Best Family Resorts in Costa Rica: Where to Stay With Kids in 2026

Costa Rica has long been one of Central America's most popular family destinations, and for good reason. The country combines safe, well-developed tourism infrastructure with extraordinary natural attractions that captivate children and adults alike. From watching sea turtles nest on Caribbean beaches to zip-lining through cloud forest canopies, Costa Rica offers the kind of experiences that create lasting family memories. Choosing the right resort can make or break a family vacation, so we have compiled this comprehensive guide to the best family resorts across the country for 2026.

What Makes Costa Rica Ideal for Families

Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Latin America, which immediately puts parents at ease. The healthcare system is excellent by regional standards, tap water is safe to drink in most areas, and the tourism industry is mature and well-regulated. The country's compact size means you can combine beach time, volcano visits, and rainforest exploration in a single trip without exhausting drives between destinations.

The biodiversity alone makes Costa Rica a living classroom. Children who have only seen monkeys and toucans in zoos suddenly encounter them in the wild, swinging through trees above the breakfast table or perched on hotel balcony railings. Sloths move through the canopy at lodges throughout the country, and tide pools along both coasts teem with colorful marine life. For families who value education alongside relaxation, Costa Rica delivers on both fronts.

Guanacaste and the North Pacific Coast

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

The JW Marriott Guanacaste sits on a pristine stretch of beach in the Tempisque region, offering the kind of polished, full-service experience that makes family travel effortless. The property features multiple swimming pools, including a dedicated children's pool with water features, and a comprehensive kids' club that runs daily programs for ages four through twelve. Activities range from Spanish lessons and nature walks to arts and crafts sessions inspired by Costa Rican culture.

The resort's beach is calm and well-monitored by lifeguards, making it suitable for younger swimmers. Families with older children will appreciate the range of water sports available, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and boogie boarding. The on-site restaurants accommodate picky eaters without sacrificing quality for adults, and the rooms are spacious enough to avoid the claustrophobia that plagues many hotel stays with children.

What sets this property apart for families is the balance it strikes between structured activities and free exploration. Parents can book spa treatments or enjoy a quiet poolside afternoon knowing their children are engaged and supervised, while evenings bring the family back together for sunset dinners on the beach terrace.

Westin Reserva Conchal

The Westin Reserva Conchal occupies a spectacular position on Playa Conchal, a beach famous for its crushed-shell sand that creates a naturally beautiful and gentle shoreline. The resort operates an all-inclusive model that simplifies family budgeting considerably -- once you arrive, meals, drinks, and many activities are covered, eliminating the constant mental math that can diminish vacation enjoyment.

The property's golf course doubles as a wildlife corridor, and it is common to spot howler monkeys, coatis, and various bird species without leaving the resort grounds. For children, this creates an ongoing wildlife safari experience that unfolds naturally throughout the stay. The resort also maintains a turtle conservation program during nesting season, and young guests can participate in guided nighttime patrols and hatchling releases.

Swimming options are extensive, with a massive lagoon-style pool that winds through the property, a separate adult pool for parents seeking quiet time, and direct beach access. The kids' club operates full days during peak season and offers evening programs several nights a week, giving parents the rare gift of a proper dinner date during a family vacation.

Central Pacific Coast

Si Como No Resort in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is arguably Costa Rica's most family-friendly destination, combining one of the country's best national parks with excellent beaches and abundant wildlife. Si Como No Resort sits on a hillside overlooking the Pacific, surrounded by tropical forest that is home to all four of Costa Rica's monkey species, two-toed and three-toed sloths, and hundreds of bird species.

The resort is deliberately designed with sustainability and nature immersion in mind. Two swimming pools -- one for adults and one specifically for families -- feature natural stone work and are surrounded by lush vegetation. The property operates a butterfly garden and a wildlife rehabilitation center that children find fascinating, providing up-close encounters with animals in a context of conservation rather than exploitation.

Room configurations at Si Como No accommodate families well, with connecting rooms and suites available. The on-site restaurant serves both Costa Rican and international cuisine, with a children's menu that goes beyond the typical chicken fingers to include local favorites like gallo pinto and fresh fruit plates. Movie nights at the resort's small cinema provide entertainment during rainy afternoons, and the staff is notably attentive to families without being intrusive.

The major advantage of staying at Si Como No is proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park. The park entrance is a short drive away, and the resort can arrange early-morning guided tours that maximize wildlife sightings before the midday heat sends animals into hiding. The park's trails are manageable for children as young as four or five, and the beaches within the park are among the safest for swimming on the Pacific coast.

Hotel Punta Islita

Perched on a hillside in the southern Nicoya Peninsula, Hotel Punta Islita offers a more exclusive family experience. The property is relatively small, creating an intimate atmosphere where staff quickly learn children's names and preferences. The resort's partnership with the local community means families can participate in authentic cultural experiences, from visiting a community art project to learning traditional cooking techniques.

