Are you looking to swap game consoles and gadgets for real adventures? Costa Rica is a family vacation paradise! Here, it’s a real-life playground for kids, with stunning beaches, sunny skies, and diverse wildlife.
Whether exploring lush jungles or finding secret spots, there’s endless fun for everyone.
Don’t worry if your little ones aren’t ready for big adventures like zip-lining or white-water rafting; plenty of gentle, kid-friendly adventures are also waiting! Let’s look at the best places to visit in Costa Rica with kids.
Kids Love These Costa Rican Vacation Sites
Visiting Costa Rica with your family is a unique experience. With many national parks, beautiful beaches, and unique accommodations, you’re set for a family adventure like no other. If you’re wondering what some of the best places to visit for your Costa Rica family vacation are, here are some excellent suggestions:
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
You’ll love visiting La Paz Waterfall Gardens if you and your kids are nature enthusiasts. Located just a few minutes drive from Poás Volcano in Alajuela, this wonderful place is a haven of nature. It’s home to rescued wild animals such as jaguars and toucans, and, of course, as the name implies, stunning waterfalls.
Here, the hummingbird gardens and the butterfly observatory are particularly popular with kids. Also, there’s a great restaurant and high-level facilities, providing everything you need when traveling with young children.
While in the area, especially after visiting the volcano, consider stopping by the Freddo Fresas restaurant. Not only is the food delicious, but they also offer a “milk tour” that kids will love.
Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park
Kalambu is a one-of-a-kind attraction in the heart of the beautiful Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica’s La Fortuna area. This complex offers a poolside wet bar, water slides, pools, play areas, and hot springs for the enjoyment of the whole family!
While the relaxing hot springs might not always excite kids, who can get bored quickly, the water park is a different story. It features a variety of slides and play areas that kids adore, ensuring they’re entertained all day long.
Jaguar Rescue Center
Located near Puerto Viejo in the province of Limón, the Jaguar Rescue Center is a beautiful place for kids to learn about different animals and the dangers they’re exposed to.
In addition to this animal sanctuary, Limon has many family resorts and beautiful beaches with excellent conditions for kids to swim.
The Sloth Sanctuary is also in the area if you wish to visit them and learn more about these charming creatures.
Tortuguero Park
Also located on the Caribbean coast but on the northern side, Tortuguero is the third-most visited national park in Costa Rica. The name translates to “Land of Turtles”; getting here is an adventure itself, as you can only access it by boat or taking a short plane ride. Here, you can visit turtle-nesting beaches, explore the canals, or relax and enjoy the wonderful surrounding nature.
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs is an hour away by car from Liberia, Guanacaste, at the foothills of the Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
This resort is in the middle of the tropical rainforest, between waterfalls, hot springs, and beautiful views. It has a new adventure for the little ones: Dinosaur Land. Here, you can find life-size, animatronic creatures in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle, giving kids an incredible experience they will never forget.
Ponderosa Adventure Park
Ponderosa Park, formerly Africa Mia, is located in Liberia, Guanacaste. It offers an African-safari-like experience where kids can see giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and other animals roaming freely; they even get to feed the giraffes.
The park also features waterfalls, a canopy, ATV tours, hikes, and kayaking, offering plenty of options to suit your kids’ ages and preferences.
Venado Caves, Costa Rica
Take your kids to Venado Caves in Costa Rica on an exciting underground adventure! Just a 45-minute drive from La Fortuna de San Carlos, these caves are over 6 million years old.
They are filled with waterfalls, columns, stalagmites, and fascinating creatures like fish, insects, spiders, and four types of bats. It’s a perfect spot for families exploring a mystical underground world.
The Springs Resort
The Springs Resort & Spa located in La Fortuna, is a luxury resort offering the Club Rio Outdoor Center.
Your family can enjoy various activities here, including inflatable kayaking, river tubing, horseback riding, guided nature tours, and a climbing/rappel wall. The hotel features multiple pools, waterfalls, and, of course, hot springs.
Parque de Diversiones
The Costa Rica amusement park in San Jose may not be as huge as some parks in the United States or other countries, but it offers fun for kids of all ages who will stay busy throughout the day.
With roller coasters, kiddie rides, water attractions, and more, there’s something for everyone. Opt for the special pass, as it is more cost-effective. Remember to bring sunblock and a change of clothes.
Jump Center
This trampoline park, located in Vía Lindora, Santa Ana, and another in Tibás, offers hours of entertainment for kids aged 4 and up. Adults are also welcome to join in the fun! Additionally, if you visit the Vía Lindora location, you can enjoy a mini-golf course, making a full day of activities and enjoyment possible.
The Toucan Rescue Ranch
Located in San Isidro, Heredia, this facility serves as a wildlife sanctuary, rescue, rehabilitation, and release center. They offer tours to see toucans, macaws, sloths, monkeys, and other animals. Some tours even allow you to observe the staff as they feed the animals and take photos with them, or you can tailor your time for a more personalized experience.
Charrara Park
Discover family fun at Charrara Park by Lake Cachi in Cartago, Costa Rica! This sports playground offers a football field, picnic spots, fishing, a swimming pool, volleyball courts, and tennis courts. Enjoy water activities like jet skiing and kayaking in Cachi Lake. Perfect for a day tour with plenty of outdoor fun for everyone!
Why Visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is breathtakingly gorgeous and diverse, with something for everyone.
The country’s natural beauty is unparalleled, with a coastline stretching over 1250 miles along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It has 32 national parks, over 60 volcanoes, 15 wildlife refuges, and hundreds of protected reserves.
You can also enjoy Costa Rica’s laid-back lifestyle, known as ‘Pura Vida’ or pure life. This philosophy emphasizes a stress-free life, which every tourist can appreciate. Aside from its natural wonders, Costa Rica has a thriving tourism industry, so it’s a great place to vacation.
Plan Your Escapade With Bill Beard’s Costa Rica
Discover the best spots and the best family resorts in Costa Rica with Bill Beard’s Costa Rica. Since 1970, we’ve been the go-to vacation planners for divers, families, groups, and honeymooners.
Our experts specialize in customizing the vacation package you desire. However, we recommend doing your research and deciding on the duration of your stay, the size of your travel party, and your preferred activities. Then, let us handle the rest.
Why Choose Us?
- Our local agents in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, can help you select the best places to visit and the best places to stay in Costa Rica with kids.
- We can help reduce travel planning stress and ensure you get the vacation you want at the best price.
- With our expertise, we guarantee a seamless and enjoyable experience.
- We understand everyone’s travel pace is different. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll tailor your experience to match.
- Our office in La Fortuna is open seven days a week, ensuring you have our support whenever you need it, including a 24-hour contact number for any inquiries or assistance.
For reservations and information, contact Bill Beard’s Costa Rica, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM – 9 PM ET. Our reservation office is conveniently located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, behind the Catholic Church, near the hot springs.
Important Note
Please note that while we make every effort to keep our prices current and free of errors or omissions, fees and policies from our vendors and the Costa Rican government are subject to change without notice. Invoices issued at the time of booking will confirm all final rates and offers.