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Lush rainforest canopy in Costa Rica with a hanging bridge and a sloth visible in a nearby tree

Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Decide in 30 seconds

TotScore67
Workable with prep

Best for: outdoorsy families with kids 4+. Skip if strollers are your only mobility plan.

Best season

December through April

Best ages

4-14

Hotel / night

$150-350/night

Kid rating

8/10

#1 thing to plan for

Rugged terrain kills standard strollers

→ Use an ergonomic soft carrier or hiking backpack, skip the stroller entirely

Works best for

Verified April 2026
Infants0-12m yrs
Toddlers1-3 yrs
School-age4-10 yrs
Tweens11-13 yrs
Teens14-17 yrs

Ready-to-Go Itineraries

Day-by-day plans tailored by age group — pick yours and go

Is Costa Rica Good for Families?

Costa Rica is a fantastic family destination for children ages 4 and up. Families can expect unforgettable wildlife encounters with sloths, monkeys, and toucans, plus adventures like zip-lining and natural hot springs. However, it is best suited for older children because many activities have minimum age requirements, roads are challenging, and the terrain is not stroller-friendly. The Guanacaste beach resort region works for younger kids.

Costa Rica has earned its reputation as one of the best nature and adventure destinations for families in the Western Hemisphere. This small Central American country packs extraordinary biodiversity into a compact area — families can experience rainforest, cloud forest, volcanoes, and both Pacific and Caribbean beaches in a single trip. The country's commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism means national parks are well-maintained and wildlife is abundant. Sloths, monkeys, toucans, and sea turtles are regularly spotted. Manuel Antonio National Park is the most popular family destination, combining easy rainforest trails with beautiful cove beaches where monkeys play in the trees above. The Guanacaste region on the Pacific coast offers calm beaches and all-inclusive resorts for families wanting a more traditional beach vacation. Arenal Volcano provides hot springs, hanging bridges, and adventure activities. Costa Rica is best suited for families with children ages 4 and up, as many signature activities like zip-lining, rafting, and extended hikes have minimum age requirements. The rainy season (May-November) brings afternoon showers but also lush greenery and lower prices.

Monthly Weather Guide

Click a month to see details and update your travel month

Jun Weather

High: 84°F · Low: 73°F· 16 rainy days · Humidity: high

Rainy season — mornings usually clear, pack rain gear for little ones

Top Activities for Families

Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica's most popular national park with easy trails through rainforest leading to pristine beaches. Monkeys, sloths, and iguanas are commonly spotted. Hire a guide for better wildlife viewing.

Ages: All ages (strollers difficult; baby carriers recommended)$16/adult, $5/child; guided tour $30-60/person

Arenal Volcano Hot Springs

Natural hot springs heated by Arenal Volcano offer a unique family experience. Several resort-style hot springs have pools of varying temperatures, including kid-friendly warm pools.

Ages: All ages$40-90/adult, $20-50/child at developed springs

Hanging Bridges at Arenal

Walk through the rainforest canopy on suspended bridges up to 150 feet above the forest floor. A less extreme alternative to zip-lining that most ages can enjoy.

Ages: 4+ (must be able to walk independently)$26/adult, $16/child

Wildlife Rescue Centers

Visit rehabilitation centers like Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly Zoo Ave) near San Jose to see sloths, monkeys, jaguars, and tropical birds in spacious habitats.

Ages: All ages$22/adult, $15/child

Guanacaste Beach Day

The Guanacaste region has calm, warm Pacific beaches like Playa Conchal and Playa Flamingo. Many are uncrowded with soft sand and gentle waves — ideal for families with toddlers.

Ages: All agesFree

What trips up parents in Costa Rica

The specific friction points — and the one thing that fixes each.

Plan ahead

Rugged terrain kills standard strollers

Gravel roads, dirt trails, and rainforest paths are impossible for umbrella strollers.

