Parque Metropolitano La Sabana
Rating
Family of 4
USD 0
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Parque Metropolitano La Sabana is the green heart of San José — a sprawling 72-hectare urban park that Costa Rican families have been gathering in for generations. Free to enter and open every day from 5am to 5pm, La Sabana is the city's most beloved public space and an essential stop for any family visiting the capital.
The park has something for every age. Toddlers discover the playgrounds and open grass fields. Older kids join pickup soccer games or bike the perimeter path.
Teens and parents can explore the lake, watch competitive sports at the world-class National Stadium, or step inside the Costa Rican Art Museum (MADC), which is free and located within the park grounds. Ducks and birds around the central lake add to the sensory experience for little ones.
Come in the morning — the park is most alive between 6am and 10am when joggers, dog walkers, families, and food cart vendors fill the paths. By midday the tropical sun can be intense, and afternoon rains are predictable. Weekends bring the most energy, with food carts selling everything from elotes (corn on the cob) to coconut water.
With nearly 20,000 Google reviews and a 4. 5 rating, La Sabana is universally loved — and with good reason.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Kid Meals
true
Setting
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (5-10am) when it's cool and energetic; avoid midday heat and afternoon rains
Wait Times
No wait
Nearby Food
Food vendors operate inside the park on weekends. Avenida Escazú and surrounding neighborhoods have restaurants within a 10-minute drive.
Why Kids Love It
La Sabana is San José's backyard — a massive green park where kids can run wild, play on playgrounds, watch soccer matches at the National Stadium, and feed ducks at the lake.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The park opens at 5am — morning runs with kids or family bike rides on the perimeter path are a local tradition.
- Weekend mornings are the most vibrant with food carts, pickup soccer, and families everywhere.
- The Costa Rican Art Museum (MADC) is free to enter and located inside the park — add it to your visit.
What to Bring
- Water bottles and snacks for a picnic
- Soccer ball or frisbee for the open fields
- Sunscreen and hats — limited shade in open areas
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 0
Tips to Save
- Completely free to enter.
- Food vendors and snack carts operate inside the park on weekends.
- Bring your own water and a picnic blanket for the best experience.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday
- 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
