8-Day Family-Friendly Costa Rica Itinerary
Our Family's Favorite Mix of Beaches, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Adventure
Costa Rica quickly became one of our favorite family destinations. Between the beaches, wildlife, rainforest adventures, hot springs, and family-friendly activities, it felt like multiple vacations in one trip.
This guide follows the exact itinerary our family used while traveling with children ages 5 and 9. Our time was divided between the Papagayo Peninsula region and La Fortuna.
A quick note: These are simply the hotels and activities that worked best for our family. There are many great options throughout Costa Rica, and you can easily customize this itinerary to fit your travel style and budget. Most of the hotels included in this guide are also bookable using travel points, though that's not required to enjoy this itinerary.
At a Glance
Day 1: Arrive in Liberia → Resort Afternoon
Day 2: Frank the Tank Snorkeling Tour + Playa Huevos
Day 3: Papagayo Park → Andaz Papagayo Beach Club
Day 4: Llanos de Cortés Waterfall → Playa Hermosa
Day 5: Drive to La Fortuna → Hot Springs
Day 6: La Fortuna Waterfall → Rainforest Night Walk
Day 7: Sloth Tour → Mistico Hanging Bridges
Day 8: Don Olivo Chocolate Tour → Drive to Liberia Airport Area → Overnight Airport Hotel
Day 9: Fly Home
Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica
Fly Into Liberia (LIR)
After arriving in Costa Rica, pick up your rental car and make the short drive to the Papagayo Peninsula. Each rental car company provides a transfer from the airport to their office, these are NOT on site at the airport.
One of the things we loved most about this itinerary was how quickly we were able to start enjoying vacation mode. Instead of a long transfer day, we were at the resort and in the pool shortly after landing.
What We Did
Explored the resort grounds
Spent time at the pool
Watched wildlife around the property
Enjoyed dinner on-site
Took in our first Costa Rica sunset
Where We Stayed
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Andaz Papagayo was easily one of the most impressive family-friendly luxury resorts we've experienced. From the moment we arrived, it felt like the perfect balance of upscale and relaxed. The property is spread throughout the rainforest-covered hills of Peninsula Papagayo, with incredible ocean views around nearly every corner.
What stood out most was how well the resort worked for both adults and kids. Our children loved spotting monkeys and other wildlife around the property, riding the boat to the Beach Club, and spending hours in the pools. Meanwhile, we appreciated that the resort never felt crowded or overly focused on children. There was always space to relax, whether at the family pool, adults-only pool, or one of the waterfront restaurants.
The rooms were beautifully designed, the food exceeded our expectations, and the entire experience felt luxurious without sacrificing the adventurous Costa Rica atmosphere we were looking for. For families looking to combine a luxury resort stay with authentic Costa Rican scenery and wildlife, Andaz Papagayo is hard to beat.
Family Travel Tip
If you're traveling with kids, resist the urge to overbook arrival day. Between airport logistics, immigration, luggage, rental cars, and hungry kids, having a relaxed first afternoon made the rest of the trip feel much less rushed.
Day 2: Snorkeling Adventure
Frank the Tank Tours
One of the highlights of our time in Costa Rica was our private fishing and snorkeling excursion with Frank the Tank. We were looking for something that would work well with young kids while still giving us a chance to experience the coastline, and this trip ended up being one of our favorite family adventures of the entire vacation.
The trip combined fishing, snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and sightseeing, which kept everyone engaged. The snorkeling was a great first snorkeling experience for the kids with clear water and plenty of fish, but the biggest surprise was visiting Playa Huevos. We explored sea caves along the shoreline and even found howler monkeys relaxing in the trees above the beach. It felt like discovering a hidden side of Costa Rica that many visitors never see.
What made the experience especially memorable was how family-friendly it was. The crew was wonderful with our children, the pace never felt rushed, and there was always something interesting to see. Even when we weren't fishing or snorkeling, simply cruising along the dramatic coastline and spotting wildlife made the trip worthwhile.
For families visiting the Papagayo region, this excursion offered the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable scenery. It was one of those rare activities that both kids and adults genuinely enjoyed from start to finish.
This tour is booked directly with Frank via their Facebook Page (Messenger).
Day 3: Papagayo Park & Beach Club
Morning: Papagayo Park
Papagayo Adventure Park ended up being one of the biggest surprises of our trip. Located within the Peninsula Papagayo area, it gave our kids a chance to burn off energy while adding another layer of adventure to our beach vacation.
