Costa Rica has always been high on our family travel bucket list. We envisioned waiting until our children were old enough to truly appreciate and explore the diverse landscapes and adventures this beautiful country offers. However, we also knew we wanted the comfort and convenience of family-friendly accommodations with familiar amenities. After extensive research, we’ve compiled a list of incredible all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica perfect for families just like yours.
These resorts are specifically designed for families with children, boasting features like dedicated kids’ clubs, exciting adventure activities, easy beach access, and inviting family-oriented pools. The all-inclusive nature of these resorts simplifies your vacation planning and ensures a relaxing and stress-free experience. Beyond this curated list, we also offer a broader selection of amazing Costa Rica family resorts and a guide to the most beautiful resorts in Costa Rica if you wish to explore more options and regions.
Exploring Regions in Costa Rica for Your Family Getaway
When planning our Costa Rican adventure, the first step was identifying the best places to visit in Costa Rica. We ultimately decided on a multi-region trip to experience both the lush rainforests and stunning beaches Costa Rica is famous for. Many of the family all inclusive Costa Rica resorts we recommend are situated in the Guanacaste region, renowned for its beautiful white-sand beaches and numerous resort options.
Here’s a quick guide to popular Costa Rican destinations:
- La Fortuna: Immersive rainforest experience, breathtaking volcano views, natural hot springs, abundant wildlife including monkeys, and a charming, tranquil atmosphere.
- Guanacaste: Stunning beaches, consistently warm weather, a high concentration of larger resorts, pristine white sand beaches, and opportunities to spot turtles and sloths.
- Manuel Antonio: A captivating blend of rainforest and beaches, frequent monkey sightings, and diverse wildlife encounters.
1. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf & Beach Resort
Exterior view of The Westin Reserva Conchal resort in Costa Rica showcasing its lush landscape and pools
- Location: Prestigious Playa Conchal, Guanacaste
- Family Highlights: The Westin Reserva Conchal enjoys a prime location on Playa Conchal, celebrated as one of Costa Rica’s most picturesque beaches, known for its soft white sand and gentle, swimmable waters. Families will appreciate the spacious family suites available, a comprehensive kids’ club offering engaging activities for various age groups, and a diverse selection of dining venues to please every palate. Beyond the beach, The Westin features a sprawling lagoon-style pool complex perfect for families. The resort also emphasizes eco-friendly practices and provides opportunities for exciting family excursions, including snorkeling adventures, invigorating hikes, and visits to nearby national parks to experience Costa Rica’s natural beauty firsthand.
As a Marriott Bonvoy property, The Westin Reserva Conchal offers the added benefit of allowing guests to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for complimentary nights, potentially significantly reducing your vacation costs. Explore our recommended travel credit cards to discover cards that can help you accumulate points for free stays, flights, and even access to airport lounges, enhancing your overall travel experience.
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2. Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica – Unlimited-Luxury® for Families
Aerial view of Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica showcasing its expansive pools and beachfront location
- Location: Secluded El Jobo Beach, Guanacaste
- Family Highlights: Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is designed for families seeking both adventure and relaxation in a stunning natural setting. The resort boasts a fantastic kids’ club and a teens’ club, ensuring age-appropriate activities and entertainment for younger and older children. The impressive pool complex features thrilling water slides, a major draw for families. This Dreams resort provides diverse dining options with kid-friendly menus, ensuring even picky eaters are satisfied. Spacious family rooms offer comfortable accommodations, and the resort organizes exciting excursions like nature hikes and beach tours, allowing families to explore the surrounding tropical jungle of Playa El Jobo. The beach itself is known for its calm and swimmable waters, making it particularly safe and enjoyable for families with young children.
Dreams Resorts & Spas are part of the Hyatt portfolio, and Hyatt points are known for their accessibility and value. Consider opening a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve card; the sign-up bonus often provides enough points for multiple free nights at all-inclusive resorts like Dreams Las Mareas. For more strategies on maximizing travel rewards, explore our guide on how to travel for free.
