Arenal Volcano The area around Arenal Volcano is a prime Costa Rica family vacation destination (Photo: @ISphotos via Twenty20) Rising dramatically from the land and ringed by rivers, rainforests, and waterfalls, Arenal Volcano looks like it was plucked straight from a children's fairy tale. Costa Rica Family Packages: Give the Gift of Travel to your family. So do we! | Last updated Oct 21, 2022. Whatever you choose, youll be one with the rainforest universe in your plush, locally designed room with an outdoor shower. In the unlikely scenario that you do require medical help, the private healthcare system in Costa Rica is excellent, with a couple of top-notch clinics in San Jose. Having your own wheels lets you travel independently, at your own pace. With a quarter of the country having protected status, Costa Rica does a lot to maintain its proud biodiversity - thats why its a growing eco-destination. This combination package (zipline, sky tram and sky walk) costs $120 for adults and $60 for kids. Instead, The Gilded Iguana offers a much more . CULINARY DELIGHTS: 7 All-Inclusive Resorts with the Best Food. So if you still havent seen one towards the end of your trip, I recommend heading here. Most kids from 6-12 would love ziplining; to ensure their safety, they can also go tandem with an instructor. The most popular and reputed park for ziplining in Anrela is, This is an excellent activity for kids as the hanging bridges are short and even toddlers will be able to walk and enjoy the forest this way. Childrens surf lessons are great fun and confidence building with the friendly team at Smara Beach snorkelling, diving and sailing too. Most of the tourist-oriented towns, such as La Fortuna and Tamarindo, have great supermarkets and restaurants with high standards of hygiene. If you dont mind getting a little wet, visit between May and November when prices are lower and there are less crowds. Flights View Dates & Prices 5.0/5 from 22 reviews Family Refer to CDC for health information on Costa Rica. Pack a lunch and make the most of the picturesque beaches that double as perfect picnic spots. Next to Diamante Eco Adventure Park, Oceanfront ecolodge in Puerto Viejo Its great value for money, plus the view of the cloud forest from the second-floor guest room is fantastic. Whether your dream getaway is a white sand beach, a week-long whitewater rafting trip, or a visit to a mangrove jungle, there's something for everyone! Down to the fantastic Osa Peninsula. Ziplining, night walks, horse riding and more, Family Highlights Tour inc meals, hotels and tours Ive put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! Look out for rainbows framing the forests. Rooms are large and beds have plush pillow-tops and custom duvets. These gorgeous overwater bungalows make perfect dream vacation spots for families and couples. Take the Mega Combo Buena Vista day trip. Check In __ /__ /__ Check Out __ /__ /__ Guests 1 room, 2 adults, 0 children Popular 5 Star Pool Luxury Property types B&Bs & Inns Hotels Lodges Hostels Show all Amenities Free Wifi Breakfast included Pool Free parking Unlike other parts of Central America, Costa Rica is relatively safe and easy to travel around on your own. Treat the family to an adventure they'll remember for ever. This remote rainforest region on the northern Atlantic coast allows families to explore exotic jungle canals by boat, eliminating the hassle of taking young ones on long hikes. We stayed at this family-run lodge just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Santa Elena town. Some products are sent to us for free and some visits are hosted, with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Hotels on the beach are definitely much more expensive, at $100-150 for the same standard of accommodation. Adventurous teens will love zip-lining above rainforests or kayaking through mangroves and theres nothing like experiencing the thrill together. Childrenare invited into the culture of Costa Rica to learn about the surrounding environment with programs designed to entertain and educate. Many of them have family rooms, which are bigger and have extra beds for kids. Tailor-made getaways, incredible road trips, and amazing family adventures, off the beaten track. Rising dramatically from the land and ringed by rivers, rainforests, and waterfalls, Arenal Volcano looks like it was plucked straight from a childrens fairy tale. Enjoy a fantastic family adventure together. The best time for Costa Rica family vacations is during the dry season: from mid-December to April. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. Most of the hotels we stayed at also provided free bottles of mineral water, so we took advantage of that. Family Holidays Wildlife Holidays. Whether you want a standard resort or a remote rainforest eco-lodge, Costa Rica has everything. