Where to Stay in Costa Rica: Best Family Resorts and Hotels for Every Age
Planning a family trip to Costa Rica? One of the first questions we get is: “Where should we stay that actually works for kids?”
This guide breaks down your best options—whether you’re dreaming of beach days in Guanacaste or jungle adventures in Arenal and Tortuguero
Most family-friendly stays fall into two styles:
- Beach resorts (mostly in Guanacaste): All-inclusives with pools, kids’ clubs, and easy days in the sun.
- Rainforest lodges (like Arenal or Monteverde): Immersive, nature-rich stays with meals, tours, and space to explore.
We’ve visited these places ourselves (with toddlers and teens!) and helped hundreds of families do the same. Here are the resorts real families love—and why.
Let’s find your perfect match.
Planning Your Route: Beach, Volcano, or Both?
Costa Rica may be a small country, but each region has its own pace, vibe, and highlights for families.
Many of our travelers choose two regions for the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation—like combining a volcano lodge in Arenal with a beachfront resort in Guanacaste.
Here’s how the top destinations stack up:
- Arenal / La Fortuna – Jungle adventures, hot springs, and volcano views
- Guanacaste – Beach resorts, sunny days, and all-inclusive ease
- Manuel Antonio – Wildlife, rainforest hikes, and swimmable beaches
- Monteverde – Cloud forests, cool weather, and nature-focused stays
- Tortuguero – Off-the-grid magic, boat-access lodges, and turtle tours
In the next sections, we’ll break down the best family resorts in each location what makes them great, and how to know if they fit your crew.
La Fortuna / Arenal: Volcano Views, Hot Springs, and Rainforest Fun
La Fortuna, home of the Arenal Volcano, is one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for families. It’s the perfect place to combine jungle adventures with kid-friendly relaxation.
In one day, you can zipline through the forest, spot monkeys on a nature walk, and unwind in a natural hot spring. That’s why so many families—ours included—come back again and again.
Best Family Resorts in Arenal
- Arenal Springs Resort & Spa: Spacious connecting rooms, multiple thermal pools, and on-site hot springs. Great for multigenerational families and siblings of different ages.
- Nayara Gardens: Rainforest luxury meets family comfort. Villas are large, beautifully designed, and offer babysitting services so parents can sneak in a spa moment.
Family Travel Tips for Arenal
- Bring swimsuits for all ages. You’ll use them daily—most hotels have thermal pools!
- Start activities early. Mornings are best for wildlife viewing and cooler temps.
- Add variety to your stay. Families love combining hot-spring tours with chocolate workshops and safari floats.
Combine your stay with our Family Vacation Planner to include hot-spring tours, safari floats, and guided rainforest walks—customized to your kids’ ages and travel style.
Guanacaste: Beach Bliss for Families
If your dream vacation includes sandcastles, calm waves, and a resort that takes care of everything—Guanacaste is for you.
Located in Costa Rica’s sunny Pacific North, this region is known for its beautiful beaches, dry climate, and family-friendly all-inclusive resorts. It’s easy, warm, and perfect for travel with kids.
We’ve helped hundreds of families choose the right spot here—and many say it’s the most relaxing part of their trip.
Top Family Resorts in Guanacaste
- Andaz Papagayo: Stylish yet laid-back. Spacious rooms, kids’ programs, and access to calm bays for kayaking and paddleboarding. A great mix of nature and comfort.
- JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa: Beachfront elegance with family suites, a huge pool, and daily kids’ activities. Parents can relax while little ones are entertained.
- Westin Reserva Conchal: One of the top all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica for families. Large rooms, direct beach access, and a buffet with something for every age.
Family Travel Tips for Guanacaste
- Pack sunscreen and water shoes. Beaches can get hot by midday, especially for little feet.
- Mix beach time with short tours. Think wildlife boat rides or a visit to a nearby animal sanctuary.
- Traveling with multiple ages? These resorts offer flexible options—nap-friendly rooms, kids’ menus, and activities for tweens and teens.
Combine your stay in Guanacaste with a few nights in Arenal or Monteverde. Our Family Vacation Planner makes multi-region trips smooth and age-appropriate.
Manuel Antonio: Beaches, Jungle, and Easy Wildlife Encounters
Manuel Antonio is a favorite for first-time family travelers—and it’s easy to see why. This coastal town blends lush rainforest with swimmable beaches, gentle trails, and some of the best wildlife spotting in the country.
Think sloths, monkeys, toucans… all visible without a long hike.
It’s also home to Manuel Antonio National Park, which offers guided nature walks, shaded paths, and picnic-friendly beaches—perfect for kids of all ages.
