Costa Rica is a tropical paradise that is a hit among solo travellers, adventurers, honeymooners, and families alike. If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica with kids, an itinerary will help you make the most out of your trip. The winter months between November and April have cheerful, sunny weather, perfect for a Costa Rican sojourn with a host of family-friendly activities to try.
The region offers a peaceful vibe that coexists easily with exciting adventures, and there is always something wonderful for families to enjoy. If you are thinking about escaping the cold of your hometown this winter, we at Stay In Costa Rica are happy to provide family homes that will be your sanctuary for your stay.
This guide to family-friendly winter activities in Costa Rica will ensure that no parent will ever hear the dreaded phrase, “I’m bored,” during their time in the tropics.
Top Family Activities in Costa Rica in Winter
From lazy days at the beach, to adrenaline-pumping adventure activities, Costa Rica offers a wide range of holiday experiences to cater to every preference. Its diverse landscape is sure to take your breath away and serve as the perfect backdrop to a lifetime of happy memories with your family. Here are some of the activities in Costa Rica in winter for families to enjoy:
Sport Fishing
A guided fishing tour with your family in Costa Rica’s abundant waters is an experience you should not miss. Winter is the perfect time to reel in prized catches like marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and more. You can hire a luxury fishing charter for a full or half-day experience, including an island cruise. There are several beginner-friendly fishing tours available, so don’t worry if you’ve never done this before. You’ll have a personal fishing guide onboard to show you the ropes.
Sun, Sand and Surf
Of course, not all adventures have to be structured ones during your Costa Rican vacation, and perhaps the most memorable activity you can share with your children will be a visit to the beaches of our tropical nation. Greet each morning with a walk along sandy shores at sunrise for some private moments with your significant other before the kiddos awaken, and spend entire days swimming, snorkeling, or simply sitting at the water’s edge, building sandcastles with your tiniest travelers. And yes, this is one of the popular family activities in Costa Rica in winter, as summer reigns eternal in this part of the world and temperatures are more than likely going to be in the 90s during your stay!
Vista Los Sueños Park
Vista Los Sueños Park in Jaco Beach is a different sort of theme park, swerving away from costumed characters and mechanical thrills, offering instead a natural adventure that will excite every member of your family. Zipline through the rainforest, marveling at the verdant beauty and the opportunity to examine Costa Rica from the sky or, if you prefer to be closer to the ground, ride a horse into this tropical paradise to enjoy the beautiful views and still have some excitement and thrill! Also offering extreme canyoneering, ATV adventures, coffee tours, and an exclusive beach day tour, this experience is destined to take your breath away, making you wonder why you waited so long to take this family vacation!
Fore!
Even in paradise, the urge to chase a dimpled white ball around verdant courses can be strong, and of course, this is another popular family-friendly winter activity in Costa Rica. La Iguana Golf Course, located in the Los Sueños Resort, is an 18-hole championship course that also offers a beautiful peek into the natural side of the area, including glimpses of the iguanas that the course is named for, as well as monkeys, birds, and exotic plants. Challenging but not intimidating, La Iguana can be the perfect introduction to the game for your older children, creating a new family tradition that will be loved for years to come.
Tortuga Island Tour
Spend the day exploring the uninhabited Tortuga Island! This tropical paradise is known for its clear waters, white sandy beaches, and picture-perfect views. You can choose from different tour packages depending on the experience you want. Once you’re there, you can either spend the day lounging, or opt for activities like snorkeling or banana boating.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
We are very close to nature here in Costa Rica, and never more so than when visiting Monteverde Cloud Forest, located in the Puntarenas Province, about 2.5 hours from your Stay In Costa Rica haven of comfort. Offering tours that include bird watching, nature hikes, and night hikes that bring the forest to life, this reserve was created in 1972 on about 328 hectares, an expanse that has increased to over 10,000 hectares today. Monteverde, also known as the Great Divide, sits on two continents, offering the ability to step over the separation between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, allowing the kiddos the distinct thrill of being able to say they stood on two separate continents at the same time. The tours of Monteverde Cloud Forest, led by knowledgeable and personable guides, are highly recommended for all traveling groups, but when your children realize that they can touch the clouds with a visit to this reserve, the delight they express will make you happy you chose to experience this family-friendly activity.
Unwind with Stay in Costa Rica
If all you want is to relax and enjoy family adventures on your own schedule, you will love Stay in Costa Rica. Here, you can swim in private pools, enjoy community amenities, and fall in love with all the comforts and luxuries we provide! To escape the chilly winter in your hometown, reserve your favorite sanctuary today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Costa Rica is best for families?
Costa Rica is a family-friendly holiday destination in itself, and with the range of options available, you can make your vacation as relaxing or as exciting as you want. Los Sueños in Herradura is the perfect destination for those looking for family activities in Costa Rica in winter. The child-friendly Los Sueños Resort has easy access to a pristine beach, accommodations overlooking the blue waters or lush rainforest, lavish swimming pools, a golf course, and a kids’ club.
Other places you can visit are Samara or Tamarindo for their beaches, Arenal and Monteverde for adventure activities, or Manuel Antonio to be close to nature.
Los Sueños offers a good mix of everything for a well-rounded holiday experience. Talk to us, and our travel specialist can help plan your family vacation: contact Stay in Costa Rica.
Is winter a good time to visit Costa Rica?
Yes, winter is actually the best time to visit Costa Rica. The period between November and April is the country’s high season. You can expect warm, dry weather, plenty of sunshine and fewer rainy days. During this season, you will find a lot of activities to do and can experience the beach and rainforest without the worry of rain foiling your holiday.
To find the best place to stay in Costa Rica in December and other winter months, book early. Because winter is the peak season, flights and accommodations get fully booked pretty quickly, and can also cost you a lot more if you wait too long to plan your vacation.
Which side of Costa Rica is better for kids?
If you are travelling to Costa Rica with kids, the Pacific side would be ideal. Here, you can find a lot of beaches with shallow waters, and a lot of fun activities for the whole family. You will never run out of things to do in Costa Rica with kids if you visit during winter, between November and April. From adventure activities set in the lush rainforests to watersports and beachside fun, the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica has got you covered. If you are wondering where to stay, Los Sueños is very welcoming to families with children of all ages, and even offers a few free family activities in Costa Rica’s winter season.
