Family vacations are a chance to bond, relax, and have exciting adventures together. However, picking the right destination and balancing everyone’s interests, travel time, and budget can be a challenge.
With its stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and many relaxing or adventurous activities, Costa Rica is the perfect spot for a memorable family break. Explore the best family resorts for a refreshing change of scenery and a welcome escape from routine in this magical paradise!
Why Choose Costa Rica for Your Family Vacation?
Choose Costa Rica for your family getaway because there’s so much to do! With over 1300 kilometers of coastline, 200+ active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and 5% of the world’s biodiversity, your family will find more than one activity to enjoy together.
There are also plenty of family resorts you can stay at, with top amenities including a kids club, family suites, a kids pool, fine dining, and unlimited fun!
Our Handpicked Top 10 Family Resorts in Costa Rica
Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in the heart of Central America! These Costa Rica family resorts offer relaxation and excitement for the whole family. Here, you’ll enjoy sunny days and thrilling activities to live the Pura Vida lifestyle!
#1 Riu Guanacaste – All-inclusive
Located on Matapalo Beach, RIU Guanacaste offers an ideal family escape with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Guanacaste’s rainforest-covered mountains.
This 5-star, all-inclusive resort provides Wi-Fi, inviting pools, a gym, sauna, and whirlpool bath for adults, as well as the brand-new ‘Splash Water World’ water park with thrilling slides.
Also, you can enjoy spa treatments at Renova Spa, enjoy international cuisine at on-site restaurants, and witness sea turtles during the hatching season.
If you like to go on adventures, the following tours can be the perfect addition to the adrenaline you’re looking for:
#2 Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Discover the magic of Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa in La Fortuna. The resort offers luxury rooms, hot springs warmed by Arenal Volcano, 872 acres of lush rainforest, and a stunning beach. These amenities provide the perfect combination of fun for adults and children!
You can also enjoy many outdoor activities in the La Fortuna area, such as the Arenal’s Chocolate and Sloth Tour, a 3-Hour Horseback Riding Tour to Arenal Volcano, and a thrilling Canopy Zip Lining Tour and White Water Rafting adventure.
Perfect for adults and children alike, these experiences offer an unforgettable combination of nature, excitement, and relaxation.
#3 Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
In the heart of La Fortuna, Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort offers a family-friendly getaway with 98 rooms on a 1,050-acre property. Experience adventure with a water park and a small zoo on-site.
Here, you can enjoy the following activities:
- Canopy tours.
- Chocolate & Cacao Farm Tours.
- Horseback riding.
- Nature Wildlife Safari Float Tours.
- Arenal’s Chocolate and Sloth Tours.
- The unique Rollcano zorbing.
Additionally, you can relax in hot springs, indulge in spa treatments, admire Arenal Volcano’s Lake, and find souvenirs at the on-site shop. Hotel Los Lagos ensures an unforgettable experience inside and outside its grounds.
#4 The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Get a taste of the Pura Vida lifestyle at the Westin Reserva Conchal. This eco-friendly retreat in Guanacaste offers luxurious rooms with open terraces and stunning beachfront views. It also welcomes younger travelers to its Kids Club, where staff organize fun activities!
On its 2400 acres, you can also enjoy:
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Authentic Costa Rican and international delicacies are served in their stylish restaurants.
- With 24-hour complimentary room service, you can enjoy these delicacies in the comfort of your cozy suites.
- Several tennis courts and a non-motorized water park.
- Tours to visit the tropical gardens or play in the ocean.
- Babysitting service (at an extra charge).
During your stay, you can live up to some of the Costa Rican “pure life” lifestyle by exploring Miravalles, the Yellowstone of Costa Rica, or going on a 4.5 Hour Rincon de la Vieja National Park Guided Hike, where you can also discover Liberia City.
#5 Hotel Si Como No
In Costa Rica, Hotel Si Como No stands out as one of the top choices for families. This boutique resort offers a fully-equipped luxury experience with beautifully appointed rooms, two restaurants, and a host of unique amenities
Guests can enjoy the vibrant family pool, waterslide, and separate adult pool, both with swim-up bars and poolside service. Also, if you want to enjoy the sandy beaches in the area, the hotel offers free scheduled transportation.
With its personalized service and close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park, this family-friendly haven offers an unforgettable combination of adventure and relaxation. When you stay here, you can’t miss visiting its butterfly botanical garden and a crocodile lagoon.
#6 JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa, Playa Avellanas
Discover the magic of the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa at Playa Avellanas. With its location in a vibrant community with three beaches, it’s the ultimate family escape.