Top Family Hotels in Manuel Antonio
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Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge: Eco-conscious and family-ready. Rooms are spacious, and the waterslide pool is a kid favorite. Bonus: it’s close to town and the park.
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Parador Resort & Spa: A great choice for multigenerational trips. Ocean-view family suites, an on-site trail network, and a quiet, secure setting make this a trusted option for families.
Family Travel Tips for Manuel Antonio
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Book early. This area fills up fast during holidays and high season.
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Visit the national park in the morning. Cooler temps = better wildlife sightings and fewer crowds.
Plan 2–3 days here. It’s enough time to enjoy the beach, take a wildlife tour, and try something fun like a chocolate-making experience or mangrove boat ride.
Our Family Vacation Planner can build a full Manuel Antonio itinerary with nature tours, cultural stops, and downtime built in.
Monteverde: Cloud Forest Adventure for Curious Kids
If your kids love animals, cool weather, and the idea of walking through misty forests, Monteverde is a must.
Known for its cloud forest reserves and abundant wildlife, this region offers a slower pace that’s perfect for families who want to connect with nature—without the heat.
Monteverde is ideal for older kids and nature-loving tweens, but we’ve also helped families with toddlers and grandparents enjoy it with the right pacing.
Family-Friendly Lodges in Monteverde
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Hotel Belmar: A sustainable stay with cozy, chalet-style rooms surrounded by forest. Great for families who want comfort, warm hospitality, and easy access to nearby trails.
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Monteverde Lodge & Gardens: Relaxed and welcoming with lush gardens, family-sized rooms, and wildlife sightings right from your balcony. A good choice for nature-first families.
Family Travel Tips for Monteverde
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Pack layers and rain jackets. It’s cooler than most places in Costa Rica, especially in the mornings and evenings.
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Try a night walk. Guided tours after dark are a safe and exciting way for kids (ages 6+) to see frogs, insects, and nocturnal animals.
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Go slow. Monteverde is best enjoyed at a gentle pace one adventure a day with lots of snack breaks.
Want to pair Monteverde with Arenal or the coast? Our Family Vacation Planner builds rainforest-to-beach trips with the right balance for every age.
Tortuguero: Jungle Boats, Sea Turtles, and Off-the-Grid Magic
Tortuguero is one of Costa Rica’s most unique destinations—and a favorite for adventurous families.
You can’t drive here. Instead, you’ll arrive by boat, cruising through jungle canals where kids might spot caimans, monkeys, or toucans before even checking in. It’s remote, peaceful, and full of wow moments.
The real star? Sea turtles. From July to October, families can witness nesting and hatching on protected beaches—an unforgettable experience.
Family Lodges in Tortuguero
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Mawamba Lodge:Laid-back, riverside cabins surrounded by nature. Daily boat tours and on-site guides help kids connect with the environment in fun, educational ways.
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Evergreen Lodge: Rustic comfort meets eco-adventure. Families love the pool, jungle setting, and included tours like canal rides and nature walks.
Family Travel Tips for Tortuguero
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Best time for turtle nesting: July through October. Ask us which dates work best for your kids’ ages and attention spans.
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Pack light and smart. Getting here involves boats—bring water-safe shoes, lightweight clothing, and a raincoat.
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You don’t need to plan it all. Lodges include tours, meals, and transfers—our planners handle the details so you can enjoy the moment.
Combine with our 10-Day Amazing Family Getaway to experience both the Caribbean and Pacific sides.
FAQs – For Families Planning Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Q1: What area is best for families visiting Costa Rica?
Arenal and Guanacaste are family favorites safe, accessible, and full of activities for every age.
Q2: Are all-inclusive resorts a good idea for families?
Yes! Especially for first-timers. They simplify meals and let everyone relax without logistics stress.
Q3: Can we combine beach and volcano destinations?
Absolutely . We help families plan easy transfers between Arenal and Guanacaste.
Q4: What’s the best time to visit Costa Rica with kids?
December to August offers great weather. Our Vacation Planner can help you pick the perfect dates.
Q5: Are family resorts in Costa Rica expensive?
There’s an option for every budget. What matters most is matching your family’s travel rhythm.
Plan Your Family Vacation with Costa Rica for Kids
We’re more than a travel agency, we’re a family that’s been where you are.
We know that planning for multiple ages, interests, and nap times can feel like juggling monkeys in the jungle (literally!). That’s why we created a planning service designed for families like yours.
Start your custom plan here:
Plan My Family Vacation
Or explore our top handpicked stays:
Because when families travel with confidence, the journey becomes part of the joy.
