The 10 BEST Costa Rica Resorts for Families with Kids
Thinking of Choosing Costa Rica for your next family adventure? It’s one of the only destinations I can think of with lush volcanic landscape, cloud forests, national parks with monkeys, and the refreshing Pacific ocean all within a few hours’ drive. Kid-friendly experiences like zip-lining through cloud forests and making sand castles on the beach come with the territory.
Finding a fun, safe, and adventurous place to lay your head can be tricky, so I’ve put together a list of the best Costa Rica resorts for kids to help you with your search. Each one in this guide presents a unique facet of the country’s abundant natural beauty and adventure.
From the enchanting trails of the Peace Lodge in Heredia to the pristine beaches of the Andaz Costa Rica Resort, this list has the best family-friendly resort options all over Costa Rica:
1. La Mariposa (Manuel Antonio)
Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica is my top choice for a family-friendly adventure thanks to the easy trails in the park, the wildlife, and how much there is to do there. When it comes to the best hotels for Manuel Antonio, it doesn’t get much better than La Mariposa.
Families looking for the convenience of home will appreciate the full apartments, complete with kitchens, so baby-led weaning on the go and cleaning bottles can be simpler. For an added touch of luxury, the suites come equipped with their own plunge pool, where you can relax and enjoy the views without having to leave your room (perfect for nap time!). Little ones can literally rest easy, since La Mariposa is well known for having some of the best children’s mattresses.
The resort also offers family-friendly activities, including the Mangrove Forest & Monkey Watching Tour and the Canopy Zip Lines Adventure, offering thrilling views from above. For those traveling with young kids, there’s a main swimming pool with a separate children’s area. These activities ensure that every family member, regardless of age, will find something exciting to do during their stay.
2. The Springs Resort & Spa (La Fortuna)
If Manuel Antonio takes the cake on being the best beach destination in Costa Rica for families, La Fortuna is the mountainous equivalent. The Springs Resort and Spa, sprawled across 165 lush acres, is a paradise for mountain- and water-loving families. The resort has everything that adventurous kiddos will love: a water slide, a signature putt-putt course, a kids’ game lounge, and the Club Rio Adventure Center.
The Adventure Center offers exhilarating activities, such as river tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, and rock climbing, plus access to hot springs and an animal sanctuary for up-close encounters with wildlife. Since the center is on-site, families can embark on eight different adventure tours without ever leaving the resort, making the Springs Resort and Spa an all-encompassing destination for those who don’t want to venture too far from the hotel to find excitement.
The resort also has dozens of hot and cold pools, including the Las Lagunas Pools, Perdido Springs with its playful monkey slide, and Club Rio Springs. In addition, there are 21 different types of rooms, ensuring comfort for families of any size.
3. The Peace Lodge (Heredia)
Located just 45 minutes from the San José airport, the Peace Lodge is the perfect kickoff to your Costa Rican adventure. It’s part of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, so guests have access to five waterfalls and Costa Rica’s largest animal sanctuary without having to leave the hotel grounds.
Despite its boutique size (only 18 rooms), the Peace Lodge has many resort-like perks (many that kids will enjoy), like on-site wildlife viewing of over a hundred animal species, extensive hiking trails through cloud forests and rainforests, a trout lake, a pool, and four restaurants. The spacious accommodations feature Jacuzzi tubs, river-stone fireplaces, and waterfall showers, with stunning views of the La Paz River Valley and Poás Volcano. It’s especially suited for families eager to combine vacation with education, because of the numerous learning opportunities about the surrounding wildlife and ecosystem.
Recent reviews of the Peace Lodge point to the hotel’s outstanding hospitality, which is a relief for families traveling with little ones. This place truly embodies the Pura Vida lifestyle!
4. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo (Guanacaste)
The Andaz Papagayo Resort is on one of the most sought-after peninsulas in Costa Rica, making it a beach-lover’s dream destination. Most rooms here have breathtaking ocean views, and many come equipped with their own pools, where families can splash and play with their little ones.
Guests have access to three stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm and an array of complimentary activities. From kayaking and snorkeling to beach toys for children, there’s fun and exploration for everyone in the family. The dining experience at Andaz Papagayo is equally impressive, with three main restaurants, a poolside bar, and room-service options.
To top it all off, Cambi, the resort’s dedicated kids’ club has organized activities, an indoor jungle gym, and plenty of toys suitable for toddlers and up. The club not only provides a space for children to play and learn but also allows parents to enjoy some adult-only time, knowing their children are in the care of friendly and attentive staff. Based on recent reviews raving about the kids’ club, it might be the only reason you need to book this one!
5. Tortuga Lodge and Gardens (Tortuguero)
Tortuguero, often referred to as the Amazon of Costa Rica, is one of the country’s most interesting destinations for its cultural landscape, abundance of wildlife, and raw nature. There are plenty of places to stay here, but Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero is heaven on earth for families seeking an authentic immersion into nature.
