Best Things to Do in Nosara with Kids

Nosara sits on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's five Blue Zones where people live measurably longer, healthier lives. It's a place where howler monkeys serve as the morning alarm clock, the ocean is always warm, and the pace of life makes you wonder why you ever rushed through anything.

For families, it's quietly ideal. The beaches are long and forgiving, the community is welcoming, and there's just enough to do without ever feeling like a tourist attraction. Here's what we recommend.

1. Surf Lessons at Playa Guiones

Guiones is one of the best beginner surf beaches in Central America. The sandy bottom, consistent whitewater, and gentle slope make it ideal for kids as young as five or six. Several local surf schools offer family-friendly group and private lessons, typically 90 minutes. Most kids are standing up by the end of day one.

Tip: Book a morning lesson. The wind is calmer, the tide is often better, and you'll have the rest of the day to explore.

Boy riding a surfboard in the whitewater waves — Most kids are standing up by the end of day one — Guiones is that forgiving.

2. Playa Pelada at Low Tide

Pelada is Nosara's quieter, more intimate beach. At low tide, the rocky tide pools fill with small fish, crabs, sea urchins, and the occasional octopus. Kids can spend hours exploring the tide pools. There's a small waterfall at the north end of the beach that's fun to find, and the sunsets here are legendary.

Playa Pelada is also the closest beach to Kembar Nosara, about a 12-minute walk or 4-minute drive.

Kid playing in the ocean waves at Playa Pelada in Nosara — Splashing around in front of La Luna, Playa Pelada — this is what a Nosara childhood looks like.

3. Breakfast at La Luna

Right on the sand at Playa Pelada sits La Luna, one of Nosara's most beloved restaurants. It's the kind of place where you walk up barefoot, the jungle spills over the rooftop, and the kids can run around while you wait for your food. We always recommend starting with the Tico breakfast — gallo pinto, eggs, plantains, and fresh fruit. It's simple, filling, and exactly what you want before a morning at the beach.

La Luna restaurant exterior with string lights and outdoor seating at Playa Pelada, Nosara — La Luna at Playa Pelada — come barefoot, stay for breakfast, let the kids run on the sand.

4. Zip Lining Through the Jungle Canopy

Several operators run zip line tours through the jungle near Nosara. Most have minimum age and weight requirements (usually age 5+ or 40+ lbs), but for older kids, it's an unforgettable experience. The Miss Sky Canopy Tour is a popular option with stunning views over the forest and river below.

5. Horseback Riding on the Beach

Riding horses along the beach at sunset is one of those Nosara experiences that sticks with you. Several ranches offer guided rides for families, including options for younger kids on gentle lead horses. Most rides last about 90 minutes and include jungle trails and beach stretches.

Horseback riders on a palm-lined beach in Nosara, Costa Rica — Horseback riding through the palms at Playa Pelada — a highlight for kids of all ages.

6. Visit the Wildlife Sanctuaries

Nosara is home to some remarkable wildlife organizations. The Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary rehabilitates injured and orphaned animals — especially howler monkeys hurt by power line electrocutions — and reintroduces them to the jungle. Kids can take guided educational tours to learn about conservation and see the animals up close. International Animal Rescue (IAR) Costa Rica also operates nearby with a 24-hour wildlife emergency hotline and has treated over 107 species at their rescue center.

Two howler monkeys resting on a branch in the jungle canopy — Howler monkeys are an everyday part of life in Nosara — and local sanctuaries help protect them.

The Ostional Wildlife Refuge is a short drive north and is famous for its mass sea turtle nesting events (the "arribada"), which happen roughly once a month from July through December. Watching hundreds of thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to nest is one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles on Earth — and it's unforgettable for kids.

7. Just... Hang Out by the Pool

Sometimes the best family day is the one where nobody has anywhere to be. At Kembar, the shared pool sits between the two homes, surrounded by jungle on all sides. Kids can splash and play while parents read in the shade. The bunk rooms in each home give kids their own space, and the full kitchens mean you don't have to eat out for every meal.

Private pool surrounded by tropical jungle with wooden lounge chairs at Kembar Nosara — The pool at Kembar — tucked into the jungle, steps from your door.

Many of our guests with kids tell us they spent more time at the property than they expected to. That's by design.

8. The Sunsets Are Surreal

This isn't really an activity — it's more of a nightly ritual. Nosara sunsets are the kind that make everyone stop what they're doing and just watch. The sky goes through every shade of orange, pink, and purple, and because the coast faces west, you get the full show almost every evening. Grab the kids, walk down to the beach, and just be there. It's one of those things they'll remember long after the trip is over.

Two kids walking on the beach at sunset in Nosara — Evening walks on the beach — when the sky puts on a show and the kids finally slow down.

Practical Tips for Families in Nosara

Rent a car or golf cart. Nosara is spread out and not very walkable beyond the immediate beach area. A 4x4 is recommended, especially in green season when the roads can be muddy.
Bring mineral sunscreen. The sun here is intense. Hats, rashguards, and ocean-friendly mineral sunscreen are essential.
Stock up on groceries early. Nosara has a few small grocery stores, but selection is limited. For a bigger shop, stop at Rinde Mas on your way in from the airport, or ask our concierge team to pre-stock the kitchen before you arrive.
Plan for downtime. The best family vacations have plenty of unstructured time. Build in pool days, slow mornings, and early bedtimes. The kids will be tired from the sun and surf.
Book direct and save. When you book Kembar directly through our website, you skip the Airbnb service fees and get personal concierge support from our local team.

Family watching the sunset together from the rocks on the coast of Nosara — The best family moments in Nosara happen when nobody's in a rush.

Ready to Plan Your Family Trip?

Kembar Nosara sleeps up to 12 guests across two mirrored homes with a shared private pool. It's perfectly set up for families or multi-family trips. Check availability and rates on our booking page, or reach out on WhatsApp with any questions.