Planning a family vacation to Costa Rica? Whether you’re dreaming of white-sand beaches, lush jungles, or wildlife adventures, this paradise offers unforgettable experiences for all ages. But if you’re a parent, one question often tops the list: “Will my kids be entertained?”
That’s where family resorts with kids’ clubs come in. These resorts give you the perfect balance of time to relax and recharge while your kids stay engaged, happy, and safe with fun activities tailored just for them.
At Pura Vida Traveling, we help families, backpackers, and solo travelers discover Costa Rica with ease, and we know firsthand which resorts go the extra mile for families. So, here’s our curated list of the best family resorts with kids’ clubs to help you plan your trip in Costa Rica with kids with confidence.
The Westin Reserva Conchal – Playa Conchal (Guanacaste)
- Email: reservations.westin@westin.com
- Phone: +506 2654 3500
- Location: Guanacaste, Playa Conchal
- Hotel Type: Luxury All-Inclusive Beachfront Resort
- Price: From 639$
Why do families love it?
The Westin Reserva Conchal is a dream for parents and kids alike. Nestled on the golden sands of Playa Conchal, this all-inclusive resort offers a blend of luxury and eco-conscious design.
Kids' Club Highlights:
- The Westin Kids Club (ages 4–12) is packed with supervised games, crafts, and outdoor adventures.
- Babysitting services are available for younger children.
- Separate pools and water play areas just for little ones.
For parents:
Enjoy the 18-hole golf course, heavenly spa treatments, or sip cocktails by the adults-only pool.
Book The Westin Reserva Conchal
Planet Hollywood Costa Rica – Papagayo Peninsula
- Email: assistgmpcr-lir@planethollywoodhotels.com
- Phone: +506 4703 1000
- Location: Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste
- Hotel Type: Hollywood-Inspired All-Inclusive resort
- Price: From 421$
Why families love it:
If your kids are starstruck or movie-obsessed, Planet Hollywood is the place to be. With themed experiences and high-energy entertainment, your kids will feel like VIPs.
Kids' Club Highlights:
- Star Kids Club (ages 4–12): daily themed programming, arts & crafts, dance parties, and movie nights.
- Teen-friendly amenities and live music events.
- Themed rooms and celebrity memorabilia that keep things fun and unique.
Book Planet Hollywood Beach Resort
Hotel Punta Islita – Islita Beach (Nicoya Peninsula)
- Email: reservations@hotelpuntaislita.com
- Phone: +506-2549-6466
- Location: 160, Guanacaste Province, Punta Islita, 50201
- Hotel Type: Boutique Luxury Eco-Friendly
- Price range: From 364$
Why do families love it?
Owned by Costa Ricans and part of the Autograph Collection, Hotel Punta Islita offers a boutique experience with cultural immersion and nature at your doorstep.
Kids' Club Highlights:
- The Casa Museo runs daily children’s activities like clay crafting, cooking, and zip-line mini-adventures.
- Art and nature-focused programs to help kids connect with local traditions.
- Babysitting services are available.
Bonus:
Families can participate together in reforestation programs, wildlife encounters, and turtle conservation activities!
Contact us to book Punta Islita
Margaritaville Beach Resort - Playa Flamingo
- Email: info@MargaritavilleCR.com
- Phone: +506 2654 4444
- Location: Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste
- Hotel Type: Midrange All-Inclusive Resort - Great for Younger Kids
- Price: From 225$
Why families love it:
This colorful, beachside resort delivers relaxation and fun with a more casual, friendly vibe. It's perfect for families with younger kids looking for a mellow, sunny stay.
Kids' Club Highlights:
- Parakeets Kids’ Club (ages 4 to 12): games, movies, coloring contests, and fun group activities.
- Easy beach access and shallow swimming areas.
Book Margaritaville beach resort
Tips for Choosing the Right Resort with Kids’ Clubs:
- Age requirements: Always check the age limits for the kids' club and whether there’s supervision or babysitting.
- Activities offered: Some clubs lean more educational (think nature walks and crafts), while others focus on entertainment.
- Location matters: Guanacaste is sunnier year-round, while the central Pacific offers more jungle vibes.