With its 27 rooms, this intimate hotel offers a serene escape for those willing to embrace the natural environment without the need for air conditioning. Sure, it’s a far cry from the mega-resorts you’ll find on the beach, but according to recent guest reviews, the wildlife viewing opportunities at Tortuga Lodge are unparalleled, with some families reporting they saw more from the hotel’s pool than anywhere else in Costa Rica. Need I say more?
Highlighted in National Geographic‘s Tours of a Lifetime, Tortuga Lodge is acclaimed as the best Costa Rica resort for kids in Tortuguero. It’s fully equipped for jungle exploration, offering boots, walking sticks, and even a sink for washing up near the trail entrance. For children, the lobby is stocked with games, books, and activities to keep them engaged. The property itself hosts bird-watching and guided walks in the gardens each morning, offering guests the chance to spot a diverse array of wildlife, including monkeys, snakes, and colorful frogs, making it a truly enriching experience for families.
6. Los Sueños Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort (Jacó)
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort is about as quintessentially resort-like as it gets, which means plenty of family-friendly amenities. The property’s sprawling, Venetian-style pool, a crowd favorite, features winding waterways under bridges and waterfall features, creating a dreamlike aquatic playground. Families can enjoy nightly poolside movies, adding a magical touch to evenings under the stars.
The fun continues beyond the pool with a playground for the little ones, a miniature golf course for family competition, and the Tortuga Kids Club, which offers arts and crafts workshops among its array of supervised activities. For those looking to explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica, the La Iguana Experience provides a guided tour of the resort’s lush grounds, where monkeys and exotic birds are common sights.
This is a beach lover’s paradise, and nearby Herradura Beach is perfect for swimming and kayaking. You’ll also find hidden gems like Playa Escondida for surfing or Playa Mantas for a chill beach day. The resort is in a prime location for nature exploration, as Carara National Park is just a short drive away. This is a biodiversity hot spot, home to sloths, monkeys, and a large population of scarlet macaws. Manuel Antonio National Park is also just a 90-minute drive from the resort.
7. El Remanso Lodge (Osa Peninsula)
Off-the-beaten-path traveling families, rejoice! Your ultimate jungle escape is here, at El Remanso Lodge on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Its remote location is celebrated for its proximity to deserted beaches and natural wildlife trails. Tack on superb accommodations and special pricing for children under 12, and you have one of the best Costa Rica resorts for kids who are endlessly curious about the natural world.
Next to Corcovado National Park, El Remanso provides access to guided hiking expeditions through the park’s rugged terrain, promising encounters with diverse wildlife. You’ll also find a variety of tours available through the lodge, from snorkeling around Cano Island’s reefs to horseback riding, surfing, kayaking, and dolphin watching, ensuring an array of activities suited to adventurous families.
With five miles of nature trails on the property, leading to eight different waterfalls and natural pools, guests have the unique opportunity to spot scarlet macaws, monkeys, sloths, anteaters, ocelots, and other nocturnal wild cats in their natural habitat. This setting is ideal for families with older children, serving as a living classroom within the jungle.
8. Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica (El Jobo)
Nestled on the golden sands of Playa El Jobo, Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is a tropical oasis that will please those who seek an all-inclusive option.
Kids will love the Explorer’s Club, where they can embark on exciting adventures like treasure hunts and sandcastle building competitions. Meanwhile, parents can unwind at the adults-only pool or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment.
With spacious suites, gourmet dining options, and endless activities, this all-inclusive resort is sure to delight guests of all ages.
9. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica (Peninsula Papagayo)
For those looking for ultimate luxury, escape to paradise at the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. It’s tucked away on a secluded peninsula surrounded by lush tropical forests, and offers a range of family-friendly activities and amenities including an escape entirely dedicated to teen’s enjoyment with video games and computers.
From surfing lessons on the pristine beaches to guided nature hikes through the rainforest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Kids will love the resort’s complimentary Kids For All Seasons program and dedicated kids menu, while parents can unwind with a round of golf or a rejuvenating spa treatment.
It’s a sprawling property, offering 4 swimming pools, 2 private beaches, golf courts, gym and a business centre.
10. Westin Golf Resort & Spa (Playa Conchal)
Situated along the sparkling shores of Playa Conchal, the Westin Golf Resort & Spa is a paradise for families seeking relaxation and adventure on a sprawling all-inclusive property just 15 minutes north of the famous Tamarindo beach.
Little ones will be thrilled by the resort’s Kids Club, which offers a range of supervised activities including arts and crafts, beach games, and nature walks.
Meanwhile, parents can tee off at the nearby championship golf course or indulge in a pampering massage at the luxurious spa. With its pristine beaches, lush gardens, and world-class amenities, this resort is the perfect destination for a family-friendly getaway.
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A trip to Costa Rica with your loved ones goes beyond just a vacation — it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, each other, and the vibrant culture of one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet.
Each resort offers a gateway to explore the wonders of Costa Rica, ensuring that your family’s adventure will be as comfortable as it is unforgettable.
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