Packing for Costa Rica with kids is a little different from packing for a typical beach vacation.
One day your family might be hiking through a cool, misty cloud forest, the next you could be swimming beneath a waterfall in La Fortuna, and a few days later you may be soaking up the sun on a Guanacaste beach.
Add tropical rain, muddy trails, rafting trips, wildlife tours, hot springs and wet swimsuits into the mix, and what you pack really does matter.
The good news? You probably need less than you think.
At Costa Rica for Kids, we help families plan vacations throughout the country, and we’ve learned that the key isn’t bringing everything: it’s bringing the right things.
Here’s our practical Costa Rica packing list for families, including what you’ll actually use, what you can leave at home and a few things parents often forget.
First Things First: Don’t Overpack
Costa Rica is wonderfully casual.
You don’t need a different outfit for every day, dressy clothes for dinner or a suitcase filled with “just in case” items.
For most 7- to 10-day family vacations, concentrate on comfortable clothes that can be mixed, matched and worn more than once. Many hotels offer laundry service, and laundromats are available in most major tourism destinations.
Quick-drying fabrics are especially helpful because between the humidity, rain, pools, beaches, rafting and waterfalls, something is almost always wet.
Costa Rica for Kids Tip
Pack for adventure, not fashion.
A comfortable casual outfit is plenty for most nicer dinners in Costa Rica. Save that extra suitcase space for souvenirs!
Costa Rica Packing List for Families: Quick Checklist
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of what we recommend bringing.
Travel Essentials
- Valid passports for everyone, including children
- Return or onward travel information
- Travel insurance information
- Hotel and tour confirmations
- Copies of important documents
- Credit/debit cards
- Some cash
- Prescription medications
Clothing
- Lightweight T-shirts and tops
- Quick-dry shorts
- Lightweight pants
- One or two long-sleeved shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Pajamas
- Light sweater or sweatshirt
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Two swimsuits per child
- Rash guard or UV swim shirt
- One casual dinner outfit
Shoes
- Comfortable closed-toe walking or athletic shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Secure sport sandals or water shoes if your activities require them
Sun & Rain
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight rain jackets or ponchos
- Small umbrella if desired
Adventure Gear
- Small daypack
- Reusable water bottles
- Binoculars
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Wet/dry bag
- Small quick-dry towel
- Portable charger
For Kids
- Familiar snacks
- Headphones
- Tablet/books/small games for transfers
- Small comfort item
- Change of clothing in the daypack
- Children’s medications you normally use at home
Passports, Documents & Money
Every traveler, including babies and children, needs a valid passport to enter Costa Rica.
Costa Rica also requires visitors to have proof of onward or return travel. Passport and visa requirements vary by nationality, so always confirm the current requirements that apply to your family before traveling.
We recommend carrying:
- Valid passport for each traveler
- Copy or photo of each passport
- Return/onward flight information
- Travel insurance information
- Hotel confirmations
- Tour confirmations
- Emergency contact information
- Prescription information for important medications
Keep digital copies somewhere you can access even if your phone is lost.
If only one parent or legal guardian is traveling internationally with a child, check the documentation requirements that apply to your particular situation before departure.
What Money Should You Bring to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s official currency is the Costa Rican colón, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourism areas. Major credit cards are also accepted throughout much of the country.
There’s usually no reason to arrive carrying large amounts of cash.
We recommend having some smaller bills available for tips, small purchases and places where paying by card may be inconvenient.
Clothes for Costa Rica: Think Light, Comfortable & Quick-Drying
Costa Rica is tropical, but don’t assume your entire vacation will be hot.
Temperature and weather can change considerably depending on where you’re traveling.
At the beach in Guanacaste, your family may be wearing shorts and swimsuits all day. In Monteverde, you may want long pants and a light jacket. La Fortuna can be hot and humid but also receives sudden rain showers.
The best strategy is lightweight layers.
Bring:
- Breathable T-shirts
- Lightweight tops
- Quick-dry shorts
- Lightweight pants or leggings
- One or two long-sleeved shirts
- Light sweater or sweatshirt
- Underwear and socks
- Comfortable sleepwear
- One casual outfit for dinners
Avoid packing too much heavy cotton if you’re visiting humid areas. It absorbs moisture and can take much longer to dry.
Bring Two Swimsuits, Especially for Kids
This sounds excessive until you’ve spent a day in Costa Rica with children.
You may encounter:
- Hotel pools
- Beaches
- Hot springs
- Waterfalls
- Rafting
- Snorkeling
- Boat tours
- Natural swimming holes
A swimsuit worn in the morning may still be wet when everyone wants to swim again that afternoon.
Two swimsuits per child can make life much easier.
We also highly recommend UV-protective rash guards or swim shirts. They’re great for beach days, pools, rafting and boat trips and reduce how much exposed skin you need to continually cover with sunscreen.
