25 best things to do in Costa Rica with kids (booking links and real reviews)

Trying to narrow down the best things to do in Costa Rica with kids is almost impossible the first time you visit. Before our trip, I had dozens of tabs open, a growing wish list, and that familiar parent panic of “We can’t do everything… so what’s actually worth it?”

I still remember sitting on our balcony in La Fortuna one evening, watching the clouds slowly peel back from Arenal Volcano, getting the boys to help put together a long list of epic things we all wanted to do during our stay. In that moment, with that scrawled list in front of me, I realised what every parent eventually discovers here. Costa Rica is overflowing with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but choosing the right ones is what makes the trip unforgettable.

If you’re planning a family trip to Costa Rica, you’ve probably realised how quickly the cost of all these magical adventures can add up. With kids the stakes feel even higher—you want the things that deliver genuine, awe-inspiring wonder and memories they’ll still be talking about long after you’ve flown home.

We spent several weeks travelling through Costa Rica with our two boys, testing out as many child-friendly adventures as we could squeeze in. From ziplining through the cloud forests to swimming in glowing bioluminescence, tracking sloths in the wild, rafting through jungle rivers, and collapsing into hot springs after a long, sweaty hike—we tried it all. And we learned which experiences truly deserve a spot on your family bucket list.

In this guide, you’ll find:
✨ Our tried-and-tested favourite activities (the ones our kids still rave about)
✨ Clear details on where to do each activity, ages, costs, and parent tips
✨ A handful of epic experiences we missed—but have firmly saved for next time
✨ Safety notes, realistic expectations, and honest parent insights you won’t find in generic guides

If you want to plan a Costa Rica trip that’s exciting, meaningful, and actually doable with kids, you’re in the right place.

1. Zipline through the rainforest canopy

Ziplining through the rainforest, surrounded by the sound of howler monkeys and the calls of toucans is an unforgettable experience. This was high up on our list of things to do in Costa Rica with the kids, and it absolutely did not disappoint.

This is fast becoming a staple Costa Rica activity and is now offered in locations across the country. Some ziplines are over 1km in length and really send you hurtling at speed through the forest. 

And if it rains (as it did on one of the days we spent ziplining) the experience becomes even MORE heightened. The water on the lines makes you zip EVEN FASTER and at times you’ll find yourself flying through the actual clouds. Watching my 7-year-old disappear at speed into a cloud was a slightly terrifying experience (though not for him, he was loving every second!). 

⚡ Book the zipline tour we did in La Fortuna – the guides were incredible with nervous kids and the lines are perfect for families

Where to do it	La Fortuna: Arenal Mundo Aventura, Sky Adventures Arenal Park Monteverde: 100% Aventura, Selvatura Park Manuel Antonio: Sukia Park Zipline & Canopy Tour Tamarindo: Pinilla Canopy Tour
Best ages	5+ for most operators. Kids under 8–9 often ride tandem with a guide.
Typical cost	$60–$90 per person depending on length, number of lines, and whether it includes a Tarzan swing or Superman cable.
Recommended places to stay nearby	La Fortuna: Los Lagos Resort Monteverde: Camino Verde B&B Manuel Antonio: Igloo Beach Lodge Tamarindo: Diria Beach Resort
Safety notes for parents	Rain makes the lines faster — fun for kids, slightly heart-stopping for parents. Closed-toe shoes are required. Some operators have weight/height limits, so check before booking.

Bonus Parent Tip (From Our Trip)

If your kids are a bit nervous, we found that our guides were more than happy to take them across attached to them anyway. This is great as it means even kids who are a bit hesitant at first can experience it too.

2. Spot sloths in the wild

You’d be hard pressed to find anyone travelling to Costa Rica who DOESN’T want to see sloths on their trip. But on a family trip to Costa Rica with kids in tow, spotting a sloth is an absolute must.

We were lucky enough to see over 20 sloths in the wild during our travels in Costa Rica. And spotting another one never got old! 

You can hire a guide to maximise your chances. Guides usually have decent telescopes too that mean you can really see the sloths in detail. However, there’s also places across Costa Rica where you can see sloths without a guide. We saw several sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park and along the beaches of the Caribbean Coast on our own.

See our full guide to sloths in Costa Rica right here for a more in-depth dive in to where to see these lovable creatures.

