Best free things to do with kids and families Tamarindo

8 Best Free (or almost free) Things to Do with Kids in Tamarindo

free family activities Tamarindo

Congratulations – you’ve successfully planned a family vacation to Costa Rica! Your tickets are purchased, your tours are booked and your bags are packed. But…maybe you’ve spent a bit more money than you would have liked.

It’s OK. It happens.

Luckily, there are plenty of free (or almost free) things to do in with kids in Tamarindo that are super fun and family friendly! Here are 8 of RPM’s favorite inexpensive things to do for families with kids in Tamarindo.

Boogie Boarding

Boogie boarding (or beginner surfing) the calm waves in front of Hotel Capitan Suizo is one of the best, almost-free activities in Tamarindo. You can rent a boogie board for $10 per half-day (or $15 for a full day) practically anywhere in town – just walk around and you’ll find somewhere (Iguana Surf, Kelly’s Surf Shop, Witches Rock Surf Camp to name a few). Surf boards typically rent for about $25 per day (you’ll probably need to leave a credit card at the shop as a guarantee that you’ll bring it back!).

Mini Golf & La Baula Pizza

Bolas Locas Mini Golf in Tamarindo is perfect for some fun, inexpensive family entertainment. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, La Baula pizzeria is practically right next door – with a great swing set and play area where the kids can run around while they wait for dinner. In high season, fire dancers put on a show at the restaurant just after dark. On your way home, hit up the Italian gelato place right around the corner (or the new one in nearby Plaza Conchal) for a mini golf-dinner-ice cream trifecta.

Playa Tamarindo/Playa Grande Estuary

free things to do with kids in Tamarindo

Walk to the north end of Tamarindo beach (near Panga’s Restaurant) and hop on one of the little boats that ferry people from one side of the estuary to the other. This is a really fun 2-minute boat ride that takes you to Playa Grande, where you can swim, explore and walk around. Sometimes you’ll even see mangrove birds and animals you might see on a paid kayak/estuary tour. It only costs $1 per person each way – Tamarindo doesn’t get much cheaper than that!

Jaime Peligro Books

Jaime Peligro Bookstore is a great place to go and read childrens books! It’s right next to Cafe Tico, arguably the best cafe in town, so parents can grab a latte while the kids entertain themselves via reading.

Monkey N’ Croc Toy Store

This fun little toy store is in the same plaza as the Sunrise condominiums. Admittedly, this venture could quickly turn into a not-so-inexpensive activity depending on how good your kids are at suckering you into buying them toys; but you’re sure to have a good time there!

Tamarindo Farmer’s Market

This lively little market happens every Saturday morning from 8am to 1pm. Local food vendors and artisans gather together to sell handmade products at the little square near the Pescador beach entrance.

Langosta Estuary

The estuary in Langosta is super fun to cross at low tide with a picnic lunch. The other side is completely devoid of development until you hit Hacienda Pinilla on the far end. Just be sure to pay attention to the tide or you might have to swim back. The water rises quickly! Click here to see tide charts by month.

Bonfires at Witches Rock Surf Camp

On the weekends (especially during high season), Witches Rock Surf Camp usually makes a bonfire on the beach in front of the surf camp. They normally happen on Saturdays and Sundays starting at about 5pm, so you can watch the sunset and then stay on into the night. Kids love bonfires!

Best free things to do with kids and families Tamarindo

Credits:

Blog by: Genna Marie

All Photos by: Genna Marie of Tamarindo Family Photos

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Wonderful Costa Rica Condo

Nigel
5star rating
June 10, 2019
Two weeks in this unit 2A was just great very well equipped, only thing missing was a BBQ, tastefully decorated, all equipment worked perfectly, excellent AC too!We'd book this unit again in a minute

Beautiful condo

Emily
5star rating
February 12, 2016
This condo was so gorgeous. We really enjoyed staying there. Plenty of space for the two families sharing a condo, and the kids (and adults) loved the pool and easy access to beach!

Exceptional property in an exceptional location

Jeffrey
5star rating
March 6, 2014
This property met all our expectations, and the company was responsive to our concerns which were few. Great location with great views, infinity pool. The level of finish, the furnishings, kitchen, etc were high quality, with every expectation of ...

