1-Week Costa Rica With Kids Itinerary from Liberia Airport
Planning to visit Costa Rica with kids?
Costa Rica is one of the best destinations to visit with kids because there’s so much to see and do. This is one of the main reasons we keep going back over and over again.
At some point in the planning process, you’ll need to decide which airport you’re going to fly into.
This is an important decision because if you’re visiting Costa Rica with kids, you’ll probably want to limit the amount of time spent in the car.
In this guide, we’re going to outline an itinerary that makes the most sense if you’re starting from Liberia. By the end, you’ll have a better sense of what your itinerary should look like and what you can realistically fit in.
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Costa Rica with Kids Itinerary At a Glance
Day 1: Arrival into Liberia International Airport and Transfer to La Fortuna
Day 2: Full Day in La Fortuna
Day 3: Full Day in La Fortuna
Day 4: Transfer La Fortuna to Guanacaste
Day 5: Full Day in Guanacaste
Day 6: Full Day in Guanacaste
Day 7: Full Day in Guanacaste
Day 8: Transfer from Guanacaste to Liberia International Airport
Notes About This Kid-Friendly Costa Rica Itinerary
- For a week in Costa Rica, we recommend limiting your itinerary to 2 stops max since drive times between destinations can be long.
- We’re including the best places first-time visitors should see if they’re flying into Liberia.
- This itinerary includes a stop in La Fortuna and the Guanacaste area so it includes some time in the rainforest as well as the beach
- If you’re arriving into Liberia later in the day, we recommend an overnight near Liberia rather than driving directly to La Fortuna. Driving in the mountains at night can be challenging.
- This is a flexible itinerary so you can add more days or destinations if you have extra time.
- The beach portion of this itinerary is in the Guanacaste region. If you would prefer to see Manuel Antonio, you’ll want to fly into San Jose instead.
If you’re flying into San Jose instead of Liberia, follow this itinerary:
→ Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 1-Week From San Jose Airport
Family Itinerary in Costa Rica Map
Complete Costa Rica With Kids Itinerary from Liberia Airport
Now that you have a better idea of what to expect, let’s break this itinerary down day by day.
One thing to keep in mind is that you don’t have to see the entire country to have an amazing trip. We’re focusing on two destinations so you can really enjoy them instead of spending most of your vacation in a car.
Here’s how we’d spend a week in Costa Rica.
Day 1: Arrival Day & Transfer to Your La Fortuna Hotel
The Arenal region is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, especially for first-time visitors. It’s the perfect introduction to the country, and it definitely has a “wow factor”.
This is where you get to see many of the things that Costa Rica is known for including beautiful rainforests, steaming hot springs, and plenty of wildlife.
It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to get from Liberia Airport to La Fortuna, the main town near Arenal Volcano National Park.
You have a few options for getting to La Fortuna. Private transfers and shuttles are popular choices if you don’t want the hassle of driving. Renting a car is also a great choice if you’re comfortable driving.
The Best Family Hotels in Arenal:
There are a lot of hotel options near Arenal, but we’ve found that these continually offer the best family experience:
→ Nayara Gardens – This is a beautiful resort with casita-style rooms and villas, all with private plunge pools. There are private hot springs, multiple restaurants, and a spa on-site.
→ The Springs Resort & Spa – We love this resort because it has its own on-site hot springs, outdoor pools, an adventure club, and a few dining options.
→ Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – This resort has been around for a while and it still offers one of the best family experiences. It’s known for it’s hot springs, but it also has multiple dining options and plenty to keep kids busy. Breakfast is usually included, so it’s a good value for families.
Check out our complete guide about driving in Costa Rica:
→ Driving in Costa Rica: Essential Tips & Best Transport Alternatives
Days 2 and 3: Make It Your Own in Arenal
The next two days are all about tailoring the Arenal experience to your family’s interests and energy level.
You can fill your time with up to two half-day tours, one full-day excursion, or you can mix in some downtime between activities, whatever works best for your family.
We typically plan a morning activity and leave the afternoon for relaxing by the pool or enjoying the hot springs.
Pro Tip:
Try to schedule most of your tours in the morning, especially if you visit in the rainy season. You’ll find that days usually start out sunny, but afternoons might bring some rain showers.