🦥 If you want guaranteed sloth sightings (and the chance to see them up close through a guide’s telescope) book the sloth tour we recommend here

Where to do it	Manuel Antonio National Park Cahuita National Park Tortuguero La Fortuna (Bogarin Trail)
Best ages	All ages — it’s slow-paced and easy for toddlers to teens.
Typical cost	Guided tours: $20–$35 per person Self-guided: Park entry $5–$18 depending on location
Recommended places to stay nearby	La Fortuna: Los Lagos Resort Cahuita: Hotel El Encanto Manuel Antonio: Igloo Beach Lodge
Safety notes for parents	Bring snacks — kids get hungry waiting for sloth sightings. Early mornings = better wildlife viewing. Keep kids quietish in national parks (hard, but helps!). A guided tour is totally worth it if you actually want to learn more about sloths AND get to see them through a tour guide’s telescope (a whole different experience!).

3. Swim or kayak in the magical bioluminescence

This was one activity I’d completely overlooked in our planning for Costa Rica. Make sure you don’t make the same mistake as this is SUCH an experience!

We stumbled upon the idea of a bioluminescence tour whilst we were on the road. Reading up on it I knew it was something we HAD to add to our Costa Rica itinerary. 

The best area to see the bioluminescence in Costa Rica is at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. From Puntarenas on the mainland or Paqeura and Montezuma on the Peninsula itself you can take a night tour to see the sparkling waters on Costa Rica for yourself.

You can opt to kayak the bay and see the bioluminescence light up under your paddle. Or you can take a boat trip, watch the sunset and then jump in and swim through the glowing waters. I would highly recommend this option with kids.

This really is one of the very best things to do in Costa Rica with kids. The sound of absolute squeals of joy from the boys as the sea sparkled around them will stay with me for a very long time!

For a full review of our bioluminescence experience in Costa Rica, check out our other post here.

🌊 See the glowing waters for yourself — this is the exact bioluminescence tour we did, and it was one of the boys’ favourite moments of the whole trip.

Where to do it	Nicoya Peninsula: Paquera, Montezuma, Tambor Tours also available from: Puntarenas
Best ages	6+ for kayaking 4+ for swimming off a boat (life jackets provided)
Typical cost	$30–$55 per person
Recommended places to stay nearby	Cabuya: Cabuya Beach & Jungle Villas Paquera: Eco Boutique Hotel Vista Las Islas
Safety notes for parents	Night tours can run late — bring warm layers for the boat ride back. Bioluminescence is best around the new moon. Younger kids may prefer swimming from a boat vs. kayaking.

4. Climb over the iconic Hanging Bridges

A quick skim through any Costa Rica travel guide and I guarantee there’ll be an image in there somewhere of the iconic hanging bridges that run through the rainforest here. Traversing these wobbly bridges is almost a rite-of-passage for any traveller to Costa Rica. And believe me, they are much more wobbly than you think!

There are parks that feature hanging bridges in La Fortuna and Monteverde. Most have a number of trails that you can hike of varying distances and difficulty. So you can tailor your hike to factor in kids and how far you think they can realistically manage. 

We booked a full day out at Sky Adventures Arenal, just outside La Fortuna, and it was a great all-in-one adventure experience.

📷 Reserve your hanging bridges tickets in advance — these parks get busy and early slots are best for kids.

Where to do it	La Fortuna: Sky Adventures, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park Monteverde: Selvatura Park
Best ages	4+ (younger toddlers can manage with breaks)
Typical cost	$20–$35 per adult $12–$22 per child
Recommended places to stay nearby	La Fortuna: Los Lagos Springs & Resort Monteverde: Camino Verde B&B
Safety notes for parents	Bridges can get slippery after rain. Some trails are longer than they look! Remember that in the heat, kids will find hikes in Costa Rica more challenging (unless they are already very used to this). Take plenty of water with you (more than you think!).

Bonus Parent Tip (From Our Trip)

We massively overestimated our kids’ hiking stamina with this one. If you don’t want over-heated, exhausted, grumpy kids then pick your trail carefully.

5. See turtles nesting on the beaches

Nature fans will not want to miss the awe-inspiring sight of watching turtles lay their eggs on the beaches in Costa Rica. There are a number of places where you can see this depending on the season. 

