costa rica family travel guide

Costa Rica Family Travel Guide

Blessed with amazing beaches, pristine wilderness, unique wildlife and a warm, friendly culture, Costa Rica has quickly become a leading family travel destination.

costa rica map

To help you plan your family’s next vacation, start here with my Costa Rica family travel guide.

Top Things to See and Do in Costa Rica

Thanks to a significant amount of thermal activity, Costa Rica is dotted with a large number of volcanoes and thermal hot springs. These hot springs, which come in every size, shape and temperature imaginable, are a fun way to experience another element of Costa Rica’s amazing natural beauty. But not all hot springs are made equal when it comes to visiting with children. Here are the best Costa Rica Hot Springs for families.

Manuel Antonio National Park is widely considered Costa Rica’s piece de resistance. One of the most bio-diverse parks on the planet, lush tropical forests, clear lagoons, mangrove forests and pristine white sandy beaches are all found within the boundaries of Manual Antonio. Here are four great things to do in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica.

In recent years, a number of world-class yoga studios have opened across Costa Rica. Across the country you’ll find that the yogic principles and lifestyle are simple to lear and ascribe to when surrounded by such calm and natural beauty. Here are 4 of the best spots to find your yoga in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Family Travel Tips

Planning a trip to Costa Rica that keeps everyone in the family happy can seem like a challenge. Here is a sample Costa Rica family itinerary that has something to offer the entire family, while balancing the must-see spots with more off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Nestled between the Pacific and the Caribbean, Costa Rica has literally hundreds of beaches. If your family loves a good beach as much as mine, be sure to check out these best beaches in Costa Rica. 

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

While in the Arenal/ La Fortuna area you can ogle a picture perfect volcano, spend the days exploring the jungle, wallowing in mud baths and rinsing off in the numerous hot springs in the region. More adventurous families can enjoy ATV tours, zip lines and river rafting here. There are a number of hotels at a range of price points in the area, but only a few are ideal for family travelers. Here are my picks for the best hotels in Arenal Costa Rica for families.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-see on any Costa Rica travel itinerary. Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, these tangled mangrove waterways and wild rivers found in the park are very easy to access. While there are a large number of hotels in the Manuel Antonio area, a few stand out as clear leaders when it comes to kid-friendly options. Here are the three best Manuel Antonio hotels for kids.

Want more? Consider traveling with the family to Mexico. Check out my Riviera Maya Family Travel Guide here.

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