- Budget: Resorts range from luxury to mid-range, and there’s a fit for every family.
- Safety and staff qualifications: Make sure the resort’s kids’ club is staffed by trained professionals with first aid certification. Ask if staff members speak your language and how many kids each supervisor handles.
- Meals and snacks: Find out if meals or snacks are included in the program and whether they cater to food allergies or picky eaters.
- Indoor vs. outdoor space: Look for a balance of indoor play (great for rainy days) and outdoor fun like splash pads, nature trails, or beach games.
- Teen programs: If you’re traveling with older kids, ask about teen clubs or activities geared toward tweens and teens; they’ll want something cooler than finger painting!
- Parent-kid experiences: Some resorts offer family-friendly activities too, like cooking classes, movie nights, or beach bonfires, so you can enjoy quality time together and apart.
- Reviews from other families: Check recent reviews specifically from families. Look out for feedback on the kids' club, not just the resort in general.
Best Family Resorts with Kids’ Clubs in Costa Rica Final Thoughts:
Costa Rica isn’t just for surfers and honeymooners; it’s a paradise for families, too. With welcoming locals, wild animals around every corner, and some of the best family resorts with kids’ clubs, it’s the perfect destination to unwind while making magical memories with your little ones.
¡Pura vida familiar!
Frequently asked questions:
Both the Caribbean and the Pacific have beautiful beaches, but the Pacific Coast has the greatest diversity and offers more options for families.
Tamarindo is one of the best places to live in Costa Rica with a family. Living in Costa Rica is the dream of many. Here is where you swap your snow skis for blue skies, your snowboard for a surfboard, and your ice-scraper for sunglasses.
Guanacaste, Dota, Savegre Valley, Puerto Jiménez, Drake Bay, Tortuguero.
Costa Rica is super family-friendly, but some of the best spots for kids include La Fortuna (for hot springs, hanging bridges, and wildlife), Manuel Antonio (for easy wildlife spotting and gentle beaches), and Tamarindo (for surf lessons and fun beach days). These destinations offer a great mix of nature, adventure, and comfort for families.
It depends on your family's travel style! For adventure and nature: La Fortuna or Monteverde. For beach time and chill vibes: Samara, Tamarindo, or Nosara. And for a little bit of everything plus easy access to a national park: Manuel Antonio is a top pick. Many of these places have family-friendly hotels and activities nearby.
The Northwest Pacific Coast, especially Guanacaste, is where you’ll find the most (and the best) all-inclusive resorts. Areas like Papagayo Peninsula, Tamarindo, and Playa Conchal offer high-end resorts with beachfront access, pools, kids’ clubs, and all the comforts for a stress-free vacation.
Check out our blog articles:
Both coasts are stunning, but it depends on what you’re looking for:
- The Pacific Coast (especially in Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula) is known for its golden sand beaches, surf towns, and dramatic sunsets.
- The Caribbean Coast (like Puerto Viejo) has a more laid-back, tropical vibe with palm-fringed beaches and Afro-Caribbean culture.
For swimming and family fun, the Pacific side generally offers more options.
Tamarindo is perfect for families! Some kid-friendly things to do:
- Take a beginner surf lesson (Tamarindo has gentle waves)
- Visit Las Baulas Marine National Park and learn about sea turtles
- Go on a boat tour in the Tamarindo estuary to spot crocodiles, monkeys, and birds
- Try horseback riding on the beach
- Enjoy some delicious gelato or smoothies in town
The Kardashians have visited the Papagayo Peninsula in Costa Rica, which is known for its luxury resorts like the Four Seasons. It's super exclusive, stunning, and very kid-friendly if you’ve got the Kardashian-level budget.
Celebs love Costa Rica! Many choose Papagayo Peninsula, Santa Teresa, or Nosara for privacy, wellness, and luxury. You'll also find A-listers in places like Montezuma, Tamarindo, and Uvita—all offering a laid-back vibe with beautiful surroundings and upscale stays.
The Golden Bachelor was filmed at the Playa Escondida Resort, located near San Juanillo, on the Nicoya Peninsula. It's a secluded, romantic luxury resort surrounded by lush nature and dramatic beaches—ideal for dreamy dates and golden sunsets.
