Top 10 Tips for Easier Travel with Kids in Costa Rica: Making Family Adventures Stress-Free

Costa Rica is a dream destination for families, with its lush rainforests, abundant wildlife, stunning beaches, and thrilling outdoor adventures. Traveling with kids can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also present challenges. To ensure your family vacation is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable, we’ve compiled the top 10 tips for easier travel with kids in Costa Rica.

1. Plan Nap Time During Travel

Try to plan your adventures earlier in the day and avoid scheduling activities during your kids' nap time. If your little ones love napping during long car journeys, even better! A nap in the car can leave them feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever adventure you throw their way once they wake up. It’s a great way to ensure they stay energized and happy throughout the day! If naps aren’t possible, consider adding some downtime for play to avoid overtired meltdowns.

2. When Adventuring - Pack Plenty of Snacks and Hydrate Often

Costa Rica’s warm climate and active adventures can quickly leave kids feeling hungry and thirsty. Keep healthy snacks like fruits, granola bars, and crackers handy. A reusable water bottle is essential to ensure your kids stay hydrated throughout the day.

Sweet Treats for the Trail

We always carry lollipops, jellies, and other little sugary treats that our kids love, especially when we ask them to hike or chase waterfalls. These small, delightful snacks can make a huge difference in keeping them motivated and energized during outdoor adventures.

Boosting Motivation

Moreover, these treats come in handy when we need that extra boost to keep the kids going during longer hikes or more challenging treks. A quick sugar rush can help them power through and enjoy the journey even more.

A Fun Little Reward

Finally, offering them a sweet treat is a fun way to turn the adventure into a mini reward system. It keeps the mood light, and everyone looks forward to the next waterfall or scenic view with excitement.

3. Worry Less About What Your Kids Will Eat in Costa Rica

When traveling in Costa Rica, you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly restaurants that cater to young appetites. Many places offer simple, delicious meals like rice and beans, grilled chicken, and fresh smoothies, perfect for even the pickiest eaters. Costa Rican restaurants also cater to international tastes, so you’ll find familiar options like fish, chicken fingers, French fries, macaroni, and spaghetti—favorites small kids love. Whether you're relaxing on the beach or exploring the city, you'll have no trouble finding comfort food to keep everyone happy during your family outings.

4. Stay Close to Attractions for Convenience

When booking accommodations, choose locations near key attractions such as beaches, parks, and restaurants to minimize travel time. If you’re staying farther away, consider renting a car for added convenience and flexibility during your stay.

5. Be Flexible and Try New Adventures

Costa Rica is a family-friendly destination with activities for kids as young as 3 years old. Enjoy gentle jungle hikes, wildlife spotting, and boat tours through mangroves where kids can see crocodiles and monkeys. A visit to an animal sanctuary is a must, allowing children to connect with rescued wildlife while learning about conservation.

For fun on the water, Costa Rica’s beaches offer safe spots for kids to play or take beginner surf lessons. Ziplining and hanging bridges provide exciting views of the rainforest, while sailing tours let you spot dolphins and whales during the whale season. Kids can also enjoy fishing tours, where they’ll learn new skills.

Flexibility is key—mix adventure with downtime for a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. Costa Rica’s diverse activities will create lasting memories for the whole family.

6. Expect the Unexpected: Stay Open-Minded and Patient

Traveling with kids often means encountering unexpected moments, including tantrums and mood swings, especially in new environments. Stay open-minded and approach these situations with patience. Remember, meltdowns are part of the adventure, and they offer valuable learning opportunities for both parents and kids as they explore the world.

7. Bring Entertainment for Restaurants

Kids can get restless while waiting for their meals at restaurants. To keep them entertained and make mealtime more relaxed, we always bring small toys, crayons, puzzles, or activity cards wherever we go—and it works every time! This simple trick ensures a smoother dining experience for both parents and little adventurers.

8. Visit Beaches During Low Tide for Safe Play

Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful beaches, but some have strong waves. Choose beaches with tide pools where your kids can safely explore and play in the shallow waters. These areas offer a fun and safe environment for children to discover marine life.

9. Use a Carrier or Backpack for Young Kids

Costa Rica’s terrain can be challenging for strollers, especially in national parks and rainforests. A baby carrier or toddler backpack is a must-have for young kids. It makes exploring Costa Rica’s rugged landscape more manageable, whether you’re hiking through the jungle or visiting scenic viewpoints.

10. Protect Kids from Mosquitoes & Sunburn

Costa Rica is home to many outdoor adventures, so it’s important to keep your kids protected from mosquitoes and the sun. Apply sunscreen regularly and dress them in lightweight, protective clothing. A safe mosquito repellent is a must to prevent bites during jungle hikes and beach outings.

Tips for a Smooth Family Vacation:

Start the Day Early: Kids have the most energy in the morning, so plan to explore popular attractions early when they’re at their best.
Book Family-Friendly Tours: Choose tours that are tailored for kids, with shorter durations and interactive elements.
Carry Extra Clothes: Little ones tend to get dirty or wet during adventures, so always pack an extra set of clothes.
Embrace the "Pura Vida" Lifestyle: Costa Rica’s laid-back culture encourages taking things slow, so relax, enjoy the moment, and create lasting memories.

How we travel with our kids

We have two kids, ages 6 and 11, and we’ve applied these tips during our travels around the world and family adventures in Costa Rica. While some strategies may work better for different families, we’ve found that trying these tips can help make your journey smoother and less stressful. Whether you’re exploring Costa Rica or embarking on adventures in other parts of the world, these simple steps can ensure you and your family have an amazing time without the hassle.