Perfect Conco

Sarah
5star rating
August 9, 2019
We rented both the upstairs and downstairs unit and this was absolutely perfect for our party of 7. The unit is spacious, well decorated and very clean. The location to shops, restaurants and grocery stores is right outside your door. Highly recom...

Wonderful Family Vacation

Pam
5star rating
December 21, 2015
Fantastic location . Amazing pool. Great staff at RPM . However, when you rent a condo here you cannot use any of the facilities of the Diria Hotel, except for the beach access. My granddaughters were not even allowed to use the bathroom on the wa...

Fabulous, wonderful, beautiful, stunning and other superlatives!

Linda
4star rating
March 9, 2014
Our vacation in Tamarindo at the Matapolo 603 was simply fantastic! The view is breathtaking and we especially enjoyed coffee every morning on the balcony. Having access to the pool and the resort was great. Loved the location and convenience to t...

nice location and nice house

Jean
4star rating
May 25, 2021
We could have given 5 stars if maintenance wasn't so mediocre: BBQ with a gas leak and unusable, main sink tapped, visitor bathroom tapped, no hot water on second floor,... management company didn't respond swiftly in spite of phone call and messa...

Wonderful vscation

Linda
5star rating
March 13, 2022
We had a great time at this rental. We loved being just outside of tamarindo. It was quick and easy to go into town, but quieter outside of town. We saw monkeys every morning and walked the beach. The beach was beautiful and very private. The hous...

Amazing house and service!

Isabelle Bergeron
5star rating
March 31, 2023
If ever you’re questioning if RPM is a legit agency, look no further! They are the real deal and their service was impeccable. We did have some issues with the house at certain points, but they had people answer fast and come help up ASAP. We felt...

Awesome

Jaffeth
5star rating
October 21, 2020
Always good, the support got fast our home if we have any issue, the house got everything we need. The only thing is the street that was a challenge every time we went out, but definitely we will be back, we love it.

Great stay overall

Carla
4star rating
September 6, 2015
The house is beautiful and the pool and view are amazing! We enjoyed it so very very much! We spent several days just up at the house making the most of our time there. Definitely worth the price and I would stay there again. Only negative was...


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Awesome Location In Tamarindo

Brian
5star rating
November 27, 2019
The unit was beautiful and centrally located in Tamarindo. Walking distance from restaurants, bars and shops. The property was also beautiful.

Tamarindo paradise

Julie
5star rating
February 5, 2018
What a fantastic location. Centered in the beautiful town of Tamarindo. Spectacular views, beautiful pool, topped off with a comfortable luxury amenities. A couple of the beds need to be replaced. Would recommend full and a twin if two beds ar...

First trip to Tamarindo, not the last

Gary
5star rating
November 8, 2021
Wonderful villa with exquisite views and pool

Perfect

Jordi
4star rating
July 30, 2016
Spacious, comfortable, calm and near all accomodations and beaches... Just perfect

Great Condo!

Jerod
5star rating
January 7, 2022
We had an amazing time in Costa Rica. Our boys enjoyed the bunk beds! Great locations and great amenities! Thank you for helping make our stay amazing!

Fantastic Beach Rental with Access to Resort

Jessica
5star rating
April 16, 2014
Fantastic location, walk to the beach, access to Diria resort, and overall amentities. Highly recommend.

GREAT VACATION!

Maria
5star rating
November 28, 2017
SPECTACULAR!

Great View

Robert
4star rating
May 5, 2019
Third visit to CR...best condo yet. In the middle of town...walk to everything.

Picturesque View – Great Location – Unforgettable Experience

Doug
5star rating
June 14, 2021
The view from the balcony and the master bedroom is unbelievably beautiful. The condo was spacious and laid out well. I've stayed in 5* hotels that weren't as nice as this condo. And, Lola and Josef (RPM property management) were great at provi...

A very pleasant stay

Diana
5star rating
January 3, 2022
We had a great time in this beautiful place. The condo is very comfortable with all the necessary amenities and appliances. Its location is convenient as it is close to the beach and in a safe place.

Well appointed condo

Aubrey
5star rating
January 22, 2020
The owner of this condo has outfitted it with everything you need to cook and have this unit be the gathering point of your family vacation. We were a group of 14 staying in 4 units but this is the one where we could gather and cook and eat. It is...

Stunning!

Hannah
5star rating
August 17, 2022
The house is stunning. The location is stunning. And anything that we needed was taken care of promptly and with Grace.

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