Costa Rica Family Tours
4.5 stars on(8,092 reviews)- Choose from 200+ Costa Rica tours
- 1,700+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 Best Costa Rica Family vacation packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
- Family Costa Rica Highlights
- Costa Rica Family Vacations
- Costa Rica Family Experience
- Costa Rica – Family Volunteer Adventure
- Costa Rica Family Journey: From Rainforest to Coast
- Costa Rica Family Holiday
- Family Adventure Package
- Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End San Jose)
- Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End Liberia)
Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It is the most beautiful and magical country I have ever visited!!!!!!!!!!”
Sharon, traveled in January
The Sloth Sanctuary and La Paz Waterfall Gardens offer educational experiences for families with kids 9+. Children love the turtle-shaped pool at Evergreen Lodge, wildlife spotting in Manuel Antonio, and optional chocolate tours in Tirimbina.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Braulio Carillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Siquirres, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 9 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $6,377
3% Off- NZ$6,160You save $217
Family Costa Rica Highlights
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Diverse creature encounters. White water rafting.”
Claire, traveled in April
Ranch visits at El Establo and traditional oxcart painting in Sarchi delight travelers ages 7+. Young adventurers enjoy Balsa River rafting, nocturnal wildlife walks, and spotting whales (Jul-Oct) during Corcovado boat transfers. Premium family suites throughout.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park, Dominical Age Range 7 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From $4,730
5% Off- NZ$4,510You save $220
Costa Rica Family Vacations
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful experience, our accommodation were very comfortable.”
Salena, traveled in June
Arenal's jungle exploration combines with Tambor's beach activities in this family adventure. Children aged 2+ can enjoy safe swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall, wildlife spotting in Curu Reserve, and snorkeling at Tortuga Island. Features 4-star hotels and expert guides for approx. $340 daily.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tambor Age Range up to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
5% Off- NZ$3,234
Costa Rica Family Experience
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great country.”
Catherine, traveled in August
Hands-on family activities abound: tortilla-making in La Fortuna, paddleboarding Lake Arenal, and guided wildlife spotting in Manuel Antonio National Park. Kid-friendly hotels with pools and flexible daily schedules perfect for ages 6+.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 6 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $3,219
10% Off- NZ$2,897You save $321
Costa Rica – Family Volunteer Adventure
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The community volunteer activities were excellent and great learning experiences.”
Gary, traveled in December
Costa Rican family adventures come alive with interactive wildlife encounters at Manuel Antonio rescue center and cooking classes in La Fortuna. Children 8+ thrill to cloud forest walks in Monteverde and optional zip-lining experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos Age Range 8 to 80 year olds Operator Discover Corps From
10% Off- NZ$7,668
Costa Rica Family Journey: From Rainforest to Coast
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Everything went so well. We want to continue traveling with National Geographic.”
Lisa, traveled in August
Family adventures unfold with hands-on activities at Cafe Monteverde, zip-lining at Rincon de la Vieja, and beach time at Playa Potrero. Children ages 7+ enjoy cooking classes, wildlife spotting, and swimming in hotel pools.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park Age Range 7 to 99 year olds Operator G Adventures From $4,159
10% Off- NZ$3,743You save $415
Costa Rican adventures await families with kids 5+. Young travelers plant vegetables in Santa Rosa de Pocosol, spot wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park, and traverse Monteverde's suspended bridges. Kid-friendly hotels and engaging nature activities fill this 10-day itinerary.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$3,550
Gentle Peñas Blancas River floats offer wildlife viewing, while kid-friendly zip-lining at Vida Aventura Ranch and relaxing beach time at Tamarindo Diría create perfect family memories. Suitable for ages 5+.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Playa Tamarindo, Liberia Age Range 5 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Central American Tours From
10% Off- NZ$2,940
Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End San Jose)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I am so glad that i booked this trip! The trip itself was an adventure and everything which i required to inject some healing into my broken heart and soul.”
Ruqayya, traveled in February
Arenal Paraiso Resort's thermal pools and Monteverde's treetop walks welcome families. Children 5+ thrill at wildlife in Tortuguero, chocolate-making in San Isidro, with optional horseback riding ($75). Comfortable lodges host families throughout.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From
10% Off- NZ$4,825
Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End Liberia)
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We wanted to experience the real Costa Rica and we did. We experienced the Caribbean side, rainforest, cloud forest, culture and wildlife of the country.”