Our Top Tour Picks in Arenal
With so many great options in the area, it can be hard to narrow it down to the best ones for families. Here are some of the most popular tours families tend to love and the ones we’ve done over the years:
→ Hanging Bridges Through the Forest Canopy – This is a great option for families that want a more leisurely experience with great chances to spot wildlife along the way.
→ Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River – A safari float is another easygoing option where you can just float along the river and keep your eyes peeled for animals along the banks.
→ Monkey and Sloth Guided Tour – This tour is ideal for families who love getting out on the trails with the chance to see monkeys and sloths. This is a personal favorite.
→ Zip Line Adventure through the Forest Canopy – This is the ultimate Arenal experience. Fast, fun, and not to be missed.
→ La Fortuna Waterfall Hike – This is a popular hike that leads you to one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the country. We recommend this one for older kids since the hike can be challenging in spots.
Our Favorite Hot Springs Experiences in Arenal
After your morning tour, you can either book another one or spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel. This is also a great time to visit one of La Fortuna’s famous hot springs.
Many resorts have their own thermal springs on-site, but if yours doesn’t, you can easily purchase a day pass. These are two of our favorites:
→ Tabacón Hot Springs – The Tabacón Hot Springs at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa were one of the first hot springs we ever visited in Costa Rica, and they’re still one of our all-time favorites.
The property is beautifully landscaped, with walking paths that wind through the rainforest and you can catch a glimpse of Arenal Volcano from certain areas.
Aside from the 23 hot spring pools, there are swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and plenty of places to relax. It’s an easy place to spend a few hours, or even an entire afternoon, without the kids getting bored.
→ Hot Springs at The Springs Resort & Spa – This is another one of our favorite hot springs. This one has a more tiered design than Tabacón Hot Springs.
These pools are hidden by the rainforest foliage and each one has a different temperature. There’s also a flume waterslide which our kids spent hours on.
We don’t want to leave the parents out though. There are a couple of bars where you can grab a drink, find a seat, and watch the kids as they wear themselves out.
Pro Tip:
When choosing where to stay in La Fortuna, keep the cost of hot springs day passes in mind. If your hotel doesn’t have its own, paying for admission somewhere else can add up quickly. In some cases, spending a little more on a hotel with hot springs can actually be the better value.
Where to Eat in Arenal
After a busy day, it’s time to think about where to eat. There are a lot of family-friendly restaurants in the La Fortuna area. Here are a few of our favorites:
→ La Terraza Del Arenal at Nayara Resort – A relaxed, family-friendly spot at Nayara Gardens where you can dine outside with front-row views of the volcano.
→ Don Rufino – A local favorite that has stood the test of time. The menu covers all the bases with beef, pasta, and fresh seafood dishes to please every palate.
→ Las Ventanas – For a more elevated dining experience, this restaurant at The Springs Resort & Spa delivers exceptional food paired with unbeatable views of Arenal Volcano.
Day 4: Transfer to Guanacaste
After a few days of adventure in La Fortuna, it’s time to slow things down in Guanacaste.
This area is located along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, and the region is known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back beach towns.
It’s a great place to unwind, but there’s still plenty of activities that will appeal to everyone in your family.
Our Favorite Family Hotels in the Guanacaste Area:
→ Four Seasons Resort – One of the first ultra luxury resorts in Costa Rica, it offers standard rooms all the way up to private residences for larger groups.
→ J.W. Marriott Guanacaste – A beautiful hacienda-style resort with an amazing pool and multiple restaurants.
→ Westin Reserva Conchal – Massive all-inclusive resort with one of the largest pools in the area, golf course, and large suite-style rooms.
→ Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort – Newer resort that offers standard rooms, villas, and suites with varying views.
Recommended Restaurants in Guanacaste if You Don’t Have an All-Inclusive Plan
→ Pangas Tamarindo – This restaurant is located directly on the beach with a menu that leans mostly toward seafood but they do offer chicken, beef, and vegetable options.
→ Delmonico’s – This is a popular steakhouse in Tamarindo.
→ La Senda – Located at Cala Luna Boutique Hotel, this is a farm-to-table restaurant that offers seasonal menus.
Days 5-7: Customize Your Stay in Guanacaste
The next couple of days are yours to customize however you like. We suggest a mix of activities and time to enjoy the local beaches.