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If not, what 2 places would you recommend staying at? Costa Rica is a family travel playground, specializing in big adventures for the little ones. Our pick of the best Costa Rica family holidays, Package deals in popular spots including Playa Tamarindo and Guanacaste Heres a detailed guide to help you plan the best Costa Rica family vacations. And the surrounding protected area of Arenal Volcano National Park offers something for everyone on a family vacation. There are several trails that lead to beaches and viewpoints and along the way, you can run into monkeys, frogs, snakes, deer and more. 9 reasons why Costa Rica is the ultimate family adventure holiday destination Rainforests, beaches, thrilling activities and exotic wildlife, Costa Rica makes for a family holiday to remember. Inquire for pricing, Arenal Volcano, Isla Chiquita, Manuel Antonio, Explore a volcano, rainforest, & beach! Is it easy to do day trips to all of the highlighted areas? Whether your dream getaway is a white sand beach, a week-long whitewater rafting trip, or a visit to a mangrove jungle, there's something for everyone! Costa Ricas now an all-year-round destination. However, it is possible to go on a budget family trip to Costa Rica if you eat at local eateries and stay at simple guesthouses or hostels. However, roads in Costa Rica are in terrible conditions and many are actually unpaved. In this case, the Experts recommend the JW Marriott Guancaste Resort and Spa, home to the largest pool in Central America. We independently select all products and services. Tortuguero village has a choice of three and four-star family hotels, guesthouses and lodges. There are beaches geared up for relaxation - like Santa Teresa with its glorious sunsets, best enjoyed with a happy hour cocktail in hand - and some perfect for surfing like laid-back Playa Samara, which offers teen surf lessons. Leave a comment below if you have any question. You can easily spend 3 days in Arenal (volcano), 2 days in Monteverde (cloud forest), and 2 days in Tamarindo (beach). This sushi place has excellent and fresh sushi rolls. Paddling through the Cao Negro Wildlife Refuge. That said, Costa Rica lies on the edge of active tectonic plates, so it is decidedly earthquake prone. Visit theMonteverde Cloud Forest, one of the most unique environments in the world, for a horseback ride while trying to spot the beautiful and near-mythical Resplendent Quetzal. There are several good UK operators who specialise in Costa Rica for families and many English speaking local companies who can tailor holidays and offer sensible advice depending on the age of your kids and the type of experiences youre looking for. Consider G Adventures' National Geographic Family Journey which includes a visit to the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organisation supported by National Geographic. Flights from Los Angeles to San Jose are around US$480 return, while it costs around $1200 to fly from New York to San Jose. Explore Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall. Having said that, a family holiday to Costa Rica is a one-of-a-kind, bucket-list experience that kids wont forget in a hurry. Always try activities with trusted guides, seek their advice beforehand and choose gentle options to settle any nerves. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. There is so much wildlife to see from the boat trips - howler monkeys, sloths, snakes, birds, caimans etc. PCR tests or quarantine are not required. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dense jungle perforated by white-water rivers, waterfalls, hot springs and lava fields, all towered over by the green-sloped stratovolcano of Arenal: this region is Costa Rica's adventure playground. There are so many options when it comes to visiting Costa Rica, and its tough knowing where to start. Its also a water sports paradise, with beaches optimal for snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking. Kids love the on-site animal sanctuary where they can observe big cats and monkeys almost as much as the aviary where they can feed toucans on a guided tour. Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste. We are staying in Arenal and want to do zip lines, hanging bridges, hot springs, maybe the float river ride, and some light hiking, nothing too intense. This national park south of San Jose is where the rainforest meets the ocean, and where many of the countrys unique animals live. Its home to howler, squirrel, spider, and white-faced monkeys, as well as amphibians like frogs and iguanas and more than 350 species of birds. Costa Ricas wild wildlife is everywhere but the country also has several excellent sanctuaries and refuges like the delightful Las Pumas Rescue Centre near Caas. He also carried a huge telescope that allowed us to see small insects or illusive birds clearly. Also, most cell phones work in Costa Ricas cities, but service is often spotty in remote or mountainous regions. You can get around Costa Rica by car rental, arranging private transportation, or booking a shuttle. Kids can learn about reforestation projects before getting their hands dirty in the tree nursery. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the top school visits in Costa Rica so the educational tours and activities are brilliantly engaging for kids. Its an excellent place for active families who like the outdoors. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hi Nellie, Get inspiration, tips and holiday competitions straight to your inbox! There are also lots of family-friendly resorts and ecolodges in Costa Rica. We have traveled with that previously and its convenient to carry around and effective in sterilizing water. White-water rafting in Arenal. Our kid loves sushi, so we knew we had to try this. Once youve arrived, youll find a number of hotels, lodges, and eco-resorts to choose from. