Things to do in Costa Rica: Our 9-Day Spring Break Trip
Pacific Ocean Views from Costa Rica
If you're looking for unforgettable things to do in Costa Rica with kids, this family itinerary hits all the high notes—from zip lining through the jungle canopy to relaxing poolside at a beachside resort. As a family of four with an adventurous 13-year-old daughter and an 10-year-old son, we found Costa Rica to be the perfect mix of outdoor thrills and laid-back vibes. Whether you're trekking through the rainforest in search of sloths or watching the sun melt into the Pacific, Costa Rica offers a little something magical for everyone. Here's a look at our 9-day journey through volcanoes, waterfalls, and waves.
Day 1: Long Travel Day to Paradise
Making our trip to La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Our Costa Rican vacation started bright and early with a smooth flight from CVG to Atlanta. We had just enough time during our two-hour layover to grab a breakfast sandwich before boarding our 3.5-hour international flight to Liberia International Airport (LIR). Liberia is one of two major airports in Costa Rica and a convenient entry point if you're headed to Arenal or the beach towns.
Once we landed, we breezed through customs, picked up our bags, and walked out to meet our driver. Heads up: most drivers wait outside the airport with a sign, so it’s a good idea to have your travel company’s name, your reservation name, and a communication plan ready (we used WhatsApp!).
We highly recommend hiring a driver—it made navigating to and from locations in the country very easy and the drivers had so much information about the local culture and sites along the way. Our driver, Daniel, was fantastic and guided us through a 3-hour scenic drive to La Fortuna, including a quick grocery stop for water and snacks. As we rounded Lake Arenal (a man-made lake created to provide hydroelectric power to the country) the lake vibes, lush green views and variety of animal sightings along the way made the long day worth it. We arrived at Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort, ready to unwind.
Day 2: Zip Lining, Volcano Views & Hanging Bridges
Zip Lining with Arenal Views
Our first full day in La Fortuna was packed with adventure. We kicked off our list of things to do in Costa Rica with an epic visit to Sky Adventures where we experienced the eight incredible zip lines. We were soaring above the canyon rainforest and had amazing views of Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano. I only screamed on every zip line!
After our adrenaline rush, we were provided lunch at the Sky Adventures restaurant, which had one of the best lake views of the trip. Then we went on a guided hanging bridge tour, where we explored the rainforest up close and got the chance to see monkeys, exotic plants, and even a tarantula named Gloria. Our guide also pointed out a scorpion and a bunch of fascinating bug life. Nature lovers, this one’s for you.
Day 3: Sloths, Frogs, and Pool Time
Sloths in Costa Rica
We started the morning with a 7:20 AM pickup for a Sloth Watching Tour just outside of La Fortuna. The kids were so excited—and it didn’t disappoint. We saw seven sloths, including both two-toed and three-toed varieties, plus a red porcupine, a tucan “couple” and several colorful dart frogs.
The hike took about two hours and it was the perfect low-key adventure surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest (and a bit of rain). Afterward, we headed back to Los Lagos for lunch by the pool and spent the rest of the day racing down the epic water slides. This was definitely a highlight for our 10-year-old son!
Day 4: Adrenaline-Packed Waterfall Rappelling
This was our most adventurous day yet! We headed out for a half-day Waterfall Canyoning tour, where we rappelled down five waterfalls and the epic “monkey drop” (they literally drop you down a 70 foot canyon into a pool of water - yikes) that gave us all a serious adrenaline rush.
Rapelling a waterfall in Costa Rica - EPIC!
If your family likes a bit of thrill, this should be on your list. Our 13-year-old daughter was a little nervous at first, but she crushed it and was smiling ear to ear by the last rappel. Definitely one for the family memory books.
Day 5: From Jungle to Beach
Westin Costa Rica Pool
Day five was our travel day from the rainforest to the beach! We packed up and met our driver early for a private transfer to Playa Conchal. The drive took around 4 hours, but it flew by with the beautiful scenery and a few snack stops along the way. We arrived at the all-inclusive Westin Reserva Conchal in the afternoon, just in time for a late lunch at the amazing buffet (can you say ice cream for lunch!) and a walk on the beach. The resort was a whole different vibe —lush, tropical, and luxurious.
Day 6: Things to do in Costa Rica include surfing!
Tamarindo Surf Lessons
We kicked off our beach adventures with private surf lessons in Tamarindo. This was one of the highlights of the trip for our daughter, who picked this up in a matter of minutes! The instructors were great and where very hands on while the kids navigated the waves! After the time in the ocean, we dried off and took a stroll down the main strip of Tamarindo, exploring surf shops, funky coffee spots and picked up a few souvenirs along the way. The rest of the day was spent lounging by the pool, having a few drinks at the swim up bar, and playing in the waves.
Hang 10!
Day 7: Pure Resort Relaxation
By day seven, we were all ready for some serious chill time. We spent the entire day enjoying all the amenities at the Westin—monkey viewing, pool-side games and MANY smoothies by the pool. We did not have time to relax at the spa, play a round of golf or explore the kids club but if you have time in your agenda I suggest adding it to the list. It was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation, and a great way to soak in the beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Day 8: More Beach, Please
Dinner Views from the Westin
We didn’t plan anything big for this final—just more of what we were loving! The kids played in the surf while we lounged under a palm tree with a book and enjoyed the views. That evening, we was the most magical of dinners, watched the sunset over the ocean and rocky coastline. It was one of those perfect, unhurried vacation day that you always hope for.
Day 9: Goodbye for Now
Our final day, we enjoyed the last of the buffet breakfast and packed up our sandy flip-flops and said goodbye to paradise. Our driver picked us up at the resort for a smooth 90 minute ride back to Liberia Airport. As we boarded the plane, we were already reminiscing about all of the things we did on our spring break trip to Costa Rica. From waterfalls, wildlife, and unforgettable adventures…Costa Rica, we’ll be back!
Heading into the rainforest