Costa Rica for Kids Tip
Put at least one swimsuit for every family member in your carry-on luggage.
If your checked luggage is delayed (or you arrive at your hotel before your room is ready), nobody has to miss the pool.
What Shoes Do Kids Need in Costa Rica?
This is one of the questions families ask us most often.
For a typical Costa Rica family vacation, most children do not need heavy hiking boots.
A good pair of comfortable athletic or walking shoes will work for many family hikes, hanging bridges and nature activities.
We recommend bringing:
Closed-Toe Athletic or Walking Shoes
These are likely to be your most-used shoes for:
- Hiking
- Hanging bridges
- Wildlife tours
- Night walks
- Zip-lining
- Exploring towns
Make sure children wear them several times before your vacation. Costa Rica is not the place to discover that a brand-new pair of shoes causes blisters.
Sandals or Flip-Flops
Perfect for:
- Hotels
- Pools
- Beaches
- Hot springs
- Casual dinners
Secure Water Shoes or Sport Sandals
These may be useful for:
- Rafting
- Canyoning
- Waterfalls
- Kayaking
- Rocky beaches
- Other water-based adventures
Before purchasing special shoes, check the requirements for the tours on your itinerary. Some adventure operators require closed-toe shoes while others allow secure sport sandals.
Yes, You Should Pack Rain Gear
Even during Costa Rica’s traditionally drier months, tropical showers can happen.
And one of the most important things to understand about Costa Rica weather is that there isn’t one weather pattern for the entire country.
Costa Rica has numerous microclimates. The weather in Guanacaste can be completely different from the weather in La Fortuna, Monteverde or Puerto Viejo on the very same day.
Instead of packing solely according to the month you’re traveling, think about where you’re traveling.
A lightweight rain jacket or poncho for each family member is usually enough.
Look for something that:
- Packs down small
- Is lightweight
- Can fit into your daypack
- Dries quickly
Heavy raincoats usually aren’t necessary and can feel uncomfortable in warm, humid weather.
Costa Rica Weather Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
You’ll often hear Costa Rica described as having a “dry season” and “rainy season,” but that is only part of the story.
Altitude, mountains, coastlines and regional weather patterns create very different climates across this relatively small country.
As a general packing guide:
Guanacaste
Expect warmer temperatures and generally drier conditions than many other parts of Costa Rica, particularly during the Pacific dry season.
Pack plenty of sun protection, lightweight clothing and swimsuits.
La Fortuna & Arenal
Warm, lush and humid. Rain can occur throughout the year.
Bring quick-dry clothing, good walking shoes and a lightweight rain jacket.
Monteverde
Cooler, windier and often damp.
Definitely include long pants and a light jacket or sweatshirt in addition to your rain gear.
Manuel Antonio & Central Pacific
Hot, tropical and humid.
Lightweight clothing, sun protection and rain gear are your best friends.
Caribbean Coast
The Caribbean follows a different rainfall pattern than the Pacific, so don’t automatically assume that the Pacific “rainy season” forecast applies here too.
Costa Rica for Kids Tip
Don’t let a rain icon on your weather app scare you.
Tropical forecasts can show rain every day even when much of the day is perfectly suitable for activities. Weather can also vary dramatically within a relatively short distance.
Planning around the seasons? See our Costa Rica weather guide by month.
Pack for Wet Kids
Between rain, swimming pools, beaches, rivers and waterfalls, families tend to accumulate wet things quickly in Costa Rica.
A few simple items can make this much easier:
- Wet/dry bag
- Reusable waterproof bags
- Plastic zip-top bags
- Small quick-dry towel
- Separate bag for muddy shoes
- Lightweight clothes that dry quickly
A wet bag is especially useful on transfer days when someone decides to swim five minutes before it’s time to leave the hotel.
We’ve seen it happen.
Sun Protection Is Essential
Costa Rica’s tropical sun is strong, even when the sky is cloudy.
Bring:
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Water-resistant sunscreen for swimming and activities
- Hats
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Rash guards/UV shirts for children
- Lip balm with SPF
Apply sunscreen before heading out for the day and remember to reapply, especially after swimming, rafting or sweating.
A rash guard can be one of the best things you pack for children because it provides reliable coverage without having to continually chase kids around with sunscreen.
What About Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes and other insects are part of traveling in the tropics, although how many you encounter varies greatly by location, season and even time of day.
Pack an insect repellent that your family has already used successfully at home.
We also recommend having:
- Lightweight long pants
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Closed-toe shoes
These can be particularly helpful for evening activities and guided night walks.
Costa Rica for Kids Tip
Don’t wait until vacation to test a new insect repellent or skincare product on your children. Bring products you already know work well for your family.
Your Costa Rica Family Daypack
You don’t need to carry everything you brought to Costa Rica on every excursion.
