Latin America · Best Dec–Apr
Arenal and Manuel Antonio packing list for families
This classic Costa Rica route mixes a rainy volcano region with a hot Pacific beach town and its famous national park. Packing for both means rain layers, real shoes, and plenty of swim gear.
Photo by Daniel Ingersoll on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Arenal & Manuel Antonio
- Manuel Antonio National Park sells tickets online only, sells out ahead in busy weeks, and is closed on Tuesdays. I book tickets and a guide with a spotting scope early, since kids see far more animals that way.
- The drive between Arenal and Manuel Antonio takes around four hours on winding roads. Pack motion sickness help and plan a lunch stop to break it up.
- Arenal Volcano is often wrapped in clouds by midday, so I plan hanging bridges and volcano views for early morning. Afternoons are perfect for the hot springs.
Best timeDec–Apr
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyCosta Rican colón (US dollars widely accepted)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Arenal & Manuel Antonio
This time of year
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Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable rain jacketKristina's pickArenal gets rain in every season.
Shoes6
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Closed-toe trail shoesNeeded for ziplines, bridges, and muddy trails.
Water shoesFor rivers, waterfalls, and rocky beaches.
Beach & pool12
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Adventure1
Bug spray
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Motion sickness bandsThe mountain roads are long and curvy.
Documents & tech17
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Waterproof phone pouchFor hot springs, rafting, and sudden downpours.
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the kids
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Arenal & Manuel Antonio weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 89°F 32°C | Dry season on the Pacific coast; Arenal is drier than usual but still sees showers | A second humpback season, with whales arriving from the north Holiday weeks, when hotels and park tickets sell out early |
| February | 90°F 32°C | Dry season on the Pacific coast; Arenal is drier than usual but still sees showers | A second humpback season, with whales arriving from the north Often the clearest weeks for full views of Arenal Volcano |
| March | 91°F 33°C | Dry season on the Pacific coast; Arenal is drier than usual but still sees showers | A second humpback season, with whales arriving from the north Often the clearest weeks for full views of Arenal Volcano |
| April | 91°F 33°C | Dry season on the Pacific coast; Arenal is drier than usual but still sees showers | Often the clearest weeks for full views of Arenal Volcano |
| May | 89°F 32°C | Green season begins, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain, often a drier spell in July | |
| June | 88°F 31°C | Green season begins, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain, often a drier spell in July | |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Green season begins, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain, often a drier spell in July | The veranillo, a drier break mid-green season with lower rates |
| August | 88°F 31°C | Green season begins, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain, often a drier spell in July | Humpback whales from the south visit the Pacific coast near Manuel Antonio |
| September | 87°F 31°C | Wettest months at Manuel Antonio, with heavy afternoon storms | Humpback whales from the south visit the Pacific coast near Manuel Antonio |
| October | 86°F 30°C | Wettest months at Manuel Antonio, with heavy afternoon storms | Humpback whales from the south visit the Pacific coast near Manuel Antonio |
| November | 87°F 31°C | Wettest months at Manuel Antonio, with heavy afternoon storms | |
| December | 88°F 31°C | Dry season on the Pacific coast; Arenal is drier than usual but still sees showers | A second humpback season, with whales arriving from the north Holiday weeks, when hotels and park tickets sell out early |
Questions families ask
Arenal & Manuel Antonio with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Arenal & Manuel Antonio with kids?
The best time is Dec–Apr. Dry season on the Pacific coast; Arenal is drier than usual but still sees showers
What's the weather like in Arenal & Manuel Antonio?
Typical daytime highs range from about 86°F (30°C) in October to about 91°F (33°C) in March. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Arenal & Manuel Antonio?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Arenal & Manuel Antonio?
None. Arenal & Manuel Antonio uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Arenal & Manuel Antonio with kids?
Manuel Antonio National Park sells tickets online only, sells out ahead in busy weeks, and is closed on Tuesdays. I book tickets and a guide with a spotting scope early, since kids see far more animals that way.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.