Is it safe to drink the tap water?

Yes, in most tourist areas, the tap water is safe to drink. If you are going to remote rural areas, bring a filtered water bottle.

Should I exchange money for Colones?

Don't bother. US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere in tourist zones, though you will get change back in Colones.

Planning a 2-Week Costa Rica Family Adventure

Focus on three distinct regions to minimize travel time and maximize family engagement. Stick to a route that combines the rainforest, a volcano, and the Pacific coast to keep transit under 4 hours per leg.

Select three base locations. Pick one mountain/volcano base (La Fortuna), one cloud forest base (Monteverde), and one beach base (Manuel Antonio or Samara). Don't try to see the entire country in 14 days.
Book private shuttles between regions. Public buses are cheap but unreliable for families. Book 'shared' or 'private' tourist shuttles through providers like Interbus or Tropical Tours to save hours and avoid navigating complex routes.
Schedule activities for the morning. It rains almost daily in the afternoons, especially in the rainforest. Plan your ziplining, hiking, or wildlife tours for 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Rent a 4x4 if driving. If you rent a car, ensure it is a 4x4. Many roads outside the main highways are unpaved, steep, and prone to washouts. Do not rely solely on Google Maps; use Waze, which is more accurate for Costa Rican road conditions.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: Yes, in most tourist areas, the tap water is safe to drink. If you are going to remote rural areas, bring a filtered water bottle.
Should I exchange money for Colones?: Don't bother. US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere in tourist zones, though you will get change back in Colones.