities if your little Marco Polos are particularly picky eaters. Looking to book a family-friendly tour in Costa Rica? Nestled near Arenal Volcanos base, this action-packed park overflows with fun for teens, adults, and even kids. Best things to do in Costa Rica with kids With such a stellar array of experiences and wild encounters in Costa Rica - meeting the wildlife, riding the surf, whooshing along ziplines, climbing volcanoes - the biggest challenge might be choosing which amazing national park to visit next. Find great options using Viator or today! Ya, ya we know its not the most authentic Costa Rica dining experience, but we figured our kids deserved a big stack of chocolate chip pancakes for dinner after being so adventurous on our family trip to Costa Rica! In fact, it ranks as the safest in Latin America according to the Global Peace Index (Costa Rica ranks 38th, while the USA is 129th, for comparison). ), Best All Inclusive Family Resorts in Costa Rica, Things for Kids to Do in The Dominican Republic, Best Time to Visit New York City (By A Local! Wander around the colorful marketplaces and landmarks of San Jos on a food-focused tour of the city on day one. There are surf beaches on both of Costa Rica's tropical shorelines, and different weather conditions on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts ensure plenty of variety. Other great, budget-friendly farm stays include Finca La Flor near Cartago, Punta Mona south of Manzanillo, and the truly special Albergue el Socorro near San Miguel. After a full day of flying to Costa Rica from Canada, we arrived in the capital city of San Jose quite late. As a seasoned traveler and writer, I learned how to rate each attraction fairly based on different criteria. Visiting Corcovado National Park with kids is an experience we wont soon forget it sure lived up to its reputation of a great place to see wildlife in Costa Rica with kids! I am pretty sure that my in-depth review below can help you plan your anticipated Costa Rica adventure. Costa Rican waves are perfect for surfing. On day three, you'll continue to Manuel Antonio National Park tointeract with animals like sloths and monkeys during a visit to a wildlife sanctuary. When I tried to determine where to go/what to do on my own I just got overwhelmed, but Yuliana put t", Traveled to Costa Rica as a family in May, 2023, "We took a beautiful two-week trip in Costa Rica for our honeymoon. Then on day three, you'll go boating in the national park before continuing to the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamancato splash around. Most families (like us) will need to visit Costa Rica in winter during their kids Christmas vacation from school, but there are also many benefits to visiting Costa Rica during the shoulder season as well. I use these questions to evaluate the affordability of every attraction. Up until recently, La Fortuna was home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world in the nearby Arenal Volcano National Park. We liked to eat breakfast at our apartment, pack a healthy lunch then eat at a nice restaurant for dinner. Kids willbe in their element in Costa Rica's awesome treetop hideaways. There are all sorts of family-friendly accommodations including tree houses at Posada Andrea Cristinain Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqu and Flutterby House in Uvita. Costa Rica is the easy way to dive into Central America with kids in tow. If you have kids in tow, the trick is to find a cascade that is safe for swimming and does not require a strenuous hike to reach, and Costa Rica has plenty. Another option is a safari-style float down the Corobic Riveryou're sure to spot plenty of wildlife along the way. All rights reserved. We recommend visiting both if you have the time and opportunity. Can't believe it's over al", "Never would have been able to put this together myself. Family Resorts in Costa Rica Plenty of activities and hotels to enjoy with the family Explore Vacation Options We have carefully selected hotels and resorts that cater for families traveling with children, to make your vacation time a lot less stressful! I ask myself these questions whenever I assess age compatibility. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. And if your child wants to eat it every day, they wont be alone plenty of locals do too. The countrys myriad adventures cover the whole spectrum of intensity levels, from gentle adventures for tots to adrenaline thrills for teens. During this time, the weather in Costa Rica is still relatively good, but there are fewer tourists. Some call it 'glamping while others just call it sustainable tourism! After exploring San Jos's cultural attractions and historical monuments, you'll move on to Tortuguero National Park on day two. Meanwhile, nearby La Fortuna (and Arenal Volcano National Park) is the adventure capital of Costa Rica. Horseback riding is a specialty at Rancho Margot in El Castillo and Rancho Amalianear Zarcero. 