Thinking about traveling to Costa Rica with a baby or toddler? Here’s one thing we know: You’re definitely in for an unforgettable adventure! And we’re here to help make it the good kind of adventure. Luckily, family-friendly Costa Rica is a pretty easy ask – almost everything is family friendly! – and Tamarindo, with its warm beaches, kid amenities, and laid-back vibe, is the perfect place for your family vacation, even (or especially) with a little one in tow.

Whether you’re seasoned family travelers or this is your first big trip as parents, we’ll fill you in on what you need to know to ensure a fun, safe, and stress-free experience in Costa Rica – especially here in Tamarindo.

Why Tamarindo is Perfect for a Family-Friendly Costa Rica Getaway

If you’re not familiar, Tamarindo is located on the north-Pacific and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, great area beaches (both surf and swim), and a vibrant travel culture. Add to that an abundance of nature, wildlife, and kid-friendly activities, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a dream destination for families.

So, let’s start with that – with a few of the top reasons why Tamarindo is perfect for you and your baby:

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What does a perfect day look like? To start, it doesn’t look like any one thing, because there are so many versions of perfect here in paradise. From being jam-packed with Tamarindo excursions to planning a day of almost nothing at all – nothing but relaxation, that is! – destination perfection is an achievable goal, every day of your trip.

For us, it’s all about blending exciting excursions and tours in Tamarindo, Costa Rica with ample opportunities for relaxation, sightseeing, and enjoying great company and delicious food. But if we had to nail down just one version of a perfect day, here’s what it might look like:

Begin with Beach Hopping

It’s no secret that our beaches are a major draw for your visit to Costa Rica, especially when you’re headed to Tamarindo. So, why not dedicate a morning (or more) to exploring this stunning coastline?

For the budget traveler, grab a banana bike and pedal your way to the best beaches around. If you prefer a more convenient option, rent a car, hire a driver, or call a taxi/Uber to take you from beach to beach. However you hop the sands, be sure to mix it up between popular beaches and secret nooks!

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There are many reasons to come to Tamarindo: a surf vacation Costa Rica and our vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica are two of them! And they are great reasons.

If you’re here, you’re likely already drawn to Tamarindo’s epic surf, from beginner to advanced, some of which are world-renowned for their huge waves, big barrels, hard rights and lefts, and other serious challenges tailored to beginner, intermediate, and experienced surfers.

The big question for both beginner and skilled surfers is not so much where to go, but rather how to fit all the best spots into your stay. In and around Tamarindo, there are dozens of beaches, breaks, and frothy nooks and crannies that will thrill and challenge your skills (and help you build new ones). So, here’s an introduction to a few of our favorites:

Just North of the Tamarindo Diria

Beginner

vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Prime among Tamarindo beginner surfing hotspots, this downtown swell is great for learning how to surf. (Be sure to check out our surf lessons!)

It’s easy to find: Stand with your back to the Diria, then look right: conditions here are great, with waves that are consistently small, and as long as you stay clear of the rocky breaks of Pico Grande and Pico Pequeno, the soft sands cushion any newbie falls. You’ll often find vendors peddling surfboards and lessons around here. Surf’s up! And we have a few vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, right here.

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Planning a planning a family trip to Costa Rica? Welcome to the beginning of an incredible adventure! The truth is that family-friendly Costa Rica is basically all of Costa Rica: This is a very kid-friendly and even kid-welcoming country. Costa Rica loves kids and we hope your kids will love Costa Rica!

Families come in all shapes and sizes, and Costa Rica is very accommodating in that regard: While teeny tiny when measured in square miles, Costa Rica is vastly diverse – from sandy beaches and roaring waterfalls to puffing volcanoes and lush rainforests (and dry forests and cloud forests…), our small nation proudly offers something for everyone.

That’s not lip service. Yes, everyone. Whether you’re traveling with the littlest littles, inquisitive tweens, adventurous teens, or even multiple generations, you will find something (and likely, many somethings) for each and every member of your family.

Planning a Family Trip to Costa Rica

The truth is that your planning process is going to require making some decisions. Because family-friendly Costa Rica tours, attractions, activities, and things to do encompass almost everything available, it’s impossible to fit everything into one trip.

Hot Tip: Take your time! When it comes to planning, the best advice we can give is to divide your 5 to 10-day trip between no more than two locations.

We recommend this for a few reasons: For families, especially if your kids skew younger, moving around often (say 2-3 days in one place) can overwhelm your kids and take the relaxation out of the trip for you parents. If you can eke out 10+ days for vacation, you can consider three destinations… but we’d still recommend exploring fewer places on a deeper level, for a more profound and relaxing experience.

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You call it your Costa Rica Easter holiday; Latin America calls it Semana Santa. You celebrate with chocolate, bunnies, colorful eggs, and meals based on ham or perhaps lamb. Costa Rica, however, celebrates with none of the above.

Instead, it embraces religious processions and Costa Rica Easter traditions, including stuffed pastries, corn and dried cheese biscuits (called rosquillas), and trips to the beach. And if you visit during this time of year, know that this week – typically falling anywhere from mid-March to mid-April – is poised to be the cultural experience of your life.

So, we’ve written this guide so you can know what to expect, when to expect it, and how to have the best vacation of your life amidst this unique cultural phenomenon.

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What does a perfect day look like? For us, it’s about pairing a few Tamarindo, Costa Rica excursions with plenty of relaxation, sightseeing, and an abundance of good company and great food.

Begin your perfect day by catching the early morning waves, as the sun rises over the horizon (or not… sleeping in is also a valid option!), offering a breathtaking backdrop for your surfing adventures. After an exhilarating session in the surf, unwind on the soft sands of Playa Tamarindo, basking in the warmth of the tropical sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves.

As the day transitions into evening, take one of our guest-favorite Tamarindo day trips and embark on a sunset sail along the Pacific coast, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the vibrant sky ablaze with hues of orange and pink.

Upon returning to shore, indulge in a culinary masterpiece prepared by your private chef, who crafts a gourmet feast showcasing the flavors of Costa Rica with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Dine al fresco under the stars, surrounded by the tropical landscapes as you reflect on the perfect day spent in paradise.

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