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16 Best Things to Do in San Jose Costa Rica with Kids
Looking for some cool and unique things to do in San Jose Costa Rica with kids? You’ve come to the right place!
I spent three months in Costa Rica with my family on our Pan American highway road trip, including over a week in San Jose.
Many people skip San Jose in favor of popular ecotourism destinations like Monteverde, La Fortuna, and Manuel Antonio.
However, there are actually some really fun family-friendly activities in Costa Rica’s capital as well. From amusement parks and museums to nature walks and animal rescues, this city is a surprising adventure.
So let’s jump in!
Family Activities in San Jose Costa Rica
1. Walking Tour
Exploring San José, Costa Rica with a walking tour is a great experience for families. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, the city offers something for everyone.
This tour will take you through some of the most beautiful areas of San José, such as Museo Dr. Rafael Calderon Guardia, Museo Nacional De Costa Rica, Plaza de la Democracie, and Teatro Nacional Costa Rica.
The tour guide will provide interesting facts about each location and explain how they fit into the larger context of San José’s history. You’ll also get to experience the local cuisine, which is known for its unique flavors and ingredients.
As you explore the city’s streets and plazas, you’ll be able to appreciate its beauty from a different perspective than if you were simply driving around town in a car or bus.
2. Museo de los Ninos
Museo de Los Ninos in San Jose, Costa Rica is one of the best places to take kids for a fun and educational experience.
Located in the Centro Costarricense de Ciencia y Cultura, this museum offers interactive exhibits and activities that are designed to teach children about science, technology, art, and culture. The museum has something for everyone, from toddlers to teenagers!
Families can explore the different galleries and exhibits throughout the museum. Kids can learn about Costa Rican history through interactive displays and activities such as virtual reality tours of historical sites or exploring replicas of traditional homes.
They can also explore the natural world with interactive displays about plants and animals native to Costa Rica. There are also plenty of hands-on activities such as building robots or creating their own art projects.
3. City Tour Nature Walk
Nature walks aren’t just for Costa Rica’s jungle towns! Led by passionate biologists, this guided tour takes you on a journey through the hidden ecosystem of the University of Costa Rica.
You’ll be amazed at the variety of animals and plants living wild and free in the middle of the city.
Your kids will be captivated by the sight of native sloths hanging from trees, colorful butterflies fluttering around them, and a variety of unique birdsongs.
The tour starts with walking through a lush garden at the University of San Jose where the guide will point out some of the most incredible and fascinating indigenous elements of the city.
You’ll even see the largest indigenous sphere stone in San Jose, an impressive piece of history and culture.
4. Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center
Visiting the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center in San Jose is a great family-friendly activity.
The center is dedicated to protecting and helping endangered Costa Rican wildlife and offers visitors a unique opportunity to get up close with some of the country’s most iconic animals.
During your visit, you will have the chance to meet macaws, monkeys, coatis, raccoons, and sloths as you learn about their natural habitat. You can also listen to wildlife stories with entry to the center and a one-hour guided tour.
The experience at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center is both educational and inspiring.
Not only will you get an insight into the lives of these animals, but you will also witness first-hand the impact that this rescue center has had on wildlife conservation in Costa Rica.
It’s an unforgettable addition to your Costa Rica family vacation for everyone!
5. Gold Museum
Visiting the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum in San Jose, Costa Rica is a unique and fun experience for kids of all ages. Located underneath the Plaza de la Cultura, this museum boasts one of the largest collections of gold artifacts in Latin America.
The museum features numerous pieces of jewelry and other artifacts from pre-Columbian times that are sure to spark curiosity and imagination in young minds.
The interactive exhibits at the museum make it an especially enjoyable experience for children. Little Man said this was one of his favorite activities we did in San Jose!
Kids can learn about the history, politics, art, and life of early peoples in Costa Rica through engaging in activities such as coin rubbing, gold panning, and more.
There are also plenty of educational displays to explore, including a replica of a pre-Columbian village with traditional dwellings and tools used by ancient civilizations.
👉 Plus, with this tour you also get to explore nearby local markets and foods in addition to getting a guided tour of the gold museum!
6. Mercado Central
Exploring the Mercado Central (aka: Central Market) in San Jose, Costa Rica is a great way to get an immersive experience of the local culture and cuisine.
A walking tour of the market will give you a chance to explore the vibrant colors, smells, and tastes of Costa Rica’s unique food scene.
In addition to the central market, you’ll also get to wander through San Jose’s Borbón Market and view its famous stands!
You’ll be able to sample some of the country’s most famous dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans) or tamales, as well as try some more exotic offerings like iguana meat or ceviche.