We deliberately planned our Costa Rica family itinerary to give ourselves the best chance we could at seeing the turtles. Our boys are massive David Attenborough fans and were adamant that this was something we HAD to include.

Tours run in the evening as the turtles nest at night under the light of the moon. Depending on the season, you can see nesting turtles along the Pacific Coast (in places like Tamarindo and Nosara) and in Tortuguero on the Caribbean Coast.

We were lucky enough to be able to watch a nesting turtle dig her nest and then lay the eggs. Right in front of us. It was completely mesmerising – and absolutely worth the late night for the boys. They still talk about it to this day with wonder.

Check out our full guide for seeing nesting turtles in Costa Rica here for a more in-depth guide.

🐢 Book the turtle tour early — spaces are tightly controlled to protect the turtles, and the best guides fill fast.

Where to do it	Pacific Coast: Tamarindo, Nosara, Playa Ostional Caribbean Coast: Tortuguero National Park
Best ages	6+ (quiet, late nights required)
Typical cost	$35–$50 per person for guided night tours
Recommended places to stay nearby	Tortuguero: Cabanas Daneysha Nosara: Olas Verdes Hotel Tamarindo: Diria Beach Resort
Safety notes for parents	Absolutely no flash photography allowed. Tours often start around 8–9 pm — prepare for tired kids. Listen VERY carefully and follow the instructions from the guides to avoid disturbing turtles.

6. Visit the stunning National Parks

There’s a whole host of National Parks in Costa Rica to choose from. And the best bit? Many of them are easily accessible with kids and are havens for wildlife spotting.

Generally the price of admission is very reasonable too. Which makes them a great, budget way to experience the biodiversity of Costa Rica. Some – such as Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo – ask for a donation only rather than charging a set admission fee. 

If you want to learn more about the Costa Rican flora and fauna, you can hire a private guide in most national parks. All the guides we used were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable – some of the facts they gave us are still quoted by the boys.

However, if you’re on a tight budget (or just not a tour fan) then it’s also possible to see a huge amount of wildlife on your own. The wildlife in Costa Rica is just EVERYWHERE and to be honest, hard to miss. 

We saw sloths, three types of monkey, scarlet macaws, toucans, hummingbirds, poison dart frogs, green tree frogs, tarantulas, anteaters, snakes, raccoons, iguanas, land crabs and agoutis – all just on our own wanders through national parks without a guide.

Our favourite national parks on the Pacific Coast were Manuel Antonio and Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. On the Caribbean Coast, Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo were big hits with the whole family.

🐒 If you want a guide who’ll spot wildlife you’d never notice alone, book a local naturalist for your national park visit here.

Where to do it	Pacific Coast: Manuel Antonio, Cabo Blanco Caribbean Coast: Cahuita, Gandoca-Manzanillo
Best ages	All ages, depending on trail length
Typical cost	$5–$18 entry Guides: $20–$45 per person
Recommended places to stay nearby	Manuel Antonio: Igloo Beach Lodge Cahuita: Hotel El Encanto
Safety notes for parents	Wildlife is everywhere — keep a safe distance, especially from monkeys and raccoons. Heat + humidity = slower hiking pace for kids. Start early to avoid crowds and heat.

7. Experience the adrenaline of Whitewater Rafting

Several rivers in Costa Rica are good spots for whitewater rafting as they offer a variety of rapids, from Class I up to Class V. The lower class of rapids are a great opportunity to get out there on the water with kids.

The screams of excitement/mild terror from the boys as we hit our first set of rapids were wonderful. We booked a day of rafting via Chilamate Eco Lodge in Sarapiqui – the river is right outside the lodge. Our guide had been on the national team for Costa Rica and rafted across Central America and the USA. He was BRILLIANT.

As well as tackling the rapids together, there were also stops for swimming in the river, jumping in to the water from rocks and to catch our breath with a cold drink and some fresh fruit. 

If you’re looking for a real family bonding activity, then whitewater rafting is absolutely up there as one of the best things to do in Costa Rica with kids.

Coming in at anywhere between $60-100 per person, this is a real splash out activity. But in our opinion, totally worth it.

🚣‍♂️ This is the rafting tour we booked in Sarapiquí — kid-friendly rapids, brilliant guides, and plenty of swim stops.

