If you’re dreaming of warm waves, tropical wildlife, and endless sunshine, there’s no better destination for your next family adventure than Costa Rica. More specifically, the Tamarindo area on the country’s stunning Pacific Coast is the perfect backdrop for Costa Rica family vacations. And the secure resort community of Hacienda Pinilla, home to Pura Vida House, has everything your family needs for an unforgettable experience.

From three miles of beaches and exciting wildlife sightings to horseback rides, surfing adventures, and delicious Costa Rican meals, this is one destination where the whole family can truly relax and have fun. Here’s what makes a family Costa Rica trip to Hacienda Pinilla so special, and why Pura Vida House is the perfect place to stay.

Where Is Pura Vida House and Why Is It Perfect for Family Vacations?

Pura Vida House is located in Hacienda Pinilla, which is just 15 minutes from Tamarindo – one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns known for its surf scene, dining, and eco-tours. But when you stay in Hacienda Pinilla, you’re tucked away in a peaceful, secure, and nature-filled resort community that’s perfect for families.

This 4,500-acre beachfront paradise is packed with family-friendly activities, scenic nature trails, and kid-approved amenities that make it feel like your own private playground. And staying at Pura Vida House, one of the most highly-rated, all-inclusive luxury villas in Costa Rica, means you’ll have a home base with personal concierge services, spacious accommodations, and insider access to the best the region has to offer.

Beach Days the Kids Will Never Forget

What’s a Costa Rica family vacation without some time in the sand and surf? At Hacienda Pinilla, you have easy access to three stunning beaches: Playa Avellanas, Playa Langosta, and Playa Mansita. These beaches offer calm tide pools for little ones to splash in, gentle surf for beginner lessons (which we can help arrange!), and endless stretches of sand for beach games or shell hunting.

Avellanas is a local favorite for its scenic beauty and the famous Lola’s beachfront restaurant, where your kids can snack on delicious smoothies and wave at Lola the pig – the beach’s most beloved mascot!

Adventure Activities for Every Age

Costa Rica is all about nature and adventure, and Hacienda Pinilla delivers on both in a way that’s accessible for kids and parents alike. When you stay at Pura Vida House, we can help arrange custom tours from our exclusive list of trusted local partners. Here are just a few family favorites:

  • Horseback Riding: Saddle up for a gentle ride through tropical dry forest, open fields, and along the beach. Our guides have horses to suit all ages, and they’re great with kids.
  • Ziplining: Ready to soar through the treetops? This high-flying adventure is available for kids as young as five, with professional guides ensuring everyone’s safety and fun.
  • Wildlife River Boat Tour: A gentle float down the river offers the chance to see monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic birds – an amazing way to introduce your children to Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity!
  • Adventure Day at Diamante Ecoadventure Park: This is one of our most popular tours for families. Just a short drive from Pura Vida House, Diamante Ecoadventure Park is an all-in-one thrill zone with ziplines (including the famous Superman line facing the ocean!), a wildlife sanctuary, hanging bridges, and cultural experiences. You’ll see rescued jaguars, toucans, sloths, monkeys, and more, plus get your adrenaline fix and learn about Costa Rican traditions all in one place!

Our “Things to Do” page at Pura Vida House has even more options, whether your family is into hiking waterfalls, snorkeling in hidden bays, or even deep-sea fishing, we’ve got you covered.

Family Fun Within Hacienda Pinilla

You don’t even have to leave the resort community to fill your days with adventure and play. Hacienda Pinilla offers:

  • A Beach Club with Infinity Pool: Spend an afternoon at the Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club, where your kids can splash in the large pool while you relax with a cocktail and take in the ocean views.
  • Bike Trails: Explore the miles of paved and dirt trails around the property. It’s a safe and exciting way for kids to feel like adventurers. We even offer a few mountain bikes at Pura Vida House, plus you can rent even more nearby.
  • Tennis and Pickleball Courts: Pura Vida House guests get free access to the dedicated tennis and pickleball courts, including lessons and equipment if needed. It’s a great way to get the whole family moving.
  • Mini Hikes and Wildlife Watching: Spot howler monkeys in the trees, colorful iguanas basking in the sun, and tropical birds overhead – right from your backyard or along the many trails around the resort.
  • Golf Carts for Exploring: Renting a golf cart is not just convenient, it’s fun! Kids love zipping around the property this way, and it makes beach-hopping and dinner runs a breeze.

A Home Away from Home at Pura Vida House

When you’re traveling as a family, comfort matters, and Pura Vida House is set up with families in mind. The villa includes multiple bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a private pool, daily housekeeping, and even an on-call private chef option if you’d rather skip the cooking.

But what truly sets us apart is our concierge-style hospitality. Whether it’s arranging a surf lesson, planning a birthday celebration, booking a private yoga class, or simply answering the million questions kids can come up with, our team is here to make your vacation seamless and stress-free.

Plus, we know the best secret spots, family-friendly restaurants, and hidden gems around Tamarindo and Hacienda Pinilla, so you can spend more time enjoying and less time Googling.

Cultural Experiences That Enrich and Inspire

Costa Rica isn’t just about outdoor fun – it’s also a vibrant, friendly culture that welcomes families with open arms. Our guests often say how much they appreciate being able to introduce their children to another way of life – one where people prioritize nature, family time, and Pura Vida: the Costa Rican motto for living life fully and peacefully.

We can arrange authentic cultural tours, including visits to coffee farms, cooking classes with Costa Rican chefs, or even Spanish lessons for kids who are curious about the language.

Memories That Last a Lifetime

There’s something magical about seeing Costa Rica through your children’s eyes, whether it’s their excitement at spotting a monkey, the pride of paddling their first wave, or the simple joy of playing barefoot on the beach. A family Costa Rica trip isn’t just a vacation; it’s a bonding experience, a learning opportunity, and a memory-making adventure rolled into one.

At Pura Vida House, we take pride in helping families experience all the wonder Costa Rica has to offer – safely, comfortably, and joyfully.

Ready to Plan Your Family Vacation in Costa Rica?

Whether you’re planning your first international trip as a family or returning to Costa Rica to make more memories, we’ll make sure your Costa Rica family vacation is as carefree, fun, and family-friendly as possible. Contact us with any questions by calling (614) 600-1904 or email info@thepuravidahouse.com.

Blog by: Jennifer LaCharite – Costa Consultants, International