Travel to Costa Rica with a toddler?

Question

We'd like to travel to Costa Rica this summer with our two and a half year old. Is is safe for a child that young? What are the best areas or places for us to visit? What about kid-friendly hotels?

Answer 1

Oh! You'll be completely fine! I went to Costa Rica and everyone there(even strangers!)were so so kind! They were 10x nicer than most people in the U.S....It was lovely, and very safe. We went on a Caravan Tour, which is SUPER SAFE, FUN and 100% KID FRIENDLY. I suggest it very much. They take you on tours to all the beautiful places of Costa Rica. It's an all-inclusive trip, including the different hotels, food, and so much more. We just LOVED IT. The tour is GREAT FOR FAMILIES. I strongly suggest you check it out. :) Here's a link if you would like to read more about it:

http://www.caravan.com/tour/costa-rica

It was a great tour, with wonderful hotels, delicious food, and just plain awesome. My family and I enjoyed it so much! We're planning on taking their Canada tour this summer. lol :)

Answer 2

Yes, it is safe as long as you take the a bit more than the normal precautions you would with a two year old and you  select the activities with care.  None of the most extreme adventures, I am afraid ;-D

Most hotels cater to families and have several activities to do.  For example, I was in Punta Leona last summer and my kids (3-6) had a nice kiddie pool, an ice cream bar, minigolf, a butterfly garden, and of course the nice trails, the jungle, and the beach.  This is fairly common of the larger beach hotels and even some of the ones in the mountains.

Closer to the city, there is a nice Children's Museum (Museo de los ninos), nice zoos (Zooave, and I forgot the other's name), and an amusement park (Parque Nacional de Diversiones).

With regards to food, we had no problems as Costa Rican fare is rather bland and full of fruits, and sweets.  You can also find most large chains (Pizza Hut, McDonalds, etc) and some locations have indoor playgrounds, usually crawling with friendly Costa Rican kids.

There are many parks in San Jose, but I would not play on a city playground, as they do not seem safe.  Better to stick to the indoor ones in restaurants and shopping malls (you may have to pay a small fee on the shopping malls).

There are also many very nice stores and shopping malls where you can find indoor playgrounds and buy pretty much any product you need (like the peanut butter for the peanut butter and jelly sandwich that you just can't get in a restaurant).

A couple of tips though:

- You have to be careful while close to nature.  Particularly with insects, as they are many variaties that will sting and may be hurtful (but not fatal) for one so small.  

-Costa Rican beaches are nice but there are waves and currents that can easily overwhelm a small kid.  I would never let my toddler to be more than a few steps from me when walking on the beach or playing in the sand.

- Costa Rican do not approve of parents that let their kids run wild in restaurants or in quiet places like churches or adult oriented museums.  Making noise and playing loudly outside is expected, but not in those places.

-Costa Ricans have a smaller "personal space" than other countries, it is not unusual for other kids and even adults to touch your kids and play with them.

-It was very hot and sunny, we had to use suntan lotion every day and ensure the kids stay hydrated (they loved the fruit juices so there was no problem there).

Costa Rica has good pediatricians, hospitals and good touristic infrastructure and quality of life.  The 911 line works and most hotels will get you a doctor very quickly if needed.

Finally, remember that there is about 300,000 kids under 5 over there, and that Costa Rican's have one of the highest living standards in Latin America. As long as you are a bit more careful than at home, you should be fine and your kid will have a great time.

Answer 3

Ticos love kids! Hotels,other than the ones that rent rooms by the hour,will welcome kids.

You shouldn't have any problems witha toddler.I do however think you need to be more vigilant in any tropical country as there are more creepy-crawlies that can sting and bite a little person and Costa Rica with it's jungles is certainly no exception.

Buen viaje!

juan23