Where to do it	Sarapiquí River Balsa River (La Fortuna) Savegre River (Manuel Antonio/Bahia Uvita)
Best ages	6+ for Class II–III family routes 12+ for stronger rapids
Typical cost	$60–$100 per person
Recommended places to stay nearby	Sarapiquí: Chilamate Eco Retreat La Fortuna: Arenal Xilopalo Manuel Antonio: Igloo Beach Lodge
Safety notes for parents	All operators provide helmets and life jackets. Not suitable during periods of heavy rain (rivers rise quickly). Kids must be comfortable in water.

8. Relax in the Hot Springs in La Fortuna

There’s only so much adrenaline and excitement one family can take, right?!  Fortunately the thermal pools in La Fortuna are ready and waiting for you when you need to chill out and relax.

There are a number of resorts that have thermal hot spring complexes in La Fortuna. Book in to any of these and you can access these for yourself. Alternatively, you can book in on a day pass. We loved Los Lagos Resort – they have a huge complex of hot spring pools (one even had a swim-up bar!) plus coldwater pools with slides for the kids.

And if you’re on a really tight budget, there are free, natural hot springs along the river just outside La Fortuna. So you can indulge yourselves without spending a penny.

🏊‍♂️ We loved Los Lagos for the slides and family-friendly layout — book a day pass or overnight stay here.

Where to do it	Los Lagos Resort Baldi Hot Springs Tabacón (luxury option) Free public river: El Chollin
Best ages	All ages
Typical cost	Day passes range from $10–$75 per person Public river: Free
Recommended places to stay nearby	Los Lagos Resort
Safety notes for parents	Springs can be HOT; test water before kids get in. Slippery surfaces — water shoes help. Crowds build after 3 pm (although it is glorious in the evenings too)

9. Learn to surf

Adventurous, water-loving kids will love the chance to have a go at surfing in Costa Rica. The classic surf spots to learn are along the Pacific Coast, particularly Nosara and Tamarindo. But the Caribbean side has surprisingly good surf too and several places to grab a lesson.

Surf schools are lined up along the shore in Tamarindo and Nosara; these are probably your best bet if you want to give surfing a go. In Nosara there are even a couple of family resorts that run their own kids surf camps (such as Olas Verdes Hotel in Nosara – highly recommended). 

If full-blown surfing isn’t your thing (like me), then many family resorts in Tamarindo and Nosara will hire out body boards. So you can still have plenty of fun in the ocean waves.

🏄 If your kids want to learn to surf, book a beginner lesson with one of these trusted surf schools — gentle waves, soft boards, and super patient instructors.

Where to do it	Tamarindo Nosara (Playa Guiones) Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)
Best ages	7+ for formal surf lessons 4+ for bodyboarding
Typical cost	$45–$75 for a 90-minute lesson
Recommended places to stay nearby	Tamarindo: Diria Beach Resort Nosara: Olas Verdes Hotel (great kids’ surf camps)
Safety notes for parents	Strong sun — long-sleeve rash guards essential. Choose soft-top beginner boards. Caribbean surf is surprisingly strong; ask locals about conditions.

10. Visit the Jaguar Rescue Centre

If you really want to learn more about conservation efforts in Costa Rica, this is a great place to start. Set between Cahuita and Manzanillo on the Caribbean Coast, this excellent animal rehabilitation centre is hugely educational AND a fun, engaging visit with kids.

Tours are run by volunteers and are SO interesting. You’ll see sloths, margay cats, agoutis, deer, monkeys, macaws, snakes and more. Just don’t expect to see any actual jaguars!

Plus there’s a fab gift shop (highly recommended by my own two little souvenir hunters). 

Read our full review of the Jaguar Rescue Center here.

🐆 Book your Jaguar Rescue Centre tour here — morning tours are cooler, quieter, and better for younger kids.

Where to do it	Just South of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean Coast
Best ages	All ages — extremely kid-friendly
Typical cost	$24 per adult $12 per child
Recommended places to stay nearby	Cahuita: Hotel El Encanto
Safety notes for parents	No touching animals (tempting but prohibited). Morning tours are less hot and less crowded.

11. Hike the Arenal Volcano

The breathtaking Arenal Volcano looms over the town of La Fortuna. If you’re lucky during your stay, the clouds might even clear so you can see the very peak!

