We have so many great things to say about our family vacation to Costa Rica. It was our first international trip with the kids, and we’re convinced it was the perfect choice for their first passport stamp. The week was relaxing, enriching, and full of fun for everyone. Below we share where we stayed, what we did, and how we managed traveling in a foreign country with young children.
With young kids (ours are 5 and 9), it’s tempting to choose something easy and familiar. One goal of this trip was to push out of our comfort zone and try a slightly more adventurous family vacation. It was nerve-wracking at first, but we’re so glad we did it.
Why Did We Choose Costa Rica?
Costa Rica appealed to us for a few simple reasons:
- Warm weather in January, and
- Two friends had recently vacationed there and loved it.
The more we researched, the more Costa Rica seemed like a smart option for a first international trip with kids. It offers diverse lodging, family-friendly activities, and exciting wildlife—think monkeys and sloths—which the kids were excited about. It also had a fairly short flight from Virginia compared to other overseas destinations.
Where Did We Go In Costa Rica?
We spent six nights split between two Airbnbs—three nights in each place. Splitting our stay ended up being a great decision because we experienced two different neighborhoods and atmospheres. We chose locations based on availability and distance from San José airport.
Our first rental was in Esterillos Oeste, a small Pacific Coast beach town about two hours from San José. It felt local and low-key rather than touristy. Our second rental was in Manuel Antonio, roughly an hour farther down the coast. Manuel Antonio felt busier, with more dining and activity options, and is home to the popular Manuel Antonio National Park.
How Long Did It Take To Get There?
Our flights totaled about six hours each way, split by a layover. Door-to-door travel felt longer because of an early departure and the additional two-hour drives between the airport and the towns where we stayed. Each direction took roughly 12 hours total, which effectively used up a day at each end of the week. Breaking the trip into shorter flights and drives made it manageable. We also packed activity books, markers, and charged tablets to keep the kids comfortable throughout travel days.
Did You Rent A Car?
Yes—we rented a car for flexibility and to ensure proper car seats. We brought a booster for our nine-year-old and rented a car seat locally for our five-year-old. Some roads are unpaved, steep, or rocky, so we followed advice to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle, though we rarely needed to engage 4WD. If a rental car isn’t appealing, shuttles, taxis, and ride-share options are available in many tourist areas.
What Was Driving Like In Costa Rica?
Driving was easier than expected. People generally drive at a relaxed pace, speed limits are lower than in the U.S., and you drive on the right-hand side. Challenges included sparse road signage, lots of unmarked streets, and limited parking in busier towns like Manuel Antonio. Expect travel times to be longer than map estimates because many roads are single-lane. Overall, it felt safe and straightforward.
Was The Language Barrier An Issue?
Not really. While Spanish is the main language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas. About three-quarters of the people we met used English, menus often appeared in both languages, and locals were patient when we communicated with gestures or simple Spanish. Our kids even picked up a few new words and showed interest in learning more Spanish after the trip.
What About Currency?
Costa Rica uses the colón, but the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. Many places list prices in USD, and businesses will often accept cash or cards. We traveled with small USD bills and used a credit card for most purchases. Expect prices to appear large in colones—roughly 570 colones to $1 USD—so a calculator can help if you’re converting amounts in your head.
Is Costa Rica Safe?
We never felt unsafe. We used common-sense precautions like locking doors, watching valuables, and supervising kids. The main local warning was to secure bags from curious monkeys at some beaches. We saw no snakes or scorpions and only one large spider outside one night. Overall, people were friendly and welcoming.
Our Airbnb in Esterillos Oeste
Our first rental in Esterillos Oeste was a colorful, private house with a raised pool deck that felt tucked into the jungle. Iguanas and monkeys visited the backyard, and macaws flew overhead—an amazing way to get a true Costa Rica vibe without leaving the property. The house had multiple bedrooms and a casita, great for larger groups or grandparents.
Our Airbnb In Manuel Antonio
The Manuel Antonio home felt like a stylish retreat with Balinese-inspired outdoor spaces, a hammock swing the kids adored, and a lovely shaded pool we used daily. The home included a loft and a separate casita, which would be ideal for families with more people or multi-generational groups. Hosts for both Airbnbs were helpful and offered local recommendations and activity assistance.
Things To Do With Kids In Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an outdoor destination, and many family-friendly activities exist beyond thrill-seeking adventures. Our kids preferred calmer activities. Highlights we recommend:
Esterillos Oeste Beach
A short drive from our first rental, this beach has tidepools, easy parking, and opportunities for shell hunting and casual play in shallow water.
Royal Butterflies Garden & Farm
A calm farm and butterfly sanctuary near Jaco where kids can explore, pick fruit, and play in a shallow river. It’s a relaxed activity that young children enjoy.
Manuel Antonio Guided Tour
Hire a local guide to spot wildlife high in the canopy and point out sloths, monkeys, and other creatures you likely wouldn’t spot on your own. Guides often use a telephoto lens to let you see animals up close and sometimes take photos for you. Our guided walk was a top highlight for the kids.
Playa Biesanz
A picturesque, more secluded beach reachable via a short walk down a break in a fence. Calm, clear water and a relaxed atmosphere made this our favorite beach of the trip.
Where To Eat In Costa Rica With Kids
Finding kid-friendly meals was easy. Many restaurants serve simple favorites like chicken, pizza, pasta, or burgers alongside local dishes. We especially enjoyed casual eateries, fresh market produce for breakfasts, and frequent smoothies. A few standout spots included a lively taco bar near Jaco, a beachfront restaurant that serves wood-fired pizza, and a cliffside restaurant built around an old plane that offered great views.
About That Toilet Paper Situation…
Many places in Costa Rica ask that you dispose of toilet paper in a small trash can rather than flushing it due to plumbing systems. It felt odd at first but became normal quickly—worth noting so you aren’t surprised.
Costa Rica With Kids: A Summary
Quick list of kid-friendly highlights to consider:
- Book a guided wildlife tour in Manuel Antonio National Park
- Swim at Manuel Antonio Beach
- Visit a butterfly garden and small farm for hands-on fun
- Eat at casual family-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating and novelty dining experiences
- Hike down to Playa Biesanz for calm, clear water
- Spend relaxed days exploring markets, tasting fresh fruit, and enjoying smoothies
Other Family Trips We’ve Taken
If you’re planning more family travel, we’ve also shared experiences from other kid-friendly trips—city weekends, beach getaways, and longer family vacations that might help you plan your next adventure.