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Youll be able to find other baby necessities like diapers and formula here, even those of the same brand as back home. A permit from the rangers is necessary to visit the arribada beaches during the nesting season. Most kids from 6-12 would love ziplining; to ensure their safety, they can also go tandem with an instructor. Family vacation with 6 adults and two kids, 5 and 7. hi Terrie, you can actually do quite a bit in 1 week in Costa Rica! 15 Days from 2,999 2,799 Excl. Also on-site is an animal sanctuary that features big cats, monkeys, sloths, and more. The calm waters make for worry -free swimming for all ages. When choosing a tour operator, especially for the more adventurous tours, ensure that it is a legitimate tour operation with proper safety certifications, liability insurance, and a good safety and customer service record. Curi Cancha Reserve is said to be the best place to see wildlife in Monteverde. I highly recommend getting travel insurance that covers COVID, personal loss, theft, and medical on top of damages that may incur on your vehicle in Costa Rica. FUN FOR THE KIDS: 11 All-Inclusive Resorts with Kids Clubs That Go Above and Beyond. If youre heading to the Pacific coast, Diamante Eco Adventure Park is a great spot for families who want to see sloths up close and personal. Two of the most popular volcanoes in Costa Rica, Pos and Turrialba, have been very active recently with a number of eruptions of varying degrees since 2014 and 2015. Costa Ricans really take pride in them and Tiquicia is said to have the best casado in town we can attest to that! Every room has a jacuzzi and big spacious lounge area, suitable for big families. Sabor Tico is a fixture in town and its popular with both locals and tourists. Its almost always explored by boat as part of an organised private or group tour. Check the latest rates here. Start planning your trip Best Time to Visit Best Places to Visit 01 / Top Sights & Places Unmissable places for your itinerary Discover more Places San Jos Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. Family road trips are the quintessential American vacation. Check out my full list of. Heres our guide to travelling with teens and other family adventure holidays. With some of the richest biodiversity on Earth, Costa Rica is great for exploring volcanoes, rainforests and beaches. Local guides will impress with their wildlife-spotting abilities and endless knowledge. Its quite difficult to see sloths in the wild for kids as theyre usually high up in the trees. Hotels on the beach are definitely much more expensive, at $100-150 for the same standard of accommodation. This Auberge property, located in Perez Zeledon, offers 50 individual hacienda-style casitas with dramatic valley views. Close to hot springs and Venado Caves, "Manuel Antonio was incredible. Other nearby activities like zip-lining, mangrove tours, and whitewater rafting are enough to keep everyone entertained and active. This classic family trip will have everyone reminiscing for years., $10,175 total for family of 4$11,840 total for family of 5$12,450 total for family of 6. It's such a beautiful country" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Ajahd, "Tamarindo was the most beautiful beach town with lots of kid-friendly adventure options and a few restaurants, mainly casual beach bars. Spotting wildlife in Costa Rica will prompt a wow from even the grumpiest teen. Editor's picks: where to stay in Costa Rica, Beachfront retreat with a swim-up bar But these are the most popular areas in Costa Rica for tourists and can be crowded. Custom spa treatments featuring local ingredients will delight parents in need of a bit of pampering. Kids will thank you for chocolate tours (including tastings!) Tortugueros wild population includes: Spider, Howler and Capuchin monkeys; Spectacled Caiman; River Otters; Green Macaw; Toucans; Amazon Kingfishers and over 50 species of freshwater fish. Let me know if you have any questions on traveling Costa Rica with kids. So, if you'd like to get up close and personal with rare wildlife in . The most popular and reputed park for ziplining in Anrela is Sky Adventures. We love to share inspiration and advice with readers, and we do not sell our list. With our expertly-planned, award-winning sustainable holidays, you'll discover nature's playground at its finest. Love it, thank you so much for all information, well done Nellie, lots of interesting information and definitely will try some. Why go on holiday in Costa Rica. Enjoy a family trip or with friends of the Best in Costa Rica, unique landscapes that will make your stay unique and unforgettable, you can visit volcanoes, waterfalls, rivers, the best beaches, accommodation included in categories 4 stars or similar, enjoy of the gastronomy of the selected places observe different types of lazy animals, scarlet. We are looking to go to Costa Rica for 11 days including travel days with a 1 and 4 year old.Do you think we can do arenal,monteverde and Manuel Antonio in that time.Would you recommend 2 nights in each place or maybe reduce