Tag: costa rica family vacation
Costa Rica Weather: Planning a Family Trip This Summer
Planning a family trip to Costa Rica this summer? Tamarindo will gleefully check your every box: ✅ beach town charm, ✅ endless sunshine, ✅ family-friendly activities, and ✅ accommodations that make group travel a breeze. Even the weather in Costa Rica in the summer promises to add to the ambiance.
Whether you're bringing the whole crew for a multigenerational reunion or just need extra space for surfboards, strollers, and snack breaks, the right destination and vacation rental can make all the difference. The green season (May through August) is one of our favorite times to visit – think fewer crowds, lush scenery, and better rates, with sunny mornings and cozy, rain-cooled afternoons.
In the spirit of the season, we’ve rounded up three of the best Tamarindo vacation rentals for families, reunions, and group getaways – each one handpicked for its spacious layout, top-notch amenities, and easy access to the beach and town. From penthouse views to private pools and beach club perks, these homes offer the perfect mix of fun, comfort, and value. Let’s dive in!
Tamarindo | 4 Beds | 4 Baths | 8 Guests
Where modern comfort meets wild nature in the heart of Tamarindo, Casa Howler, a breezy, family-friendly escape built for your perfect Costa Rica family trip. From its lush backdrop to its sleek design, this home was made for travelers who want it all: location, luxury, and a little splash of wild.
And we do mean splash – because here, you’ll have your own private pool, cool corners for lounging, and access to Langosta Beach Club, where the whole crew can enjoy beachfront dining, fitness classes, and a massive pool just steps from the sand.
Green Season, Golden Days
Let’s talk about the weather in Costa Rica in the summer, because it’s a big part of the magic. Sure, you’ll have warm sunshine every morning – perfect for beach time or a dip in the pool – but come afternoon, the skies might gift you a warm tropical rain. That’s green season: lush, refreshing, and incredibly relaxing.
At Casaer, you’re in the perfect spot to enjoy it all. Sip your morning coffee while howler monkeys call from the trees, cool off in the midday sun, and watch the clouds roll in from your shaded outdoor dining area. It’s the kind of rhythm that families love: energetic mornings, cozy afternoons, and relaxed, screen-free evenings.
Nature-Loving, Family-Approved
Tamarindo Park is not your average gated community. Here, nature comes first – literally. With only 25% of the land developed, Casa Howler is surrounded by protected dry forest, walking trails, and rich wildlife (yes, you might spot iguanas, monkeys, and tropical birds from your deck).
It’s a short 10-minute walk to Tamarindo Beach, so you’re never far from a surf session, sandcastle competition, or beachfront sunset. Planning a multigenerational Costa Rica family trip? You’re in for the ultimate bonding opportunity, in a space that’s private, peaceful, and naturally inspiring.
The Sweet Spot Between Town & Tranquility
There’s something special about Casa Howler’s location – just far enough from the buzz of downtown to feel secluded, but close enough that you can walk to dinner, groceries, or ice cream in under 10 minutes.
After a beach morning or a town adventure, head back for some serious pool time. The kids can cannonball to their hearts’ content while you kick back under the palms with a cold drink (or let our concierge organize a cocktail hour for you).
Summer’s Best Perks, Without the Crowds
Traveling to Tamarindo between May and August means green hills, glowing sunsets, and fewer tourists – and the weather in Costa Rica in the summer is ideal for those who love a bit of variety. You’ll get warm days, lush scenery, and dramatic skies, plus better rates and more availability at family-favorite restaurants, surf schools, and adventure tours.
And when you do want to explore? Your dedicated concierge, Adriana, is just a message away. From zip-lining and wildlife tours to kid-friendly surf lessons and private chef dinners, she’ll help you plan every piece of your dream Costa Rica family trip.
Elite Comfort, Everyday Ease
Casa Howler comes with our Elite Service Standard – because family trips are more fun when someone else does the laundry. You’ll enjoy daily housekeeping, laundry service, and breakfast/snack prep (you provide the groceries), so your vacation can actually feel like a vacation. Want to upgrade to private chef dinners or full-day excursions? We’ve got you covered.
