Costa Rica with Toddlers, School-age Kids and Teens

Golden beaches, lush rainforests, exotic wildlife… If you're looking for a proper adventure with kids, ask us about a Costa Rica family holiday in 2025 or beyond. One of the most beautiful, diverse and friendly countries in Central America, it has a whole array of thrilling activities from tree-top walks and zip-lining to wildlife spotting and white-water rafting.

‘Kids love exploring the suspended walkways that hang through the rainforest, which feel like you’re walking through clouds.’

Direct fights to Costa Rica from the UK take a little under 12 hours to fly to the capital, San José. Like much of the Caribbean, Costa Rica has its fair share of kid-friendly resorts and family hotels. However, there are plenty of other options too, from sustainable eco-lodges and treehouse-style resorts to quirky glamping sites.

This country is home to sloths, howler monkeys, toucans and turtles, and those looking for Costa Rica wildlife tours will find something all over the country, including Manuel Antonio National Park, the Osa Peninsula and Tortuguero National Park, famous as a nesting ground for leatherback sea turtles. And with a strong emphasis on eco-tourism and sustainability, Costa Rica is a great place for kids to learn about wildlife conservation.

Costa Rica with Toddlers

Costa Rica is a great place to visit with little nippers. On both the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts you'll find beautiful beaches with soft sands and shady palm trees, as well as family-friendly resorts with kids' clubs and activity programmes. Some hotels offer interconnecting rooms or family suites. See our hand-picked places to stay in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica with School-age Kids

School-age children love Costa Rica's abundant wildlife. Visit the national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Arenal and spot monkeys, sloths and a rainbow of tropical birds. Most parks have some easy trails safe for children to explore. For a unique Costa Rica adventure, take the kids on a guided walk across hanging bridges suspended high above the rainforest canopy.

Costa Rica with Teens

If you really want to impress your resident teenager, book a Costa Rica family holiday and go zip-lining through the cloud forests of Monteverde, learn to surf on Tamarindo beach or go canyoning and white-water rafting down the Pacuare River. Costa Rica is paradise for adrenaline-loving teens and a Costa Rica family adventure holiday is a great way of enjoying many of the activities on offer here.

Is Costa Rica Safe with Kids?

Considered one of the most stable countries in Central America, Costa Rica is a very safe destination for families. Its pura vida (‘pure life’) philosophy makes it ideal for travelling with kids. It follows strict health and safety procedures, especially when it comes to activities.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica with Kids?

The best time to visit Costa Rica largely depends on what you want to experience. The dry season from December through to April is the most popular time to make the most of Costa Rica beaches, thanks to its guaranteed sunshine and minimal rainfall.

During the green season from May to November you'll experience frequent afternoon showers, but they're generally short and sweet and rarely interfere with activities. It's also the best time to see wildlife.

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most diverse countries in Central America. If you're looking for all-inclusive family holidays in Costa Rica, head to the Guanacaste region on the northwestern Pacific coast, which runs has some of the Costa Rica beaches, lush rainforests and family-friendly resorts.

Over on the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is famous for its black-sand beaches, surf spots and wildlife refuges. It has a more laid-back vibe, with its mix of family resorts, eco-lodges and beachfront cabins, making it a good fit for families with older kids and teenagers.

Another hotspot is La Fortuna, a small town northwest of San José and the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. Soak in volcanic hot springs, hop on a jungle tour or simply take a nature walk. It’s a great choice for families with kids of school age and older.

Of course, the best Costa Rica holidays are not always about the beach. If you're travelling with teeny nature lovers, ask us about a Costa Rica wildlife tour in Monteverde. The gateway to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, this charming mountain town 1,400m above sea level has treehouse-style lodges and resorts. Kids love exploring the suspended walkways that hang through the rainforest, which feel like you’re walking through clouds.

What to Eat in Costa Rica

Costa Rican cuisine is pretty kid-friendly, with plenty of rice, beans, fresh fish and grilled meats on menus. Dishes are not generally spicy or overpowering. Arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), fried plantains and arepas (a sturdy pancake) are a hit with most nippers. And kids love trying exotic fruits such as mangosteen, rambutan and soursop, while a daily pipa fría, a ripe sweet coconut served with a straw, is great for keeping them hydrated.

By Tracey Davies

See our guide to Costa Rica family holidays or contact us on 020 3633 0653 or via our enquiry form.