Many people don’t initially think of Central America when they think of warm, sunny, family friendly destinations. Travelling to Costa Rica with kids can be just that. Costa Rica has so much to offer families. Whether it’s relaxing on the beach or jungle trekking through the rainforest, Costa Rica has something for you.
Read on for simple travel tips on vacationing in Costa Rica with kids.
Table of Contents
- How to Get There
- How to Get Around
- Where to Visit with Kids
- What to Bring
- What to Do in Costa Rica with Kids
How to Get There
There are two main international airports in Costa Rica that tourists would generally fly in and out of. One is located in San Jose which is the largest city in Costa Rica and also its capital. This airport is known as Juan Santamaria Airport. The other airport is located in Liberia which is closer to the west coast of Costa Rica. This airport is known as Liberia Gianacaste Airport.
If you are travelling to Costa Rica from another country within Central America, there are several smaller airports you may fly into instead of the larger International Airports.
Before you book your flights, it’s a good idea to decide what region you will be staying in during your time in Costa Rica. Where you are staying will dictate which airport you fly in and out of. If you plan accordingly you can save a lot of travel time from the airport to your chosen hotel.
How to Get Around
Many hotels and resorts will offer airport transfers to and from the nearest airport either for free or an additional charge depending on the resort. If you are planning on staying at your chosen resort for the duration of your stay, this would be the best option.
Car Rental
If you are planning to travel around the country during your stay, you may want to look into a car rental. There are lots of options for rental companies in Costa Rica. Many companies are located not far from the airport and will offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport to pick up and drop off your car.
It is good to be informed as to what you are required to purchase for your car rental in regards to insurance. Costa Rica DOES require mandatory liability insurance by law. This insurance must be purchased with your rental and paid for at that time. The cost of that insurance is usually not shown in the quote for the per day rental when you are price checking online, so beware of this while making your trip budget.
Some car rental companies may also tell you that you need additional collision coverage and try to charge you more money when you are picking up your car. This coverage is optional and not required by law but some associates may go as far as to not rent to you unless you pay for it.
Car Rental Tip
Check with your credit card companies. Some credit cards have Collision Coverage built in when you pay for your car rental with said card. Be sure to call your credit card and have them email or mail you a CDW form (Collision Damage Waiver). This form can be presented to your car rental associate and they will stop asking you for more money. Without this print out, some companies will still hold out for more money from you. Not only will this save you money on your car rental, it will also provide you with more insurance.
The main roads in Costa Rica are easily driveable, however the smaller local roads can be quite rough. Many are gravel and full of large pot holes. Before leaving the car rental company make sure you are given a full sized spare tire, and make sure you know how to change a tire.
In Costa Rica, you will be driving on the right hand side of the road.
If renting a car isn’t your thing, tour buses are an option as well. Tickets can be purchased in advance or day of, if still available. Buses are a good alternative to a car rental if you don’t mind sticking to schedules and getting to and from bus terminals.
Where to Visit with Kids
San Jose
There are many great regions to visit in Costa Rica with kids. San Jose being one of them. San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and has a lot to offer visitors in regards to culture, cuisine and nightlife. Here you can find museums, restaurants, theatres and many companies that can offer excursions and activities.
This is a good place to get an idea about everyday life in modern Costa Rica. Being a larger city it will be noisier than in other parts of the country. If you are looking for quiet rainforest, this is not the place for you.
La Fortuna
If you want to get away from large cities and see the natural side of Costa Rica, you will certainly want to add La Fortuna to your itinerary. La Fortuna is located northwest of San Jose, the capital city. This is the place to go in Costa Rica with kids if you are looking for adventure and/or nature.
La Fortuna is a small town located at the base of an active volcano. Because of this, La Fortuna is the place in Costa Rica to visit for hot springs. La Fortuna is full of natural hot spring pools and resorts. Most of these resorts are very family friendly, some even having large water slides and water parks.
If soaking in natural hot springs isn’t what you’re looking for, La Fortuna also has many outdoor adventure opportunities. From fishing, to river rafting, to climbing an active volcano, you can find it all and more in La Fortuna. Look for places to stay in La Fortuna here.
Monteverde
Also located northwest of San Jose, Monteverde is another great area to visit with nature. In Monteverde you can find the Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. You can tour the rainforest with or without a guide and take the kids for a chance to see many species of wildlife. The hanging bridges are not to be missed as well. They will allow you and your kids to tour the canopy high above the forest floor.
Northwest Coast
The province of Guanacaste is a large area west of San Jose. The coast of the Guanacaste region is a popular beach and resort destination. If an all inclusive vacation is what you are after, this is the place for you and your family.
Although most of this area is large resorts made for relaxing, there are still options for some adventure as well. Through the hotels you can book adventure excursions such as snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing.
Manuel Antonio
Located south of San Jose, Manuel Antonio Province is well known for it’s National Park. The Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is home to hundreds of species of birds, as well as one of the best places to see sloths in the country. There are walking trails for all levels of fitness.
