Things to Do in Tamarindo for Families: From Babies & Toddlers to Kids & Teens (Age-Tiered Suggestions)

Tamarindo – our vibrant, beach-fringed paradise – means sun-soaked sands and perfect waves, while being oh so much more than just sun-soaked sands and perfect waves. As you research things to do in Tamarindo for families, you’ll discover that ours is a veritable wonderland for anyone seeking activities that are both enriching and exhilarating, entertaining and exciting for travelers aged newborn to infinity.

Here, you and your kids can indulge in wildlife adventures, peaceful tide pools, and jungle escapades – each tailored to spark joy, curiosity, and connection in every family member, from the tiniest toddler to the most thrill-seeking teen. 

So, whether you’re after mellow beach-and-pool days or craving high-flying zip lines, our guide will get you started on dreaming, brainstorming, and planning the best family activities in Tamarindo, Costa Rica – conveniently tiered by age group.

Costa Rica with Babies (Newborn to Age 3): Tamarindo’s Gentle Side

Picture gentle beach strolls and tiny hands full of sand, as you introduce your littlest one to the world around them with easygoing, sensory-rich activities in paradise.

Beach Walks & Soft Sand Play

Long, dreamy days on Tamarindo’s beaches make for the ultimate in baby-friendly activities in Tamarindo. 

Settle into the sand with buckets and shovels in a cozy, shaded spot that bids you spend hours and entire afternoons at the beach. Toddlers and babies can dig, pat, and build to their hearts’ content. Don’t be surprised if they’re enchanted by a small stick, shell, or smooth stone – for tiny hands, these beach treasures are what Costa Rican dreams are made of!

Tide Pools (Playa Langosta)

Playa Langosta is the perfect destination for babies and toddlers, as its soft sand, tranquil shoreline, gentle waves, and warm tidepools invite you to spend leisurely days in the sand. 

And speaking of Playa Langosta, for an activity that brings your toddler face-to-face with nature, you can’t beat Playa Langosta’s calm tide pools. These shallow pools of clear, sun-warmed water are perfect for tiny splashers, giving them a glimpse of small fish and other marine life right beneath the surface. It’s the perfect activity: safe and gentle, allowing your baby or toddler to experience the Pacific up close.

Nature Walks (with a Baby Carrier)

Babies are so often wide-eyed and inquisitive, and one of the best ways to indulge their innate curiosity is to get them outdoors and experiencing something new.

Luckily, Tamarindo is blessed with wild landscapes and gentle trails ideal for quiet strolls with baby in tow. (Just be sure to bring your favorite, time-tested baby carrier!) Cuddle up then and take a relaxing nature walk, listening to birdsong, spotting sloths, pointing out monkeys, and loving the simple pleasures, like the rustling of elephant ear-sized leaves. It’s a peaceful immersion into Tamarindo’s wildlife, perfect for bonding in the great outdoors.

Tamarindo Farmers Market & Night Market

The local markets – from our daytime Farmers Market to Tamarindo’s lively Night Market – are a feast for the senses. With colors, sounds, and delicious scents all around, they’re an easygoing way to let your baby experience the vibrancy of Tamarindo. Wander through local produce stalls, sample tropical fruits, and soak in the community vibe.

Costa Rica with Little Kids (Ages 3-8): Sparking Curiosity with Fun Family Adventures

Young kids – roughly, the age 3-8 set – are at the perfect age to really dig into the wonders and beauty of Costa Rica. As your kids get older, they’ll level up and into a kaleidoscope of things to do in Tamarindo with kids – from wave-catching to pointing out monkeys swinging through the trees.

Beach Time & Gentle Waves

For young kids, the beach becomes one endless playground. And right here at Playa Tamarindo, they’ll love wave-jumping in the surf, digging in the sand, and watching the surf crash along the shore. (Boogie board, recommended!) With plenty of wide-open space and pockets of gentle waves, it’s the perfect spot for kids to unleash their energy and soak up some Vitamin D.

Poolside Play

At VistaNova, all of our Tamarindo vacation rentals offer incredible pools that promise long afternoons of splishing and splashing. Even better than relaxing the day away, you can sit and lounge as you watch your kiddos and order cocktails or mocktails to be delivered poolside! 

Surf Lessons for Little Beginners

Some of our favorite things to do in Tamarindo for families include surf lessons, and even the youngest family members can get in on the action! We’re happy to set you up with a surf school that offers lessons geared toward little ones, where professional instructors help kids as young as three catch their very first waves. The experience is safe, fun, and confidence-building. And the photo ops are memory-worthy!

Wildlife Watching: Monkeys, Turtles, & Sloths

Costa Rica’s natural inhabitants are endlessly fascinating for the young and young-at-heart. Book a family wildlife tour to spot some of Tamarindo’s most famous residents – from tree-swinging howler monkeys to curious sloths. If you’re lucky, you may even see a sea turtle nesting along the beach, a memory that will stay with you and your kids forever.

Ferry Rides & Mangrove Tours

Hop on the local estuary ferry for a brief crossing over Tamarindo’s mangroves, where your kids can marvel at fish and birdlife around every turn. And for an even closer look, try a mangrove boat tour – a gentle, guided journey by kayak through lush, winding waterways brimming with wildlife. You will savor this educational and introspective moment, which invites the whole family to indulge in wonder and make memories together.

Kid-Friendly Zip-Line Adventures

If you’re worried that the youngest adventurers can’t participate in Costa Rica’s most iconic adventure, then we want you to know that many of our top Tamarindo zip-line tours have harnesses specially designed for children and guides who’ll assist them every step of the way. It’s an experience that will get their hearts racing without all the big-kid high thrills, letting little ones get a taste of Costa Rica’s famous canopy tours.

