Are you planning a family vacation to Costa Rica and wondering where to stay that’s fun for both adults and kids? Look no further than The Gilded Iguana in Nosara. While Nosara is often known as a surf and yoga haven, it also happens to be a fantastic destination for families, thanks to thoughtful places like The Gilded Iguana’s Kids Club.
In this guide, we will introduce you to everything you need to know about the Kids Club at The Gilded Iguana and why this hotel should be at the top of your list if you’re traveling with children.
Discover the Gilded Iguana, Nosara, Costa Rica
- Type: Boutique Surf & Lifestyle Hotel
- Location: Playa Guiones, Nosara, Guanacaste
- Price range: From 330 $
- Phone: +506 2215-6950 (Costa Rica) | +1-888-844-8262 (USA)
- Hotel Reservations: reservations@thegildediguana.com
- Kids Club Inquiries: kidsclub@thegildediguana.com
- WhatsApp (Kids Club): +506 2016 5304
Located just a short walk from Playa Guiones, and nestled in one of the Earth’s Five Blue Zones—renowned for its fresh, organic cuisine and pristine air, the Guilded Iguana is the ultimate destination for families, adventure seekers, surfers, and nature enthusiasts. It's a stylish yet laid-back hotel that seamlessly blends luxury, nature, and adventure, offering an ideal setup for families who want to relax, reconnect, and explore.
Highlights for Families:
- Spacious family rooms and suites
- On-site restaurant with kid-friendly options
- Easy access to the beach and surf school
- Bike rentals and surfboard storage
- Beautiful saltwater pool
- And... the Kids Club!
Schedule
- Morning Session: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday Session: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Movie Night: 4:00 PM (Spanish), 6:30 PM (English)
Pricing:
- Hotel Guests: $35 + tax per half-day
- Non-Guests: $70 + tax per half-day
What is the Kids Club at The Gilded Iguana?
The Gilded Iguana’s Kids Club is designed to give children a space of their own while parents enjoy some well-deserved rest, yoga, or adventure. Whether it's for a few hours or a full day, the Kids Club provides engaging, educational, and fun activities in a safe and welcoming environment.
What Kids Can Expect:
- Creative activities: arts & crafts, painting, and building
- Outdoor play and nature-based games
- Storytelling, music, and movement activities
- Mini yoga sessions and mindfulness for kids
- Led by bilingual, caring staff experienced in early childhood education
The club accepts children ages 3–12, and activities are grouped by age to ensure everyone has fun at their own pace.
While your little ones are busy creating masterpieces or playing in the tropical garden, you’ll have the chance to:
- Enjoy a surf lesson
- Relax by the pool with a fresh smoothie
- Head to the spa or fitness center
- Or simply explore Nosara’s shops, cafes, and beaches
The Kids Club runs daily sessions, with half-day and full-day options, and you can book in advance at the hotel reception.
More Reasons Families Love The Gilded Iguana
- Family Suites: Spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed with both style and function in mind.
- On-Site Dining: The open-air restaurant serves healthy and delicious meals, including options your kids will love.
- Surf School: Right next door, perfect for kids and adults wanting to catch their first wave.
- Adventure-Ready Base: From ziplining and wildlife tours to tide pools and jungle hikes, Nosara has plenty to offer families, and The Gilded Iguana makes a perfect home base.
Is The Gilded Iguana Right for Your Family?
If you’re looking for a place that’s more than just a hotel, where your kids will be entertained and cared for while you explore or unwind, then The Gilded Iguana is a perfect match.
It offers incredible service and puts you within walking distance of some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful coastline. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, grade-schoolers, or teens, the hotel makes it easy to keep everyone happy.
Booking Your Family Vacation at The Gilded Iguana
The Gilded Iguana books up quickly during school breaks and holidays, so be sure to reserve your stay early. And if you’d like help organizing airport transportation, tours, or day trips in the Nosara area, we’re here for you!
Contact Pura Vida Traveling to get expert help planning your Costa Rica adventure.
Conclusion
Traveling with kids can be an adventure in itself, but choosing the right hotel makes all the difference. The Gilded Iguana’s Kids Club gives your children the chance to learn, play, and make new friends—while you get a moment to recharge. It’s the perfect blend of fun and freedom for the whole family.
Pro Tip: The Kids Club is very popular during high season and school holidays, so we recommend reserving your spot in advance.
Yes, The Gilded Iguana offers activities for kids through their Kids Club program. The Kids Club provides a variety of engaging activities for children aged 4-10, including outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and creative projects.
No, the Kids Club is not open only to hotel guests but to the public as well. Keep in mind that hotel guests can access the Kids Club for $35 + tax per half-day, while the public can join for $70 + tax per half-day.
The Gilded Iguana hotel is located in Playa Guiones North, in the town of Nosara, on the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica.
The Gilded Iguana offers a variety of activities for kids, including jungle explorations, beach activities, cultural immersion, and creative projects, all designed to foster their love for learning and exploration. Children can engage in outdoor activities like jungle hikes and wildlife spotting, explore the beach through sandcastle building and snorkeling, and participate in creative projects like painting with natural dyes. The Kids club also provides opportunities for cultural immersion, allowing children to learn about Costa Rican traditions and lifestyles.
Yes, The Gilded Iguana offers a Kids Club Movie Night that includes a Spanish-language movie. The movie in Spanish is typically shown at 4:00 PM every Saturday, and an English movie follows at 6:30 PM. The movie night is held upstairs from the restaurant.
Yes, kids will have the chance to interact with locals. The program at the Gilded Iguana Kids Club includes interactions with local Costa Ricans and community members. Through these interactions, kids gain firsthand insights into Costa Rican life and customs. This cultural exchange is invaluable, as it encourages respect for different cultures and traditions.
A typical day at The Gilded Iguana Kids Club involves a combination of outdoor adventures and interactive games, with two sessions: morning (8:30 am -12 pm) and afternoon (1 pm - 4:30 pm). Children can explore the local jungle, play on the beach, create art, and learn about Costa Rican culture. The morning session ends with a family reunion, followed by a relaxing afternoon by the pool. Nutritious snacks are provided throughout the day, and children may even participate in the cooking process.
While the primary focus of The Gilded Iguana's Kids Club is on providing engaging and enriching experiences for children, some activities do incorporate parent involvement, particularly during special events like Easter celebrations. Parents are welcome to participate in activities like decorating Easter eggs and engaging in family-friendly games during special events.