We also recommend exploring some of the small beach towns. Tamarindo is one of our favorites and you can find some great restaurants here too.
Top Recommended Tours in Guanacaste
→ ATV Tour – We’ve done multiple ATV tours around Guanacaste and one of the reasons we love them is that they take you off-the-beaten track to places you many not see otherwise. We highly recommend doing this if you have time.
→ Buggy Adventure Tour – We love the buggy tours because there are some that can fit up to four people. It’s perfect for families.
→ Private Sailing Tour – This one is a little pricier, but it’s completely worth it. You’ll have an opportunity to swim, snorkel, and to see areas that are only accessible by boat. We timed our sailing so we would see the sun setting on the way back. It’s was absolutely amazing.
→ Surf Lessons – Tamarindo is a surfing hotspot, so this is a great way for your family to learn some of the basics. We recommend grabbing some lunch either before or after the lesson since there are great restaurants nearby. If some family members don’t want to participate, it’s easy enough to just watch from the beach.
Day 8: Transfer to Liberia International Airport
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Costa Rica. Make your way back to Liberia by transfer or rental car in time to board your flight home.
Travel Tips for Families in Costa Rica
Bring Water Shoes
Many of Costa Rica’s beaches are very rocky in some areas. We recommend packing water shoes for the family. Your feet will thank you.
Start Your Adventure Activities Early
We always suggest doing your tours earlier in the day in Costa Rica. This is mainly because afternoons can sometimes have passing showers, especially if you visit during the rainy season.
Learn more about Costa Rica’s seasons before planning your vacation:
→ Costa Rica Dry Season: Travel Guide for December to April
→ Costa Rica Rainy Season: Travel Guide for May to November
Book Hotels Early for School Vacation Weeks
Costa Rica has become a very popular destination for families from the United States, especially during the school vacation weeks. We highly recommend booking your hotels and airfare as far in advance as possible to ensure you get your preferred accommodations and flights.
Stock Up Before Heading to the Beach
The beaches in Costa Rica don’t usually have the same services you’d find at home. They’re pretty much in their natural state so it’s unlikely you’ll find restrooms or any other services. Be sure to bring what you need for your time there and don’t forget to pick up after yourself before you leave.
Bring Binoculars
If you plan to go on any nature hikes, it’s a good idea to bring some binoculars to make it easier to spot the wildlife. Some tour operators will let you look through their telescope, but with a group of people, taking turns gets old pretty fast.
Want more of our tips on Costa Rica? Check out this guide:
→ 15 Costa Rica Travel Mistakes to Avoid for First-Time Visitors
Answering Your Questions About Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica a good destination for families?
Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for families because it offers so many activities for different age groups.
Is 8 days enough for a Costa Rica family itinerary?
Yes, a week is plenty of time to see a lot of what Costa Rica has to offer including beaches, the rainforest, and lots of wildlife.
How many destinations should I visit in one week?
For one week, we recommend limiting your itinerary to two stops. Drive times between destinations can be fairly long, so limiting it cuts down on travel time which takes away from the amount of time you actually have to enjoy each destination.
More Costa Rica Travel Guides
Planning Guides
- Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: The Ultimate Seasonal Travel Guide
- Costa Rica Airports Guide 2026: Which Airport to Fly Into & Why
- Driving in Costa Rica: Essential Tips & Best Transport Alternatives
- Costa Rica Dry Season: Travel Guide for December to April
- Costa Rica Rainy Season: Travel Guide for May to November
- 15 Costa Rica Travel Mistakes to Avoid for First-Time Visitors
- Costa Rica Family Itinerary: 1-Week From San Jose Airport
Destination Guides
Our Final Take: Costa Rica With Kids
And there it is, our complete Costa Rica with kids itinerary. This is probably one of our favorite 1-week itineraries and one that we’ve done numerous times.
What we love most about it is that it has a great mix of adventure and relaxation. We also appreciate the endless number of activities available for every age group, so the kids are never bored. As parents, that in itself is worth its weight in gold.
The four of us are in agreement that it’s one of our favorite family destinations ever. So, if you’re thinking about Costa Rica for your next family vacation, just go for it. You won’t regret it.
If you need more information about Costa Rica, reach out to us at any time.
Talk Soon!
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