There’s a number of hiking trails that surround the volcano. Most of these are privately owned areas so expect to pay an admission fee for entry. The boys voted Arenal 1968 as their favourite here. I’d love to say that this was down to the amazing views, the chance to see solidified lava (from the 1968 eruption) and the fascinating geology. But I think a lot of their rave reviews were due to the fab little cafe at the end of the hike! The chance to grab an ice cold drink (after a pretty sweaty hike) with views of the volcano definitely got their winning vote.

🌋 Grab your Arenal 1968 tickets here — the views are spectacular, and the trails are perfect for adventurous kids.

Where to do it	Arenal 1968 Trail Arenal Volcano National Park El Silencio Trails
Best ages	6+ for full trails Toddlers can manage shorter loops
Typical cost	$15–$30 entry Guides extra
Recommended places to stay nearby	La Fortuna: Arenal Xilopalo, Los Lagos Springs & Resort
Safety notes for parents	Trails are exposed — bring hats + water. Terrain is uneven over old lava flows. Definitely not stroller-friendly! If you’re travelling with small children a sling/carrier would be much better.

12. Chill out on any of the beautiful beaches

On top of ALL the amazing, exciting things to do in Costa Rica, pencilling in some serious beach time is an absolute must. What Costa Rica family vacation is complete without some time lounging on the beach, sipping a cocktail from a pineapple while the kids build sandcastles and splash in the ocean?

Costa Rica has some spectacular coastline dotted with absolutely gorgeous beaches. You can find our top picks of family-friendly beaches are here, with full details on why we LOVED each one.

In a nutshell, on the Pacific Coast some of the highlights are the beaches inside Manuel Antonio National Park, around Nosara, Samara and Tamarindo. On the Caribbean Coast the entire stretch between Cahuita and Manzanillo offers some perfect beach spots.

And the added bonus in Costa Rica is that even while you’re chilling on the beach, there’s always the chance of more wildlife spots! Sloths hang lazily in the trees that line the beaches in Manuel Antonio and Cahuita. So you can get even more of a wildlife fix, even on days when you’re not out looking for it.

⛱️ If you want easy family-friendly beaches, these are our favourite spots—soft waves, warm water, and plenty of space for kids to run wild.

Where to do it	Pacific Coast: Manuel Antonio, Nosara, Samara, Tamarindo Caribbean Coast: Cahuita to Manzanillo stretch
Best ages	All ages
Typical cost	Free! Sunbeds/umbrellas $5–$15
Recommended places to stay nearby	Manuel Antonio: Igloo Beach Lodge Nosara: Olas Verdes Hotel Tamarindo: Diria Beach Resort Cahuita: Hotel El Encanto
Safety notes for parents	Rip currents can be strong — stick to lifeguarded areas when possible. Shade is limited on many of the beaches Watch for monkeys near food!

13. Check out the enormous crocs at Crocodile Bridge

Costa Rica activities with kids can take a real toll on your budget. Fortunately this is a chance to see some of Costa Rica’s wildlife free-of-charge.

This might be a real tourist trap but it is also a brilliant opportunity to see these massive reptiles. From a very safe vantage point! There are dozens of crocs in the water and along the muddy banks of the Tarcoles River that runs beneath the bridge. We spent a good hour or so marvelling at the HUGE crocodiles here with the boys and snapping plenty of pics.

If you want to see crocs in the wild but are (understandably!) a bit worried about safety, then this is a good chance to observe them from a distance.

Stop on the Quepos side of the bridge and you can park for free along the roadside. On the Jaco side, there are parking lots with attendants where you can pay to leave your car. There’s several restaurants and souvenir stalls on the Jaco side of the bridge too (all VERY touristy.).

🐊 Heading between Jaco and Manuel Antonio? Pin the bridge location here so you don’t miss the easiest, free wildlife stop in Costa Rica.

Where to do it	Tarcoles River Bridge, between Jaco and Orotina
Best ages	All ages (viewing from bridge)
Typical cost	Free (parking $2–$4 on Jaco side)
Recommended places to stay nearby	Visit en-route between Manuel Antonio and San Jose/other destinations
Safety notes for parents	Keep kids well away from the road — there can be a lot of traffic There are plenty of barriers in place on the bridge to stop any accidents.

