What Families Love About Our Costa Rica Tours

Imagine the sound of your kids laughing as they go white water rafting. Imagine the joy on their faces as they zip-line over rain forests or spot a sloth for the first time. Better yet, imagine the fun you’re going to have when you’re doing these things too!

Costa Rica is a playground for families, and we’re always hearing from our guests that their Costa Rica vacations are their favorite kid-friendly Backroads trips. From secluded beaches to lush jungles and stunning volcanoes, no matter what Costa Rica adventure tour you choose for your family vacation, you’re sure to have an experience you’ll never forget.

Ziplining Big Smile Costa Rica

One Backroads fan said:

Great mix of activities for families. Loved the variety of activities that kept kids and adults interested every day. Have not seen another trip with so much variety: biking: hiking; horseback riding; zip lining; rafting; surfing; swimming (with hot tub and water slide); “cliff” diving; animal, bird, insect and plant viewing (in native environments); crafts; educational presentations; equestrian show; spa time; along with downtime and relaxation.

Ready to visit Costa Rica? Here’s some more about our trips, and what past guests have said about them, so you can choose one the whole family will enjoy!

Costa Rica Beaches & Wildlife Family Multi-Adventure Tour

Rafting Big Smiles Costa Rica

Kayak along Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline, go white water rafting and jump into a jungle waterfall—this multi-adventure tour is filled to the brim with adrenaline pumping family adventure! Make sure to take a second to enjoy the local wildlife as you hike in Manuel Antonio National Park and keep your eyes peeled for iguanas, white-faced monkeys, macaws and many more!

Guest Lynne said:

Our trip with the whole family was spectacular in every way! Backroads did a fantastic job in showing us various areas of Costa Rica. We were a family of fifteen, ranging in age from 70 to eight. The guides are particularly good at entertaining the kids while the adults had some alone time. All adventures for the week were well organized and totally fun. Accommodations were wonderful and all meals were very delicious. I would travel with Backroads in a heartbeat!

Costa Rica Rain Forest & Pacific Family Multi-Adventure Tour

Palm Trees Walking on Beach During Sunset

On our Rain Forest and Pacific Family Multi-Adventure Tour, you get the best of both worlds. Not only do you get the adventure that comes with days spent in the rain forest, but you also have relaxing time at Costa Rica’s pristine beaches. Discover wildlife like you’ve never seen before, raft white water rapids and jump into the water at the base of a waterfall! Try your hand at a surf lesson later in the week—trust us, our guides will help you catch a wave if it’s your first time!

Guest Colin said:

Ample challenges for the adults but within the capabilities of a ten- and 13-year-old. Anyone could set up the same itinerary but the trip leaders and Backroads' deep connections in Costa Rica make this trip something that cannot be remotely duplicated by anyone. This trip is a great introduction to the Backroads ethos and experience. It was our first BR trip, but we will be back for more!

Costa Rica Jungles & Volcanoes Family Multi-Adventure Tour

Natural hot spring waterfall, with small steps, surrounded by exotic trees and plants

This tour, action-packed with family-friendly activities, traverses the Guanacaste Province and focuses on a jungle and volcano adventure! Explore a lava flow at the base of Arenal Volcano, bike around Lake Arenal, white water raft on Peñas Blancas, and taste local flavors at a Costa Rican cooking class. Wind down on one of Costa Rica’s white-sand beaches, and make sure to check out one of our friendly hotel’s natural hot springs. It’s relaxation at its finest!

Guest Rita said:

Great way to experience Costa Rica! All we had to do was show up and our Backroads leaders provided an unforgettable experience. Everything felt seamless and relaxed as they easily accommodated various activity interests and food allergy considerations for our group.

Costa Rica Highlands to Coast Family Multi-Adventure Tour

Tall hill covered in grass, with trees on the ground level

Make your way from cloud forest to volcano to river to lava field to beach on this tour. That’s right—this trip encapsulates everything you want out of a family adventure tour. Experience pura vida, the Costa Rican way of life, for yourself! Discover the secrets of the jungle by keeping your eyes out for toucans and sloths, see Costa Rica’s largest waterfall, eat delicious Costa Rican cuisine, and enjoy Costa Rica’s unique natural beauty.

Guest Amanda said:

Amazing family trip with amazing leaders and guests. This trip was attended by my husband and three kids ages 18-21. It far exceeded our expectations. Our trip leaders, Cami and Stefan, were so positive, friendly, supportive and easy going. Nothing rattled their nerves! One of my daughters was sick on the first day and they were so accommodating with her—allowing her to go directly to the first hotel so that she can rest and constantly asking how she was. So sweet! The other guests on the trip were all so nice and such quality individuals. We had so much fun getting to know everyone individually and our kids had other kids their age to hang with. The hikes were beautiful and the white water rafting was so exciting! The bike ride was very challenging, but you had the option to go in the van if you couldn't finish it. I would definitely recommend this Costa Rica trip to anyone!

Costa Rica truly is the ideal getaway for families looking for adventure. Experience beautiful beaches, rushing rivers, volcano hikes, diverse wildlife and more on your Costa Rica family vacation!

Jumping into the Sunset Beach Costa Rica

A Backroads traveler said:

Eleven of us ranging in age from five to 75 had an unforgettable experience discovering Costa Rica. Guides, activities and accommodations were perfect. 

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