Child-Friendly Hotels in Costa Rica
Embarking on a tropical family vacation to Costa Rica can be an incredible experience for kids and adults alike.
But oftentimes, planning that vacation isn't quite so incredible an experience. Successful travel with kids, grandparents, and extended families is a little more challenging than most other getaways.
That's where we—and our favorite kid-friendly Costa Rica resorts—come in. Our local experts will find suitable destinations and lodging options for you to ensure your family will have a great time in beautiful Costa Rica!
Family-friendly tours and adventures are also sure to awe and delight. Check every must-do off everyone's wish list.
For your next trip, swap "Are we there yet?" for "We can't be done yet!" at the best resorts in Costa Rica for families.
- Beachfront, kid-friendly Costa Rica resorts
- Our Favorite Arenal Volcano Family Resorts
- Costa Rica Family Hotels in the Jungle
- FAQs about Family-Friendly Resorts, from the Experts
Best Costa Rica All-Inclusive Family Resorts
Beaches, rainforests, and volcanos… oh MY! Costa Rica is the perfect family destination, but it has to be done right. After all, nobody's happy if the kids aren't happy. (We speak from experience.)
That's why the top Costa Rica family resorts aren't only built for kids. They're also designed for parents and grandparents.
Contented kids make for delighted adults, and safe, occupied, and entertained kids mean the adults can fully relax.
We want to show you the many opportunities you have as a family on vacation in Costa Rica. Make sure you get your kids involved, as they'll also have great ideas on what to see and do.
When you close your eyes and envision your trip to Costa Rica, we'd wager that swaying palms and soft sands make an appearance. Oh, and are those your kids in the background, smiling from ear to ear?
They sure are if you're vacationing at our favorite beachfront resorts in Costa Rica for families! Piqued your interest? Then, let's start here:
The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal
If you're wondering where to stay in Costa Rica with kids, we recommend the Westin Conchal as one of the best family resorts in Costa Rica.
This splendid all-inclusive resort has over 400 guest suites, many offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding countryside.
Margaritaville Beach Resort, Playa Flamingo
Another great family beachfront option is Margaritaville on the white sand beaches of Flamingo in Guanacaste.
This resort has two family pools and other kid-friendly amenities. The smaller pool even has a large palapa roof to protect your kids' skin from the sun—or to relax in the shade.
El Mangroove Autograph Collection, Papagayo
El Mangroove has a calm beach and a beach-entry pool, making it the perfect playground for the little ones. Because the bay is so calm here in Papagayo, older kids can snorkel, kayak, and SUP board.
Tamarindo Diria, Tamarindo
A great resort-like hotel right on Tamarindo Beach, the Tamarindo Diria is one of the top kid-friendly hotels in Costa Rica, offering beachfront access and kid-friendly pools.
It's the pools that make this place great for kids. They have several on-site and a small kids' pool with the perfect depth for toddlers!
Cala Luna, Tamarindo
Just outside Tamarindo, on Playa Langosta (more of a surf beach than one suitable for kids), Cala Luna is also all about the pools.
Children will love the main pool here, and if you stay in one of their villas, you'll have a private pool. The tide pools are great for family relaxation.
A smoking, active, and almost perfectly conical volcano? Sign us up!
To parents' delight, some of the best family hotels in Costa Rica also boast commanding views of the famous Arenal Volcano—a sight you'll never forget!—and luxurious amenities to exceed every expectation.
They also offer younger travelers access to various thrilling activities to keep them entertained for hours: horseback riding, ATV tours, river rafting, and much more.
With so much to see and do amid some of the most spectacular surroundings in Costa Rica, you and your kids might not want to leave these incredible family hotels!
The Springs Resort and Spa
Easily one of the best resorts in Costa Rica for families. We love the dedicated family pool and range of activities at the Springs Resort. Your kids will love these too, while you're going to adore relaxing in the hot, healing volcanic springs here!
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Close to the Arenal Volcano, the Tabacon has an authentic jungle vibe. Check out the fantastic on-site natural hot springs. While bathing in these hot springs, you'll feel immersed in the rainforest. The Tabacon has all the luxuries and amenities we enjoy when traveling with kids.
There's always a lot of talk about the beach, but Costa Rica is more than the beach. Your Costa Rica family vacation isn't complete until you introduce yourself and your children to the magic of the rainforest.
There are plenty of excellent rainforest hotels for families that provide the perfect family experience amid nature. Here are a few of the best family resorts in the rainforests of Costa Rica:
Rafiki Safari Lodge
The Rafiki Safari Lodge is a total jungle hotel comprising luxury tents in a remote valley, along the wild waters of the Rio Savegre. This place is well off the beaten track.
When here, you feel completely removed from everything—but there is still tons to do for kids. Activities like rafting, horseback riding, and waterfall hiking are all at Rafiki. You can also explore plenty of on-site trails.
Peace Lodge, near Volcán Poas
Amid cloud forests on the slopes of the Poas Volcano, near the community of Vara Blanca (not far from San Jose), the Peace Lodge has it ALL for kids and adults of every age!
A tilapia pond, waterfall gardens to hike, a wildlife refuge, pools, and so much more! All this makes Peace Lodge a top family-friendly jungle hotel.
Does Costa Rica have a lot of adventures for families?
Yes, there's something for everyone in Costa Rica - kids and adults alike! Costa Rica offers so much to fit everyone. There are tours the whole family can enjoy together, without worrying if the littles can keep up.
Our favorite kid-friendly activities in Costa Rica include waterfall exploring, light hiking through national parks, exploring the rainforest by boat, snorkeling, catamarans, zip-lining, and more!
Where can our family see wildlife?
If your kids are wild about animals - and most kids are - Costa Rica is a perfect choice. Sloths and monkeys abound, and even creepy crawlies, spiders, and snakes fascinate the little ones.
Take them snorkeling to spot bright-colored fish under the waves, or even spot dolphins if they're lucky. And, did we mention sloths? Everyone adores the sloths!
What would you suggest for the age range for kids to come to Costa Rica?
Costa Ricans are incredibly accommodating to kids—you get to the front of the line everywhere with kids under five. They care and love our next generation more than any other country we know.
Are there kid-friendly Costa Rica Resorts?
Most hotels are VERY family-orientated and have sections dedicated to children, like kid-friendly pools or on-site playgrounds. Some also have kids’ clubs or activities planned for them during the week.
My kids are being taken out of school for our trip. What can they learn about in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica helps our young people realize what a big world it is! From speaking Spanish to spotting wildlife (in the actual wild) and witnessing first-hand sustainability practices, there’s always something for kids to learn and take with them for the rest of their lives.
About the Author
Rachel Peck
Travel Consultant at Costa Rican Vacations