14. Learn how chocolate is made

There are chocolate tours and fincas across Costa Rica where you can delve in to the history of chocolate here, learn how it’s made and – best of all – sample some of it for yourself. Obviously this was one activity that our kids were 100% in on.

Depending on your Costa Rica itinerary, you can find chocolate tours in La Fortuna, Uvita, Manuel Antonio and Sarapiqui. We opted to visit the Costa Rica Best Chocolate Tour in Sarapiqui during our stay at Chilamate Eco Retreat. 

The tour guide here was super friendly and the whole thing was really engaging and informative. They walked us through the growing and harvesting of the cacao beans whilst we walked through the trees (spotting poison dart frogs too along the way!). We were then talked through the history of chocolate in Costa Rica and how the beans are processed and made in to different types of chocolate products. 

And yes, we did get to sample a LOT of chocolate too. In it’s bar form and also as a drink, which we could add other flavours and spices to. After, there’s a fab little gift shop at the end which was also a hit with the boys.

🍫 Book the chocolate tour in Sarapiquí here — it’s hands-down one of the most fun (and delicious!) activities for kids.

Where to do it	La Fortuna Sarapiqui
Best ages	All ages (kids LOVE this one)
Typical cost	$25–$40 per person
Recommended places to stay nearby	Sarapiquí: Chilamate Eco Retreat La Fortuna: Los Lagos Springs Resort
Safety notes for parents	Mosquitoes can be intense — make sure you bring repellent. There can be some slippery paths through the cacao groves after rain.

15. Sleep under canvas at Rafiki Safari Lodge

There are places to sleep, and then there are places to sleep that are a whole experience in themselves. Set right out in rural Costa Rica, Rafiki Safari Lodge feels a million miles away from the real world. 

The main deck of the lodge is set up on stilts, with soaring views across the valley. The ‘rooms’ here are big canvas safari tents set around the lush grounds. Each ones opens up on to a private deck where you can sit in a rocker and spend hours watching the bird and animal life. 

Going to sleep – and waking up – to the sounds of the jungle around you is really magical. But whilst you might be sleeping under canvas, this is NOT roughing it in any way. The tents are huge, with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms attached.

And best of all for the kids – there’s a gorgeous little pool with a waterslide that winds it’s way through the undergrowth before shooting you out at the bottom. Be warned though – it’s so much faster than it looks!

Read our full review of Rafiki Safari Lodge here for more info.

⛺ You can check Rafiki Safari Lodge availability here — it books up months ahead because it’s such a standout family stay.

Where to do it	Savegre Valley (near Quepos/Manuel Antonio)
Best ages	Kids of all ages will love it, and even younger children are catered for.
Typical cost	$255-325 per night for safari tents (varies by season)
Recommended places to stay nearby	This is the place to stay — it’s the whole experience.
Notes for parents	The Lodge is VERY remote; pack all essentials. Expect jungle noises at night (our kids thought this was awesome!). Pool slide is super FAST — warn kids (and brace yourself if you’re having a go!)

16. Ride the Sky Tram up through the forest canopies

This is a great option if you’ve got smaller children – they get to go up through the rainforest canopies without the hiking! Feeling the rainforest all around you is a pretty special, immersive experience. 

The Sky Tram at Sky Adventures outside La Fortuna allows you to do just this. You can book as part of a package with access to the hikes, hanging bridges AND ziplining tour. Which is particularly great if you’re short on time and trying to pack a few iconic Costa Rican experiences in to one day.

Each Sky Tram has a guide to talk you through the flora and fauna as you ascend. Ours even took us on a short walk at the top to see the resident Eyelash Pit Viper.

🚋 Book the Sky Tram here — it’s the easiest way for little ones to get right up into the rainforest canopy.

Where to do it	Sky Adventures Arenal Park (La Fortuna)
Best ages	All ages, perfect for toddlers or less mobile family members
Typical cost	$50–$89pp depending on combo packages
Recommended places to stay nearby	La Fortuna: Arenal Xilopalo, Los Lagos Springs & Resort
Safety notes for parents	You’ll need insect repellent for the whole day out here Hold small kids hands during loading/unloading – it can be a bit wobbly

17. Take a Night Tour and explore the wildlife after dark

If you want to see the full range of wildlife, then one of the best things to do in Costa Rica is to book yourself on to a night tour. That way you can make sure you tick the nocturnal creatures off your list too!

