Yes, we are talking about Summer Vacation. It’s not too early to plan, especially when you have kids. In Costa Rica, the school holidays feel long, hot and full of possibility – but most parents still have to work, run businesses and keep daily life on track. With a little planning, you can turn those weeks into a mix of adventure, routine and real family time from the Central Valley to the coasts.
How can I balance work and my kids’ summer holidays in Costa Rica?
You can balance work and school holidays by treating summer like a project with a clear weekly plan.
Start by looking at your work calendar and the school holiday dates, then block in the “fixed” times: meetings, deadlines, client visits, and any travel. After that, add your children’s main activities first – camps, classes, visits to grandparents – so you can see where the gaps are.
A simple approach is to:
- Choose “focus hours”: Pick two or three daily work blocks when you’ll be hard to disturb.
- Use early mornings: Cooler hours are perfect for concentrated work before the house wakes up.
- Batch errands: Do supermarket runs, pharmacy visits and bill payments on one or two set days.
- Protect family time: Mark one or two afternoons or evenings a week as non-negotiable “family time”.
What types of summer camps can I find around Costa Rica?
You can find a wide range of summer camps in Costa Rica, from language and sports to nature and arts.
In and around San José you’ll see academic refreshers, robotics, dance and theatre camps. On the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, surf schools, ocean-safety programmes, marine life workshops and adventure camps are common. In the Central Valley and mountain areas, there are nature and farm experiences where children learn about animals, coffee, cacao and local crops.
When choosing a camp, always:
- Check safety and supervision: Ask about ratios, first-aid training and emergency plans.
- Visit the space: Look at shade, bathrooms, security and how children move around.
- Talk to other parents: Ask in school chats, local groups or WhatsApp communities.
- Match the child, not the trend: A quiet reader may prefer art or science over surf and zip-lines.
Can I create a “home summer camp” with friends?
Yes, you can create a home-based mini camp by teaming up with other families and hiring a teacher or monitor.
Many teachers and university students in Costa Rica look for extra work during holidays. If you have space at home or in a shared condo rancho, you can invite a small group of children and create a private “camp”.
Think about:
- Group size: Four to eight children is usually enough to feel fun but still manageable.
- Themes: Alternate days – “Science Monday”, “Beach Tuesday”, “Cooking Wednesday”, “Art Thursday”.
- Rates and hours: Agree a fair hourly or daily rate and clear start/finish times.
- Ground rules: Screen time, snacks, swimming and pick-up rules should be written and shared.
How do I keep kids from spending all summer on screens?
You can limit screens by setting clear rules and giving children strong offline alternatives.
Decide in advance when screens are allowed (for example, two short sessions per day) and stick to it. Then fill the rest of the day with simple, realistic options that work in Costa Rica’s climate.
Offline ideas that work well here include:
- Sport classes: Swimming, surf, football, volleyball, taekwondo, dance or skate lessons.
- Creative workshops: Ceramics, painting, recycled art, theatre, music or photography.
- Kitchen time: Let kids help make gallo pinto, fruit smoothies, banana bread or empanadas.
- Reading corner: Create a cosy spot with books in Spanish and English; include comics and magazines.
- Summer journal: Encourage them to write or draw one page a day about what they did or felt.
- Mini science experiments: Volcano models, seed germination jars, bug observation in the garden.
- “Travel” days: Pick a country, cook a recipe, find it on the map and learn a few words.
What low-cost adventures can we enjoy across Costa Rica?
You can enjoy unforgettable summer experiences in Costa Rica without spending a fortune.
Short, local outings can feel like real holidays to children, especially when you name them and build a little ritual around them.
Try ideas like:
- Beach mornings: Arrive early, bring a simple picnic and leave before the strongest sun.
- River and waterfall walks: Look for safe spots with shallow pools for younger children.
- City discovery days: Visit museums in San José, stroll through parks and hunt for street art.
- Farm visits: Many small fincas offer tours, fruit picking or chances to see cows being milked.
- Night nature walks: Guided walks to spot frogs, insects and stars (with reputable guides).
How can I organise my own routine so summer feels calmer?
You can stay sane during the holidays by planning your week on Sunday and simplifying everyday tasks.
Take 20–30 minutes each Sunday to sketch the week: work blocks, kids’ activities, meals and rest time. This makes last-minute stress far less likely.
Helpful habits include:
- Starting work 30–60 minutes earlier on key days.
- Booking client calls and online meetings while children are in camp or classes.
- Doing a “big shop” for 10–14 days’ basics to avoid daily supermarket runs.
- Cooking double portions so you always have a second meal or something for the freezer.
- Keeping your own exercise on the calendar – early runs, yoga at home or beach walks with the kids.
- Planning at least one relaxed “nothing fancy” evening a week: board games, popcorn, films or stargazing.
Summer in Costa Rica doesn’t have to feel like a battle between work and family. With a bit of structure, a few chosen activities and plenty of simple pleasures, your children can enjoy their freedom and you can still protect your business, your energy and your peace of mind.