The beach at Punta Islita is reached via a short shuttle ride from the hotel, and the dramatic setting -- backed by cliffs and fronted by rock formations -- creates natural tide pools that are perfect for children's exploration. Horseback riding along the beach is available for older children, and the resort's canopy tour is suitable for adventurous kids over eight years old.

Caribbean Coast

Pacuare Lodge

For families with children over six who are ready for an adventure, Pacuare Lodge offers an extraordinary experience deep in the Caribbean lowland rainforest. Access to the lodge is by whitewater raft down the Pacuare River, which immediately sets the tone for a stay that is more expedition than vacation. The lodge operates entirely off-grid, powered by hydroelectric and solar energy, and the jungle setting means wildlife encounters are constant and thrilling.

Rooms are open-air suites connected by elevated walkways through the canopy, and the sounds of the forest provide a natural soundtrack. Activities include waterfall hikes, indigenous community visits, zip-lining, and bird watching walks led by naturalist guides. The experience is visceral and immersive in a way that resort-based travel cannot replicate, and children who visit Pacuare tend to remember it as a highlight of their childhood travels.

This is not the right fit for families seeking pool time and structured kids' programs. But for those who want their children to experience genuine wilderness, to understand what a primary rainforest sounds and feels like, Pacuare Lodge delivers an experience of profound value.

Arenal Volcano Region

Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa

The Arenal Volcano region is a must-visit for families, and Tabacon Thermal Resort makes it accessible and comfortable. The resort is built around a network of natural hot springs fed by volcanic activity, creating a series of thermal pools at varying temperatures that cascade down a landscaped hillside. Children are mesmerized by the warm, mineral-rich water and the ability to move between pools of different temperatures.

The resort's gardens are home to a remarkable variety of birds and butterflies, and the view of Arenal Volcano from the hot springs is one of Costa Rica's most iconic vistas. Guided nature walks on the property introduce families to tropical ecology in an approachable format, and the nearby Arenal Volcano National Park offers hiking trails through lava fields and secondary forest.

Beyond the resort, the Arenal area provides easy access to hanging bridges walks through the canopy, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge boat tours. Tabacon serves as an excellent base for exploring the region while providing the comfort and relaxation of the thermal pools to return to each evening.

Nayara Gardens

Nayara Gardens, also in the Arenal area, takes a different approach to family hospitality. The property comprises individual casitas (small houses) scattered across a landscaped hillside, giving families genuine privacy and space. Each casita features an outdoor terrace with a view of the volcano, and the separation between units means children can be children without disturbing other guests.

The resort's Amor Loco restaurant is surprisingly child-friendly for a property that projects a romantic, adults-oriented image. The staff accommodates special dietary needs with grace, and the international menu includes options that appeal to younger palates. Nayara's location provides easy access to the same range of Arenal-area activities, and the concierge team excels at organizing family-appropriate excursions.

Practical Tips for Family Travel in Costa Rica

Best time to visit: The dry season from December through April offers the most reliable weather, but the green season (May through November) brings lower prices, fewer crowds, and lush landscapes. Brief afternoon showers during green season rarely disrupt a full day of activities.

Getting around: Renting a car gives families maximum flexibility, particularly with car seats for younger children. Roads in tourist areas are generally well-maintained, though a 4x4 is recommended for reaching more remote lodges. Private shuttle services are a stress-free alternative for families who prefer not to drive.

Health and safety: No special vaccinations are required for Costa Rica. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and any prescription medications from home. Medical facilities in San Jose, Liberia, and other major towns are of good quality.

Budget considerations: Costa Rica is not a budget destination by Central American standards. Expect to spend moderately on accommodation and activities. All-inclusive resorts like Westin Reserva Conchal can simplify budgeting significantly. Many attractions offer reduced rates for children under twelve.

Packing essentials: Rain jacket or poncho (year-round), water shoes for rocky beaches and river crossings, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and a reusable water bottle. Most resorts provide towels, cribs, and basic baby equipment on request.

Choosing the Right Resort for Your Family

The best family resort depends on your children's ages, interests, and your own travel style. Families with young children (under six) will appreciate the convenience and safety of all-inclusive beach resorts like the Westin or JW Marriott. Adventure-seeking families with older kids should consider Pacuare Lodge or a split itinerary combining beach and volcano regions. Nature-focused families who want wildlife without roughing it will find Si Como No in Manuel Antonio strikes an ideal balance.

Whatever you choose, Costa Rica rewards families who embrace its natural wealth. The country's unofficial motto -- pura vida, or pure life -- takes on genuine meaning when experienced through the eyes of a child discovering a toucan for the first time, standing beneath a waterfall in the jungle, or floating in a volcanic hot spring under a canopy of stars.