If you are planning on visiting Costa Rica, whether this summer or later this year, you will always have something to do. Costa Rica offers many different family activities all year-round, and you will love each and everyone of them! You can be anywhere in this forever greenland and go from snorkeling to hiking to enjoying the hot springs, all in one week.
Take into consideration that not every activity or tour is designed for all ages. There are certain requirements every family must meet in order to enjoy things such as ziplining. Horseback riding, or surfing. So, make sure to find the best fit for you and your family.
What Can you Expect of the Costa Rica Family Tours?
Though there are plenty of tours in Costa Rica, that doesn’t mean every activity is a fit for every age. There are different kinds of tours and while some might be thrilling and exciting, others are more focused on sightseeing and relaxing. Make sure to find the best fit for all your family members, after all, we might be able to give you plenty of options but it’s up to you to decide which one is the perfect click for your family. Do keep in mind, there are safety rules operators have to apply, so even if your youngest child is ready to explore Costa Rica from above and hanging from a cable, the helmet might disagree.
#1 Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a perfect start for anyone. It’s very easy to get the hang of it, and as long as you are comfortable being in the water, you can snorkel. Knowing how to swim isn’t even a requirement, since most tour companies offer life jackets or floating devices and techniques to make sure you are safe and having fun. Just make sure to follow the tour guide’s instructions and you will be exploring Costa Rica’s ocean life in a matter of minutes.
Snorkeling will allow you to see wildlife like never before and, whether you decide to stay close to your family or swim ahead, you might have a once-in-a-life-time finding like a sea turtle, a ray, an anglerfish, or eels.
#2 Ziplining
If you want to view Costa Rica’s rainforest from a whole different perspective, ziplines are the way to go. It’s thrilling and exciting and the right dose of adrenaline for those who love adventure and those who are just looking for a different thing to do. Fly through the different nature reservation Costa Rica has to offer and rest assured, these are very strong cables and you will always be secured by a harness and other security measures.
You can enjoy this activity on your own or even with a companion. There is even the option to go with a tour guide on the cable, if you are still unsure on how to proceed. There is a zipline for everyone. Some offer a tranquil passage through the forest while others are known for being fast and quick. However you want to take the zipline, know that we offer top notch braking systems that will guarantee the safest of adventures.
#3 Dolphin Watching
Trust us, there is nothing as exciting as riding a boat next to a group of dolphins. This is an activity perfect for photographers, aquatic enthusiasts, and any one who would love to see animals in their real environment. Learn about dolphins from the safety of a boat and keep your eyes wide open. Each tour is a little different so make sure you don’t miss any friendly visits from these adorable creatures.
#4 Banana Boat
It’s time to explore a different way to explore Costa Rica’s ocean and the way to go is with a banana boat tour. The whole family can work together and try not to fall off and enjoy a safe and exciting new activity.Just make sure to wear your safety jackets and follow the tour guide instructions.
#5 Rafting
If the coast is too mild for you, rafting is your next step. This is the perfect family activity, since it requires teamwork and everyone can enjoy it. Besides, it will also prove to be a great exercise and stress reliever, so there are way more benefits than adventure through the rivers.
There are different levels, so you can find the perfect intensity for your family. You can find Class II and Class III rivers, which are both safe for elders and exciting for young kids.
#6 Horseback Riding
There are plenty of ways to explore Costa Rica and one of them is horseback riding. Horses are amazing for accessing places with hard terrain and they are also a great option for those who are not really fans of walking.
Not only is it a fun activity but it provides an excellent teaching experience to younger members of your family. If this is the first time they are riding on a horse, they can understand what it means to respect and take care of an animal and they might even find themselves in love with these loyal companions. Best thing is, even if no one in your family has horseback riding experience, most tour guides will make sure you are comfortable and will assist you with docile horses and expert advice. Make your vacation enjoyable and a learning experience for everyone!
#7 Hanging Bridges
Probably one of the first images that pop into your head when you think of Costa Rica is our tropical rainforests. If that’s the idea that made you want to visit Costa Rica for your family vacation, you are going to love hanging bridges. Though long trail hikes are not recommended for kids or people with knee problems, you can find shorter trails that offer this spectacular way of viewing the deepest forests in Costa Rica. You can also find these at different types of forests, such as the tropical dry forest, found in Guanacaste.
Why are hanging bridges such a unique experience? Most hikes will have you look up or down and, while these are great ways to explore Costa Rica, there is nothing like walking and perceiving nature from above. You can go birdwatching and see lots of different animals that can often only be found on the treetops. Besides, the view will be breathtaking.
#8 Volcano Trips
If you are visiting Costa Rica for your family vacation, you have to visit the volcanoes. This is one of Costa Rica’s gems and you can’t miss them. We have more than 112 volcanoes, but the 6 that are currently active are: Arenal, Irazú, Poás, Rincón de la Vieja, Tenorio, and Turrialba.
If you are here for a small visit, it is possible to visit more than one volcano per day. Whether you are in San Jose or in another province, some of them are just a drive away from each other or you can also take a helicopter tour and view them from above.
#9 San Jose Central Market
If you are looking to spend your vacation inside the main capital, the best way to experience San Jose is to walk through San Jose’s downtown area. There are pedestrian only streets that will allow you to look at the historical buildings Costa Rica has to offer, such as the National Theatre. You can walk along Central Avenue and the Democracy Plaza. Depending on the weather and time of year, you might enjoy art festivals, free tours, and listen to street musicians or live performers.
If you decide to spend the day in San Jose, consider visiting The Central Market. It’s labyrinth-like hallways hide different shops and small restaurants that will welcome you and your family with open arms. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs or stopping for lunch, visiting the Central Market will be a unique experience you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
#10 Museums
You can’t ever go wrong with a museum visit. San Jose offers a great variety of museums and all of them are unique in their own way. If you book a guided tour, you will be able to learn a lot about Costa Rican history and lots of fun facts about this small country. You can also admire different historical pieces created by Costa Rican natives or modern art by invited artist guests.
You can also find different activities for children inside the museums, making sure everyone has a fantastic time while learning a bit more about Costa Rica.
Here are our picks for fun and interesting museums in Costa Rica:
- Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
- Jade Museum
- National Museum of Costa Rica
- Museum of Costa Rican Art
- Children’s Museum
