Image by Pexels.com
*Vacation Mode is a for-profit site. It contains paid banner advertisements that are generated and managed by a third-party network. This site also includes relevant affiliate links (both in the content and on the sidebar) all of which we do our best to clearly mark as such.
Is Costa Rica a good vacation destination for families with children?
Costa Rica is an excellent destination for a family vacation, and this article will allow you to find the best of what makes the country so popular. Forests, volcano views, and beach relaxation are just some of the things you'll get to see and do.
Guests traveling to the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean will be surrounded by the sounds and sights of wildlife in Costa Rica's lush tropical setting, which includes a variety of birds and other animals. Hotel and resort options abound in this Central American country, with options that include everything from the small boutique and family-owned properties to expansive resorts with multiple pools and kid-friendly programs—many of which are all-inclusive.
The best all-inclusive Costa Rica resorts for families have been compiled for your consideration.
1. Occidental Tamarindo
Family vacationers can enjoy a combination of city and beach life at the five-star Occidental Tamarindo, which is located in Tamarindo just over a mile from the center of the city. The hotel is located on a beach that has received the highest honors in Costa Rica's Sustainable Tourism awards for being one of the country's safest and cleanest beaches, among other accolades. If that isn't enough, the resort also provides all of the wonderful amenities that you would expect from an all-inclusive establishment.
A cool thing to do there:
Ultimate Dive Experience Cozumel: All-Inclusive Diving
Allegro Cozumel offers the best moments in and out of the water. We are immensely proud to offer you the only All Inclusive dive holiday experience on the island. Guests have access to one of the largest coral reefs in the world while enjoying the excellent service offered by this recently renovated hotel. The whole complex, with its ideal structure and design, is adapted to vacationers and diving enthusiasts; you can combine relaxation with the wonderful experience of diving in Cozumel.
2. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa Costa Rica
It is always a pleasure for families to stay at the luxurious JW Marriott properties, and the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is no exception. Water sports, an infinity pool, a children's pool, a kids' club, and five restaurants are available at the beachfront resort. Rooms are equipped with DVD players, and DVDs are available to guests for use during in-room movie nights. Despite the fact that the resort is not technically all-inclusive, you can book packages that include breakfast, dinner, and additional activities.
A Cool feature of this resort:
JW Adventure Kids Club
The JW Adventure Kids Club offers daily supervised activities for children 4-12 years old staying at our family resort, helping parents get some together time away from the kids.
3. Del Mar Surf Camp
Puntarenas Province is on Costa Rica’s Pacific side and is famous for its excellent surfing. Whether you are an experienced surfer or a novice, you’ll find waves to suit your taste and skill level in Puntarenas.
Del Mar Surf Camp is one of the most acclaimed surf camps in the region. For nine years, the expert staff at Del Mar Surf Camp has been teaching locals and visitors how to hit the waves in style. In addition, they offer personalized surf sessions with a maximum of two students per instructor, so you’ll get private lessons tailored to your specific need.
The camp is close to two of the regions’ best beaches; Playa Jaco and Playa Hermosa. Playa Hermosa is known for its challenging waves and is an excellent beach for those who already know how to surf. Playa Jaco is a much gentler experience, suitable for beginners. Del Mar Surf Camp’s instructors can help you figure out which one is best for you.
There’s also plenty of on-land activities to do. Del Mar Surf Camp offers yoga classes and nature walks every day. There are dining facilities on-site serving up premium Costa Rican food made out of healthy local ingredients.
Cool thing to do:
Surf & Yoga Package
Live the Nosara life and fill your days Surf & Yoga! Challenge your balance and find your strength — from your yoga mat to your surfboard — with a personalized Surf & Yoga retreat program. Whether you’re brand new or beyond experienced, our world-class yoga and surf instructors will support you as you develop confidence and skillfulness — in the studio and in the water.
4. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica
During your stay at the all-inclusive Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica, it may be difficult to tear your children away from the children's pool, playground, and RiuLand kids' club (but, after all, that's what family vacation is all about, right?). Parents can get in on the action (or relax) by visiting one of the four swimming pools, 11 restaurants and bars, the casino, or the Renova Spa, among other attractions.
