For family adventure vacations, Costa Rica delivers just that and more with ziplining through the rainforest, white water rafting and wildlife excursions wrapped up in an enriching escape.
Custom-designed itineraries that inspire every generation
Exclusive Costa Rica family vacations with vetted private guides & experiences
All travel planning and transfers handled by our experts with 24/7 support
Hand-selected family-friendly hotels, lodges and boutique resorts
Costa Rica is the kind of place you go with kids for a family adventure, to feel a million miles from home in a remote jungle and study the natural world. As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, it was also one of the first to champion eco-tourism, resulting in an astounding 30 national parks. Protected, untouched landscapes, cloud forests and steaming volcanoes give way to miles of tropical Caribbean coastline, all filled to the brim with colourful flora and fauna.
Safe and well set up for tourists, it’s an excellent introduction to Latin America, meaning you can focus on having an unbelievable time with your family. Read on to discover the best places to go, things to do, and hotels to stay at in Costa Rica with kids.
Is Costa Rica good for family vacations?
Costa Rica is undeniably a fantastic choice for families seeking a safe and enjoyable vacation. This beautiful country offers many family-friendly activities, ensuring an adventurous yet secure experience for everyone.
Communication won't be an issue either, as English is widely spoken, offering families convenience and peace of mind. Another great advantage is its proximity to the US, making it an ideal destination for shorter vacations—like 5 to 6 nights—and school breaks.
Planning a family vacation to Costa Rica and apprehensive about managing younger children? Let your worries fade away. Costa Rica is a family-oriented destination filled with fantastic options for kids 6 and up. The country's range of adventurous activities can be easily tailored to all ages. With hotels offering special children's clubs, menus, and accommodations, Costa Rica is a welcoming environment that provides an ideal introduction to international travel for the youngest members of your family.
To help with the logistics of traveling in Costa Rica, that's where we at Scott Dunn come in. The biggest challenge for families can be navigating transfers between light aircraft flights or long car rides. We make your family-friendly Costa Rica experience smoother by managing these transfers and flights for you, alleviating the stress and letting you focus on the adventure ahead.
From the bustling energy of San Jose and the Central Valley to the serene beauty of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica offers diverse regions that cater to family fun. Discover diverse wildlife in the Manuel Antonio National Park and enjoy soft adventures on the Caribbean Coast, with each destination offering a unique and enriching experience for families. So, whether your little ones are wildlife enthusiasts and beach lovers, or your teens are adrenaline seekers, these are some of the best destinations for an idyllic family vacation in Costa Rica.
Central Valley & San Jose
This region is a fantastic starting point for a family trip to Costa Rica. San Jose, the main airport and gateway, welcomes you to a memorable vacation. The bustling city is a cultural hub with museums, parks, hotels, theaters, and historic buildings showcasing the country's rich heritage. It’s also an excellent hub for day trips to Central Valley's natural wonders, including cloud forests, volcanoes, and exciting activities like horseback riding, kayaking, white water rafting on the Pacuare River, and waterfall rappelling. It's a perfect setting for a family-friendly Costa Rica vacation.
Manuel Antonio National Park
A wildlife haven and one of the best places in Costa Rica for families. Manuel Antonio National Park boasts plenty of kid-friendly trails leading to hidden animals within the forest canopy, guided by experienced local experts. After a day of jungle exploration, the warm Pacific waters and pristine sandy beaches serve as an idyllic backdrop for a relaxing family picnic.
Nicoya Peninsula
This Pacific Coast destination is characterized by its captivating blue waters, wild, untouched beaches, and surfing opportunities for all levels. From September to November, Nicoya Peninsula hosts an extraordinary sea turtle nesting season, providing a unique, educational, and memorable experience for families vacationing in Costa Rica with kids.
Osa Peninsula
The southwestern gem is an absolute must for wildlife enthusiasts on a Costa Rica family vacation. The Osa Peninsula is home to the Corcovado National Park, a sanctuary for rare and endangered species such as jaguars, pumas, scarlet macaws, and vibrant poison dart frogs. Further, the Cano Island Biological Reserve is a marine paradise, offering unrivaled snorkeling opportunities to discover a vivid underwater world.
Caribbean Coast
Particularly suited for families with young kids, the Caribbean Coast provides a variety of soft adventure experiences. From witnessing turtle nesting and hatching to leisurely canoe rides and gentle hikes, the coast ensures an enriching family experience. Families will also love the Tortuguero National Park, where children can learn all about the history and lifestyles of sea turtles while witnessing the unique event.
Central Valley & San Jose
Manuel Antonio National Park
Nicoya Peninsula
Osa Peninsula
Caribbean Coast
Where to go on your Wildlife Vacation
African Wildlife Safaris
Whether your dream is to see the wildebeest migration into Kenya's Maasai Mara or trek with gorillas in Uganda, a wildlife-viewing vacation in Africa is a life-enhancing experience.