a night in either arenal or monteverde and have an extra day in Manuel Antonio. We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. There is usually a one-to-one ratio, that is you usually have to have at least one insured adult per traveling child to earn the free coverage. Sloth lovers flock to Manuel Antonio National Park, a prime place to spot the two- and three-toed creatures. If youre going specifically for wildlife encounters, research migratory seasons but be aware of tropical storms. What I recommend is traveling on your own and booking day tours, especially if you want to see wildlife. $3595 per adult double occupancy$1250 per child 11 and under *Max 2*Single Adult Supplement Add $2375Over four total travelers will require 2 rooms. Shrimp Shack, Puntarenas Possibly the best place we ate at on our whole trip, this seafood restaurant is definitely a fixture in the culinary scene at Puntarenas. On the way, you might have the chance to see dolphins, turtles or even whales during the right time of the year. Some also have kids clubs and surfing camps perfect for Costa Rica family vacations. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Some also have kids clubs and surfing camps perfect for Costa Rica family vacations. The lodge also hasan on-site lake, a swimming pool, a sun terrace and games room. theres something for all on a Costa Rica family holiday. Vast conservation areas, wetlands, mountainous provinces and lowland or highland rainforest in abundance, makes driving a slow and frustrating process. Our son is 5, does he need hiking shoes or would chacos be okay? Driving a rental car can be a rewarding adventure as well because the roads are lined with beautiful views, and roadside sodas are a fun way to break up a drive while sampling the signature snacks and tropical fruits of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a land of beautiful beaches, dense rain forests, and majestic mountain ranges. From idyllic beaches and lagoons to wild rainforests and impressive volcanoes, there is an endless list of things to see and do on a holiday to Costa Rica. It was easy to get quesadillas, spaghetti, traditional Costa Rican rice, and noodles everywhere we went. Hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Inquire for pricing. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Her work has appeared on SmarterTravel.com and FamilyVacationist. Contrary to its name, Costa Ricas Caribbean east coast isnt the best choice for beach holidays. Costa Rica is famous for its lush coasts, biodiverse jungles, stunning waterfalls, and dramatic volcanoes - not to mention a mix of eco-resorts and urban attractions like museums and gardens. If youre looking for a relaxing vacation, I would recommend spending at least 4 days in each place. Upgrade your accommodation for all - or just part - of your trip, slow down the pace with few extra nights here and there or add a few more active adventures along the way, Tailor made: Flexible departures July - December (nesting season), Family volunteering with turtles in Costa Rica, Family volunteering at wildlife rescue centre, Costa Rica, Wildlife rescue volunteering in Costa Rica. San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde +1 more. Best Beach Resorts For Families In Costa Rica, Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort. RIPJACK INN - Playa Grande, Tamarindo Chic Beginner to expert Best for 4+ Horseriding, watersports, wildlife Hotel with family suites footsteps from Playa Grande Make yourself at home in a boutique surf hotel just 75m from the surf peaks of Playa Grande. Costa Ricas unique biodiversity and dedication to the environment makes it an ideal place to learn about conservation, the environment, and how much fun can be found in the midst of nature. Costa Rica is a small country but because of the varying terrain, getting from one destination to another can take 3-4 hours. 10. To help narrow down the options our Experts have selected their top picks for the best family resorts in Costa Rica: Large resort, activities center, hot springs. Manuel Antonio National Park (and tours within in the park) is closed on Mondays. Typical Costa Rican food is similar to food in the rest of Central America. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Tortuga Lodge is accessed by a combination of ground and boat transfers, though families may prefer to take a short domestic flight from San Jose to minimize time in transit. The best trip is a varied one! Check the latest rates here. A surprisingly good place considering its in the middle of an unpaved road out in the bush! We drank tap water most of the time and didnt have any issues. Nearby Espadilla Beach has waves great for both aspiring surfers and experts, along with surf shops that offer rentals and lessons. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. But turtles can be seen on the beach all year round and accompanied evening visits are magical experiences with kids. There are activities for young adrenaline junkies, beach babies or aspiring zoologists. Youll just need to complete the HEALTH PASS online form48 hours before departure. Once youre there, the tourism infrastructure is pretty good in the popular hotspots but be prepared for lengthy journeys on windy roads between destinations.