5 Reasons to Say ‘Yes’ to a Family Vacation in Costa Rica

From unbelievable biodiversity to unique outdoor adventures, traveling to Costa Rica with kids tops the list for family-friendly vacations

Pura Vida. This was the first greeting my husband and I received when we arrived in Costa Rica for a quick getaway this past October. We decided on the Central American country after searching for a tropical Fall escape that would deliver exceptional ecotourism, unforgettable adventures, and a much-needed reset.

Translating to “pure life,” pura vida is the national motto of Costa Rica—and you’ll hear it said just about anywhere you go. It’s “hello” and “goodbye.” It’s “thank you” and “you’re welcome.” It’s “have a great day” and “I hope to see you again.” It’s short and sweet, yet all-encompassing.

The phrase also perfectly encapsulates Costa Rica’s entire vibe, from its laid-back lifestyle and friendly and welcoming locals to its envy-worthy attractions and breathtaking biodiversity.

While my husband and I decided upon a couple’s only retreat, we were amazed to see the number of families vacationing in Costa Rica. Though, after just one day of exploring, we could understand exactly why. The country offers unmatched experiences that parents dream of doing, but that kids will also appreciate seeing, along with the perfect blend of pura vida.

So if you’re considering heading to Costa Rica with kids for your family’s first international vacation, we’ve laid out five reasons you should experience this pura vida for yourself!

1. Safety & Accessibility

Costa Rica is considerably safe for locals and tourists alike, making it an ideal destination for those with children. It has a long-standing history of political and environmental stability, giving way to its nickname, “Switzerland of Latin America.” How safe are we talking here? The country has celebrated over 70 years of no standing army (impressive, right?).

Getting around is also relatively easy, so if you’ve missed some Duolingo lessons, don’t worry. Many residents speak English and Spanish, which is convenient for families who might not feel comfortable tackling a full conversation en español.

2. Family-Friendly Resorts

Families are the core of Costa Rican households, who place a great emphasis on being together. It’s no surprise that this family-oriented value has even extended into the country’s hospitality business. There are numerous family-friendly resorts to choose from, like SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, which my husband and I have been eyeing for some time.

Located on the edge of the renowned Corcovado National Park, this Osa Peninsula-based resort is both a paradise for parents and nature’s playground for children. With 189 acres of surrounding rainforest and a nearby secluded beach, little ones can enjoy the action and adventure they crave, while mom and dad can carve out time for R&R at the on-site spa.

SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge also boasts amenities tailored specifically to those with kids, including a family-only pool, activities for all ages and adventurers, and an all-inclusive model that’ll handle all the cooking for you—so you can focus on making memories together. So if you’re looking for a break from the kitchen, this resort has your back and serves up the freshest meals all day (featuring ingredients grown on-site!), whether you decide to dine in at the restaurant, sit poolside or beachside, or want to simply enjoy family time on your own private terrace.

3. One-Of-A-Kind Outdoor Adventures

There are few destinations in the world that match the amount of natural wonders in Costa Rica. We’re talking a rainforest, waterfalls, volcanoes, and the list goes on. As a result, these gifts from nature provide a handful of adventures that cater to all age groups and activity levels.

If you have any young daredevils in your clan, fill your itinerary with ziplining through the lush rainforest, hiking picturesque trails of a waterfall, touring the base of a volcano, and stand-up paddleboarding on a lake.

For attractions that are less strenuous and more manageable with younger children, book a tour to go boating and see whales up close, spot wildlife in a national park, snorkel in the ocean, or try horseback riding.

4. Wildlife & Biodiversity Galore

More than 25% of Costa Rica’s land has also been designated as a national park, wildlife reserve, or protected land, which helps to preserve its stunning beauty. This allows families to explore nature in all of its glory and see the native species in their natural state—memories that’ll last a lifetime.

One of the most magical experiences from our Costa Rica vacation was seeing a family of monkeys, poison dart frogs, and toucans in the wild. While we were disappointed that there weren’t any sloths in sight at the time of our rainforest tour, we were still in awe of the diverse wildlife and biodiversity we were able to witness firsthand. Pictures will truly never do our experience justice.

5. Environmental Consciousness

Costa Rica is a leader in ecotourism, and visiting can provide an opportunity to teach kids about the importance of conservation and sustainability. Depending on where you lodge, your hotel may likely help you put your family’s conservation efforts into effect.

At SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, along with any of its global sister properties, your stay can help give back to others and protect the neighboring community. Through their “Every Stay Does Good” program, each booking helps plant trees in deforested areas, aids families in need, and provides resources to children. And, through SCP’s unique partnership with Innoceana, visitors at SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge can participate in one-of-a-kind adventure excursions where you will help collect valuable data on local flora and fauna to aid Innoceana’s wildlife preservation efforts. All stays help create positive and meaningful change, which can make you and your kiddos feel good knowing you’re helping to make the world a better place.

Ultimately, Costa Rica offers a range of unique experiences that children will be amazed by, and will take with them for years to come. As you begin to map out your vacation to Costa Rica with kids in tow, head to scphotel.com/corcovado to check out their family-friendly villas!