Costa Rica for families

Costa Rica is such a great option for a family holiday. There are activities to suit kids of all ages, allowing you to tailor your break to suit your family.

Top Family Activities

One of the most popular options for a fun-filled day out is rafting on one of Costa Rica's rivers. While some of these feature challenging rapids, there are other stretches that are better suited to youngsters, such as the Sarapiqui and Saavegre rivers, both of which are excellent for first-time rafters.

If you plan to spend some time on either the Pacific or Caribbean coasts, you can all learn to surf together, as both of these locations are fantastic for the sport. The Pacific coast is particularly well-equipped to teach surfing, with numerous schools attached to eco lodges in the area.

A canopy tour in the rainforest is likely to be another highlight for adventurous families, with several options available. For teenagers and parents with an intrepid streak, a ziplining tour that involves gliding from platform to platform between the trees is the way to go. If you've got younger children, though, an aerial tram ride may be a better option. There are two of these in Costa Rica - one on the Caribbean side of the country on the edge of the Braulio Carrillo National Park and the other on the Pacific coast on the outskirts of the Carara National Park.

Tips for planning a family tour of Costa Rica

When you start making arrangements for your family trip to Costa Rica, make sure you think carefully about where to go and what to see. As the country is reasonably small, it's possible to visit several parts of it in one holiday, but make sure you balance this with plenty of excursions and activities the kids will enjoy.

Be realistic about what you can fit into your time away and make sure you plan at least a few days of downtime at one of the beach resorts to ensure you're all refreshed before you head home.