We offer wildlife tours across Africa, including malaria-free safaris. Aside from getting up close on foot, you can experience our safaris by canoe, on horseback or from a plane. See bathing hippos from the water, spot elephants from your saddle or witness huge herds of migratory zebra from a vintage biplane.
For accommodation, you can choose from luxury safari lodges in the middle of iconic reserves, as well as stylish boutique hotels with brilliant viewing points. Many are beside lakes and watering holes, making them ideal for spotting wildlife as you sip your morning coffee!
We offer family-friendly safari experiences, so you can go on wildlife vacations with little ones too. These trips are topped off with child-friendly accommodation and local guides experienced in customizing the experience for children.
Wildlife Vacations in Antarctica
Discover vast, untouched parts of the world with a wildlife vacation in Antarctica. Very few people reach 66°33’ S and cross the Antarctic Circle, so you'll truly be embarking on the trip of a lifetime.
You have the option to fly across the wild seas of Drake Passage – the foaming body of water between Antarctica and the southern tip of South America – relieving you of the journey by boat. This way, you can spend more time in this surreal part of the world among scientists and a select few travelers. During our Antarctica wildlife tours, you can stay in cutting-edge ships fitted with pools, wellness centers and more, so you'll be more than comfortable and catered for at all times.
Expect to see an array of penguin species, including chinstrap, gentoo and Adélie varieties, as well as majestic marine life. You can spot mighty humpback and minke whales, plus picture-perfect Weddel seals. As you sail down the frozen western coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula, you'll have opportunities to leave the boat and soak up the surrounding peaks and glaciers on land.
Wildlife Vacations in Latin America
Latin America offers a variety of luxury wildlife tours. Explore the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest in one epic wildlife vacation for enviable animal encounters.
The former will involve an eco-friendly sailing expedition and give you the chance to spot giant tortoises and snorkel with penguins and rays. Meanwhile, the latter will spoil you with colorful tropical birds, frogs, snakes and the elusive jaguar – not forgetting the iconic sloths hanging out in the trees. These wildlife tours offer a great opportunity to embrace your adventurous spirit, with the option to go hiking or canoeing to add an extra layer of adventure to your trip.
A wildlife vacation in Costa Rica promises an equally exclusive trip. In the Tortuguero National Park, you can see sloths, monkeys and key egg-laying sites for green turtles. Your trip will be topped off with boutique hillside retreats and the option to take part in plenty of outdoor activities, such as white-water rafting and kayaking.
Wildlife Vacations in Asia
Asia offers an incredible array of wildlife tour possibilities. Catch a glimpse of orangutans near the Kinabatangan River in Borneo or take your trip to India to the next level and spot snow leopards in the Trans-Himalayan Region.
In Sri Lanka, you can visit three national parks in one trip, including the Yala National Park, where you have a high chance of spotting leopards. The experience will, of course, be enhanced by your stays at luxury hotels and charming lodges that provide home comforts during your wildlife tour.
Over in Thailand, a stay at the tented jungle camp of Elephant Hills is a must for getting up close to the majestic Indian elephant. Complete your wildlife vacation by snorkeling or diving with marine life living in the coral reefs at Koh Lanta – keep an eye out for angelfish and parrotfish!
Wildlife Vacations in the Jungle
Keen to experience a jungle vacation amid a stunning array of wildlife? There are several ways to experience this with us, each guaranteeing incredible memories.
Sail through the Amazon aboard the 174-foot Aria Amazon in Peru, complete with first-class service and a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Floor-to-ceiling windows will maximize your chances of spotting wildlife as you float by. This is your chance to see endangered pink Amazon dolphins, as well as the giant river otter and black alligator.
Another immersive wildlife tour awaits in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, where almost half of the world's population of mountain gorillas resides. Spend the day spotting these magnificent creatures before retreating to your jungle lodge with views of the Virunga Volcanoes.
Elsewhere in Costa Rica, you can stay in a spectacular lodge up in the trees with views over the Pacuare River – one of the best places for white-water rafting. In between adventure activities on your jungle vacation, you can see hundreds of species of tropical birds, as well as sloths, howler monkeys and even ocelots.
Wildlife Vacations FAQs
How long are your wildlife vacations?
Our wildlife vacations last between nine and 26 nights.
The length of time will depend on the location. For example, Antarctica takes a little longer to reach, with overnight stays in Chile to break up your journey. If you have any requests, please don't hesitate to speak with one of our experts upon booking.
What kind of accommodation will I be staying in during my wildlife vacation?
Something that makes our luxury wildlife tours stand out is being able to spot animals from the comfort of your accommodation. Experience amazing animal encounters from your balcony or looking out from your living room. Our handpicked accommodation allows you to experience your surroundings to their fullest.
