Family-Friendly Options

Costa Rica's wildlife sanctuaries offer an unforgettable and educational experience for the whole family. One of the best places to visit is the Diamante Eco Adventure Park, where you can safely observe rescued animals like sloths, jaguars, toucans, and monkeys in spacious, naturalistic enclosures.

The sanctuary is perfect for kids and adults alike — combining fun, learning, and close-up encounters with iconic Costa Rican wildlife. Easy trails, ocean views, and a family-friendly vibe make this tour an excellent choice for a day out.

• Location: Playa Matapalo, Guanacaste
• Best For: Families, animal lovers, curious young minds
• Price: $44 USD per person (kids under 5 enter free)
• More info & bookings

Costa Rica is home to stunning butterfly gardens and accessible nature trails that are ideal for families with young children. These gentle walks through lush tropical settings offer a close look at exotic butterflies, colorful flowers, and small forest creatures — all at a pace that works for everyone.

One of the top-rated places is the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, where you’ll find a beautiful butterfly observatory along with walking paths, birds, frogs, and even waterfalls — all in one unforgettable location.

• Location: Vara Blanca, near Poás Volcano
• Best For: Families with small kids, nature lovers, photographers
• Price: $48 USD per adult / $32 USD per child
• More info & bookings

If you’re traveling with children and looking for calm, family-friendly beaches, Costa Rica has several safe and scenic options to enjoy. These beaches typically offer gentle waves 🌊, shallow entry, shaded areas 🌴, and nearby amenities such as restrooms 🚻 and casual eateries 🍽️ — perfect for a stress-free family day by the sea.

Here are some of the best family-friendly beaches to consider:

🌊🌴🍽️🚻 Playa Samara

Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Samara is known for its calm waters, palm-lined shore, and relaxed local vibe. The offshore reef breaks the waves, making it ideal for young swimmers. There are plenty of beachfront restaurants and rentals for paddleboards or kayaks.

🏊‍♀️🏝️🚻 Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste)

Not to be confused with the surfing beach of the same name near Jaco, Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste is a peaceful bay with dark sand and minimal waves. It’s great for swimming, building sandcastles, or just relaxing under the trees.

⛱️🏝️🌺 Playa Carrillo

Just south of Samara, Playa Carrillo is one of the cleanest and quietest beaches in Costa Rica. With its white sand and rows of palm trees, it feels like a postcard. There are no big waves, no party crowds — just nature and tranquility.

Visiting a working farm is a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Kids can interact with animals, learn about sustainable agriculture, and even try their hand at traditional farming activities. These visits are a great way to connect with Costa Rica’s rural culture and teach children about food sources and the environment.

One great option is a tour of Don Juan Educational Farm in La Fortuna. It’s interactive, hands-on, and designed to be fun for visitors of all ages.

• Location: La Fortuna, Katira
• Best For: Families with kids, nature lovers, photographers
• Price: $25-$50 USD per person
• More info & bookings
• More info & bookings

Soaking in natural hot springs is a relaxing and family-friendly experience in Costa Rica. Many resorts offer warm, mineral-rich pools with shallow areas, perfect for children. Surrounded by lush jungle and views of nearby volcanoes, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.

Some hot springs even include water slides, splash zones, and family changing rooms, making them ideal for visitors of all ages.

• Top Locations: La Fortuna (Arenal), Rincón de la Vieja
• Best For: Families, couples, wellness lovers
• Price: $15–$60 USD per person (day passes available)
• More info & bookings

If your little adventurers want to try zip-lining but you're concerned about safety or intensity, Costa Rica has great options designed just for kids! Mini ziplines and gentle canopy walks let children experience the thrill of flying through the trees in a safe, fun, and family-friendly setting.

A top recommendation is the Canopy Monkey Sanctuary Combo in Guanacaste, which includes a mini zipline adventure perfect for younger children and a visit to a monkey rescue center.

• Location: Guanacaste
• Best For: Kids, families, animal lovers
• Price: $35–$65 USD per person
• More info & bookings
• See all Kids Tours

Adventure parks are a perfect one-stop destination for families. Many offer a mix of exciting activities like zip-lining, hanging bridges, and rope courses alongside wildlife exhibits that let kids meet animals up close in a safe and educational environment.

A great example is the Diamante Eco Adventure Park in Guanacaste. It features a wildlife sanctuary with sloths, monkeys, jaguars, and more — plus thrilling adventure experiences for all ages.

• Location: Playa Matapalo, Guanacaste
• Best For: Active families, animal lovers, first-time visitors
• Price: $40–$90 USD depending on package
• More info & bookings

Costa Rica offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for families traveling with kids. From animal encounters and nature trails to thrilling zip-lines and hands-on farm visits, there’s something for every age and interest.

If you’re looking for even more options designed especially for families with young explorers, check out this collection of kid-friendly tours.

• See all Kids Tours