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Costa Rica Fun with Kids

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All the top spots, tours and tips for visiting Costa Rica with kids.  Family-Friendly fun is everywhere!
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Costa Rica Towns

After a few weeks in Costa Rica, these were our favorite towns we would totally go back to.

 
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The town of adventure! Kid friendly activities in La Fortuna and ample and memorable.
Complete Guide to La Fortuna with Kids |
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One of our FAVORITE places in Costa Rica! This chill town was fun, safe, and not overcrowded.
Top 10 Things to do in Samara, Costa Rica for Families |
 
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Bejuco is a smaller town in Costa Rica not on the tourist map.  But it's beautiful, safe, and a quick drive to some great Costa Rica spots
Why Families Will LOVE Bejuco Costa Rica |
 
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While typically Liberia is just used as an airport, there are actually some fun activities in the area worth a visit
5+ Awesome Things to do in Liberia, Costa Rica with Kids |
 
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Manuel Antonio is a MUST in Costa Rica.  If you want to see animals and the most beautiful beach, head to Manuel Antonio National Park
How to Make the Most of Manuel Antonio Costa Rica |
 
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Find the perfect Costa Rica town that offers both beach and jungle adventures
7 Awesome Costa Rica Beach AND Jungle Towns
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My Favorite Costa Rica Tours

Family-friendly tours in Costa Rica for all ages to enjoy!  Get all the wildlife and adventure in during your visit.

 
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The most unique and fun thing we did in La Fortuna. GREAT for young kids.  Wildlife galore on this family-friendly float! #affiliatelink
Wildlife Safari Float by Inflatable Raft in Peñas Blancas River
 
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If you go to Manuel Antonio, I HIGHLY recommend getting a guide.  You'll see SO much more wildlife since they know where to look. #affiliatelink
Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour with a Nature Specialist
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Because who doesn't love chocolate? #affiliatelink
Don Olivo Chocolate Tour in La Fortuna
 
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Kayaking and Snorkeling.  What's not to love?  (Ages 5 and up) #affiliatelink
Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling to Chora Island
 
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All the details of taking the safari float in La Fortuna
Amazing La Fortuna Safari Float on Peñas Blancas in Costa Rica |
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Costa Rica Lodging

Some Amazing Places to Stay in Costa Rica for families

 
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Los Lagos is one of my kids favorite hotels we've ever stayed at and I recommend it to EVERYONE!  Yep, we all fit in one room, too!
Why You'll Love Los Lagos Hotel in Costa Rica |
 
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The most popular place to stay in La Fortuna with postcard perfect hot springs on site #affiliatelink
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, La Fortuna Costa Rica
 
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Plenty of space for our family of 6 in this rental in Samara Costa Rica.  Plus, perfect, walkable location!
Cool Vacation Rental in Samara, Costa Rica |
 
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The best places to stay in Samara Costa Rica (a must-visit town!)
11 Best Places to Stay in Samara Costa Rica |
 
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Posh, beach-front, or location based lodging in Manuel Antonio.
6 Great Manuel Antonio Hotels You Must See |
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The most posh place to stay in La Fortuna.  Hot springs, pools, and tons of activities on site perfect for families. #affiliatelink
The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal, Monterrey: Hotel Reviews, Rooms & Prices | Hotels.com
 
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Modern, comfy rental in Bejuco just 5-10 minutes walk from the beach.  Gated community with pool in the backyard!  We stayed here 10 days and loved every moment.
Awesome Bejuco Costa Rica Rental for the Family
 
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This all-inclusive is on Playa Conchal, one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.  While I am more for exploring and getting out of the hotel, if you want an all-inclusive to make it easy, this is the nicest place on a beautiful white beach #affiliatelink
The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, Cabo Velas: Hotel Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025 | Hotels.com

Tips for Costa Rica Family Travel

 
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Sample Costa Rica itinerary for 7, 10, or 14 days in the land of Pura Vida.  Family-friendly!
Easy to Follow Costa Rica Family Itinerary (7, 10, 14 days)
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What to know Before you go to Costa Rica! (Driving tips, grocery stores, and more!)
What to Know Before Traveling to Costa Rica
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On a budget?  Eat at sodas in Costa Rica!  Here are the best sodas in La Fortuna
Best Sodas in La Fortuna -Eat on a Budget
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What to cook at your rental in Costa Rica to save on eating out.  Here are some ideas with the ingredients available!
What to Cook in Costa Rica at Your Rental |
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Cold War? Economics? Where does Costa Rica land?
Is Costa Rica a Third World Country?
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THIS is a locally owned place to rent a car.  Reliable and located all across the country (unlike more popular rental places) in case you need anything!
Car Rental Costa Rica - Explore with Adobe's Best Deals

What to Bring to Costa Rica

These are the essentials I strongly recommend getting to bring to Costa Rica

 
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Must-haves for Costa Rica.  Perfect for hikes that end in water/waterfalls.  Keens are sturdy hiking sandals #affiliatelink
KEEN Women's Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal
 
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Kid's Keens.  Because they will for sure want to get their toes wet at the end of a hike #affiliatelink
KEEN Kids' Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandal
 
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Lightweight, quick-dry towels for when you pull over for that perfect waterfall.  These were really convenient to have #affiliatelink
WETCAT Oversized Turkish Beach Towel 38"x71"
 
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For when you don't need as thick of coverage, this is a more natural option to keep the bugs off in Costa Rica #affiliatelink
Babyganics Insect Spray, 2oz, Travel Size
 
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For fuller mosquito/bug coverage, this is as good as it gets! #affiliatelink
OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Aerosol
 
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A waterproof phone pouch comes in handy at the beach when you want to be in the water taking pictures, on a safari float, at the waterfalls, really anywhere.  #affiliatelink
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch for iPhone
 
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Yes, even us adults use Babyganics.  We've tried many mineral sunscreens over the years and this one seems to work best #affiliatelink
Babyganics SPF 50 Kids Sunscreen Lotion 2-Pack
 
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Great size for towels, snacks, waters.  We've used ours for years! #affiliatelink
FENGDONG 40L Waterproof Hiking Backpack