Listen. Can you hear it? It’s the sound of the final bell ringing for this school year. Yet, for kids, it is so much more. It’s the sweet sound of summer! Parents can have that nostalgic feeling, too, when they book an exciting vacation for the whole family to enjoy. And, many find it when they plan that trip to our beloved country of Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica, we place our highest priorities on family, and we want to be the ideal place to bring yours. In fact, there are countless kid-friendly activities in Costa Rica that your entire crew will love.

Kid-Friendly Activities in Costa Rica the Whole Family Will Love

Excitement awaits your family in Costa Rica. Here are 10 great ways to have a ball and make precious memories to last a lifetime.

Soar high on a zipline.

Ziplining is a favorite of visitors of all ages. And, yes, your smaller kids can do it, too! It’s possible with tandem ziplining, which pairs your child with an expert guide to “zip” together. This way your child can see the sights and feel the thrills of a Costa Rican rainforest like no other! 

Cruise the coast.

Experience many adventures aboard a coastal cruise. Start by watching our aquatic wildlife at play. Then, sit and fish, or grab a snorkel for a closer look. End the day with a stroll along an undiscovered beach, or simply enjoy family time on the boat while eyeing our amazing sunset.

 Take surf lessons.

Cowabunga, dude! The surf is up in Costa Rica, and what better way to bond with your tribe than to learn this sport together. You can find expert instructors all along the coast of Costa Rica, after all the country’s name does translate to “Rich Coast”! And if surfing isn’t for everyone, the beaches also provide other great fun (or relaxation) while others try their hand.

Pick up a soccer game.

Get physical with both feet firmly planted on the ground when you get into our country’s favorite pastime – soccer. Start a game on the beach with your family, or join our locals in town for a match. Either way, you’ll quickly become as passionate about the sport as us Costa Ricans are.

Revel in the local culture.

Expand your child’s horizons when you immerse them in the Costa Rican culture. If staying in a luxury villa or off the beaten path, a simple trip into a nearby town will tickle all their senses. You can sample our delicious food, visit a farmer’s market for local goods or even catch a parade or festival. The possibilities are endless!

Go for a horseback ride.

Speaking of culture, vacationers will easily see our love of horses, which is why horseback riding is another favorite pastime. Depending on where you stay, you’ll have your choice of various landscapes, from farms to forests to oceanfront. No matter where your horse (or tour guide) leads, buckaroos of all ages are sure to have a grand time.

Raft the (not-so-rapid) rapids.

Take to one of Costa Rica’s rivers for a leisurely ride down a Class I rapid. At this slow, comfortable pace, you and your small children will be able to catch the monkeys, sloths and more at play and rest. For older kids looking for a bigger adventure, choose a higher-class rapid for the rush they seek.  The Savegre River is a perfect river for the whole family, and is located just a few minutes South of the Manuel Antonio region.

See a volcano.

What can be more exciting than an active volcano? Exploring it, of course! Costa Rica has many to choose from, but two of the area’s most popular are the Arenal Volcano and the Poas Volcano.  The Poas volcano can be combined with a fantastic day trip on your way in or out of San Jose, where the Juan Santamaría International Airport is located. The Arenal volcano was consistently active for more than forty years but has quieted down over the last seven. Still, the thrill of its current slumber, combined with its beautiful landscape, busy wildlife and numerous hot springs pools and spas, make it a must-do for most families.

Discover a waterfall.

Swimming is a vacation necessity, so why not do it near a waterfall? Visitors to the Arenal Volcano have a perfect opportunity to do so in the nearby and stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. Another swim-friendly option is the Nauyaca Waterfalls, located in the province of Dominical just 25 minutes South of Manuel Antonio- a perfect day trip! Your kids will never enjoy a more fascinating and lively pool such as these!

Explore a National Park.

If several of the activities above are up your kid’s alley, then make plans to spend a day or two in one of Costa Rica’s National Parks. In many of the 27, they can find ziplining, beaches, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, volcanoes and waterfalls. This makes their visit one of the best ways to take in the beauty and action of our rainforests. Check out the ever-popular Manuel Antonio National Park and learn why Forbes named it among the world’s most beautiful!

Now that a Costa Rica vacation excites the whole family, contact your travel specialist to make plans for these kid-friendly activities and more. That’s right; there’s more. From theme parks to wildlife refuges, Costa Rica has it all.

Bonus Tip: How to Enjoy Parent-Friendly Activities with Kids in Costa Rica

Make the most of your trip when you plan for adult-only activities or have someone assist with your children. This is possible with a nanny service, offered by many private villas, which helps parents enjoy outings their kids aren’t yet old enough to do. A nanny can travel with the family to care for the kids. Or, he or she can watch the children from the villa, tending to their needs and having some fun, too. Again, talk to your concierge to discuss how everyone in your family can have the summer vacation they’ve dreamed of all year.

Staying with Costa Rica First Class Villas? Contact us toll-free at 1-888-512-9832, and let us help you plan all your kid-friendly (and parent-friendly) activities!