Is Costa Rica a good place to go with kids?
Olivia Shea
Updated on May 04, 2026
You can even find many American brands around and international cuisine in major towns. With the most stable democracy in the region, a good healthcare system and a highly educated population (most of whom speak English), Costa Rica is arguably the most child-friendly destination in Central America.
Is it safe to bring children to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a wonderful place to travel with a baby. First off, it is very safe. There isn’t a lot of crime and you don’t have to worry about if the food and water is clean. If your child is on solid foods, feel free to let him or her taste the exotic fruits and even sample the local specialties.
Do you flush toilet paper in Costa Rica?
You can’t flush toilet paper in Costa Rica – TRUE! The country’s plumbing was never built to accommodate for excessive amount of toilet paper and, since many systems are septic or composting, you’ll find ‘toilet paper bins’ in every toilet stall, all over the country.
Is it OK to wear shorts in Costa Rica?
Shorts and skimpy clothing are common at the beach, but as soon as you head into the mountains you’ll want long pants. In places like San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital and largest city, locals almost never wear shorts in public. They’re considered a bit shabby.
How long should a family vacation to Costa Rica be?
If you have the time, I recommend spending at least two weeks on your family vacation to Costa Rica so you can explore the best national parks, see the rich wildlife, do canopy tours and enjoy some downtime on the beach.
Is Costa Rica a good place to travel with kids?
Costa Rica with kids is ridiculously fun, easy and filled with adventure. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan the best Costa Rica family vacations. If I had to choose the best travel destination for outdoor-loving family travelers, it would be Costa Rica.
How old do you have to be to travel Costa Rica?
If you’re not confident traveling Costa Rica independently, check out this 9-day Costa Rica family experience that’ll allow you to see all the areas I mentioned with other families. The minimum age for kids is 6 years old. G Adventures is a Canadian adventure tour operator I’ve worked with many times and can highly recommend!
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, there are only two seasons: dry and rainy season. The dry season goes from mid-December to mid-April, the rest of the year it’s rainy! More than 25% of the entire Costa Rican territory is under some kind of protection, like national parks of wildlife refuges.