The resort has one of Central America’s biggest pools, making it stand out among other beach resorts in the area. Also, there is an 18-hole championship golf course, luxe villas, indoor and outdoor spa treatment rooms, and spacious accommodations with private balconies or terraces.
If you want to take the family on a fun yet not too-demanding adventure, our Horseback Riding and Canopy Day Tour in Borinquen, Costa Rica, is the perfect choice!
#7 Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort, Manuel Antonio
Sitting on the beach in Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenas Del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort offers breathtaking views of the Costa Rican coastline and lush rainforest.
Whether traveling with kids, grandparents, or both, the resort offers something for everyone, including guided rainforest trails, canopy zipline adventures, and boat excursions. Also, with direct beach access, two pools, family-sized rooms, and kid-friendly menus, this is truly a family-friendly paradise.
Add some extra fun to your trip with these fantastic activities:
#8 The Springs Resort | Arenal Volcano
At The Springs Resort, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of Arenal Volcano and relax in 28 mineral-laden hot springs and a 14,000-square-foot spa.
On top of that, the resort offers a great family vacation experience, with free daily adventure activities at the Club Rio Adventure Center, Lagoon Pools, a Game Room, a Billiards/Darts Lounge, a poolside Putt-Putt Course, and the Monkey Slide. You can relax in the hot springs or at The Sanctuary Spa while your kids enjoy these amenities.
If you would like to experience some of Costa Rica’s exciting adventures, you can go on a 3-Hour Hiking Tour to Arenal Volcano, take a 5-Hour Wildlife Safari Float & Tortilla Making tour, or take a 3-4 Hour Sloth Nature Hike Tour in La Fortuna to see these adorable creatures.
#9 Planet Hollywood
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica offers a lovely family getaway in Guanacaste, thanks to its unique blend of entertainment and comfort.
With its Star Kids Club, the resort ensures non-stop fun with activities like acting classes and poolside adventures. Also, the PHTV™ adds entertainment, offering exclusive access to Hollywood blockbusters and a dedicated Kids Club channel.
Additionally, as part of the Autograph Collection All-Inclusive, the resort provides top-notch accommodations, including 24-hour room service, private balconies, and themed music experiences through Your Soundtrack™. Also, there are seven restaurants and a fitness center.
#10 Tulemar Resort, Manuel Antonio
How does staying with your family on a private beach sound? This is possible when you choose Tulemar Resort in Manuel Antonio! To enjoy the sun and the waves, you don’t even have to leave the hotel grounds of this family-friendly resort.
With kids, you’ll feel like you’re on a constant adventure! There are many activities to do, including ATV tours, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, and exploring the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park!
If you want to enjoy luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and ultimate adventures, this is the perfect vacation getaway you’ve been looking for!
Some of the nearby activities are:
#11 Andaz Costa Rica Resort Papagayo
Andaz Costa Rica Resort Papagayo is a dream for families looking for relaxation and adventure. In a stunning location that blends nature and architecture, you’ll feel like staying in a fancy treehouse!
There are three family pools where you can have fun, tan, and spend time with your family.
Also, there’s the CAMBI Kids Club for the little ones (4-12), while teens have loads of activities. Imagine ziplining, biking, or enjoying the beach with complimentary kayaks and paddleboards. You can also use electric bikes to explore the neighborhood or one of the many walking and running trails.
#12 Dreams Las Mareas, El Jobo
Set on Playa El Jobo, Dreams Las Mareas offers breathtaking views and lush landscapes for unforgettable family moments.
As a Hyatt family member, you can enjoy top-notch amenities with beachfront access to complimentary water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.
With three pools, a fun water slide for kids, and kids’ clubs opening daily, the resort ensures a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for each family member. Join weekly beach parties for added fun in this tropical paradise!
Ready to Explore Costa Rica with Your Family?
Ready for a fantastic family getaway? At Find My Costa Rica, we’re here to make it happen for your entire family. Our expert team is dedicated to securing a seamless and delightful vacation experience.
Let us turn your dream family getaway into a reality. Contact Find My Costa Rica today and let the journey begin!
FAQ
1- Is Costa Rica good for kids?
Absolutely! With its diverse wildlife, stunning nature, and family-friendly activities, your child will surely make forever-lasting memories.
2- What part of Costa Rica is best for a family vacation?
Manuel Antonio is an excellent choice for a family vacation. You’ll have a blast here with its stunning beaches, exciting activities, comfortable accommodations, and Manuel Antonio National Park.