The fix

Use an ergonomic soft carrier or hiking backpack, skip the stroller entirely

ProductRatingPriceBuy
Ergobaby Omni Breeze All Carry Positions Baby Carrier
mobility
#1 Best Seller
4.7 · 1,241 reviews
$180Buy on Amazon
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier Backpack
mobility
Amazon's Choice
4.8 · 329 reviews
$320Buy on Amazon
Buyer sentiment
Ergobaby Omni Breeze All Carry Positions Baby Carrier
Comfort Quality Ease Of Use Back Support

Buyers praise comfort, quality, ease of use and back support. Mixed feedback on value for money.

Based on 336 user mentions

Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier Backpack
Comfort Size Storage Capacity Value for money

Buyers praise comfort, size, storage capacity and value for money. Mixed feedback on fit.

Based on 117 user mentions

Prices and ratings are approximate and may vary. Check the latest on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Tots & Trips earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Plan ahead

Mosquitoes + zika/dengue risk

Deet and most repellents aren't infant-safe under 2 months; standing water is everywhere.

The fix

Picaridin 20% (safe 2mo+) + permethrin-treated clothes + stroller mosquito net

ProductRatingPriceBuy
Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Pump Spray
health
#1 Best Seller
4.7 · 48,000 reviews
$10Buy on Amazon
LIHAO Universal Mosquito Net for Stroller with Two-Way Zippers
health
Amazon's Choice
4.5 · 1,800 reviews
$14Buy on Amazon

Prices and ratings are approximate and may vary. Check the latest on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Tots & Trips earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Prices and ratings are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Tots & Trips earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Smart packing list for Costa Rica

Built from the actual terrain, flight length, and climate. Pick your kid's age.

18 items
Sleep Kit
3

  • Hatch Go Portable Sound Machine

    Must-have

    Masks hotel-hallway noise + signals sleep in a new room.

    ★4.3·5,061 reviews·Amazon's Choice
    ~$60Buy on Amazon

  • Toddler Travel Bed

    Must-have

    Most hotel-provided cribs are shabby and non-breathable — this is the one item that protects the trip.

    ★4.8·13,873 reviews·Best Seller
    ~$70Buy on Amazon

  • Tommee Tippee Sleeptime Portable Baby Blackout Blind (Gro Anywhere)

    Must-have

    Hotel curtains leak. Summer 5am light = a 5am wakeup.

    ★4.5·4,592 reviews·Amazon's Choice
    ~$40Buy on Amazon
Mobility
2

  • Hiking Child Carrier Backpack

    Must-have

    Rainforest trails and gravel roads eat strollers. Backpack carriers don't care.

    ★4.8·329 reviews·Amazon's Choice
    ~$320Buy on Amazon

  • Ergonomic Soft Carrier

    Second mobility mode for stairs, transit, and when strollers fail.

    ★4.7·1,241 reviews·Best Seller
    ~$180Buy on Amazon
Flight Survival
5

  • 20,000mAh Power Bank (TSA-safe)

    Must-have

    Keeps a tablet alive for two flights and the layover.

    ★4.4·3,532 reviews·Best Seller
    ~$130Buy on Amazon

  • Inflatable Airplane Leg Rest

    Must-have

    Turns three economy seats into a toddler bed. The single biggest long-haul hack.

    ★4.4·3,400 reviews·Best Seller
    ~$30Buy on Amazon

  • Toddler Noise-Reducing Headphones

    Must-have

    Volume-limited; makes in-flight screens actually usable.

    ★4.5·514 reviews·Amazon's Choice
    ~$100Buy on Amazon

  • Mess-Free Water Coloring Books

    No markers to drop. Refills with tap water.

    ★4.8·5,389 reviews·Best Seller
    ~$6Buy on Amazon

  • Suction-Cup Spinner Toy

    Sticks to the tray table. 15 minutes of silence.

    ★4.6·15,125 reviews·Best Seller
    ~$16Buy on Amazon
Health Kit
3

  • Family Travel First-Aid Kit

    Must-have

    Fever reducer, bandages, thermometer — pre-assembled.

    ★4.8·1,511 reviews·Amazon's Choice
    ~$15Buy on Amazon

  • Picaridin 20% Insect Repellent

    Must-have

    DEET-free, safe from 2 months. Zika/dengue protection.

    ★4.7·48,000 reviews·Best Seller
    ~$10Buy on Amazon

  • Stroller Mosquito Net

    Keeps bugs off a sleeping baby during dusk strolls.

