Last Updated: May 20, 2025
Kids absolutely LOVE Costa Rica. Mine sure did. And I bet yours will too! With some careful planning, you can give your family a dizzying range of unforgettable experiences in just one or two weeks. Here is my ranked list of absolute MUST-DO best experiences in Costa Rica that make it a stand-out choice for your next vacation.
If you’re wondering how to cram this all into a week, check out my 7 day itinerary from Liberia or 7 day itinerary from San Jose packed with info on where and how you can experience most things on this list. Read my Step-by-Step Guide to Costa Rica for Families for all the practical details you need to plan your trip like flights, hotels and activities. And finally, grab a copy of my free Wildlife Spotting Guide for kids before you go.
How I Ranked This List
Let’s face it – you probably can’t do everything. To help you decide what’s worth your limited vacation time, I’ve ranked these based on:
- What’s truly unique to Costa Rica – stuff you can’t easily do back home or elsewhere
- What Costa Rica does better than anywhere else
- Activities that are enjoyable and accessible to kids and families
1. Walk across a Hanging bridge through a Cloud forest
Cloud forests are rainforests that are shrouded in mist because they are located at higher elevations in the mountains. They are exceedingly rare, and the best place to experience them in the world is in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Selvatura Park’s 2-mile canopy trail will let you cross eight hanging bridges overlooking stunning, virgin cloud forest. Do a self-guided hike so you can go at your own pace, enjoy the solitude of nature, and take tons of pictures.
2. Spot Sloths, Monkeys and Toucans
Who can resist cute cuddly sloths with their big round eyes, button noses and goofy smiles! And there is nothing quite like watching your kids get excited when they spot one in the wild. While you’re at it, keep your eyes and ears peeled for mischievous monkeys, sunbathing iguanas, colorful toucans, red-eyed tree frogs and more. There are plenty of parks and wildlife preserves around the country, where wildlife sightings are almost certain – especially with a good guide. Download my free wildlife spotting guide for kids by signing up with your email.
3. Admire the majesty of a Volcano
It’s hard to miss Arenal Volcano as it towers dramatically over the town of La Fortuna. Though it does like to play peek-a-boo from behind the clouds. Views of the volcano are abundant from hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries. But if you want a closer look, go on a family hike and climb over the black rocks created by lava from the famous eruption of 1968. Download my Arenal Volcano fun facts guide to turn this into educational opportunity for you and your kids.
4. Relax in Volcanic Hot springs
Volcanoes are good for more than looking pretty and occasionally scorching their surroundings – they also very generously provide the mineral-rich waters that feed the many hot spring pools at local resorts around La Fortuna. Many of these resorts are also kid-friendly with water slides and playgrounds, so you can relax in the soothing water while they’re busy having a blast. It’s the perfect afternoon activity after a morning of adventures.
5. Zipline through the forest canopy
Costa Rica pioneered zipline tours and this early start allowed the country to develop and refine the experience with strong safety protocols and regulations. You’ll find some of the longest, highest, and most spectacular ziplines here – all with really good safety records. Some operators cater specifically to families with young adventurers. My kids were just 3 and 6 when they went on their ziplining adventure! If you’ve got really little ones or someone who’s scared of heights, try the aerial trams instead – same awesome views without the adrenaline rush.
6. Swim in a Waterfall
Waterfalls are everywhere in Costa Rica, and some of them will reward you with a delightful swimming hole surrounded by lush jungle. Some are easy to reach, while others, like the turquoise blue Rio Celeste falls, make you work for it with a steep 2-hour hike. La Fortuna Falls is among the most popular, but packed with tourists. Llanos de Cortés Falls is a wide, curtain-style waterfall with gentle pools perfect for swimming. For the really adventurous, try a waterfall rappelling tour (Ages 5+) for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
7. Explore the Forest at Night
The forest transforms after dark, revealing a whole new cast of characters. Guided night walks through the forest introduce you and your children to fascinating nocturnal creatures. These walks typically last 1-2 hours and are usually at 6 pm 8 pm, early enough even for your little ones to stay awake. You never know what you might see – red-eyed tree frogs, sleeping birds, tarantulas, a sloth, or even a brightly colored snake. Monteverde is one of the best places to do this tour because the higher elevation and cooler weather mean fewer bugs.