Kids will love this tour, too. They can learn about different fruits and vegetables, watch vendors prepare traditional dishes, and even try some samples!
7. Grecia and Sarchi Artisanal Villages
Grecia and Sarchi are two towns in Costa Rica that are known for their beautiful scenery, traditional woodworking, and craftsmanship. Located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, these towns make for a great day trip from San Jose.
Families visiting Grecia and Sarchi can enjoy a variety of activities. In Grecia, visitors can explore the Metal Church, which is an old train station that has been converted into a church.
The town also has many restaurants and cafes where visitors can sample some local cuisine.
In Sarchi, visitors can explore the famous Oxcart Factory to learn about traditional woodworking and craftsmanship. Visitors can also buy handmade items such as jewelry, pottery, and leather goods at the many souvenir shops.
After shopping, take a stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets or enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
8. Doka Coffee Farm Tour
Located in the Alajuela area, the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation offers visitors a unique experience that includes sampling fresh coffee from the plantation, visiting its butterfly garden, and exploring its botanical gardens.
The Doka Estate has been owned by locals for more than 70 years and is one of the largest coffee estates in the country.
The tour includes a private guide who will explain all about the history of Costa Rican coffee production and provide insight into how it is made.
Families can enjoy a complete cultural experience at Doka Estate with activities such as horseback riding, bird watching, hiking trails, and even zip-lining through the estate’s canopy.
There are also plenty of opportunities to take pictures of beautiful landscapes and wildlife. After exploring all that Doka Estate has to offer, visitors can relax in one of its many restaurants or cafes while enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
9. Corso Dairy Farm Tour (Corso Lecheria)
A visit to Corso Dairy Farm is a unique day trip experience for families visiting San Jose Costa Rica. It’s a popular Sunday trip for Ticos, so it’s best to visit during the week.
At Corso Dairy Farm, you’ll get to spend a few hours touring this Corso Lecheria, or dairy farm. The tour runs three times a day at 9 am, 11 am, and 1:30 pm.
During the tour, you’ll get views of the Poas and Barva Volcanoes, the dairy, the Cloud Forest, strawberry fields, and the cheese house. You’ll also get to have tastings of all the produce grown there – especially the cheese and strawberries – all organized by your guide.
Plus, entry to an Alajuela Traditional buffet is included so you can enjoy rice, beans, house hash, a choice of meat, tortillas, and a strawberry drink.
10. Volcano Day Trip (Irazu or Poas)
Visiting Poas Volcano is a great day trip from San Jose, Costa Rica with kids. It’s a great way to introduce them to the wonders of nature and the beauty of volcanoes, and it has a variety of educational opportunities for families
While you can also visit Irazu volcano on a day trip from San Jose, I think Poas offers more educational offerings than Irazu, including an impressive visitor center with informative displays, making it the ideal choice for families.
At Poas Volcano National Park, take a guided tour of the park and learn about its history and geology.
Explore some of its trails and learn about the unique wildlife that inhabits this area as well as enjoy stunning views of the crater lake and surrounding landscape.
In addition, there are plenty of other attractions in the area that make it worth visiting with kids. From La Paz Waterfall Gardens to coffee plantations, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful part of Costa Rica.
👉 On this tour, you get to visit Poas, La Paz, and a coffee farm all in one day!
11. Butterfly Kingdom
The Butterfly Kingdom in San Jose Costa Rica is a beautiful butterfly house with many species, the blue Morpho being the most spectacular of all.
Located in Escazu, an upscale suburb of San Jose, it’s convenient to get to and offers an educational experience regarding not just the lifecycle of these amazing creatures, but also the opportunity to view them up close.
A two-hour tour of the operation takes you through the stages of a butterfly’s life and culminates in a garden where fluttering butterflies surround you.
If families can’t make it to the Monteverde butterfly rescue then this is a great alternative. The Butterfly Kingdom Costa Rica is a family-friendly environment that provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
12. Parque Diversiones
Parque Diversiones is an amusement park just outside of San Jose that offers a variety of attractions and activities for families to enjoy together.
It has a wide range of rides, from roller coasters to bumper cars, as well as green areas, a food court, and a replica of an old Costa Rican village.
The park also supports the Santiago Crespo Shelter, which provides lodging and meals to families in need.
Parque Diversiones is the perfect place for families to have fun while also giving back to the community. With its wide range of activities, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience for all ages!
13. Sibú Sustainable Chocolate Tasting
Sibu Sustainable Chocolate is a unique and delicious experience that families should try when they’re in San Jose, Costa Rica. Sibu Chocolate was born in 2007 as the first small-scale factory to use 100% organic Costa Rican chocolate.
