We know Green Season in Costa Rica sounds like a blast, but with the Green Season comes the rain, and what can you do in paradise when it’s raining? Fom May to November, rain doesn’t have to dampen your family’s vacation plans. In fact, rainy days can provide unique opportunities for exploration and fun. Here’s our Budget Adventurer’s guide to the best rainy day activities for families in Costa Rica, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable trip regardless of the weather.
1. Explore Museums and Cultural Centers
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (National Museum of Costa Rica)
- Location: San José
- Highlights: Learn about Costa Rica’s rich history and culture through exhibits on pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial history, and modern-day Costa Rica. The museum is housed in a historic fortress, adding to its charm.
Children’s Museum (Museo de los Niños)
- Location: San José
- Highlights: A fantastic place for kids, this interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits on science, technology, and the arts. It’s a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Museo de Jade (Jade Museum)
- Location: San José
- Highlights: This museum showcases an impressive collection of jade artifacts from the pre-Columbian era. Kids will enjoy the vibrant colors and intricate designs of the jade pieces.
2. Visit Indoor Play Centers
Play City
- Location: Escazú
- Highlights: An indoor amusement park featuring arcade games, bowling, and soft play areas. It’s a perfect spot for kids to burn off energy while staying dry.
Jump Center
- Location: Curridabat
- Highlights: A trampoline park where kids can jump, flip, and play in a safe, supervised environment. It’s great for physical activity and fun.
Playland Park
- Location: Heredia
- Highlights: An indoor entertainment center with rides, games, and attractions suitable for children of all ages.
3. Discover Costa Rica’s Coffee Culture
Britt Coffee Tour
- Location: Heredia
- Highlights: Take a tour of the Britt Coffee Plantation and learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. The tour includes tastings and a chance to buy some of Costa Rica’s finest coffee.
Don Juan Coffee Tour
- Location: Monteverde
- Highlights: This family-friendly tour provides insight into the traditional methods of coffee production. Kids will enjoy learning about how coffee is grown and harvested.
4. Enjoy Costa Rican Cuisine
Cooking Classes
- Location: Various locations
- Highlights: Enroll in a family-friendly cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto, ceviche, and tortillas. It’s a delicious way to spend a rainy day.
Local Restaurants
- Recommendations: Try sodas (local eateries) for an authentic taste of Costa Rican cuisine. Popular dishes include casado (a traditional meal with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and meat), arroz con pollo, and fresh seafood.
5. Visit Wildlife Rescues and Butterfly Gardens
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center
- Location: Alajuela
- Highlights: This rescue center rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife. Kids can see animals up close and learn about conservation efforts.
Monteverde Butterfly Gardens
- Location: Monteverde
- Highlights: A delightful indoor activity where families can observe various butterfly species in a controlled environment. The educational tours are informative and engaging.
Arenal Eco Zoo
- Location: El Castillo, near Arenal Volcano
- Highlights: Home to reptiles, amphibians, and insects, this small zoo offers guided tours that are both educational and fascinating for kids.
6. Relax in Hot Springs
Tabacón Hot Springs
- Location: La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano
- Highlights: Soak in the natural hot springs surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The warm waters are perfect for relaxation, and the setting is beautiful even in the rain.
Baldi Hot Springs
- Location: La Fortuna
- Highlights: With multiple pools of varying temperatures, water slides, and beautiful landscaping, Baldi Hot Springs is a family-friendly destination.
7. Take a Chocolate Tour
Rainforest Chocolate Tour
- Location: La Fortuna
- Highlights: Learn about the history and production of chocolate in Costa Rica. The tour includes hands-on activities like making your own chocolate, which kids will love.
Talamanca Chocolate Tour
- Location: Puerto Viejo
- Highlights: This tour offers an immersive experience into the world of organic chocolate production, highlighting the cultural significance of cacao in Costa Rica.
8. Explore Art and Craft Studios
Souvenir Shopping
- Location: Various locations
- Highlights: Visit local markets and shops to purchase handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. Kids will enjoy picking out unique items to remember their trip.
Art Studios
- Recommendations: Check out local art galleries and studios, such as the Galería Namu in San José, which features indigenous art and crafts.
9. Indoor Adventure Parks
Adventure Park & Hotel Vista Golfo
- Location: Puntarenas
- Highlights: While primarily an outdoor adventure park, it offers covered zip-lining tours suitable even in light rain. The canopy tours provide an exciting experience regardless of the weather.
Sky Adventures Arenal Park
- Location: La Fortuna
- Highlights: Features indoor activities like the Sky Tram, which offers panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal even on rainy days.
10. Attend Local Workshops and Classes
Pottery Workshops
- Location: Sarchí
- Highlights: Sarchí is famous for its beautifully painted oxcarts and handicrafts. Many workshops offer hands-on pottery classes where kids can create their own souvenirs.
Dance Classes
- Recommendations: Enroll in a traditional dance class to learn salsa, merengue, or cumbia. It’s a fun way for families to immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture.
Additional Tips for Enjoying Rainy Days in Costa Rica
- Pack Accordingly: Bring lightweight rain jackets, waterproof shoes, and quick-dry clothing to stay comfortable.
- Embrace the Weather: Rain can add a unique and beautiful dimension to your Costa Rican experience. Waterfalls are fuller, the rainforest is vibrant, and wildlife is often more active.
- Stay Flexible: Be open to changing plans. Costa Rica offers a wealth of indoor activities that can be just as rewarding as outdoor adventures.
With these rainy day activities, your family can enjoy a fun and memorable vacation in Costa Rica, no matter what the weather brings. After all, we’ve got to learn how to dance in the rain!
Remember to check our guide for the best rental option according to your plans and needs here.