You’’ll find night tours running in lots of locations across Costa Rica. Expect to see a lot of frogs, tarantulas and creepy-crawlies. The boys were definitely more keen on this than me! If you’re in Tortuguero you’re also likely to see crocs on the river tours (or at least their cold eyes staring out at you from the water and the riverbanks).

🐸 Book a night tour here — guides will spot frogs, tarantulas and nocturnal animals you’d walk right past on your own.

Where to do it	La Fortuna Monteverde Tortuguero
Best ages	6+ recommended (younger kids may be nervous in the dark)
Typical cost	$25–$40 per person
Recommended places to stay nearby	La Fortuna: Arenal Xilopalo, Los Lagos Springs & Resort Monteverde: Camino Verde B&B
Safety notes for parents	Wear closed-toe shoes — lots of uneven ground that you can’t see! Guides will spot things you never would and are worth every penny Bring a lightweight kid-sized flashlight so they can spot things for themselves too

18. Channel your inner Tarzan at El Salto Rope Swing

For probably the BEST way to cool off in Costa Rica (because this is a pretty hot country!) head to the river just South of La Fortuna. The El Salto rope swing here is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. And it’s completely free to have a go!

If you’re brave enough, swing right out high above the river and then launch yourself in to the water from above. It’s a pretty amazing feeling! Our two boys are massive water fans so are always looking for an opportunity to throw themselves in to rivers, lakes, cenotes, oceans. Any type of water really to be honest. 

So this was definitely a family favourite for us!

🌴 Save the exact location of El Salto Rope Swing here so you can find the safe jump spot and calmer swimming area.

Where to do it	El Salto, just south of La Fortuna
Best ages	6+ for the swing All ages for swimming
Typical cost	Free!
Recommended places to stay nearby	La Fortuna: Arenal Xilopalo, Los Lagos Springs & Resort
Safety notes for parents	Rocks can be slippery so take care with kids Water depth varies — check before jumping. Weekends get very busy with locals!

19. Take an Ethnobotany Tour

One of the many, brilliant things about Chilamate Eco Retreat is that they can set you up with members of the local community in Sarapiqui who offer their expertise on a range of different tours and activities.

An ethnobotany tour was NOT on our list of must-do activities in Costa Rica but it turned out to be eye-opening for us all. One of the lodges neighbours takes you out in to the surrounding area for a walking tour of the flora of Costa Rica. And it is so fascinating! 

As well as learning a ton of flora facts, we also learnt about the specific uses for each plant. Some were medicinal, some were used for dye, others for something completely different. 

Plus the best bit? You get to chop open several of the plants (with a machete!) and try the edible ones for yourself. Just beware of the anaesthetic one or you might come away with a numb mouth like some of us did!

🌿 You can book the ethnobotany tour through Chilamate Eco Retreat here — it was one of the most unexpectedly fascinating activities of our whole trip.

Where to do it	Sarapiquí (with local community guides via Chilamate Eco Retreat)
Best ages	7+ (the walk isn’t challenging but a decent attention span is needed)
Typical cost	$15-20 per person
Recommended places to stay nearby	Chilamate Eco Retreat
Safety notes for parents	Expect mud, especially after rain. Wear good walking shoes. Some plants WILL stain clothes (part of the fun!).

And for our next family trip to Costa Rica…..

Like any mildly obsessed travel planner, I have a further list of EVEN MORE family-friendly activities to check out in Costa Rica. Ready and waiting for our next trip!

20. Go horse-riding

This is something that our boys have tried a couple of times and really enjoyed. There are horseback tours available in destinations across Costa Rica, including around the Arenal Volcano, in the Savegre River valley and along the beaches around Manuel Antonio.

I’ve already got a list of tours stashed away for our next Costa Rica trip!

21. Stay in a nature observation treehouse in the jungle

Located right inside the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Park, this place is a real once-in-a-lifetime stay for older kids (and adults too really). This was firmly on our list of things to do in Costa Rica. Until I discovered that the minimum age for an overnight stay was 8 (and at the time our youngest was 7 and 11months!).