The tour includes a guided walk through their cocoa plantation, a demonstration of how cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate bars, and a tasting session.
At the tasting, you can sample some of their signature dark and milk chocolates made with locally sourced organic cacao beans and organic sugar. Little Man loves tours that involve candy. What kid doesn’t?!
Sibu Sustainable Chocolate is unique due to its commitment to sustainability at every step of the process, from sourcing ingredients to recycling packaging materials. They follow fair trade practices and sustainable agriculture.
14. Parque la Sabana
Parque La Sabana is one of the coolest things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica with kids! It’s the largest park in San Jose and offers a variety of activities for kids.
The park has paved paths, a lake, sculptures made from wood and concrete, sitting areas, a running/cycling track, a snack shack, several playgrounds, and more.
Kids can explore the park’s many attractions on foot or by bike. There are also plenty of places to sit and relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Popular activities for kids at Parque La Sabana include fishing in the lake, playing sports like soccer or basketball on the courts provided, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through the park.
The park also hosts events throughout the year such as concerts and festivals that are fun for all ages. No matter what your family enjoys doing together, Parque La Sabana provides something for everyone!
15. Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
The Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle is a science museum that houses over 70,000 pieces on display from all over the world. It’s considered one of the best museums in Ibero-America and offers a wide variety of activities for families visiting Costa Rica.
Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, learn about Costa Rican wildlife and history, and take part in educational workshops.
The museum also features an outdoor garden with native plants and animals, as well as a planetarium where visitors can observe the night sky.
For those looking for something more hands-on, the Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle offers guided tours through its collections and laboratories. You can go bird watching or take nature photography classes.
16. Jade Museum
The Jade Museum in San Jose, Costa Rica is a unique archaeological museum dedicated to preserving the pre-Columbian heritage of the region.
It features the largest collection of jade artifacts in the world and provides visitors with an interesting and educational experience. It’s certainly larger than the Jade Museum we visited in Guatemala!
The museum has five floors of exhibition space, each showcasing a different aspect of Costa Rican history. Visitors can learn about the ancient cultures that once inhabited this area, as well as view some of their most impressive artifacts.
The Jade Museum also offers a variety of interactive activities for families to enjoy. These include guided tours, hands-on workshops, and even scavenger hunts. There are also art classes available for children and adults alike.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of free admission on Wednesdays and the first Saturday of every month.
Bonus: Customizable Private Tour!
Want to do a few things on this list but aren’t sure how to plan the logistics yourself?
👉 With this tour, you pick and choose what you want to do downtown with this fully customizable walking tour.
Choose from pickup at your hotel or Airbnb, or to meet your guide at your first landmark. They’ll help you discover the best places to eat and buy groceries in your local neighborhood.
And you’ll get tips about the easiest ways to get around, learn where to find hidden gems, and more.
Plus, kids 3-12 are 50% off and kids under 3 are FREE!
Travel Tips for Visiting San José Costa Rica with Kids
Traveling to San Jose Costa Rica with kids can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some travel tips for making your trip a success!
☑️ Add a few days in San José to the beginning or end of your trip. Don’t try to head there between visiting Guanacaste Province and Tortuguero National Park, for example. That’s too much driving!
☑️ Bring plenty of snacks and drinks for the kids – San Jose is a big city, and you don’t want your kids getting hungry or thirsty while exploring.
☑️ Pack lightweight clothing – The weather in San Jose can get quite hot, so make sure to pack light, breathable clothing that won’t weigh you down.
☑️ Research kid-friendly attractions – There are plenty of fun activities for kids in San Jose, from zoos to museums to water parks. Do some research ahead of time to find out what attractions your family will enjoy the most.
Hint: All the best ones are right here!
☑️ Consider staying in a hotel with a pool – If you plan on spending some time relaxing at the hotel, look for one with a pool so the kids can have fun without leaving the premises.
☑️ Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. The sun in Costa Rica is strong, so make sure everyone has sunscreen on when they go outside. Insect repellent is also important, as there are lots of bugs in this part of the world!
☑️ Learn some Spanish phrases. Even if you don’t speak Spanish fluently, it’s helpful to know some basic phrases like “hello” and “thank you” when interacting with locals in San Jose.
☑️ Take advantage of public transportation – Taxis can be expensive in San Jose. Consider taking public transit or Ubers instead if you need to get around town quickly and cheaply.
☑️ Stay safe! As with any big city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings at all times while visiting San Jose with kids.
Keep an eye out for pickpockets and other potential dangers while exploring the city streets. Don’t take public transportation late at night.