    ★4.5·1,800 reviews·Amazon's Choice
    ~$14Buy on Amazon
Beach Day
3

  • Pop-Up UV Beach Tent (SPF 50+)

    Must-have

    Most resort beaches have no natural shade. Toddlers burn in 15 minutes.

    ★4.5·2,552 reviews·Amazon's Choice
    ~$45Buy on Amazon

  • Reef-Safe Pediatric Sunscreen

    Must-have

    Required at many Mexico / Hawaii / Caribbean beaches. Avoids oxybenzone.

    ★4.6·12,143 reviews·Best Seller
    ~$12Buy on Amazon

  • Collapsible Silicone Sand Toys

    Packs flat. Rinses in the hotel sink.

    ★4.7·1,415 reviews·Amazon's Choice
    ~$25Buy on Amazon
Weather
1

  • Clip-On Stroller Fan

    Must-have

    Heat melts kids faster than parents realize.

    ★4.5·56,018 reviews·Best Seller
    ~$25Buy on Amazon
Food & Feeding
1

  • Leak-Proof Snack Catcher

    Goldfish stay in the cup. Floor stays clean.

    ★4.8·72,317 reviews·Best Seller
    ~$8Buy on Amazon

Prices and ratings are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Tots & Trips earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Safety Information

🌊

Water Safety

Check local beach conditions and flags. Stay near lifeguarded beaches with young children.

☀️

Sun Protection

Apply reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours. Seek shade during 10am-2pm.

🏥

Medical

Locate the nearest pediatric facility before your trip. Bring a basic first-aid kit.

Where to Stay

Westin Reserva Conchal

All-inclusive beachfront resort in Guanacaste with kids' club, multiple pools, and a stunning shell-sand beach. The most family-friendly luxury resort in Costa Rica with full resort amenities.

$350-600/night all-inclusive

Check Availability (opens in new tab)

Nayara Gardens (Arenal)

Boutique eco-resort near Arenal Volcano with private hot spring pools, rainforest setting, and the Nayara Kids Club. Rooms have volcano views. A magical family experience.

$300-500/night

Check Availability (opens in new tab)

Si Como No Resort (Manuel Antonio)

Eco-friendly family resort overlooking the Pacific with wildlife-rich grounds (monkeys visit daily), two pools with water slides, and a butterfly garden. Walking distance to Manuel Antonio.

$200-350/night

Check Availability (opens in new tab)

How to Read This Guide

Scored for families

TotScore weights transit friction, weather, terrain, kid food, and editorial family fit.

Research-based

Guides use static research and planning data, not unverifiable personal testimonials.

Affiliate transparent

Booking and product links may earn a commission, but they do not affect rankings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

65TotScore
Workable with prep

Our family-travel rating

Personalized for trips from New York.

Safety72

Crime, pediatric care, water quality

Kid Food75

Familiar staples, high-chairs, kid menus

Terrain55

Stroller-friendly, calm beaches, shade

Transit Ease50

Door-to-door friction from your origin

Kid Rating80

Editorial family-suitability rating

TotScore = Safety 25% · Terrain 25% · Transit 20% · Kid Food 15% · Kid Rating 15%. Research-based; not a substitute for your own judgment.

Quick Facts

Kid-Friendly Score8/10
Best Ages4-14
Best SeasonDecember through April
Avg Hotel/Night$150-350/night for family-friendly eco-lodges and resorts

From New York

5h 15m · Nonstop ✈️

$340-520 round trip · est. 2025

Search flights from JFK

Selected Month Weather

Rainy season — mornings usually clear, pack rain gear for little ones

Average Costs

🏨 Hotel / Night$150-350/night for family-friendly eco-lodges and resorts
🍽 Food / Day$30-60/day per family at local restaurants (sodas); $60-100 at tourist restaurants
🎢 Activities / DayZip-lining $50-80/person; national parks $16/adult, $5/child; guided tours $60-150/person
✈️ Flights (RT)$250-500 round trip from most US cities

Directional estimates · April 2026. Check live prices →

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, Tots and Trips may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places and products we genuinely believe are great for families.