Tamarindo is one of the easiest beach destinations in Costa Rica for families. The airport in Liberia is close, the town is walkable, the waves are gentle enough for kids to learn to surf, and there is wildlife everywhere. Here is our local advice on where to stay and what to do with children. For general tips, also read six tips for travelling to Costa Rica with kids.
Where to stay in Tamarindo with kids
For families, the most important things are a pool, space and a short walk to a calm beach.
- Playa Langosta: quieter, residential and great for small children, with tide pools at low tide. See our Playa Langosta rentals.
- Near central Tamarindo: ideal with teenagers who want to walk to surf lessons, ice cream shops and restaurants. Browse our family condos with pools.
- Traveling with grandparents or another family? A villa gives everyone space. See our vacation homes for large groups and luxury villas with private pools.
Family-friendly things to do in and around Tamarindo
- Surf lessons: Tamarindo’s gentle waves make it one of the best places in Costa Rica for kids to stand up on a board for the first time.
- Estuary boat tours: a calm boat ride through the mangroves of the Tamarindo estuary to spot birds, crocodiles and monkeys.
- Sea turtles: nearby Playa Grande is part of Las Baulas National Marine Park, where leatherback turtles nest. Night visits are only allowed with official guides. Learn more in our guide to sea turtle nesting.
- Calm-water beaches: spend a day at Playa Flamingo or Playa Conchal for easy swimming. See the best beaches near Tamarindo.
- Volcanoes, waterfalls and zip lines: great day trips for older kids. See our day trips from Tamarindo.
Safety tips for families
- Use high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen and keep kids hydrated: the Guanacaste sun is strong.
- Ask locally about currents and swim where the water is calm; rip currents can form on any Pacific beach.
- Choose a rental in a gated community with a fenced pool if you have small children.
- Read our honest guide to safety in Tamarindo.
Getting there with kids
Fly into Liberia (LIR), about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Tamarindo. A private transfer with car seats is the easiest option with children; see how to get from Liberia to Tamarindo. Our concierge team can also stock your rental with groceries before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tamarindo good for families with kids?
Yes. Tamarindo has gentle beginner waves, family-friendly restaurants and plenty of activities, and nearby Playa Langosta offers a quieter beach with tide pools.
Where should families stay in Tamarindo?
A condo or house with a pool in Playa Langosta or within walking distance of central Tamarindo is ideal: kids get a pool and the beach is close by.
What is the best age for a family trip to Tamarindo?
Families with kids of all ages enjoy Tamarindo. Toddlers love the pools and tide pools, while older kids can take surf lessons and go on wildlife tours.
Where to stay in Tamarindo
Horizon Pacific Vacations manages vacation rentals in Tamarindo and Playa Langosta: beachfront rentals, condos for rent, luxury villas with private pools and monthly and long-term rentals.
