Calling all adventurous families! If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable vacation filled with nature, wildlife, and meaningful experiences for your kids, Costa Rica is an excellent choice.

Whether this is your first time visiting Costa Rica or you’re returning to explore more of the country with your children, the right planning makes all the difference. For example, first-time travelers often look for reassurance, simplicity, and must-see experiences. Meanwhile, repeat visitors usually want deeper, more personalized adventures. Because of this, this guide speaks to both types of families by offering clarity, confidence, and practical advice, so your trip feels exciting instead of overwhelming.

As experienced family travelers and the team behind Costa Rica For Kids, we’ve helped families of all sizes and ages plan trips that balance adventure, rest, and unforgettable moments. From safety tips and packing advice to itinerary planning and transportation, this guide walks you through every step, helping you prepare for a smooth and memorable family vacation.

So, let’s begin your journey into Pura Vida.

Costa Rica is widely known as one of the most family-friendly destinations in Central America. Its stable democracy, welcoming culture, and strong focus on sustainability make it a safe and enjoyable place to travel with kids.

Families love Costa Rica because it offers something for everyone — wildlife encounters, volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, and calm beaches — all within relatively short travel distances. Add to that the genuine warmth Costa Ricans show toward children, and it’s easy to see why so many families choose Costa Rica for their first international adventure.

Passports, Visas, and Entry Requirements

All travelers should ensure passports are valid for at least six months beyond travel dates. U.S. and Canadian travelers do not need a visa for tourist visits. Entry requirements are generally straightforward, making Costa Rica an easy destination for families traveling abroad for the first time.

Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit with Kids?

Yes — Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in the region for family travel. Families commonly tell us safety is their biggest concern before arrival, and also the concern that disappears fastest once they experience the country firsthand.

As with any destination, basic travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure, use hotel safes, and make copies of important documents. Guided tours and pre-planned transportation add an extra layer of comfort for families.

Is the Water Safe to Drink in Costa Rica?

In most parts of Costa Rica, tap water is safe to drink. Families who prefer extra caution can easily purchase bottled water. Using refillable water bottles is encouraged to reduce plastic waste.

Pro Tip: Many families buy a large jug of water upon arrival for peace of mind, while still using tap water for brushing teeth.

Money, Payments, and Daily Expenses

Costa Rica’s official currency is the Costa Rican colón, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards work in most hotels and restaurants, though carrying some cash is useful for small purchases and tips.

Pro Tip: Carry a mix of USD and CRC, and notify your bank before traveling.

Electrical Outlets and Language

Costa Rica uses the same electrical outlets as the United States, so converters are not needed for U.S. and Canadian travelers. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though learning a few Spanish phrases can enhance interactions.

Bathrooms and Toilet Paper

Many plumbing systems cannot handle toilet paper, so it is disposed of in waste bins. This is an adjustment for kids, but a quick explanation usually does the trick.

Travel times in Costa Rica can be longer than expected due to road conditions and mountainous terrain. While renting a car offers flexibility, many families find driving tiring, especially with young children.

Private transfers and guided tours are often the easiest option for families, providing comfort, safety, and less stress. Most families we work with choose this option after realizing how much smoother their trip feels when logistics are handled for them.

Costa Rica has two main seasons: dry season (December to April) and green season (May to November). Both seasons have advantages.

Dry season offers sunny days and is popular with families, while green season brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and often better pricing. There is no bad time to visit — only the best time for your family’s travel style.

Pack lightweight clothing suitable for warm and humid weather, along with swimsuits, comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear. Essentials include sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first-aid kit.

Families traveling with toddlers may want to bring familiar snacks and comfort items, while older kids often enjoy quick-dry clothing and reusable water bottles.

The most successful family itineraries follow a simple rule: don’t try to see everything.

We recommend limiting trips to two or three destinations, staying multiple nights in each place, and balancing active days with rest. Combining one adventure region with one beach destination is often the perfect formula.

Many families ask what a realistic Costa Rica itinerary looks like with kids. Here’s an example that works especially well for first-time visitors.

Days 1–4: La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano Area

La Fortuna is ideal for families thanks to its compact layout and variety of easy, kid-friendly activities. Families typically enjoy gentle rainforest walks, wildlife spotting, hanging bridges, hot springs with family pools, and chocolate or farm experiences.

Staying in one hotel for several nights allows kids to settle in and parents to relax.

Days 5–7: Guanacaste Beaches

After a few active days, heading to the beach is the perfect way to slow the pace. Guanacaste offers calm waters, family-friendly resorts, and optional activities like snorkeling or catamaran tours.

This Arenal and Guanacaste combination is one of the most popular choices for both first-time travelers and families returning to Costa Rica.

Over the years, we’ve helped families traveling with toddlers, school-age kids, teenagers, and grandparents experience Costa Rica in a way that feels smooth and enjoyable.

Many families come to us feeling overwhelmed by choices and unsure how to structure their trip. What they usually share afterward is that having the right pace, clear planning, and local guidance transformed their vacation from stressful to truly memorable.

Some families even return to Costa Rica with us for a second or third trip, ready to explore new regions with confidence.

Whether this is your first visit to Costa Rica or you’re returning to explore more with your kids, we’re here to help you plan a trip that feels relaxed, safe, and unforgettable.

At Costa Rica For Kids, we design personalized family itineraries that match your travel style, your children’s ages, and your comfort level — so you can focus on enjoying the experience, not managing logistics.