Family Activities in Jacó and Los Sueños: What to Do with Kids of Every Age

Jacó and Los Sueños sit at the center of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, about 90 minutes from San José’s airport. For families, this stretch of coastline delivers something rare: genuine adventure for teens, gentle nature encounters for little ones, and enough variety that nobody gets bored by day three.

Here’s what actually works for families, organized by age group, with real prices and age requirements so you can plan before you pack.

For Toddlers and Young Kids (Ages 2 to 5)

Herradura Bay Beach Day

Skip Jacó’s surf break with little ones. Herradura Bay, a five-minute drive from Los Sueños, is a sheltered crescent of calm water where toddlers can wade without battling waves. Local Costa Rican families drive from San José on weekends specifically for this gentle swimming access. The beachfront restaurants serve whole grilled fish, rice, and beans under palapas for $8 to $15 per plate. Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends during dry season (January through April) to snag a shaded spot.

What to bring: Reef-safe sunscreen, sandals (volcanic sand gets scorching by midday), and a pop-up shade tent if you have one.

Los Sueños Wildlife Walks

Los Sueños Resort is built into rainforest, so wildlife encounters happen without going anywhere. Howler monkeys roar at dawn (kids either love this or find it terrifying, fair warning). White-faced capuchin monkeys travel through the property in troops. Three-toed sloths hang in cecropia trees near villas and the beach club. For toddlers, pointing out iguanas basking on warm rocks or scarlet macaws flying overhead in pairs is more than enough excitement. The resort offers naturalist-guided walks for guests.

Tárcoles River Crocodile Bridge

Twenty minutes south of Jacó, the Tárcoles River bridge has 12 to 15 massive American crocodiles visible right from the roadside. Some exceed 15 feet. You can pull over, look down from the bridge, and the kids will lose their minds. It’s free, takes 15 minutes, and works for any age. Just keep a firm grip on little ones near the railing.

For Kids Ages 5 to 11

Monkey Mangrove Boat Tour at Damas Island

This is the family activity that consistently delivers. Damas Island sits about 45 minutes south of Jacó, near Quepos. Guided boat tours wind through mangrove channels where white-faced capuchin monkeys approach the boat, crocodiles bask on muddy banks, and herons fish in the shallows. The boats are stable and comfortable, suitable for young children and grandparents alike.

Tours run roughly 2 to 3 hours. Expect to pay $55 to $75 per person through operators like Adventure Tours Costa Rica or Costa Rica Jade Tours. Most operators include hotel pickup from Jacó or Los Sueños.

Best time: Morning departures (7 to 8 a.m.) see the most active wildlife before the heat sets in.

Carara National Park

Carara sits 15 minutes from Los Sueños and is the closest national park to Jacó. The paved Universal Access Trail is flat, short (about 1 km), and stroller-friendly, making it one of the few rainforest walks in Costa Rica that works for young kids. Scarlet macaws are almost guaranteed at sunrise. Poison dart frogs hide near the trail edges. Hiring a naturalist guide ($65 to $85 per group for a half-day tour) means you’ll spot three to four times more wildlife than going alone.

Entrance fee: $10 per adult. Children under 12 enter free at most Costa Rican national parks. Open daily 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Surf Lessons on Jacó’s North End

The north end of Jacó Beach, closer to Los Sueños, has the gentlest waves on the beach: slow, forgiving whitewater that’s ideal for kids learning to stand up. Schools like Sunrise Surf School and Tortuga Surf Camp offer kids-specific lessons with small instructor-to-child ratios. A 1.5 to 2 hour lesson runs about $50 to $60 per person, including board and rashguard.

Kids as young as 5 or 6 can take lessons, depending on their comfort in the ocean. Morning sessions (before 10 a.m.) have the cleanest conditions and cooler sand.

For Teens (Ages 12 and Up)

Zipline Canopy Tours

Zipline tours are the signature Central Pacific thrill ride. The Jacó Canopy Tour runs eight cables totaling over 5,900 feet across canyons, rivers, and jungle canopy, starting from a platform next to a waterfall. Chiclets Tree Zipline, operating since 1999, offers 14 cables across 16 platforms with ocean views.

Prices range from $60 to $85 per person depending on the operator. Most tours include transportation from Jacó, Los Sueños, or Playa Hermosa. Duration is approximately 2 hours. Weight limits typically cap around 260 pounds. Children generally need to be at least 5 to 6 years old and meet minimum weight requirements (varies by operator, so confirm when booking).

ATV and UTV Tours: Know the Age Rules

This is where families need to pay close attention. Age minimums vary significantly between operators, and getting this wrong can ruin a teen’s afternoon.

ATV (single rider): AXR Jaco requires riders to be at least 16 years old to operate an ATV. Some operators, like those booked through Adventure Tours Costa Rica, set the minimum driver age at 18 with a valid driver’s license. Children as young as 8 can ride as a passenger behind an adult driver on certain tours.

UTV/Buggy (better for families): UTVs are side-by-side vehicles that seat a driver plus 3 to 4 passengers. Children as young as 4 can ride as passengers. This is the better option if you’re traveling with kids under 16 who want the off-road experience. Prices range from $320 for a 4-hour tour to $399 for a full-day adventure through Adventure Tours Costa Rica.

ATV pricing (for eligible riders): $75 for a 2-hour tour, $95 for 3 hours, $129 for a half-day with waterfall stop and lunch. All prices per driver.

Bottom line: Call the specific operator before booking and confirm their current age and ID requirements. Do not assume your 14-year-old can drive an ATV.

Catamaran Sunset Cruise

Playa Fantasia and other operators run catamaran tours departing from Herradura Bay. A half-day cruise includes sailing, snorkeling, and meals. Adult prices run around $100 to $115 per person, with child rates around $89. Sunset departures (typically 1:30 p.m.) return as the sun drops over the Pacific.

Questions Parents Actually Ask

”What can toddlers do in Jacó?”

Herradura Bay for calm swimming, the crocodile bridge for a quick thrill, and wildlife spotting around Los Sueños Resort. Toddlers don’t need a tour: iguanas on the sidewalk, macaws flying overhead, and warm sand between their toes will fill the morning.

”Is it safe for kids to surf in Jacó?”

The north end of the beach is gentle enough for kids age 5 and up with a qualified instructor. Avoid the center and south sections of Jacó Beach, which have stronger currents and faster waves. Always book a lesson with a certified school rather than freelance instructors on the beach.

”What’s the best time of day for activities?”

Early morning wins on every front. Wildlife is most active between 6 and 9 a.m. Surf conditions are cleanest before onshore winds pick up around 10 a.m. Sand is cool enough for bare feet. Afternoon thunderstorms during rainy season (May through November) typically roll in around 2 to 3 p.m., so front-load your outdoor plans.

”Can my 13-year-old ride an ATV?”

At most operators, no. AXR Jaco’s minimum age to drive an ATV is 16. Other operators require 18 with a license. A 13-year-old can ride as a passenger with an adult on some tours (minimum passenger age is typically 5 to 8), or your family can book a UTV/buggy tour where kids ride along in a fully enclosed vehicle.

Planning Your Days

A week here gives families enough time to mix adventure with downtime. Front-load mornings with tours and surf lessons, save afternoons for pool time and beach walks.

For more on the area, see our Jacó destination guide and Los Sueños guide.

What to Pack for Kids

Reef-safe sunscreen (required in protected areas)
Lightweight long-sleeve rashguards for sun and surf
Sandals or water shoes (volcanic sand burns)
Binoculars for wildlife tours
Dry bag for boat and kayak trips
Bug spray with DEET for jungle trails and mangrove tours