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3. Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
- Location: Exclusive Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste
- Family Highlights: Planet Hollywood Costa Rica seamlessly blends luxury accommodations with a fun, family-friendly Hollywood theme. Kids will be thrilled by the unique entertainment offerings, including themed movie nights, lively parties, and engaging music classes. The resort features a dedicated splash zone for younger guests, alongside kids’ and teens’ clubs to keep children of all ages entertained. With multiple restaurants on-site, dining is convenient and varied. Families can also participate in organized excursions, such as exhilarating zip-lining adventures, snorkeling trips to explore underwater wonders, and guided rainforest tours to discover Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
Click here for the best rates at Planet Hollywood Costa Rica on Expedia
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4. Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo – Relaxed Family Fun
Pool area of Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo with families enjoying the water and sun
- Location: Beautiful Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste
- Family Highlights: Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo offers a distinctly laid-back and family-focused atmosphere. The resort features a large, inviting pool area perfect for family relaxation. A dedicated kids’ club provides crafts, games, and supervised activities. Family-friendly entertainment extends into the evenings with beach bonfires and karaoke nights, creating lasting vacation memories. Playa Flamingo’s calm beach is ideal for children to swim and play safely, and the resort offers numerous water activities. The Margaritaville Resort also organizes nature tours, wildlife-focused excursions, and dolphin-watching trips in the surrounding area, allowing families to connect with Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Click here for the best rates at Margaritaville Beach Resort on Expedia
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5. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica – All-Inclusive Resort with Water Park Fun
Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica featuring its grand architecture and inviting pool areas
- Location: Scenic Playa Matapalo, Guanacaste
- Family Highlights: Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica is a comprehensive all-inclusive resort designed to provide everything a family needs for an unforgettable vacation. The resort boasts multiple swimming pools, including a dedicated kids’ pool equipped with fun slides, ensuring hours of entertainment for children. A dedicated kids’ club offers supervised activities, and the resort provides family-friendly entertainment programs. With direct beach access to Playa Matapalo, beach days are effortless. On-site activities include kayaking, snorkeling, and beach volleyball. For those wanting to explore further afield, excursions to nearby national parks and stunning waterfalls are readily available.
Click here for the best rates at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica on Expedia
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6. Fiesta Resort All-Inclusive Central Pacific – Family Fun on the Coast
Exterior of Fiesta Resort All-Inclusive Central Pacific showcasing its pools and oceanfront location
- Location: Puntarenas, Central Pacific Coast
- Family Highlights: Fiesta Resort All-Inclusive Central Pacific offers a fantastic family all-inclusive experience on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The resort features kid-friendly pools complete with exciting waterslides, a supervised kids’ club, and a variety of outdoor activities suitable for families, including mini-golf, kayaking, and beach volleyball. Its location provides easy access to nearby attractions such as Carara National Park, known for its diverse birdlife, and the idyllic Tortuga Island. Accommodations include spacious rooms, and dining is convenient with several options, including buffets featuring kid-approved dishes.
Click here for the best rates at Fiesta Resort All-Inclusive on Expedia
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7. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo – Luxurious Family Escape
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo featuring its modern architecture and ocean views
- Location: Exclusive Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste
- Family Highlights: While not strictly an all-inclusive resort in the traditional sense, the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo offers attractive family packages and an array of amenities that make it exceptionally family-friendly. A dedicated kids’ club provides organized and engaging activities for children. Family suites offer ample space and comfort. The resort facilitates access to a variety of outdoor excursions, including wildlife tours to spot Costa Rican animals and paddleboarding adventures in the calm waters. The Andaz boasts a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere with a strong emphasis on showcasing Costa Rica’s unique culture and stunning natural environment.
Click here for the best rates at Andaz Costa Rica Resort on Expedia
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Each of these family all inclusive Costa Rica resorts provides unique amenities and experiences tailored for families and children, offering a blend of relaxation, adventure, and immersion in Costa Rica’s incredible natural beauty and vibrant culture.
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