During our Africa wildlife vacations, you can stay in lodges with floor-to-ceiling windows that are ideal for viewing wildlife, as well as luxury tents with views of nearby watering holes. You can stay in jungle vacation lodges with panoramic views in the Peruvian Amazon or luxurious hotel resorts with infinity pools in Costa Rica, where you can unwind while spotting sloths and tropical birds.
When should I go on a wildlife vacation?
The answer to this depends on the location you're visiting and the types of animals you'd like to see during your wildlife tour.
For example, if you'd love to see the famous wildebeest migration in Kenya, you need to visit between August and October. Similarly, if you have your heart set on seeing the Bengal tiger in India, we recommend visiting between October and March to avoid park closures due to the monsoon season. Timing is everything when you want to witness extraordinary wildlife.
When booking your wildlife vacation, our helpful team will guide you, so you won't miss out.
Do you offer family-friendly wildlife vacations?
We have a wide range of family wildlife vacations.
Our family safari vacations incorporate superb activities, including junior ranger workshops, alongside opportunities to spot the big five from your accommodation. Head to the Amazon rainforest and Galapagos Islands in one spectacular trip to spot tortoises, monkeys and colourful frogs. The experience is complete with luxury accommodation for your family to recharge in.
Multi-generational holidays are something we're passionate about providing, so we encourage you to specify any needs your family has when booking your wildlife vacation.
How much do luxury wildlife tours cost?
Our luxury wildlife vacations start from around $6,000 per person, although prices will vary depending on how you customize your trip. Our travel specialists will help you plan a vacation that meets your requirements and budget.
If you'd like to create an entirely bespoke wildlife vacation, please don't hesitate to share your ambitions with the team when booking.
How do I book a luxury wildlife vacation?
To book a wildlife tour with Scott Dunn, just tell us what you want from the experience and we'll do the rest. You won't need to worry about any of the logistics as we'll sort them for you, arranging transfers and taking any special requirements you might have into consideration.
If you're travelling with the family, we can make arrangements to ensure that everyone has their needs catered to. Meanwhile, if you're planning to go away for your honeymoon, we'll make sure we select the very best hotels for the occasion.
Call us on the number listed below or fill out our online inquiry form to start planning your holiday.
Luxury Family Hotels and Resorts in Costa Rica
Planning your Costa Rica family vacation can be quite a task, given the sheer number of resorts to choose from. But fear not, here are some of the best Costa Rica hotels for families of all sizes.
With Younger Kids
Planning a memorable family vacation? Then, consider Costa Rica with kids. This safe, vibrant country is a dream destination, boasting a multitude of Costa Rica family-friendly resorts. Experience the thrill of scaled-down ziplining, surfing, and white water rafting at some of the best Costa Rica hotels for families. And every Costa Rica family resort prioritizes your family's comfort and enjoyment. They offer special children's clubs, kid-friendly menus, and comfortable family room accommodations.
A collection of safari-style tents deep among nature with toucans and parrots flying overhead and sloths spying from the trees. Sustainable and luxurious, the tents come with private plunge pools and are big enough to fit the whole family in. This is also a fantastic hotel option for children of all ages.
This laid-back escape sits where the rainforest meets the ocean among 11 green acres of nature reserve that is heaving with wildlife. Particularly well-suited to kids of all ages, Arenas del Mar has interconnecting bedrooms, super-fun activities, and the beach feels remote and calm – perfect for little ones. What more could you ask for on a family vacation to Costa Rica?
Your teens will never be bored while in Costa Rica. And certain Costa Rica family-friendly resorts are ideal for families with teens and older kids because they offer easy access to adventurous experiences. Older kids can enjoy engaging treks at a Costa Rica family resort, spotting unique wildlife such as sloths and macaws. Also, the lodges provide opportunities for exciting waterfall hikes, where the family can enjoy refreshing dips and rappelling adventures. The resorts below stand out when traveling Costa Rica with kids, as they blend relaxation and adventure perfectly, making them the best resorts in Costa Rica for families.
The only hotel on Tortuguero with its own private nature reserve, this eco-lodge is right on the river’s edge surrounded by rainforest. Spend your days taking nature walks with naturalist guides, visiting turtle nesting sites, or on boat rides and kayak trips up the Tortuguero River. When staying at Tortuga Lodge, you won’t hear a whisper of ‘I’m bored.’
Children aged 13 and over are welcome at Amor Arenal, creating a grown-up vibe that would suit teens wanting to feel like adults. With a swim-up bar playing reggae and hot springs to kick back in after a day of hikes and waterfalls, Amor Arenal brings the cool factor to your Costa Rica family trip.