One lightweight family backpack is usually enough.
Here’s what we would put in it for a typical day:
- Refillable water bottles
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lightweight rain jackets or ponchos
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Small towel
- Wet bag
- Snacks
- Phone
- Portable charger
- Necessary medications
- Copies of important documents
- A change of clothing for younger children
If wildlife is a priority, add binoculars.
Costa Rica’s guides often carry spotting scopes, but having your own binoculars can make wildlife watching much more exciting for children.
Electronics & Travel Gear
You don’t need a suitcase full of gadgets, but a few things are worth packing.
Consider bringing:
- Smartphone
- Charging cables
- Portable USB power bank
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Headphones for kids
- AirTags or another luggage tracker
- Binoculars
- Camera if you prefer one to your phone
Download useful maps, travel information and entertainment before leaving reliable Wi-Fi.
Cell service is available in many tourism areas, but coverage can become limited in mountain areas and more remote destinations.
Do You Need an Electrical Adapter in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica uses 110V electricity with standard U.S.-style two-prong outlets.
Travelers coming from the United States generally won’t need a plug adapter. Families traveling from countries that use different plugs or voltages should check their devices before traveling.
Traveling With Babies & Toddlers
Costa Rica can be an amazing destination with babies and toddlers, but you’ll want to think carefully about mobility.
Sidewalks, nature trails and attractions aren’t always stroller-friendly.
For little ones, consider packing:
- Lightweight folding stroller
- Comfortable baby carrier
- Swim diapers
- Regular diapers
- Wipes
- Favorite snacks
- Formula or preferred baby food
- Familiar sunscreen
- Familiar insect repellent
- Portable changing pad
- Small comfort item
- Children’s medications you normally use
Stroller or Baby Carrier?
Ideally, bring both if you have space.
A lightweight stroller can be useful around hotels, airports and towns.
For hanging bridges, nature trails, wildlife areas and uneven terrain, however, a baby carrier can be much more useful than a stroller.
You can purchase diapers, wipes and many common baby products in Costa Rica, especially in larger towns. However, if your child requires a particular brand, formula, medication or specialty food, bring enough from home rather than assuming you’ll find the exact product here.
Snacks for Kids
Costa Rica has supermarkets, convenience stores and plenty of opportunities to pick up snacks along the way, so you don’t need to bring food for your entire vacation.
But familiar snacks can be lifesavers during:
- Airport waits
- Longer transfers
- Early morning tours
- Boat trips
- Hungry moments between meals
Pack a few non-melting favorites, particularly if your child is selective about food.
Then have fun trying Costa Rican snacks along the way!
Fresh fruit, local pastries and Costa Rican treats can become part of the travel experience too.
What to Pack for Different Costa Rica Adventures
Your specific itinerary should influence your packing more than any generic list.
Here’s what we recommend for some of Costa Rica’s most popular family activities.
Zip-Lining
Bring:
- Closed-toe shoes if required by your operator
- Comfortable shorts, leggings or pants
- T-shirt
- Hair tie for long hair
- Secure glasses or sunglasses
Avoid loose accessories.
Read more: Top 3 family zipline tours in La Fortuna.
White-Water Rafting
Bring:
- Swimsuit
- Quick-dry clothes
- Secure water shoes or approved footwear
- Sunscreen
- Change of dry clothes
- Towel if your operator doesn’t provide one
Leave valuables behind whenever possible.
Hanging Bridges & Nature Walks
Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight clothing
- Rain jacket
- Water
- Binoculars
- Insect repellent
Wildlife Tours
Bring:
- Comfortable neutral-colored clothing
- Binoculars
- Camera or phone
- Insect repellent
- Water
- Hat
Read more: best animal sanctuaries and zoos for kids in Costa Rica.
Hot Springs
Bring:
- Swimsuit
- Sandals
- Dry clothes
- Hair tie
- Waterproof bag for wet swimsuits
Read more: how to make the most of a family trip to Costa Rica’s hot springs.
Beach & Catamaran Days
Bring:
- Swimsuit
- Rash guard
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sandals
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Change of clothes for children
Read more: the best beaches in Costa Rica for families.
Night Walks
Bring:
- Closed-toe shoes
- Long pants
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirt
- Insect repellent
- Rain jacket
Many guides provide flashlights, so check before packing your own, but it might be fun for the kids to have their own mini light.
What NOT to Pack for Costa Rica
Sometimes knowing what to leave home is just as helpful.
Heavy Hiking Boots
Unless your family is planning serious trekking, comfortable athletic or trail shoes are sufficient for most family activities.
Lots of Dressy Clothes
Costa Rica is casual.
Even many upscale resorts have a relaxed tropical atmosphere. One nicer casual outfit is usually enough.
Too Many Toys
Kids usually have plenty to keep them occupied here.