8. Laze on the Beach
Costa Rica has many beach towns dotting its Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. Some have white sand, while others have soft gray volcanic sand – both perfect for sand castles. The hardest part will be picking one. I recommend saving beach time for the end of your vacation and picking one close to the airport that you’re flying out of. See my 7 day family itinerary for some great beach and resort recommendations.
9. Tour a Coffee or Chocolate Farm
Turn education into a delicious adventure with a visit to one of Costa Rica’s family-owned farms. Coffee, in particular, has been central to Costa Rica’s economy for nearly two centuries and is world-renowned for beans with exceptional flavor profiles. Many tours also include cocoa production, where children can participate in the chocolate-making process or coffee bean sorting, culminating in a tasty sampling session.
10. Gobble up a ‘Tipicos’ Breakfast
Breakfast in Costa Rica is definitely something to wake up early for. On almost every breakfast menu, you will find the option to order a “tipicos desayuno” which means “typical breakfast”. The main feature of this meal is Gallo Pinto – a mixture of rice, beans, and spices, usually served with cheese, plantains, eggs, bacon, or sausage. Even kids who are picky eaters will likely love its mild flavors. If they ask you to make it for them back home, don’t forget to grab the secret ingredient – a bottle of Salsa Lizano, a Costa Rican condiment you will find in most local grocery stores.
11. Paddle down a River
Got little ones? Look for a guided jungle safari float trip on gentle rivers like Peñas Blancas near La Fortuna. You can slowly drift along the river spotting monkeys and other animals along the banks. If you’re looking for more excitement, try a white water rafting tour instead – plenty of thrills to be had, but still safe with professional guides.
12. Go Birdwatching
Costa Rica is home to many beautiful birds. You might see Toucans – a kid favorite – right outside your hotel balcony. But if you want to feast your eyes on one of the most exquisitely beautiful and rare birds in the world, then seek out a Resplendent Quetzal. They have vibrant emerald-green iridescent feathers that shimmer in the light. Monteverde is one of the best places in the country to see one. They migrate around the various reserves, so check with a local guide or your hotel where the most recent sightings have been.
13. Take a Surf Lesson
Costa Rica is considered one of the world’s premier surfing destinations because of its year-round waves, variety of breaks, and warm water. Many coastal areas offer introductory surfing lessons designed specifically for children and beginners. Go to Tamarindo if you are flying out of Liberia airport, or go to Jaco if you’re flying out of San Jose.
14. Watch Nesting Sea Turtles
If you’re in season and in the right part of the country (see my article on When to go to Costa Rica), you can go on a guided night tour to the beach to search for turtle nesting locations with special red-tinted flashlights. If you’re lucky, you might get to see mama turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, or baby turtles hatch and scramble to the ocean. Turtle nesting is unpredictable and fluctuates every year with the possibility of not seeing anything. This activity is best with older kids who can stay up late and wait quietly in the dark. Tortuguero, Playa Grande and Playa Hermosa are some places to do this tour.
15. Climb inside a Ficus Tree
These massive Ficus trees have an entirely hollow interior. That’s because they start as epiphytes growing around other trees. Eventually, the host tree dies and decomposes, leaving just the Ficus behind. Monteverde has several massive trees that you can walk into, or you can go to Finca Modela Ecologica for a guided interior tree climbing experience.
16. Experience “Pura Vida” with Costa Ricans
Costa Ricans (or “Ticos” and “Ticas”) are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet, and they have a special soft spot for families with kids. Their motto “Pura Vida” means pure life and it is frequently used as a greeting. Eat at a local “Soda”, a family-owned roadside eatery, and strike up a conversation with the owners. Or take a cooking class in someone’s home, hit up a local farmers’ market, or find a family-friendly volunteer opportunity.
Ready for the Next Step?
- Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Costa Rica for Families – Know everything you need about flights, food, currency, rental cars, accommodation and activities
- 7 Day Itinerary from San Jose Airport or 7 Day Itinerary from Liberia Airport
- Which Airport should I fly into?
- Download a Free Wildlife Spotting Guide and other Costa Rica Fun Facts for Kids by subscribing to my Newsletter.
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