Costa Rica Family Tours
Our family tours hit the sweet spot between wildlife watching and laid-back cultural activities. Kids love spotting sloths and monkeys on the flat paths of Manuel Antonio National Park - they can take their time and really get into nature watching. The Arenal Volcano tour with its homestay element gets great feedback; children jump right into farm life and learn to make tortillas while parents see authentic Costa Rican daily routines. In Tortuguero, families paddle through canals searching for turtles and river otters. Monteverde gives options between easy nature walks or active zip-line routes in the cloud forest. Parents tell us they really value having downtime built into places like Tamarindo Beach where kids can swim and adults take it easy.
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Simon • traveled in January
All good, everyone had a great time and the whole package was great. One minor comment, and perhaps this is actually about CR itself, but none of the places we ate at seemed to do much in the way of kids portions. So, we seemed to waste a lot of food!
Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure - R
Robin • traveled in March
Great experience! Packed a lot in.
Costa Rica Family Experience - G
Gary • traveled in January
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.
Costa Rica – Family Volunteer Adventure
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AKAdam
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BHBrian
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Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
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Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
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Costa Rica & Manuel Antonio 7 Days, Self-Drive
Eco-adventure in Costa Rica
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Beaches and Nature with Santa Teresa
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Our Costa Rican Highlights
10 Best Costa Rica Family vacation packages
Compiled by

SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
- Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure
- Costa Rica Family Holiday (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
- Costa Rica Family Experience
- Costa Rica Family Journey: From Rainforest to Coast
- Family Adventure Package
- Costa Rica – Family Volunteer Adventure
- Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
- Costa Rica: San Jose, Tortuguero, National Park Arenal, Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio- 11 days
- Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End San Jose)
Costa Rica Adventure Family Holiday
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A fantastic country to travel to and a great trip. Book it. This trip allows you to fit in lots.”
Gemma, traveled in September
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 Ages 9+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $4,948
15% Off- US$4,215You save $733
Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Corcovado; whale watching and rain forest walk, seeing the tapir and humpbacks.”
Stewart, traveled in August
Interactive cooking lessons in Monteverde and wildlife spotting in Tortuguero captivate families with children 7+. Kids thrill to zip-lining through cloud forests, chocolate-making demonstrations, and Pacific beach activities. Hotels offer family-friendly pools and amenities.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Sarchi, Grecia, Poas Volcano National Park, Cartago, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, Santa ElenaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 7+ Operator Explore! From $4,150
20% Off- US$3,320You save $830
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- US$2,395
Costa Rica Family Experience
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great country and great guide.”
Daniel, 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 Ages 6+ Operator G Adventures From $2,099
10% Off- US$1,889You save $210
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 Ages 7+ Operator G Adventures From
10% Off- US$2,999
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 All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Central American Tours From
10% Off- US$1,759
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 Ages 8+ Operator Discover Corps From
10% Off- US$4,695
Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Costa Rica was paradise and such a great birthday getaway. I have nothing to complain about my experience.”
Mia, traveled in March
The family trip welcomes kids over 3, showcasing Tortuga Island's safe swimming waters and San Luis canopy tours. Optional activities include La Paz Waterfalls visits and wildlife spotting in Tortuguero National Park.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $599
10% Off- US$539You save $60
Costa Rica: San Jose, Tortuguero, National Park Arenal, Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio- 11 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful time and our tour was more than expected. We will definitely use TourRadar again!”
Phyllis, traveled in July
Family adventures welcome kids 3+, offering flexible activities from gentle canoe rides in Tortuguero to butterfly gardens in Monteverde. Features kid-friendly hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park and safe swimming beaches. Includes comfortable lodge accommodations and breakfast daily.
Duration 11 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $2,249
10% Off- US$2,024You save $225
Costa Rica Nature Adventure (End San Jose)
5 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 All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $2,625
15% Off- US$2,231You save $394
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."


































