Costa Rica Family Activities: Best Things to Do with Kids

Costa Rica Family Activities: What to Do with Kids

Costa Rica is a strong destination for families who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Beaches, tropical forests, wildlife and volcanic landscapes make it possible to build a varied trip with children.

This guide focuses especially on Guanacaste and the northern Pacific coast.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Guests swimming in the clear waters of a secluded Guanacaste cove during a Mowana sailing tour.

A beach day is one of the simplest family activities to organize.

Around Playa Flamingo, Playa Potrero, Brasilito, Playa Conchal and Las Catalinas all offer different settings.

Swimming conditions change with waves, currents and weather. Children should always remain under close adult supervision.

For more local ideas, read our guide to Things to Do in Playa Flamingo.

Take a Private Family Sailing Tour

A fresh tropical fruit platter prepared on board for guests during a private sailing tour.

A private sailing tour gives the family the whole boat without joining unrelated passengers.

Mowana is a renovated Buccaneer 33 trimaran with capacity for up to 12 guests. Tours depart from Playa Flamingo Beach in front of the PLEAMAR restaurant.

Depending on conditions, the experience can include sailing, swimming, snorkeling, fishing and use of the one paddleboard carried on board.

Choose Morning, Sunset or Full Day

Mowana offers three private formats:

• Morning Half-Day: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

• Sunset Half-Day: 1:30 PM until sunset.

• Full Day: 9:30 AM until sunset.

The best choice depends on the children’s ages, normal routine and how much time the family wants to spend on the water.

Introduce Children to Snorkeling Carefully

Snorkeling can be a memorable first look at the underwater environment, but it should match each child’s swimming ability.

The captain chooses the location according to visibility, waves, currents and sea conditions. An adult should remain close to the child during the activity.

Fish, rays or turtles may appear, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Look for Wildlife Without Expecting It

Dolphins, sea turtles, rays, seabirds and seasonal humpback whales may be encountered along the Pacific coast.

Wildlife moves freely. Any sighting should be considered a fortunate part of the day, not a promised result.

Visit a National Park or Walk in the Forest

Guanacaste also makes it possible to combine the ocean with land-based nature.

Rincón de la Vieja or Palo Verde can offer interesting family experiences depending on the children’s ages and current conditions.

For national parks, always check current opening hours, access conditions and reservation requirements with official sources before traveling.

Food and Drinks aboard Mowana

Unlimited drinks are included on Mowana tours.

Half-day tours include snacks. The Morning also includes coffee and cinnamon rosquillas. The Full Day includes a more complete menu with a BBQ lunch, fruit, dessert, coffee and rosquillas.

Menus can vary during the season.

For more ideas, explore our guide to Guanacaste excursions from Playa Flamingo.

Friends relaxing together on the Mowana’s spacious trimaran nets along the Guanacaste coast.