☑️ Visit local markets – Markets are great places for finding souvenirs and unique items that you won’t find anywhere else in Costa Rica! Plus they’re usually very affordable too!
☑️ Have fun! Above all else, remember that traveling should be fun! Don’t stress too much about planning every detail. Just relax and enjoy your time in this beautiful country!
Final Thoughts on San Jose Costa Rica with Kids
San Jose is an amazing city that’s perfect for families. From stunning parks and museums to delicious food and shopping opportunities, it’s definitely worth a few days of exploration on your next Costa Rican adventure.
Plus, it’s relatively cheap and safe, making it the perfect spot to take the kids without worrying about safety.
So why not make San Jose your next family destination? Explore its vibrant culture, discover the beauty of La Sabana Park, before you head out to experience the magic of Monteverde or Manuel Antonio!
It’s sure to be an unforgettable trip that your whole family will love.
Happy travels!
San Jose Costa Rica with Kids: FAQs
Do you still have questions about visiting San Jose Costa Rica with kids? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
What area of Costa Rica is best with kids?
San Jose is a great place to bring kids as it has plenty of family-friendly attractions. From museums and galleries to parks and zoos, there’s something to keep everyone entertained. The Arenal Volcano and Mistico Hanging Bridges Park in La Fortuna are also really great!
Is Costa Rica a good place to visit with kids?
Yes, Costa Rica is a great destination for families. It’s relatively safe and has plenty of fun activities to keep the kids busy. Plus, Costa Ricans are very friendly and welcoming to visitors, especially families with kids.
What is there to do in San Jose Costa Rica with a toddler?
San Jose offers a variety of activities for toddlers, including the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the butterfly garden, and Children’s Museum. Parque La Sabana is also a great choice for families with toddlers in San Jose.
Is San Jose Costa Rica a walkable city?
Sort of. The downtown area is relatively small and easy to explore on foot. Plus, there are plenty of parks and plazas to explore. But keep in mind that the city can be quite hilly, so it might not be best for small children or those with limited mobility. Ubers are plentiful, though!
Is San Jose Costa Rica safe?
San Jose is generally considered a safe city, especially compared to major cities in the United States. However, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings and exercise caution when navigating the streets.
Watch for pickpockets as they are common in touristy parts of San Jose. Never walk down the street with valuables or your cell phone unsecured.
Do kids need car seats in Costa Rica?
Yes, car seats are required for all children under the age of 8 in Costa Rica. Kids under 12 (or 90 lbs) are required to have a booster seat. Make sure to arrange for a car seat with your rental or transfer agency before traveling.
What is the prettiest town in Costa Rica?
That’s a tough one, as Costa Rica has plenty of gorgeous towns! But if I had to choose, Monteverde is definitely one of the most beautiful towns in Costa Rica. With its lush rolling hills, vibrant green forests, and colorful wildlife, it’s a great place to explore with kids.
Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico for tourists?
That’s a difficult question to answer as it depends on where in Mexico you’re visiting. Generally, Costa Rica is considered to be much safer than many parts of Mexico. However, it’s important to research the area you’re visiting and take basic precautions.
Is San Jose in Costa Rica worth visiting?
Absolutely! San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, and it’s a great place to explore. With its bustling markets, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery, it’s a great place to visit with kids. Plus, there are plenty of activities for adults too!
Is San Jose good for tourists?
Yes, San Jose is great for tourists! I think it’s an overlooked gem in Costa Rica. With plenty of attractions, delicious food, and great shopping, it’s definitely worth a visit. Plus, it has great access to the rest of the country.
How many days do you need in San Jose?
That depends on what you’re looking to do. If you really want to explore, I recommend spending at least three days in San Jose. But if you’re in a rush, two full days should be plenty of time to experience the city’s main attractions and get a feel for the culture.
What is nicest part of San Jose Costa Rica?
The nicest part of San Jose is probably La Sabana Park, a sprawling green space in the city center. It’s great for picnics and people-watching, and the evenings are often filled with live music. Plus, it’s a great spot for kids to run around and get some fresh air.
Is San Jose Costa Rica cheap?
Yes, San Jose is relatively cheap compared to other cities in Central America. You can find budget-friendly accommodation, food, and transportation options in the city.
Plus, there are plenty of free things to do in San Jose, like exploring the historic downtown and visiting La Sabana Park.
What is the most luxurious city in Costa Rica?
The most luxurious city in Costa Rica is probably Manuel Antonio, a beach town on the Pacific Coast. It’s known for its upscale resorts and luxury villas, as well as its pristine beaches.
Plus, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, like taking a boat tour through the mangroves or hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park.
👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!