Bring a few small items for flights and transfers rather than filling a suitcase with toys.
Your Entire Medicine Cabinet
Bring prescription medication and your family’s important basics, but pharmacies are widely available in populated areas if you need common items.
Huge Amounts of Cash
Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available throughout much of Costa Rica.
Cases of Bottled Water
Tap water is potable in most of Costa Rica, although bottled water may be recommended in some rural or remote areas.
Bring reusable bottles and refill them when appropriate.
Don’t Forget Your Carry-On
Checked luggage occasionally takes its own vacation.
For family travel, we recommend putting these items in your carry-on:
- Passports
- Medications
- Travel documents
- Phone chargers
- One change of clothes per child
- One change of clothes for at least one parent
- Swimsuits
- Essential baby supplies
- A few snacks
- Small entertainment items
- Valuables
Costa Rica for Kids Tip
If there’s one thing we’d tell parents, it’s this:
Put the swimsuits in the carry-on.
After a day of traveling, being able to tell the kids, “Yes, you can go swimming,” can be priceless.
A Few Extra Things We’re Glad When Families Bring
These aren’t absolutely necessary, but they’re useful:
Reusable Water Bottles
Costa Rica is committed to protecting its natural environment, and reusable bottles help reduce single-use plastics.
Binoculars
One of our favorite things for kids. Spotting a monkey or toucan on their own makes wildlife watching much more interactive.
Wet Bag
Worth its weight in gold on a family vacation.
Small Backpack
Perfect for day tours without hauling a large backpack everywhere.
Travel Journal
Encourage children to record wildlife they see, places they visit and favorite moments.
Younger kids can draw pictures instead.
It makes a wonderful keepsake when the trip is over.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Costa Rica With Kids
What should kids wear in Costa Rica?
Lightweight, breathable clothing works best for most destinations. Pack shorts, T-shirts and swimsuits, but also include lightweight pants, a long-sleeved shirt, rain jacket and light sweater for cooler or wetter destinations.
The exact clothing you’ll need depends heavily on your itinerary.
Do kids need hiking boots in Costa Rica?
Usually not.
For most family-friendly hikes, hanging bridges and wildlife tours, comfortable athletic or trail shoes are enough. Specialized hiking boots may be appropriate for more challenging trekking.
Should we bring rain jackets to Costa Rica?
Yes.
A small lightweight rain jacket or poncho is worth packing regardless of when you’re traveling. Tropical showers can occur even during traditionally drier periods.
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Do children need water shoes in Costa Rica?
Not necessarily.
Water shoes or secure sport sandals can be useful for rafting, waterfalls, rocky beaches and some water activities. Check your individual tour requirements before purchasing special footwear.
Should we bring mosquito repellent?
Yes.
Mosquito activity varies throughout Costa Rica, but we recommend packing a family-friendly insect repellent you already know works well for your children.
Can we buy diapers and baby supplies in Costa Rica?
Yes, diapers, wipes and common baby supplies are readily available in larger towns and tourism destinations.
If your baby uses a particular formula, medication, specialty food or specific brand, however, it’s better to bring enough from home.
Do we need an electrical adapter?
Travelers from the United States generally do not. Costa Rica uses 110V electricity and U.S.-style outlets.
Travelers from other countries should check their plugs and devices before departure.
Can we drink the tap water?
Tap water is safe to drink in most of Costa Rica. In some rural or remote locations, bottled or filtered water may be recommended.
Your hotel or local guide can advise you if there’s any reason not to drink the water in a particular area.
How much should we pack for a one-week Costa Rica vacation?
Less than you think!
Pack lightweight pieces that can be mixed and matched rather than seven completely different outfits. Quick-dry clothing is especially useful, and laundry service is available at many hotels.
What should we pack during Costa Rica’s rainy season?
Don’t completely change your packing list.
Add lightweight rain jackets or ponchos, quick-dry clothing, waterproof bags for wet items and dependable walking shoes.
Most importantly, remember that rainfall patterns vary significantly depending on where in Costa Rica you’re traveling.
Pack for Your Itinerary, Not Just for Costa Rica
If there’s one thing we want families to take away from this list, it’s that there is no single perfect packing list for every Costa Rica vacation.
A family spending seven nights at a Guanacaste beach resort needs something completely different from a family visiting La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio.
Your children’s ages matter.
Your activities matter.
And the destinations on your itinerary matter.
That’s one of the advantages of planning your trip with people who know Costa Rica.
At Costa Rica for Kids, we specialize in creating family vacations around your children’s ages, interests and travel style, from choosing family-friendly hotels to finding adventures everyone can actually enjoy.
And yes, we’ll also tell you whether you really need those water shoes.
Ready to start planning your Costa Rica family adventure?
Start Planning Your Family Vacation
Pura Vida!