You can enjoy the rainforest but also the white sand beaches in Manuel Antonio. Located on the south coast, you get the best of both worlds.
What to Bring
The weather in Costa Rica is warm all year but as it is a rainforest you can also expect rain during the wet season (May to November). The time of year you travel as well as what you plan on doing will dictate what you need to bring with you.
In sunny Costa Rica be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. Especially in the wetter months bug spray is a good idea if you are planning to venture into the rainforest.
If your family is travelling to Costa Rica for a laid back beach vacation at an all inclusive resort, you can get away with packing very little. Shorts, light shirts, bathing suits and sandals are about all you need, even in the rainy season.
If adventure is more your style, you will have to pack a few more things. Planning to hike? Make sure to bring some closed toe shoes, or full hiking boots. If you’re hiking as part of a tour, you may not be allowed to join unless you have closed toe shoes. The rainforest floor can be full of hidden dangers and tour companies will not take the chance of having you step on something that could cause you harm.
On top of closed toe shoes you may also want to bring light weight long pants and a long sleeved shirt. You never know what you may come into contact with in the rainforest. Long sleeves will also keep any mosquitos from making a meal out of you. As it is very muggy, be sure your long sleeves are moisture wicking.
If you are traveling to Costa Rica with kids you may need to bring a few extra supplies. For an all inlcusive based holiday a stroller might be beneficial for some parents. A stroller can be easily pushed through the halls and courtyards of an all inclusive hotel. A stroller won’t be necessary for long walks, but for allowing your little one a place to rest or fall asleep. As parents you don’t want to miss all the evening entertainment to put your kids to bed.
If hiking was on your itinerary a stroller would do you no good. For babies and toddlers a carrier would come in handy. When walking through the jungle you can keep your little ones safe up in your arms without breaking your back. A great travel carrier is the Baby Bjorn One carrier. The sporty mesh variety is the best choice for humid climates. It is also easily washed in a washing machine.
What to Do in Costa Rica with Kids
Beaches
Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A trip to Costa Rica would not be complete without some time spent at one of these beaches. What kid doesn’t enjoy digging in the sand or seaching for sea shells?
All Inclusive
If an all inclusive resort is something you’re looking to book with your family, they have plenty to offer families with kids of all ages. Aside from the beach and swimming pools, all inclusive resorts also have nightly entertainment and kids activities or clubs. Family friendly shows can be seen each night of the week. Kids clubs have daily activities or games for kids of all ages. Some all inclusive resorts also have water parks with and without water slides.
Snorkel
Older kids can snorkel in the ocean right off the beach. Most resorts will have snorkel gear available to use during your stay. Smaller hotels won’t offer this benefit. Snorel gear can be purchased in town to use or you can bring your own.
Scuba Diving
Older kids and adults can take scuba diving lessons. Tour groups offering sessions can be found all around the country. If you are already scuba certified you can also find tour groups that will take you out. Some all inclusive hotels will offer free lessons during your stay as well.
Water Slides
Some all inclusive hotels have water slide parks. The admission to these would be included in your stay. If an all inclusive is not the direction you were looking for, there are still many opportunities for fun to be had in Costa Rica with kids. Inland you can also find water parks and water slides for kids of all ages, for an extra charge.
Hot Springs
There are many hot springs available for families. Most of these are located in La Fortuna. Some hot spring resorts are only open to adults, but most are for all ages. The pools in the park range in degrees, so each person is likely to find a pool temperature that suits them. If you aren’t staying at a hot spring resort during your time in Costa Rica, day passes can be purchased with or without food and transportation.
Nature Hikes
Fun can be had out of water too. Most kids will enjoy hiking through the rainforest looking for animals and bugs. If you are jungle trekking however, be sure to know which animals and bugs can be harmful. The Costa Rican rainforest is full of poisonous creatures. Lots of hotels and resorts offer nature hikes as an optional excursion. If you aren’t sure what’s dangerous in the jungle, a tour guide can help keep you safe and informed.
Nature hikes don’t just take place during the day. Night hikes can also be arranged. There are many animals that can not be seen during the day and are only or most often seen at night. Children are usually welcome to partake in night hikes as well, but be sure to check before you book.
Adventure Tours
For really adventurous families you can find more thrilling activities such as zip lining and white water rafting. There are several companies across the country that offer such tours. There is a minimum age to participate in these types of activities, so families with young children will not be able to partake.
Fishing
Sport fishing is a great activity for families. Tours can be booked through your hotel or directly with the company. There are some great fishing opportunities in the waters of Costa Rica.
Souvenir Shopping
Souvenirs are a great way for kids to remember a holiday with their family. There are many shops and souvenir stands across the country.
Travelling to Costa Rica with kids can be a real treat. This beautiful country also has some very friendly people, great food and lots to see. Whether you choose to spend it at an all inclusive or touring the country, you and your family are bound to have a great time.
