5 Kid-Friendly Activities in Guanacaste (That Adults Will Love Too)
Traveling to Guanacaste, Costa Rica with kids? Good news, this sun-soaked province is a family paradise filled with wild adventures, hands-on cultural experiences, and sweet moments to share. Even better? Many of the most memorable activities are just as fun for adults as they are for kids.
From free chocolate tastings at Blue Valley Chocolate to beachside wildlife spotting, here are five kid-friendly activities in Guanacaste that the whole family will enjoy.
1. Go Chocolate Tasting For FREE at Blue Valley Chocolate
Let’s be honest, everyone loves chocolate. At Blue Valley Chocolate in Brasilito, families can dive into a full bean-to-bar chocolate experience that’s equal parts educational, interactive, and delicious.
Here’s what makes it perfect for kids:
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They can touch, smell, and taste real cacao fruit, as well as taste other unique drinks utilizing cacao.
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Roasting and grinding beans feels like a mini science experiment.
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Chocolate tastings are done in a relaxed, family-friendly environment, free of charge!
Adults love it too, for the storytelling, the flavors, and the deeper appreciation of ethically made chocolate. Plus, the experience is largely covered, making it a great option on sunny or rainy days.
📍 Located just minutes from Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal
2. Take a River Safari to Spot Monkeys and Crocodiles
Hop on a riverboat and glide through the Tempisque River or Palo Verde National Park, where the whole family can safely view wildlife from the water. These tours are low-stress (no hiking required!) and filled with close-up moments that wow kids: howler monkeys swinging through trees, herons flying overhead, and even crocodiles sunbathing on the shore.
Guides keep it entertaining with fun facts, bird calls, and stories that engage young minds—and give grownups a chance to relax and take in the scenery.
🦜 Recommended for ages 3 and up
🛶 Tours usually last 2–3 hours, with snacks and drinks provided
3. Cool Off at a Natural Waterfall or Swimming Hole
What kid doesn’t love splashing in a waterfall? Guanacaste has several easy-to-reach waterfalls that are perfect for a half-day adventure. One family favorite is Llanos de Cortés, near Bagaces. It’s a wide, gentle cascade with a shallow pool at the base, ideal for younger swimmers and parents keeping watch.
Bring a picnic, towels, and water shoes. Many locals sell fruit or coconut water near the entrance, adding a sweet treat to your outing.
🌴 Entrance fees are minimal, and there are shaded areas for resting
4. Explore a Wildlife Rescue Center
Get up close with sloths, toucans, monkeys, and other rescued animals at a wildlife sanctuary. These centers are not petting zoos, they're educational, ethical spaces that rehabilitate injured or orphaned animals with the goal of returning them to the wild.
Two great options in Guanacaste:
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The Monkey Park (near Portegolpe)
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Centro de Rescate Las Pumas (near Cañas)
Kids can ask questions, see animals they’ve only seen in books, and understand Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation. Adults often leave just as inspired.
🦥 Great for ages 4 and up
📸 Perfect for wildlife photos without venturing deep into the jungle
5. Enjoy a Sunset Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling
Even with little ones, you can still enjoy a relaxing catamaran cruise. Many tour operators in Tamarindo, Potrero, and Playa Flamingo offer family-friendly sails that include gentle snorkeling stops, wildlife watching, and snacks on board.
You might see dolphins or sea turtles, and the sailing experience itself is a thrill for kids. As the sun sets over the Pacific, parents can enjoy a glass of wine while the kids take turns spotting birds or steering the boat.
⛵ Tours typically last 4 hours and include flotation gear for all ages
🌅 Book the afternoon sail for the best sunset views
Why Guanacaste Is a Great Family Destination
What sets Guanacaste apart for families is its blend of nature, culture, and accessibility. Everything feels close: beaches, towns, farms, and forest all within short drives. You can have a beach morning, a chocolate workshop in the afternoon, and still be back in time for dinner and bedtime.
And while Costa Rica is known for its eco-adventures, Guanacaste makes them approachable, even for toddlers and grandparents.
So whether you’re building chocolate bars at Blue Valley Chocolate, hearing howler monkeys in the trees, or watching your child’s eyes widen at the sight of a toucan, you’re making memories that go way beyond the average vacation.
Planning Your Family Trip to Blue Valley Chocolate
Website: https://bluevalleychocolate.com
Location: Brasilito, Guanacaste
Experiences: Chocolate-making workshops, cacao tastings, factory tours, seasonal holiday events
Perfect For: Families with kids of all ages
Open: Rain or shine, Monday-Saturday (Sundays on occasion).
Looking for the best way to get around Costa Rica and to Blue Valley Chocolate? Click here for our ultimate transportation guide for Costa Rica and directions to get to Blue Valley Chocolate Factory!