The park features a variety of activities designed for families, including water attractions, climbing structures, obstacle courses, and plenty of opportunities for active play. What we appreciated most was that it felt like something our entire family could enjoy together rather than an activity geared exclusively toward either young children or adults.
For our kids, it was the perfect break from sightseeing. After days spent exploring beaches, wildlife, and waterfalls, they loved having a place where they could simply run, climb, splash, and play. It quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of the trip and was something they looked forward to returning to.
If you're staying in the Papagayo region with children, Papagayo Adventure Park is an easy addition to your itinerary. It offers a fun change of pace from the area's beaches and excursions while still taking full advantage of Costa Rica's beautiful outdoor setting.
Afternoon: Andaz Papagayo Beach Club
One of our favorite parts of staying at Andaz Papagayo was spending time at the Beach Club. Accessible by a short boat ride from the resort, it felt like a destination within a destination and offered a completely different atmosphere from the main property.
The Beach Club sits along a calm stretch of shoreline with beautiful views, soft sand, and clear water that was perfect for families. The protected bay made it easy for our kids to play near the water while we relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. Unlike some beaches that can feel crowded or hectic, this one felt peaceful and uncrowded, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon there.
Beyond the beach itself, the Beach Club offered comfortable seating, a pool overlooking the water, and food and drink service just steps from the sand. It was the kind of place where everyone in our family found something they enjoyed, whether that meant swimming, building sandcastles, relaxing by the pool, or simply taking in the views.
The boat ride alone was a highlight for our kids, but the combination of beach, pool, and laid-back atmosphere makes the Beach Club one of the highlights of Andaz Papagayo. If you're staying at the resort, it's a spot that's absolutely worth setting aside time to enjoy.
Evening
Head back to your resort for dinner and sunset views.
Day 4: Waterfall & Beach Day
Morning: Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
Llanos de Cortez was one of the biggest surprises of our Costa Rica trip and ended up being a favorite for both the kids and adults. Unlike many waterfalls that require long hikes or steep climbs, this one is incredibly accessible and rewards visitors with a wide waterfall, a sandy beach area, and a calm swimming hole that's perfect for families.
The sandy bottom made it much easier for our kids to enjoy the water compared to some of the rockier swimming spots we visited throughout the trip. We spent hours swimming, relaxing on the beach, and watching small fish dart through the clear water. It felt more like a tropical beach and waterfall combined than a typical waterfall stop.
One tip we wish we had known ahead of time: stick with the regular public parking area. As you approach the waterfall, you may be offered a more expensive private parking option that includes someone walking you through the forest and watching your vehicle. In our experience, this simply wasn't necessary. The regular parking lot is convenient, easy to use, and provides direct access to the waterfall. You do not need a guide to find the falls, and we felt perfectly comfortable using the standard parking area.
For families looking for an easy and rewarding stop between destinations, Llanos de Cortez is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Between the beautiful waterfall, sandy swimming area, and easy access, it was one of the most enjoyable outdoor experiences of our trip.
Afternoon: Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa was our favorite beach in the Papagayo region and the one we would recommend most highly for families. Known for its calm waters and laid-back atmosphere, it offered everything we were looking for in a beach day without the crowds or rough surf found at some other Costa Rican beaches.
The water was remarkably clear during our visit, making it one of the best places we found for easy snorkeling right from shore. Our kids loved spotting fish in the shallow water, and the gentle conditions made it a great option for families with younger children who aren't ready for larger waves.
If you're visiting the Guanacaste region and only have time for one beach day, Playa Hermosa would be at the top of our list. The combination of calm water, easy snorkeling, and family-friendly conditions made it one of the most relaxing stops of our trip.
Dinner: Dive Bar at the Marina
After several days of resort dining, it was a fun change of pace and offered a relaxed waterfront atmosphere with beautiful views of the boats and surrounding hills.
The restaurant offered a casual menu that worked well for both adults and children, making it an easy choice for families looking for a relaxed meal outside the resort. The combination of good food, waterfront views, and a welcoming atmosphere made it a great dining experience in the Papagayo area.
Day 5: Travel to La Fortuna
The drive from the Papagayo region to La Fortuna takes approximately three to four hours, depending on traffic and stops, and offers a chance to see a completely different side of Costa Rica. As you leave the dry Pacific coastline behind, the scenery gradually transitions into rolling farmland, small towns, lush rainforest, and eventually the dramatic landscapes surrounding Arenal Volcano.
