In May 2026, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Costa Rica to tour 10 different properties and spend the week learning all about this beautiful and diverse destination. As a mom of two, I'm always especially interested in finding hotels and resorts that truly work well for families — places that feel both kid-friendly and enjoyable for parents, too.
I was so impressed by how many incredible family-friendly options Costa Rica has to offer, from adventure-filled jungle resorts to relaxing beachfront properties. I'm excited to share my favorite picks and help you figure out which ones might be the best fit for your family vacation.
The two most popular regions to visit in Costa Rica are the Arenal/La Fortuna area — lush rainforest, hot springs, and the iconic volcano — and the Guanacaste region on the Pacific coast, known for its stunning beaches, consistent sunshine, and world-class resorts. Keep in mind that it's about a three-hour drive between the two regions, so many families choose to split their trip and experience both.
"I was so impressed by how many incredible family-friendly options Costa Rica has to offer — from adventure-filled jungle resorts to relaxing beachfront properties."
Let's start in the rainforest! The Arenal area is unlike anywhere else in the world — an active volcano towering over lush jungle, natural hot springs tucked throughout the landscape, and some of the best adventure activities in all of Central America. It's an extraordinary place to bring kids of any age.
The Springs Resort & Spa is a fantastic choice for larger families and those who want plenty of activities right on property. The resort features beautiful Costa Rican-style rooms with soaring ceilings and spacious layouts. They also offer an excellent two-bedroom suite with a king bed in the primary bedroom and three twin beds in the second bedroom — a rare and ideal setup for families of five, especially those traveling with teenagers.
The property is spread across 165 lush acres and features hot springs tucked throughout. Families can enjoy river tubing, an animal sanctuary, ATV adventures, horseback riding trails, and so much more. One standout feature is the game room — one of the best-equipped I've seen, with ping-pong, foosball, video games, board games, American Girl dolls, toy cars, and air hockey. Perfect for Costa Rica's afternoon showers or whenever you need a little downtime. This resort is absolutely worth a visit.
Nayara Tented Camp is my top choice for families seeking a luxurious rainforest experience. The canvas tents are beautifully designed with an elegant African safari-inspired feel, while still offering all the comforts of a luxury resort. Each tent also includes a stunning private dipping pool filled with natural hot-spring water.
For larger families, you can reserve neighboring tents — though they are separated by a walkway rather than connected internally. Guests also have access to the other two Nayara properties (note that Nayara Springs is adults-only). One of the best meals of our entire trip was at Ayla, where we enjoyed incredible cuisine alongside breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano. Nayara offers a wide variety of experiences including nature hikes, ziplining, hanging bridge tours, and whitewater rafting. There is also a small playground with a slide for younger children.
Now on to the beach! The Guanacaste region is Costa Rica's premier beach destination — consistent sunshine, stunning Pacific views, and some of the most beautiful resort properties in all of Central America. Whether you're looking for a lively family resort with every amenity or a private, intimate escape, Guanacaste has exactly what you need.
Andaz Costa Rica is one of those resorts that truly stays with you long after your trip ends. The property is lush and vibrant, with monkeys frequently swinging through the trees — it feels absolutely magical. The rooms are beautifully designed, and many feature showers with windows overlooking private patios and views of the bay.
For larger families or groups, there are spacious suites and villas available. The resort features several beautiful pools including an adults-only option, and guests can visit the beach club via a scenic 12-minute boat ride from the main resort. Families will especially appreciate the kids' club for ages 4–11, giving parents the opportunity to enjoy a little downtime. Complimentary activities throughout the day include poolside movies and Spanish classes. The spa is absolutely beautiful — I had an open-air massage overlooking the ocean while listening to birds singing in the background. This hotel should absolutely be on your radar.
Las Catalinas is my top recommendation for large families or groups of families traveling together. This unique beach town is made up of approximately 60 homes and apartments available to rent — you can book one large home or multiple neighboring homes, making the possibilities nearly endless.
What makes Las Catalinas so special is that it combines the space and privacy of a vacation home with the amenities of a luxury resort. The town includes a central check-in area, beach club, restaurants, and shopping. Every home or apartment comes with a dedicated house manager, and homes with four or more bedrooms include a "house mom" who prepares breakfast each morning and tidies the home daily. Waking up to a traditional Costa Rican breakfast on the patio was such a treat.
There are seven restaurants throughout town, two boutique hotels, and a beautiful beach club with a family pool, lap pool, and adults-only pool. I also loved Coraline, a beautiful wine shop offering wine and chocolate tastings — and chocolate painting for the kids while parents enjoy their tasting. I absolutely love this option for families.
The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica is my top pick for families seeking a luxury Costa Rican beach experience. Opened just about a year ago, this resort is absolutely stunning — from the beautifully designed rooms to the impeccable grounds and outstanding service, everything feels elevated and thoughtful.
The rooms are incredibly spacious and feature large patios with either soaking tubs or private dipping pools, with breathtaking ocean-facing views. The spa offers unique treatments inspired by local traditions, including volcanic mud facials — don't miss the Ocean Wave Massage if you can.
Families will love the incredible pool scene: 11 different pools including a family pool with a waterslide that I can personally confirm is a lot of fun. The resort also features an exceptional kids' club with indoor and outdoor play spaces and a dedicated teen club. Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teenagers, this resort delivers an unforgettable experience for the entire family. I can't wait to bring my girls here one day.
Need to Know Before You Go
Vpass: When you arrive, sign up for Vpass to expedite the customs process. We bypassed a massive line and saved a lot of time.
Getting around: It's about a three-hour drive between Guanacaste and La Fortuna — plan accordingly if you want to experience both regions.
Currency: You can use U.S. dollars everywhere, and they were even able to break larger bills and keep change in dollars — rare when traveling internationally.
Beaches: All beaches in Costa Rica are open to the public, but many resorts are secluded so crowds aren't an issue at most properties.
Food & drink: Try Gallo pinto — beans and rice that Costa Ricans eat every morning, with Lizano salsa on top. And order a drink with Cacique, the national liquor made from sugar cane.
