How To Plan A Costa Rica Spring Break For Families

With thoughtful planning, spring break can be one of the best times for your family to experience Costa Rica. March and April typically offer the country’s most favorable weather, and the tourism industry is in full swing—perfect for creating unforgettable memories.

That said, spring break falls in the busy dry season and often overlaps with Costa Rica’s bustling “Semana Santa” (Holy Week), a major national holiday that draws large crowds. As you’ll discover here, extra planning is key. We’re sharing our insider tips to help you make the most of your family’s spring break getaway to Costa Rica.

March & April Weather in Costa Rica: Planning For Weather

March and April are part of Costa Rica’s dry season, making them ideal months for a spring break vacation. Expect plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and clear skies—perfect for beach days, rainforest hikes, and outdoor adventures. Along the Pacific Coast, average daytime highs range from the mid-80s to low 90s °F (29–33°C), while the Central Valley and highlands enjoy slightly cooler, more comfortable temps. These months are also great for wildlife viewing, particularly in national parks and coastal regions. Remember: since it’s peak season, booking your accommodations and tours early is best!

Popular Spring Break Destination Combinations

Rainforest and coastal views of Manuel Antonio

Depending on your family style and interests, there are endless destination combinations to consider. Our experts can help you narrow some down or point you in a direction you may not have considered. Here are some of the most popular family-friendly destinations to consider.

Guanacaste + Arenal Volcano

Guanacaste is a great beach destination within about 1 hour of Liberia International Airport, depending on which beach you choose for your final destination. The Guanacaste region is generally home to the largest beach resort options in the country and even some all-inclusive options. If you’re looking to leave the beach and do a bit of rainforest exploring paired with hot springs and adventure, Arenal Volcano is a great pairing with Guanacaste.

If you’re looking for a destination that balances adventure with relaxation, Arenal Volcano checks all the boxes for families over spring break. This region is one of our go-to’s for kid-friendly travel—not just because of the stunning volcano views (which are jaw-dropping), but because there’s so much to do for every age and energy level. You’ve got hot springs (hello, parent-approved relaxation), wildlife-filled nature walks, hanging bridges, and zip lines for thrill-seekers in the family. Want to ease into things? Try a gentle river float or chocolate-making class. Plus, most of the hotels in the Arenal area are set up beautifully for families—with connecting rooms, on-site restaurants, and plenty of open space to explore.

Arenal Volcano + Manuel Antonio

Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio are a bit of a classic duo, particularly for first-time visits to Costa Rica. Some of the main differences between Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste would be that Guanacaste is more spread out and more of a tropical dry landscape. Manuel Antonio National Park is the main draw to the Central Pacific region with a denser rainforest environment, plentiful wildlife, and smaller boutique hotels.

Manuel Antonio just gets family travel. It’s laid-back, scenic, and packed with the kind of adventures that make kids and parents genuinely excited to get out and explore. The national park is the big draw here—with easy hiking trails (yes, even for little legs), tons of wildlife like sloths and monkeys, and some of the prettiest beaches in Costa Rica just a short stroll away. What I love most is the variety: one day you’re spotting toucans in the jungle, and the next you’re on a catamaran looking for dolphins. There are family-friendly hotels that feel luxurious and relaxed, casual beachfront restaurants where sandy feet are welcome, and activities tailored to all energy levels.

Osa Peninsula

If you’re looking for the ultimate rainforest experience, families could easily spend the whole week exploring the rainforest-rich Osa Peninsula. This is not only one of the most wild and untamed areas of the country, but the most remote to reach. Get off the grid, embrace eco-lodge living, and get close to wildlife! Animal sightings are essentially guaranteed.

It’s not your typical spring break, and that’s exactly the point. The Osa invites families to slow down and connect—with nature, with each other, and with something deeper. With a mix of guided jungle hikes, boat rides through mangroves, and calm beaches perfect for shell-hunting or snorkeling, there’s something here for every age and energy level. And the lodges in the region are used to hosting families—many offer kid-friendly meals, naturalist guides who love engaging young explorers, and accommodations that make you feel like you’re sleeping in the heart of the rainforest (because you are!). If you’re looking for a meaningful, screen-free vacation where the rainforest is your playground, the Osa Peninsula should be high on your list this spring break.

You really can’t go wrong with any of these destination ideas. It depends on your family and stage of life right now. I might wait until the kids are out of the toddler stage before heading down to the Osa, for instance. And, there are of course many more options. Our experts can guide you to the best ones for your circumstances and advise you on the number of nights that might be best for you! As Spring Break can be such a popular time to travel, you may even consider getting a bit off-grid.

Choose Family-Friendly Accommodations

Accommodation preferences are individual-specific, but we will throw out a few things to look for when selecting a hotel:

Family suites or adjoining rooms
Pools and kid-friendly menus
Kids Clubs: some of the bigger resorts in the Guanacaste area offer these
Is breakfast included? It’s just one less thing.
Nature trails or on-site activities
Proximity to attractions (so you’re not in the car all day)

Many hotels in Costa Rica offer immersive experiences like wildlife walks and cooking classes, which are a hit with kids. Talk to an Expert about family-friendly favorites in your area.

Plan For Fun, But Flexible Activities

Coastal views of the Papagayo Peninsula

The best family itineraries balance adventure with downtime. So if you have a particularly adventurous morning, keep your afternoon low-key. Here are a few favorites:

Wildlife safaris in national parks (Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, or Corcovado)
River rafting or tubing (mild options available for younger kids)
Chocolate or coffee tours
Surfing lessons or calm beach days
Soaking in natural hot springs near Arenal
Visiting a wildlife rescue center

Our Expert can book guided tours in advance to make the whole experience easier, as a vacation should be. Many guides are amazing with kids and make nature feel like the real-life treasure hunt that it is.

Travel Hack

If you’re looking for a way to cut corners, working with a Costa Rica Expert is your silver bullet. Our Costa Rica Experts can create possible itineraries that will fit your needs and budget and hunt for whatever hotels are available for your travel dates, even last minute. They’ll book it once you are happy with the trip and make all the arrangements. From there, you’ll receive your itinerary, packing list, and other relevant travel information so you can just show up!