Snorkeling Spots in Playa Langosta

For young explorers, snorkeling is one of the most magical kid-friendly activities in Tamarindo. Our advice is to head out to the shallow waters of Playa Langosta, where little swimmers can float amidst gentle surf and catch sight of colorful fish darting beneath them – an adventure right at eye level. (We know parents will deeply appreciate this!)

Horseback Rides & Nature Hikes

Little kids can safely horseback ride along the beach, indulging in a peaceful exploration of Tamarindo’s coastline. Guided nature hikes are another great choice, allowing kids to stretch their legs and exercise their owl eyes to spot exotic plants, birds, and animals as they walk through Tamarindo’s jungle terrain.

Catamaran Cruises & Pool Play

One of our top recommendations for things to do in Tamarindo for families, catamaran sailing tours offer a soul-stirring, memory-making way to get out onto the Pacific. What’s more, while many of these tours are considered “booze cruises,” there are many catamaran tours that welcome young families, with safety equipment on board and calm water. 

Spend a day out on the water, spotting dolphins and snorkeling along the way. 

Costa Rica with Big Kids (Ages 8-12): Exploring & Taking the Lead

Older kids will love discovering Tamarindo on their own terms – from surfing to sportfishing, they’ll find plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and make thrill-soaked memories.

Surfing for the Adventurous Set 

Older kids are ready to take on Tamarindo’s waves with a bit more grit and independence. Surf instructors around town offer lessons tailored to the older set, building on their confidence and technique, while getting them fully immersed in one of the most iconic things to do in Tamarindo for families. Because there’s nothing quite like catching a wave in paradise and there’s nowhere in paradise more famous for surf than Tamarindo!

SNUBA & Advanced Snorkeling

For water-loving kids, SNUBA is the next step up from snorkeling. Kids can go deeper and explore Tamarindo’s coral reefs without needing full scuba gear – floating just below the ocean’s surface to watch fish swim in and out of the reef. It’s a safe, exciting way for older kids to dive deeper with you by their side.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Let your kids try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or tandem kayaking, two of the most engaging activities for this age group. It’s a bit of balance, a bit of adventure, and a whole lot of fun as they paddle across Tamarindo’s crystal-blue waters.

Wildlife Sanctuaries & Animal Encounters

If your kids have long begged for a sloth encounter or monkey sighting, then the Tamarindo area’s wildlife sanctuaries offer a closer look at Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. Many sanctuaries provide educational tours, where kids can learn about the animals’ natural habitats and efforts to preserve them.

Tamarindo Skate Park

For something a bit more urban, head to the Tamarindo Skate Park, a fun spot where older kids can show off their skateboarding skills and maybe even make some new friends.

Teenagers: Adventure-Fueled Days & Unforgettable Experiences

With a passion for exploration, a desire for more independence, and a taste for thrills, Tamarindo promises plenty to keep your teens engaged.

Advanced Surfing & Stand-Up Paddleboarding 

Teenagers can dive deeper into the surf or switch things up with SUP, where they can ride Tamarindo’s waves and paddle along the coast. Local guides offer personalized lessons for teens eager to advance, providing the confidence and skill they need to tackle Tamarindo’s famous breaks.

Scuba Diving Adventures

For teens who love exploring beneath the waves, shallow-water scuba diving tours introduce them to Tamarindo’s stunning underwater world, from colorful reefs to schools of tropical fish. It’s an unforgettable experience for adventurous young travelers looking to explore Costa Rica’s depths.

Mountain Biking in Tamarindo’s Landscape

Guided mountain biking tours let teens test their endurance on trails that wind through Tamarindo’s diverse terrain, from forested paths to ocean views. It’s a challenging and scenic way to explore Tamarindo beyond the beaches, and can even be a tech-friendly pursuit, as e-bike tours are also available.

Sunset Catamaran Cruises

A sunset catamaran tour is the perfect way to cap off a day in Tamarindo. Teens can snorkel, swim, or simply relax on deck as the sun sinks below the horizon, casting the Pacific in golden hues. As we mentioned above, these tours are a favorite family activity in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, and adding the sunset element really levels up the adventure into teen territory.

Bottom line: Whether you’re here to enjoy soft sands with your toddler or to catch waves with your teen, there are things to do in Tamarindo for everyone in the family. With a mix of gentle nature experiences and exhilarating outdoor pursuits, our sandy Costa Rican fishing town is where family memories are made.

Plan a Luxury Vacation & Things to Do in Tamarindo for Families

Hi, we’re Kate, Sam, and Erin – three industry leaders with over 20 years of combined experience in Costa Rica luxury villas and memorable travel experiences. 

We invite you to experience Costa Rica as it was meant to be with VistaNova – an exclusive, white-glove villa experience where every moment is curated to elevate your journey. At VistaNova, we redefine luxury travel with an approach that balances exceptional service, unparalleled amenities, and authentic, local insight to ensure you feel fully embraced by Costa Rican beauty and hospitality.

Imagine your own private villa, seamlessly orchestrated to cater to every detail, from pre-arrival planning to personalized in-stay services. Indulge in daily breakfasts, curated itineraries, beach-ready essentials, and even the option for private chefs and unique experience bundles. Whether you're here to unwind or explore, our small team of local experts is committed to making every aspect of your stay effortlessly extraordinary.

This isn’t just a vacation; it’s an invitation to unwind, discover, and savor Costa Rica’s splendor with the VistaNova touch. Welcome to a luxury stay beyond the ordinary – welcome to VistaNova.