Tamarindo | 3 Beds | 3 Baths | 6 guests
Location, location, relaxation. That’s the vibe at Ibis Condo 10 – your penthouse escape just steps from the surf and perfectly placed for your Costa Rica family trip. Whether you’re a beach-hopping crew, a reunion group seeking convenience, or parents traveling with kids who love to explore, this two-bedroom condo checks all the boxes.
Perched just across the street from Tamarindo’s golden sands, Ibis Condo 10 blends beachy comfort with elevated perks – including full access to the exclusive Langosta Beach Club. That means infinity-edge pool dips, beachfront cocktails, and laid-back lunches with your toes in the sand, all without the resort crowd.
Surf in the Morning, Lounge in the Afternoon
Let’s be real: the weather in Costa Rica in the summer is what tropical dreams are made of.
We know, we know – that’s not what you’ve heard. But here’s the truth: You can expect sunny mornings that practically beg for beach time, surfing, or splashing around at the beach club pool. Then, as the afternoon settles in, Tamarindo’s famous green season showers often sweep through with a soft breeze and a soothing rhythm – the perfect excuse to cozy up with a book on the balcony or plan tomorrow’s rainforest adventure.
Traveling during summer means fewer crowds, lower rates, and greener everything. From the condo’s private terrace, you’ll have a front-row seat to lush surroundings, swaying palms, and the shifting skies and brilliant sunsets that make this season so enchanting.
Tamarindo’s Best at Your Doorstep
One of the top reasons families and groups love Ibis Condo 10? You’re close to everything – without being in everything. It’s just a short walk to downtown Tamarindo, with its surf shops, souvenir stands, smoothie bars, and over 75 restaurants. Try authentic gallo pinto for breakfast or book a beachfront table for dinner and sunset.
And when it’s time to explore beyond Tamarindo? Our 5-star concierge is ready to help you craft the ultimate Costa Rica family trip. Think horseback riding through the hills, zip-lining above the jungle, sea turtle watching at night, or boating through mangroves.
Rainy Days, Bright Moments
Don’t let the weather in Costa Rica in the summer catch you off guard – embrace it! Green season afternoons are ideal for yoga, board games on the terrace, or even an impromptu cooking class with a private chef. And thanks to daily sunshine, you’ll still get plenty of time in the surf and sand.
With its balance of beach access, peaceful surroundings, and budget-friendly luxury, Ibis Condo 10 is a perfect pick for small families, traveling couples with kids, or even grandparents along for the ride.
Tamarindo | 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 8 to 12 guests
Welcome to lo Penthouse #701 – where ocean views meet serious vacation vibes. With room for the whole crew and then some, this penthouse is built for summer getaways, milestone celebrations, and unforgettable family reunions.
Set on the top floor of Tamarindo’s iconic Diria Condominiums, this two-story retreat blends panoramic Pacific views, walk-to-everything convenience, and splash-ready fun at the largest pool on Costa Rica’s west coast. Bonus: there’s a swim-up bar calling your name.
Big Views, Bigger Vacation Energy
Step onto your ocean-facing terrace and take it all in – endless blue skies, the sound of the surf, and warm breezes that never get old. Inside, four bedrooms (each with its own balcony!) and two kitchens give your group plenty of breathing room. Whether it’s early risers sipping coffee or late-night snackers raiding the fridge, everyone gets their space.
Green season mornings are made for beach adventures – just walk across the street and you’re there. Swim, surf, shell-hunt, or just relax with your toes in the sand. In the afternoons, when the warm summer rains roll in, you’ve got the perfect excuse to regroup inside, play games in the living room, or enjoy cocktails with a view from the terrace.
Room to Roam, Space to Connect
This penthouse was made for multigenerational groups and big families. Spread out over two levels, you’ll find comfy bedrooms, bright common areas, and plenty of places to gather for meals, movie nights, or trip-planning huddles. Want to take it easy? Order in and dine with a view. Ready to explore? Tamarindo’s best restaurants, shops, and surf schools are just a short walk away.