One of the best things about traveling in Costa Rica is that it offers something for every family member at every age. This becomes clear when you explore the many Costa Rica family-friendly resorts available. Whether you have young children, teenagers, grandparents, or a combo of all three, these resorts cater to every family member, making them some of the best Costa Rica hotels for families. Top this off with luxurious villas spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the whole family, and you have the ideal recipe for a memorable family vacation in Costa Rica.
Seaview bedrooms, family-sized suites, or casas with space for everyone provide the ideal location to reconvene with the family after days spent snorkeling, surfing, playing golf, paddle boarding or exploring the local area. Then there’s the Explorer’s Club and Tuanis Teen Center for them, and the Prieta Beach Club, with its cool design and private cabanas for you.
Costa Rica is a paradise filled with family-friendly resorts offering exciting adventures like ziplining, horseback riding, and water sports. Exploring Costa Rica with kids becomes unforgettable at the best resorts in Costa Rica for families, providing access to lush jungles, breathtaking beaches, and diverse wildlife. These properties blend adventure and relaxation, creating a safe, fun, and memorable vacation experience.
A 20-suite eco-hotel hidden among the pristine wilderness of Costa Rica's Pacuare River, Pacuare Lodge embraces its remote location by offering helicopter and white-water rafting transfers to the hotel. It even has a treetop restaurant reached by zipwire. Surrounded by lush forests alongside fast-flowing rivers, cloud forests and volcanoes, you’re perfectly situated to dive right into the area’s exciting activities.
El Remanso is a place that beckons adventurous souls. With its mix of adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining through the rainforest canopy and jumping down hidden waterfalls, chance encounters with quirky wildlife and pristine Pacific beaches, this is the kind of place you’ll remember forever.
For families seeking relaxation in an idyllic setting, these establishments are renowned as the best resorts in Costa Rica for families. Providing a tranquil escape, these hotels offer luxurious amenities, world-class spas, and bespoke childcare services, all nestled within Costa Rica's family-friendly resorts. This unique blend of comfort and convenience, spanning across the country's beautiful Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, makes a vacation in Costa Rica with kids an enriching experience.
Set in a laid-back surfer’s paradise on the Caribbean coastline, Aquas Claras sits among swaying palm trees and beach shacks. Combining the old-fashioned charm of a plantation-style house with a modern beach club vibe, this is a stylish hotel, which welcomes children over eight and is better for families with tweens and teens. There are two-bedroom bungalows, with small kitchens – but the call of the restaurants is hard to resist for most guests. Complimentary bicycles come with the rooms, or you could head off barefoot in search of juice bars and empty spots on the beach. There’s yoga, surfing, and the Talamanca rainforest nearby.
Beachfront villas and bungalows create a home away from home with hotel services at this eco-lodge with a heart. Nantipa’s roots lie firmly in the community, pioneering social and environmental outreach programs from its beautiful location. Reconnect as a whole family in this carefree beachside living. Hit the waves, collect fresh coconuts, and watch the sun go down over another beautiful day in paradise.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica with children?
The best time to visit Costa Rica with children is during the dry season, which runs from December to April – perfect for a winter sun escape or half-term fun!
However, if seeing sea turtle nesting sites is high on your family's bucket list, the best time to visit is from September to November.
Which parts of Costa Rica are best for families?
Everywhere we sell is suitable for families, like Arenal, Monteverde Forest, Manuel Antonio Park, and the different peninsulas; however, it is worth paying attention to which coast you visit if you plan on staying on the beach.
On the Pacific Coast on the western side of the country, the water is more active, which is perfect for surfers and watersports, but may be intimidating for young children.
On the Caribbean Coast, or the eastern side of the country, the water is much calmer and welcoming for young children. The calm waters are also ideal for snorkeling, diving and the chance to see turtle nesting sites.
What activities can families enjoy in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is truly for outdoor adventure, rather than your typical fly-and-flop beach vacation.
Families can expect hiking, ziplining, whitewater rafting, surfing, wildlife viewing and endless more activities waiting for them in Costa Rica. And the adventure level can be personalized to your family, whether you want easy walks through the rainforest or flying amongst the trees.
Is Costa Rica suitable for young children or toddlers?
While our tours can accommodate young children and toddlers, we don’t recommend Costa Rica for children under six. Along with the itineraries being outdoor-focused, some properties and experiences also have +6 or even +12 age limits. We believe a Caribbean holiday is better for families with toddlers, where you’ll find more resort-style lodging, calm beaches and kids' clubs.
What makes a Scott Dunn family vacation to Costa Rica special?
What makes a Scott Dunn family vacation to Costa Rica so special is our expertise in creating truly once-in-a-lifetime vacations. We pair your travel wants with our local knowledge, years of planning and personal relationships to create vacations you simply can’t book anywhere else for a personalized experience.
