Is Costa Rica children-friendly?

Costa Rica is a family travel playground, specializing in big adventures for the little ones. Whether you are zipping through the leafy canopy or spying a lazy sloth, this little dynamo of a country offers a plethora of fun experiences that every family member can enjoy. It’s an excellent place for active families who like the outdoors.

Unique wildlife is found everywhere in Costa Rica: whether your kids are into tarantulas and vipers, or sleepy-eyed sloths and howling monkeys. And let’s forget about the miles and miles of beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. “Pura vida” (pure life) isn’t a tourism gimmick or marketing phrase – it is truly what Costa Ricans live by.

Plus, the country has excellent tourism infrastructure and great family hotels. Most of the tourist-oriented towns, such as La Fortuna and Tamarindo, have great supermarkets and restaurants with high standards of hygiene. You can even find many American brands around and international cuisine in major towns.

The great thing about it is that a trip to Costa Rica with your kids can also be very educational. Unless you come from a tropical country, your kids will be continuously amazed by all the wildlife they will discover through exhilarating and adventurous activities, like hiking in the rainforest, floating down a river, or snorkeling in the Caribbean ocean. On top of it, something as simple as sitting in the back of a bus driving to your next destination can bring amazement too, like spotting troops of howler monkeys sitting on the trees next to the road.

With the most stable democracy in the region, a good healthcare system and a highly educated population (most of whom speak English), Costa Rica is arguably the most child-friendly destination in Central America. 

One important thing to know is that domestic airlines offer a 25% discount for kids under 12 and kids under 2 fly for free.

Another important thing to note is that if you decide to drive, know that the use of car seats for kids is mandatory in Costa Rica, except when using public transportation like small buses or taxis. Make sure your car rental company rents car seats, or bring your own.