There’s also 24/7 security, direct beach access through the Diria Hotel, and private concierge support to help arrange everything from catamaran cruises to airport transfers.
Green Season = More to Love
Here’s a local tip: the weather in Costa Rica in the summer – aka green season – is perfect for families. Fewer tourists mean more space by the pool, less crowded beaches, and better rates on everything from tours to dinner reservations.
Speaking of the pool… get ready. The lagoon-style pool atpalo is massive, palm-lined, and features a swim-up bar that makes every dip feel like a celebration. Grab a fruit smoothie for the kids and a piña colada for the adults – you’ve officially found the good life.
Big Family? Big Plans? Big Win.
With its unbeatable location, generous layout, and vacation-ready amenities, Matapalo Penthouse #701 is one of the top Tamarindo vacation rentals for large groups. Whether you're planning a cousin reunion, a surf trip with friends, or a summer adventure that includes grandparents and grandkids, this penthouse has the space, comfort, and convenience to make it all easy.
This summer, give your family more than just a vacation – give them Tamarindo, from the top.
Ready to Plan Your Family’s 2025 Summer Vacation?
That just happens to be our concierge’s, specialty!
She’s an expert in travel, relaxation, and tours in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: Digging beneath the surface and reaching beyond the norm, Cris not only makes it her job to know Tamarindo (and its restaurants), but to get to know you, too! She’s like a real-life guidebook who expertly overlays Tamarindo’s most iconic experiences and must-do adventures with your needs, preferences, and plans. What’s more, she’ll work with your budget.
It begins with our welcome packet, which you’ll receive after you make a booking. It’ll introduce you to many of our favorite things, so have a look. Start building your wish list. And then, talk to Cris and let the fun begin. It’s part magic, part expertise. Go ahead, pick Cris’s brain! She can’t wait to hear from you!
The Perfect Costa Rica Family Vacation
It’s finally summer–exactly what you’ve waited for all year! Now is the time to enjoy sunny days, long evenings, and pack the kids up and spend some quality family time together. It’s not too late to get in on our last-minute specials and bring the gang to Costa Rica! Once a destination only for adventurous backpackers and surf safaris, Costa Rica has evolved into a top family vacation destination.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, but the great thing about Costa Rica is that although it is a small country, it has something for everyone. We’re the local experts on Costa Rica family vacations and will help you tailor your trip to fulfill everyone’s expectations.
Planning your Costa Rica family vacation is going to require you to make some choices. Costa Rica is full of amazing things to see and do, and you aren’t going to be able to see or do it all in one trip. Decisions can be tough, but fortunately, we’re here to give you some guidance and pertinent recommendations.
Our first recommendation for the best family vacations in Costa Rica is to divide your trip of 5 to 10 days between no more than two places. Too much shuffling around takes the restfulness out of the experience for parents, and can be overwhelming for the kids. If you’re able to get away for 10 or more days, you can up the number of destinations to three, but we really don’t recommend trying to see the whole country in a little time as possible. Delve deeper into fewer places and have a much more profound and delightful experience.
Destination 1 of 2: The beach!
Of course one of the two stops on your trip is going to be a beach! The beaches are what makes Costa Rica famous, and there are more beautiful beaches here than–but if you will allow us to make a recommendation, our top pick is Tamarindo.
Tamarindo beach is gorgeous, it’s family-friendly and safe for swimming, surfing is good, there are lots of grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies, and of course, there are our Tamarindo vacation rentals. We are the local experts in family fun because we live here too, are raising our families here, and are confident in our ability to help you make great choices and have a fabulous time!
If you’re set on Costa Rica’s Carribbean coast instead of Guanacaste, visit Tortuguero and watch the sea turtles nesting or swing to the south and take a few days at Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. Cahuita national park is famous for its giant coral reef and the marine life it houses.