Several people we met during our time in Manzanillo RAVED about this experience. You get to stay high up in the rainforest canopy in a circular treehouse. It’s surrounded by an observation deck to take your wildlife spotting to another level. 

To access your unique home for the night, you have to traverse the giant tree it’s housed in via ropes and climbing gear. So it’s not for the faint-hearted!

22. See humpback whales in Uvita

Time your visit to Costa Rica right and you might just be lucky enough to see the migrating humpback whales off the coast. The best place to see them is Marino Ballena National Park, outside Uvita on the Southern stretch of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. 

The migrating whales are best seen between January-April and July-October. There are several tour operators that will take you out on boat trips to see them from Uvita.

Unfortunately our trip didn’t coincide with the whale-watching season so this is one that we missed out on.

23. Take a canoe tour through the waterways in Tortuguero

Tortuguero is right up at the top of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast and is a haven for wildlife. The most popular way to see the animals here is to take a tour by canoe through the winding rivers. Which is a great option with kids as it removes any long hikes through the jungle!

There’s a whole heap of tours available in and around Tortuguero to choose from. Bear in mind that it IS a tricky destination to get to as there’s no land route – you have to take either a boat or fly. 

We DID originally have Tortuguero on our list and I’d spent months researching it. But when it came to the crunch, we’d just been on the road a bit too long by the time it came around and needed some downtime (so we settled in to beach life in Cahuita instead!).

24. Snorkel with turtles at Tortuga Island

Off the coast of the Southern Nicoya Peninsula, this was highly recommended to me as a spot where you have the amazing opportunity to swim with turtles. Several friends and their kids had a magical time on this tour. We just ran out of time (and budget!) for this one.

25. Stay on a coffee farm

During previous travels we’d stayed on coffee plantations in Colombia and I was keen to do this again, this time with the kids. Whilst they’re not yet that keen on coffee, they do love being out in the middle of nowhere. 

There are coffee farms with overnight stays in the hills around San Jose, in and around Monteverde and as far South as Uvita. This is absolutely on our list for next time!

Is Costa Rica safe for families?

Before our trip, this was the number one question sitting at the back of my mind — especially because we were planning to cross the country with two young kids, often in rural areas, hiking trails, and chasing wildlife sightings.

After several weeks travelling through Costa Rica, here’s the honest truth:

Yes, Costa Rica is absolutely safe for families — especially if you take the same common-sense precautions you’d use anywhere.

We felt safe everywhere we went: on public trails, driving between towns, walking in busy tourist areas, staying in rural rainforest lodges, and even out at night on wildlife tours. The local guides, park rangers, hotel staff and families we met were incredibly warm and helpful.

That said, there are a few things parents should know that don’t always make it into glossy Instagram posts:

• Wildlife is wild — monkeys and raccoons will absolutely try to steal snacks if you leave them out.
  
• Rip currents can be strong — stick to beaches with calmer waves if your kids aren’t confident swimmers.
  
• Heat + humidity hits children fast — we underestimated this during our first week and ended up slowing our pace way down.
  
• Driving after dark isn’t ideal — winding mountain roads and sudden rainstorms make daylight driving easier.
  
• Tour guides are worth every penny — for safety, spotting wildlife and getting insider knowledge.
  

But overall?
Costa Rica is one of the most family-friendly countries we’ve ever visited — safe, welcoming, and incredibly geared toward nature-loving, adventure-seeking kids.

If you’re nervous, you’re not alone. I was too. But within 48 hours of landing, watching the boys splash in warm Pacific waves with scarlet macaws flying overhead, those nerves melted away.

Planning Your Family Trip to Costa Rica?

If you want our exact route, budget tips, kid-approved activities, and safety notes we learned the hard way, I’ve put everything into a free Costa Rica With Kids Travel Guide.

It includes:
✅ a curated two-week itinerary
✅ best places to stay in each region
✅ age-specific activity recommendations
✅ packing list for families

👇 Download your free Costa Rica With Kids Guide here and start planning your adventure.

For more things Costa Rica, check out some of our other posts:

• Costa Rica Travel with Kids: The Ultimate Guide
• Driving in Costa Rica
• 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary for families
• Best Beaches in Costa Rica
• Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park with Kids
• Staying Under Canvas at Rafiki Safari Lodge
• Our Favourite Eco-Lodge Stay in Costa Rica for Families