While the drive is beautiful, it's important to know that the final portion of the route becomes increasingly winding as you approach La Fortuna. If anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness, we highly recommend taking medication before leaving. Our family learned quickly that Costa Rica's mountain roads can be much curvier than many visitors expect. Bringing motion sickness medication, water, and a few distractions for kids can make the journey much more enjoyable.
We found the drive itself to be part of the adventure, with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife, roadside fruit stands, and glimpses of rural Costa Rican life along the way.
Although the drive requires a bit of patience, the reward is well worth it. Arriving in La Fortuna feels like stepping into a completely different region of the country, with towering volcano views, lush rainforest, waterfalls, hot springs, and endless opportunities for adventure.
Evening
Check into your hotel and enjoy the hot springs.
Where We Stayed
Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience
After several days on the coast, Volcano Lodge was the perfect home base for exploring the Arenal and La Fortuna region. While it isn't a luxury resort in the same category as Andaz Papagayo, it offered everything our family needed: comfortable accommodations, beautiful volcano views, and easy access to the area's top attractions.
The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the thermal hot springs. After busy days hiking, exploring waterfalls, and walking hanging bridges, soaking in the naturally heated pools was the perfect way to unwind. The lush tropical landscaping throughout the property also created plenty of opportunities to spot birds, lizards, and other wildlife right from our room.
We especially appreciated the resort's family-friendly atmosphere, included breakfast, and convenient location near many of La Fortuna's most popular activities. For families seeking a comfortable and affordable place to experience the Arenal region, Volcano Lodge offers an excellent balance of value, location, and relaxation.
Day 6: La Fortuna Waterfall & Night Walk
Morning: La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most iconic attractions in the Arenal region and a stop that many visitors consider a must-do while in Costa Rica. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the waterfall plunges nearly 250 feet into a beautiful turquoise pool below, creating a scene that feels straight out of a postcard.
Getting to the waterfall requires descending approximately 500 steps, which means you'll need to climb them all again on the way back up. The stairs are well-maintained, but the return hike can be challenging, especially in the Costa Rican heat. We found that taking our time and stopping for breaks made the climb manageable, even with children.
Once at the bottom, visitors can swim near the waterfall and explore the rocky river area. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and standing near the base of the falls gives you a true appreciation for its size and power. The mist from the waterfall and surrounding rainforest make it feel like a hidden jungle oasis.
Families should know that swimming conditions can be challenging for some children. The water is quite cold, and the rocky bottom can be slippery and uneven. Our oldest child loved the adventure and spent plenty of time exploring and swimming, while our five-year-old found the cold water and rocks much more difficult to navigate. If you have younger children or kids who dislike cold water, wet shoes, or uneven footing, it's worth considering whether the swim is right for them.
Even if you choose not to swim, the waterfall is still worth visiting for the incredible scenery alone. Between the rainforest setting, dramatic views, and sense of adventure that comes with reaching the base, La Fortuna Waterfall remains one of the most memorable natural attractions in the region.
Evening: Rainforest Night Walk
The Rainforest Night Walk was one of the most unique experiences of our trip and gave us the opportunity to see a completely different side of Costa Rica's wildlife. While the rainforest feels alive during the day, it becomes an entirely different world after dark.
Accompanied by a guide, we walked along rainforest trails using flashlights to search for animals that are rarely seen during daylight hours. Throughout the tour, we spotted colorful frogs, spiders, sleeping birds, insects, and even a pit viper camouflaged among the vegetation. The guide's ability to find wildlife hidden in plain sight was impressive and helped us notice creatures we would have walked right past on our own.
Our kids especially enjoyed the excitement of searching for animals with flashlights and never knowing what might appear around the next corner. Every few minutes seemed to bring a new discovery, keeping everyone engaged throughout the walk.
For families looking for a wildlife experience beyond the typical daytime activities, a rainforest night walk offers a fascinating glimpse into the creatures that emerge after sunset and was one of the most memorable wildlife experiences of our Costa Rica adventure.
What to Wear
Wear closed-toe shoes.
Wear lightweight pants instead of shorts.
Bring bug spray.
The rainforest comes alive after dark, and having the right clothing makes the experience much more comfortable. Closed-toed shoes are a requirement of the tour.
Day 7: Sloth Tour & Mistico Hanging Bridges
Morning: Sloth Tour
Seeing a sloth in the wild is on many visitors' Costa Rica bucket lists, and the Sloth Park tour provided exactly that opportunity. During the guided walk, we were able to spot several sloths high in the trees while learning about their behavior, habitat, and surprisingly slow-paced lifestyle.
