Costa Rica was at the absolute top of our list for our family gap year thanks to the boys and their love of all things nature-based. This is a country that ticks the boxes for almost every type of family adventure. Wildlife galore, stunning beaches, rainforests, adrenaline-packed activities and some of the friendliest people we’ve ever encountered.
We spent six weeks travelling across Costa Rica from coast-to-coast, and these are our top picks of what to do, where to go, where to stay and how to do it all with kids in tow.
Curated itineraries
-
3 Day La Fortuna Itinerary for families
La Fortuna was one of our absolute favourite stops during our family gap year in Costa Rica. We spent several weeks travelling the country with our kids, and La Fortuna really stood out as the place where you can pack in so many of Costa Rica’s most iconic experiences — wildlife, volcanoes, jungle, adventure activities,…
-
7 Days in Costa Rica Itinerary for Families
So you’ve only got 7 days in Costa Rica, and you’re wondering – is this doable? Where HAS to be on that Costa Rica trip itinerary? We spent several weeks travelling through Costa Rica with kids as part of our family gap year. We zigzagged coast-to-coast, exploring beaches, rainforests, rivers, eco-lodges and so much more…
-
The Perfect 2-Week Costa Rica Itinerary for Families
Looking for a family adventure that’s packed full of nature and the outdoors? If you’re like us and you’ve got kids who want to see and do EVERYTHING on holiday then Costa Rica might just be the dream destination for you. Wildlife, ziplining, nesting turtles, hiking in the rainforests, swimming in the bioluminescence…..these are just…
Key Info for a Costa Rica Trip
-
Best places to stay in Costa Rica for families
There aren’t many countries in the world that tick every box for a family adventure — but Costa Rica is one of them. Volcanoes, sloths, jungle hikes, beaches, and ziplines — it’s basically one giant outdoor classroom wrapped in rainforest. We spent several unforgettable weeks travelling across Costa Rica with our two boys, staying everywhere…
-
Where to see sloths in Costa Rica
If you’re planning a family trip to Costa Rica, there’s a good chance one thing is right at the top of your list — seeing a sloth in the wild. There’s just something about these slow-moving, permanently smiling creatures that makes them irresistible to kids (and let’s be honest, to us adults too!). But while…
-
Chilamate Eco Retreat: Is this the best family eco lodge in Costa Rica?
There are some stays that don’t just show you a destination — they let you really experience it. For our family, that’s exactly what Chilamate Eco Retreat did. Hidden away off-the-beaten track in Sarapiquí, this place feels like the Costa Rica you dream about: wild, green, and full of heart. As a family traveling through…
-
Costa Rica on a Budget: Our Exact Family Travel Costs
The lure of Costa Rica can be really strong. There are few other places in the world where you can see such incredible biodiversity, swim in two oceans and pack in some major adrenaline-fuelled fun. But this all comes with a decent-sized price tag. Can you REALLY do Costa Rica on a budget? And how…
-
Is driving in Costa Rica safe?
When it comes to travelling with kids, opting for a hire car is often by far the most convenient (and sometimes most affordable) option. But it can also be REALLY daunting – turning up in a new country with little to no idea of what it might actually be like to navigate on your own. …
-
Unique Stay Under Canvas: Rafiki Safari Lodge Costa Rica Review
If you’re planning your family trip to Costa Rica you’ve probably got the big-hitting destinations like Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna and Tamarindo in your sights. But if you’re also craving a real off-the-beaten track experience that will COMPLETELY immerse you in the flora and fauna of Costa Rica, then a detour to Rafiki Safari Lodge…
-
Is Costa Rica safe for families? Everything you need to know
Travelling as a family feels like a WHOLE different ball-game to all that previous travel we did pre-kids. These days, one of the first things I research whenever we have a destination in mind is safety. If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica with children and you’re anything like me, there’s probably a ton…
-
Costa Rica with Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide
This is your in-depth guide to Costa Rica travel with kids. Plus, download your free guide to Costa Rica family travel right here!
-
Visiting Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast: A Family Guide
We opted to spend the last two weeks of our time in Costa Rica on the Southern Caribbean Coast, taking some time to chill have a pretty hectic first three weeks! It’s the perfect spot in Costa Rica for kicking and relaxing, even with kids! We’d learnt over the first few weeks of the trip…
Our recommended tours, activities and experiences
-
Sky Adventures Arenal Review for Families: Our Honest Experience
Costa Rica is one of those destinations that sounds perfect for families — rainforest, wildlife, volcanoes, adventure — until you actually start planning and realise just how many tours, parks, and “must-do” experiences there are. After travelling extensively around Costa Rica with our kids, one thing became very clear: you can’t do everything, especially if…
-
Where to find the best ziplining in La Fortuna with kids
Ziplining in Costa Rica had been on our family bucket list for years — and once we finally planned several weeks traveling the country as part of our family gap year, there was no question that we were going to make sure we made it happen. With two adventurous boys who actively seek out adrenaline…
-
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…
-
The Ultimate Guide to Turtle Tours in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
If you’ve ever watched a nature documentary about turtles and quietly thought, “One day, I want to see that in real life”, then a turtle tour in Tamarindo, Costa Rica might be EXACTLY your moment. And seeing these incredible creatures nesting right in front of your kids? That’s the kind of travel experience they’ll still…
-
7 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna Costa Rica with Kids: A Family-Tested Guide
If you’re planning a Costa Rica trip with kids and wondering what to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica, you’re in the right place. La Fortuna quickly became one of our favourite stops in the entire country because it’s that rare destination where every member of the family is happy — whether they want adventure,…
-
Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park with Kids
If like me, the image of Costa Rica you have in your mind includes lush jungle, wildlife galore and the most beautiful, pristine beaches you’ve ever seen, then Manuel Antonio National Park is the place to make these dreams a reality. There’s a reason why this is one of the top destinations in Costa Rica….
-
Review: Costa Rica’s Jaguar Rescue Center tour with kids
Absolutely no trip to Costa Rica is complete without seeing some of the famous wildlife. If you’re thinking of taking the kids to Costa Rica then it’s likely that you’ve got national parks and sloth-spotting tours firmly written in to your itinerary. But if you’re keen to see some of the famous Costa Rican wildlife…
-
7 best beaches in Costa Rica for families
Dreaming of a family trip to Costa Rica but wondering which beaches are actually kid-friendly? We visited beaches along both coasts of Costa Rica and have narrowed it down to the top 7 best beaches in Costa Rica for families – whether you’ve got toddlers or teens. Let’s face it, there are so many reasons…
-
A guide to seeing the bioluminescence in Costa Rica
Updated July 2025 Imagine swimming with your kids as the ocean lights up around you like something from a fairytale. Listening to them shrieking with joy as they jump into this magical water from the boat. This isn’t just a far-fetched dream – this is the absolute wonder of taking a bioluminescence Costa Rica tour….