Aquatic activities such as scuba diving are also included in the rates, with one free introductory scuba diving lesson offered to each guest during their stay. And don't forget about spending quality time with your family on the beach, as the resort is located directly on Matapalo Beach.
One cool thing:
Located on the beach
Within 2 miles (3 km) of this El Ocotal property, you'll find Playa Matapalo and Diamante Eco Adventure Park. Haras del Mar Equestrian Center is within 3 miles (5 km) and Danta Beach is within 9 miles (15 km).
5. Barcelo Tambor Beach
At the Barcelo Tambor Beach, families are prioritized at all times, with kid-friendly activities and entertainment as well as pools for children of different ages as well as suites that sleep up to six people. The Barcy Club is for children ages 4 to 12, and the Teen House is for those ages 13 to 17. The Teen House is for those ages 13 to 17. Parental amenities include an amphitheater that hosts a different show every night and a spa that offers a variety of treatments.
Apart from two swimming pools, one of which is specifically designed for children and has palm trees that spray water, the resort has three tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, Ping-Pong, an indoor climbing wall, a mini-golf course, and a giant chessboard.
One Cool thing:
The Barcy Club for Children
The Barcy Club offers a full program of activities for children between 4 and 12 years, designed by a professional team of event organizers whose mission is the recreation and entertainment of guests. The paddle pool, with more than 5 jet sprays of water running over, provides an ideal setting for a refreshing swim and to have fun playing.
The Teens’ House, where teenagers from 13 to 17 years will find their corner of fun with trendy games, has computers, video games, the best music, a climbing wall and a spectacular bungee jump trampoline.
6. Fiesta Resort All Inclusive
The Fiesta Resort All-Inclusive, formerly known as the DoubleTree Resort Central Pacific, is located in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, approximately 50 minutes from the capital, San Jose. Games, crafts, movies, music, and other activities are available at the kids' club, which is open to children ages 4 to 12. teens have their own space at the Teens Club, which provides evening entertainment until midnight for children and teenagers ages 13 to 17. The Teens Club also provides unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
There are also ten restaurants and bars to choose from whenever the urge to eat strikes, as well as swimming pools and entertainment for the whole family. Book a Junior Suite if you want to be close to all the action. It has a separate bedroom with a queen bed for the parents and a living area with a sofa bed for the kids, so everyone can be together.
Cool thing to know:
Discover the exciting and broad choice of activities available in Puntarenas and the surrounding area. Spectacular natural beauty, fascinating historic monuments, Costa Rican culture, souvenir shopping, and much more are all within 15 minutes of the Fiesta Resort.
Puntarenas is a port city on Costa Rica's Nicoya Gulf. It has a cultural center with a theater and an art gallery called Casa de la Cultura. The aquarium and rescue center Parque Marino del Pacfico is located on the major thoroughfare, Paseo de los Turistas, and has seahorses, turtles, and crocodiles. Playa Puntarenas, the town beach, is surrounded by stores and cafes. Playa Doa Ana, located southeast of town, is a beach famed for its fierce surf.
7. Best Western Jaco Beach Resort
Best Western Jaco Beach Resort is located on the beach and offers all-inclusive rates that include all activities, meals, beverages, and entertainment for the whole family. All accommodations include complimentary Wi-Fi, though most families will prefer to stay off the grid while taking advantage of the various pools, including a dedicated children's pool, as well as the playground, scheduled activities, and nightly music and entertainment.
The beach is only a few steps away, and children and adults alike will enjoy building sandcastles, surfing the waves, or simply relaxing in the sunshine. To get a taste of the great outdoors, families can plan excursions off-property to the nearby Carara National Park for hiking or to Herradura Bay"s Marina for fishing trips.
Good to know:
Things To Do In Jacó, Costa Rica
The Best Western Jacó Beach All-Inclusive Resort's central location allows guests convenient access to a variety of activities in Jacó, Costa Rica. Pastor Diaz Avenue, a ten-minute stroll into downtown Jacó, is studded with colorful restaurants, bars, and boutiques. The lovely beaches, low-lying mountains, and warm, gentle surf of Jacó make it a great vacation spot for everyone from families and couples to eco-adventurers and surfers. The rainforest at Carara National Park (25-minute drive) and Manuel Antonio National Park are two popular day outings (a 90-minute drive).