Cheryl, traveled in January
Tortuguero's wildlife-rich canals teem with exotic species. Families learn chocolate-making in San Isidro and traverse Sky Walk suspension bridges in Monteverde. Relaxing stays at Laguna Lodge and El Establo Mountain Hotel. Suitable for ages 5+.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Braulio Carillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiquí, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Liberia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Trafalgar From
10% Off- NZ$4,825
What people love about Family Tours in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Family Vacations
Wonderful experience, our guides and chauffeurs were all excellent. Our accommodation were very comfortable.
- Costa Rica Family Experience
Our first adventure trip with G Adventures is definitely a blast. We went to Costa Rica in December 2015 for 9 days, in a group of ~20 including 4 families. Our tour guide Jeff Young is outgoing, caring, knowledgeable about local activities and food options, and above all genuinely enthusiastic about his work. We had tons of fun visiting waterfalls, soaking in hot spring pools, kayaking in Lake Arenal surrounded by lush forest, walking in a cloud forest, learning about coffee/chocolate/sugar production in a local farm, sailing on a catamaran in Manuel Antonio national park, and more. Having a Spanish-speaking guide who arranged the many activities and various transport/lodging logistics is indispensable for a packed but exciting vacation. Having flexible time at each destination allowed families in the same group to choose whatever they liked best. Group dinners together are good (and budget friendly). Overall we would highly recommend this tour to families and friends.
- Costa Rica – Family Volunteer Adventure
This trip was Very Fine. The guide and driver were both excellent. All relaxing 'tour' days were very interesting (I got some great photos). The community volunteer activities were excellent and great learning experiences. The highlight for me was the elementary school visit (I'm a past Peace Corps English Teacher). We were very well received there even though it was a holiday time and they presented and excellent dance.
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Family Tours
What type of accommodation is best suited for families in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's family accommodations range from standard hotels to nature-focused eco-lodges. Near La Fortuna the Arenal Kioro Hotel features family rooms that look out to the volcano while Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero places families in bungalows where wildlife viewing is part of daily life. Properties like the Country Inn & Suites in San José come equipped with pools and child-friendly amenities. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The hotels were all lovely especially Cala Lodge in Monteverde - I could have stayed there all week! The rooms were comfortable and the pools were perfect for the kids after a day of activities."
What's the best time of year to visit Costa Rica with family?
December through April marks the dry season when popular spots like Manuel Antonio and Arenal see the best weather. The Caribbean coast near Tortuguero follows different patterns with July to October being prime time for sea turtle nesting. Guanacaste and Tamarindo Beach benefit from reliable sunshine December to April making them ideal for family beach time. The green season from May to November brings fewer tourists and better rates though expect afternoon rain showers.
How do you handle transportation between destinations with children?
Family tours typically provide modern air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers. The journey from San José to Arenal takes 3-4 hours with planned breaks for refreshments and bathroom stops. Routes to places like Tortuguero mix land and water travel adding an element of adventure for young travelers. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The transfers were almost entirely in near-new and immaculate vans for up to 10 passengers - much better than large buses. All had seat belts and for longer travel the drivers stopped about every two hours."
What are the best family-friendly activities available in Costa Rica?
Families find plenty to do in Costa Rica from zipline adventures through Monteverde Cloud Forest to gentle boat rides spotting wildlife in Tortuguero National Park. The Sloth Sanctuary near Cahuita offers hands-on learning while Arenal Volcano National Park combines easy hiking trails with relaxing hot springs at Tabacon Resort. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The wildlife is everywhere - Howler monkeys on the roof of our room in Tortuguero iguanas and capuchin monkeys on our roof at the Pacific Coast and swimming in the sea while Pelicans and scarlet macaws fly overhead just incredible."
What's the recommended age for children on Costa Rica family tours?
Most tours welcome children 6 and older though age limits vary by activity. White water rafting typically requires children to be 8-12 years old based on river conditions while zip-lining usually starts at age 6. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Our kids were 10 and 15 and the activities were perfectly suited for their ages. The guides were great at adjusting the pace and difficulty level to ensure everyone in the family could participate and enjoy."
Are the meals suitable for children at Costa Rica hotels and lodges?
Hotels and lodges across Costa Rica understand family dining needs. Arenal Springs Resort offers specific children's menus and Tortuguero lodges serve buffet meals with multiple options. Fresh tropical fruit appears at every meal alongside both local and familiar international dishes. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The food was great everywhere we stayed. There's a lot of fresh fruit in the tropics and most hotels offer international menus alongside local dishes making it easy to please both adventurous and picky eaters."