The guides were incredibly skilled at locating wildlife that most visitors would never notice on their own. Using spotting scopes, they helped everyone get a much closer look at the sloths and other animals hidden throughout the property.
That said, this was probably our least favorite activity of the trip. While it was exciting to see sloths in their natural environment, they spend most of their time high in the trees and are typically viewed through a spotting scope rather than up close. Our kids enjoyed the first few sightings but quickly lost interest as the tour continued.
If seeing a sloth is a major goal of your Costa Rica vacation, this tour delivers exactly what it promises. However, families with younger children should know that the experience involves a lot of looking through telescopes and listening to explanations, which may not hold every child's attention for the entire tour.
Afternoon: Mistico Hanging Bridges
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges was one of our favorite ways to experience Costa Rica's rainforest from a completely different perspective. The trail winds through lush jungle and across a series of suspended bridges that allow visitors to walk through the rainforest canopy rather than simply viewing it from the ground.
The bridges themselves were the highlight for our family. Some stretch high above the forest floor, offering incredible views of the surrounding jungle and, on clear days, Arenal Volcano. Walking across them felt adventurous without being overly challenging, making the experience accessible for both kids and adults.
One of the things we appreciated most was that the hike was manageable for families. The trails are well-maintained, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and search for wildlife along the way. We spotted birds, monkeys, and a variety of tropical plants throughout the walk, although wildlife sightings can vary from day to day.
Unlike some rainforest activities that focus on a single attraction, Mistico offers a chance to slow down and truly appreciate the ecosystem around you. Between the towering trees, hanging bridges, and peaceful jungle surroundings, the experience felt immersive from start to finish.
For families visiting La Fortuna, Mistico Hanging Bridges is an excellent introduction to Costa Rica's rainforest. It combines beautiful scenery, light adventure, and opportunities for wildlife spotting in a way that appeals to both children and adults, making it one of the most well-rounded activities in the region.
Day 8: Chocolate Tour & Airport Hotel
Morning: Don Olivo Chocolate Tour
The Don Olivo Chocolate Tour was one of the most interactive and family-friendly experiences we enjoyed in La Fortuna. Rather than simply tasting chocolate, the tour walks visitors through the entire process, from cacao bean to finished product, while also highlighting other crops grown on the property.
Our guide explained how chocolate is produced and gave us the opportunity to see, touch, smell, and taste the ingredients along the way. The hands-on approach kept both kids and adults engaged, and there were plenty of opportunities to sample fresh chocolate, fruits, sugar cane, and rum throughout the experience.
Afternoon: Drive Toward Liberia
Drive Time
La Fortuna to Liberia Airport Area: approximately 3–4 hours
Evening: Airport Hotel
We chose to stay near the airport rather than risk a long drive on departure morning.
Where We Stayed
Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport
Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport was a convenient and comfortable choice for our final night before flying home from Costa Rica. Located just a minutes from Liberia International Airport, it made for a stress-free departure day and eliminated the worry of a long drive before an early flight.
While it doesn't offer the luxury or resort atmosphere of some of Costa Rica's destination properties, it provided exactly what we needed: clean, comfortable accommodations, a pool for the kids to enjoy one last swim, and a reliable place to recharge before travel day. After a busy week of beaches, waterfalls, wildlife, and adventure, having a simple and convenient overnight stay was a welcome change of pace.
The hotel's proximity to the airport was its biggest advantage. We were able to enjoy our final day in Costa Rica without feeling rushed and had an easy drive to the terminal the following morning. For families with early flights or late arrivals into Liberia, it's a practical option that makes travel logistics much easier.
If We Planned This Trip Again
Must-do experiences:
Frank the Tank Snorkeling Tour
Playa Huevos
Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
Playa Hermosa
La Fortuna Waterfall
Rainforest Night Walk
Mistico Hanging Bridges
Hot springs in La Fortuna
Activity we'd consider skipping:
Sloth Tour
Activity we’d add in if we had older children:
Zip Lining
White water rafting
Costa Rica delivered the perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, beaches, waterfalls, and relaxation. For families looking for a destination that works for both kids and adults, it's hard to beat.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support The Traveling DVM and allow me to continue sharing family travel tips, itineraries, and resources. As always, I only share products, hotels, tours, and services that I would genuinely recommend to a friend.