5 stars 10 Pool 88 & up 84 Luxury 24 Property types Resorts 97 All-inclusives 28 B&Bs & Inns 6 Specialty lodgings 2 Show more Amenities Free Wifi 67 Breakfast included57 Pool 88 Free parking 92 Show all Traveler rating 18 & up 84 & up 97 & up 97 Hotel class After a bittersweet morning at Playa Biesanz, we made our way back to our San Jose airport hotel. On day two, you'll have the chance to try zip-lining, repelling, river tubing, horseback riding, and more at Hacienda Guachipelin. You'll glide through the jungle treetops on a zip line adventure on day four, then enjoy a relaxing hike to La Fortuna Waterfall on the last day of the trip. This is Costa Rica's high season and the best time for the tourism industry in the country as a whole. Go hiking in Rincn de la Vieja National Park, keeping your eyes open for tropical birds and finishing the excursion with a refreshing dip in the Oropendola Waterfall. Theres great wildlife spotting at Playa Biesanz as well, with several monkey species and sloths calling the surrounding jungle home. Despite seeing an incredible amount of wildlife so far in our family Costa Rica vacation, we hadnt had any good sloth sightings. Kids will love frolicking in the mineral-rich mud! The beach at the Riu all-inclusive is great for kids, but if youd like some time away from the sand, your family can also enjoy the use of three swimming pools, which come in a variety of depths. Family travel is all about finding balance. Given it would have been a very long 6.5 hour drive between La Fortuna and Sierpe, we decided to break it up with a one-night stay at the Best Western Jaco Beach Resort, which was conveniently located approximately halfway between the two. And each attraction is unique, with so many things to offer everyone. Puntarenas ProvincePlaya Herradura, Costa Rica(506) 8390-7070Visit WebsiteOpen in Google Maps. Rafiki Safari Lodgenear Quepos is surrounded by rainforest and river ecosystems, while Corcovado Adventures Tent Camp near Drake Bay and La Leona Eco Lodge near Carate have prime beachfront locations on the edge of Parque Nacional Corcovado. All Rights Reserved. Private rooms are $34, while dorm beds are available for $8 per night. to Costa Rica's vibrant history and culture. Check out this article on the best things to do in Tamarindo. When I found myself in Costa Rica with my family, I was captivated by the vibrant pulse of life. Just a few of the many highlights included spotting 3 out of 4 of Costa Ricas monkey species, a mother tapir and her baby, several brilliantly colored toucans and an anteater. We then factored in travel times (with our rental car) to strategically give our kids some downtime on travel days. Our adventures began on our first evening in Drake Bay with a night jungle tour. We had the most amazing time. Kids as young as 2 years old may experience the parks zipline tour. David Reeve is a contributing writer at Family Destinations Guide. Ultimate Costa Rica Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days. Baldi Hot Springs will amaze adults, teens, and kiddos ages 3 and above. San Jos, Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Smara: Best It San Jos, Arenal/La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo: Best Itin Arenal/La Fortuna & Tamarindo: Best Itinerary Ideas, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Monteverde, How to Get from Arenal/La Fortuna to Tamarindo, How to Get from Liberia to Arenal/La Fortuna, How to Get from Manuel Antonio to Corcovado National Park, How to Get from San Jos Airport (SJO) to the Osa Peninsula, How to Get from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park, How to Get from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa, How to Get from Tortuguero to Arenal/La Fortuna, Arrive in Liberia & Transfer to Rincn De La Vieja, Take a Private Surf Lesson at Playa Tamarindo, Spot Wildlife on a Nighttime Rainforest Walk, Go on a Sloth and Bird Hike & Dip in Hot Springs, Spot Wildlife on a Night Hike in Tortuguero, Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Children's Eternal Forest, Tour Monteverde Cloud Forest on a Guided Hike, Float Down the Corobic River on a Safari Tour. This small Costa Rican town is one of the country's most famous locations. Again, some facilities are better than others for very small children inquire if there is a gap between the walkway and the guardrail on the bridges to gauge suitability for younger kids. Museo de los Nios 11. Boat, hike, snorkel, and cycle around Costa Rica's beaches and wetlands on this outdoorsy 6-day adventure to Tortuguero National Park and Cahuita National Park. Playa Biesanz is a beautiful, secluded beach loved by locals and tourists alike. First, you'll have some time to relax on the white, golden, and black sand beaches for which the region is famous. The hotels, experiences, guides, transportation, all wer", Traveled to Costa Rica as a group in May, 2023, "Randall planned a wonderful trip to Costa Rica for my boyfriend and me in December. Surf Lesson in Tamarindo, available for beginners up to advance, is operated by Iguana Surf. Our family had an incredibly successful jungle tour thanks to the adept eyes of our guide and our daughter (who is becoming very good at spotting wildlife!). In addition, we saw so many crocodiles and tropical bird species that we lost count. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Boutique La Casa de las Flores, 142, Provincia de Alajuela, La FortunaSan Carlos, Costa Rica506 2479 2190Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps.
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