8. Dreams Las Mareas
Family vacationers will find all of the same all-inclusive options and amenities at the Dreams Las Mareas that they will find at the chain's other resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. The Explorer's Club and the Core Zone Teens Club, both of which have eight restaurants, ensure that there will always be time for a family meal after the kids and teens have spent hours making new friends.
Although the resort's pools are inviting, a jungle waterslide adds to the excitement for children, and a nearby beach provides opportunities for water sports and sandcastle-building, making this a great choice for families. Guests can relax in suites that feature views of the tropical or oceanfront gardens, furnished terraces or balconies, mini-bars, and complimentary WiFi.
Must-do activity:
Explore the destination
Discover the Pura Vida lifestyle in one of the world's happiest and greenest countries. Costa Rica, tucked between the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, is a land rich in biodiversity, with volcanoes, cloud forests, tropical fauna, national parks, and more, making it ideal for adventurers. Dreams Las Mareas is located on the lovely Playa El Jobo in Costa Rica's Guanacaste region. This all-inclusive, family-friendly resort is great for couples and families looking to take in the sights and sounds of Costa Rica.
9. Hotel Riu Guanacaste
This is a particular favorite of mine. All-inclusive Hotel Riu Costa Rica, which is adjacent to the Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica, offers a serene setting for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, there is nothing else to offer guests. The beach is quiet and private, and the massive pool, which features waterfalls, swim-up bars, and a volleyball net, is just as refreshing and enjoyable.
In addition, children ages 4 to 12 will enjoy RiuLand, the resort's children's club, and teens will enjoy trying out a new water sport like kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. And whether your family is small or large, a family suite will suffice, featuring two separate bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a mini-fridge that is restocked with complimentary refreshments on a daily basis, to accommodate your needs.
Must-do activity:
Golf
If golf is your passion, Riu Properties & Resorts has many hotels near some of the top golf courses in the world. We all know that vacations aren't just about golf, but also about having the finest time possible. As a result, you will enjoy a comfortable environment as well as the customized care you deserve. As a result, you can enjoy your favorite sport without sacrificing comfort or service.
10. Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort
The Andaz Resort, which is located on the Peninsula of Papagayo, provides everything a family could possibly need for a tropical family vacation. Because of the babysitting and children's programs available, parents will have plenty of opportunities to relax in one of the six treatment rooms, three of which are located outside, while their children are entertained. Camp Jaguar for teens, as well as the CAMBI children's club, provides a plethora of activities for children of all ages. Although this is not a traditional all-inclusive resort, it does offer an all-inclusive package for those who prefer it.
Something cool:
Papagayo Explorers
Mountain biking, outrigger canoeing, nature walks, cultural events, Camp Jaguar adolescent programming, and more are among the expert-led, small group or private activities available to Andaz guests. Peninsula Papagayo guests have exclusive access to activities.
11. Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo
The Margaritaville Beach Resort has accommodations for up to six guests, so there's plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy themselves. Lots of kid-friendly activities, a movie theater, an indoor pool (as well as several other pools), and a family activity center ensure that the whole family will have something to do during their stay. Other amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, babysitting, on-site dining, kitchenettes, and connecting rooms, among others.
There are plenty of daily activities to keep both young and old entertained, including relaxing on the beach, visiting the swim-up bar, visiting the spa, taking salsa lessons, and participating in water sports.
Must-do activity:
OnZen Spa
OnZen Spa, your trip to relaxation and wellbeing, will rejuvenate your body and soul. This Costa Rica resort spa offers soothing body therapies, massages, facials, manicures, and daily fitness and wellbeing activities, as well as daily fitness and wellness activities. An OnZen Signature Massage, Honey Body Polish, or Renewal Facial will transport you to ecstasy. When possible, their skilled health and beauty specialists offer a peaceful spa experience by using only the highest quality all-natural and organic materials.
In Conclusion
There are many resorts in Costa Rica that cater to the family unit. All of these on the list are certain hits to please the most sophisticated and decerning family vacation. These are the best all-inclusive Costa Rica resorts for families.
Learn more about Costa Rica by checking out our Travel Guide.