Kid-friendly beach activities:
This list varies according to the ages and personalities of the little ones, but we generally recommend surf lessons, half-day fishing trips and/or an estuary boat tour. In Tamarindo, for example, surfing is safe for children. Our surf instructors are trained and experienced, and many of them have taught their own little ones to surf! If your child can swim and is comfortable in the water, Tamarindo’s sandy gentle beach is the perfect place to give surfing a try. Half-day fishing trips are another fun option for kids of all ages.
A whole 7-hour day on a fishing boat can be overwhelming for anyone besides hard-core fisherman, but everyone can enjoy getting on the boat in the early morning and speeding out to sea for a few hours of trolling, watching for dolphins, and reeling in fish. Half-day tours are usually back by lunch time when everyone is ready to be out of the sun for a few hours! The estuary boat tour takes about two hours and is available according to the tide schedule. Birds, monkeys, colorful land crabs, and sleepy crocodiles are the attractions on this beautiful boat ride into the estuary that is Las Baulas National Park.
Destination 2 of 2: The forest!
For the second destination on your family vacation in Costa Rica, pick a cooler, higher place in the shade of Costa Rica’s tropical dry forest, rain forest, or cloud forest. The most frequently-visited picks are the Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Both places are fabulous Costa Rican forest choices–you can’t pick the wrong one.
The Arenal area, due to volcanic activity, has hot springs and warm geothermal pools that your family can enjoy together. Monteverde has a dense rain and cloud forest with swinging bridges suspended over revines and canyons that will take your breath away. Combined with a few days and nights at the beach, a visit to either of these places will make for the best family vacation in Costa Rica.
Option Off-road: La Carolina Lodge
A unique mountain experience in Costa Rica is La Carolina Lodge. La Carolina functions off the grid. Dine by candlelight, eat meals created with foods that are grown on the farm and cooked over a wood fire, and sleep in rustic but luxurious cabins that are built out of locally grown and harvested wood. Hiking to the Rio Celeste waterfalls, swimming in the river, horseback riding, and relaxing in the hot tub are favorite activities at La Carolina. After a great night’s sleep, get up early and your family can help the farm hands milk the cows!
Kid friendly forest/farm activities:
Don’t leave Costa Rica without taking your family on a zip line canopy tour–that’s everybody’s favorite! Hikes are something families of all ages can enjoy, along with visits to animal refuges and butterfly or hummingbird gardens. If your youngsters are old enough to enjoy horses, don’t miss this opportunity to ride with a guide who can help you notice and appreciate the plants and animals along the leafy trails. Adventure centers exist throughout Costa Rica that make family vacation planning easy by offering packages that can be modified to include a day of your family’s favorite activities all in one location.
Costa Rica family vacation Do’s and Dont’s, provided by your vacation experts:
1 Don’t try to do everything.
You can’t do everything fun or see everything amazing in Costa Rica in one vacation. If you try to pack too much into your vacation, you’ll run yourselves ragged trying to have fun.
This vacation rental home’s pool has a built-in water slide!
2 Do plan some down time.
Don’t forget that your vacation rental will have a pool your kids will want to play in, and don’t miss the miss joy of a beach walk together or a lazy afternoon in the hot springs or jacuzzi while you’re in the mountains.
3 Don’t bring the kitchen sink!
Costa Rica has first-world pharmacies and American-style grocery stores, so it’s not necessary to try to bring everything you could possibly need. You may pay more than you’re used to for a tube of after-insect-bite cream or Junior’s favorite breakfast cereal, but so what? You didn’t come on vacation to save money. You came to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and take things as they come.
4 Do pack sunscreen and insect repellent.
Now there are two things that you are for sure going to need, and you can buy them cheaper at home than you can here. Throw some extra in the bag. If you don’t need all of it, sunscreen and insect repellent are excellent gifts for the local friends you make during your vacation.
5 Do limit technology/screen time for yourself and your children.
Just a thought. Parents have different ways of addressing the challenges presented by technology in the hands of youngsters, and you are the expert on your own family. But consider making your family vacation in Costa Rica an experience of limited screen time and unlimited adventure, interaction, and attention to your surroundings. You can all get back on line when you get home.
Contact us today and let’s get busy on your vacation plans!
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