La Fortuna, Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in Central America for families—especially if you love a mix of adventure, nature, wildlife, volcano views, and luxurious relaxation. Whether you’re traveling with curious toddlers, energetic school-age kids, or adventure-seeking teens, La Fortuna offers something unforgettable for every age.
We recently visited with our kids, and this region instantly became one of our favorite family travel destinations. From hanging bridges and hot springs to ziplines, wildlife encounters, and off-the-beaten-path adventures, here are the absolute best things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica with kids—plus tips to plan a smooth, kid-friendly, luxury experience. If you're planning a longer trip to the region, you may want to start with our 7-day Northern Costa Rica luxury family itinerary, which includes La Fortuna and Guanacaste.
La Fortuna checks all the boxes for families:
Whether your family prefers relaxed nature walks or heart-pounding zipline adventures, La Fortuna lets you choose your pace.
There’s something about seeing the jungle from above that shifts your entire perspective. In La Fortuna—home to the iconic Arenal Volcano and some of the most vibrant rainforests in Costa Rica—the hanging bridges aren’t just a hike. Walking through the rainforest canopy is one of the most iconic experiences in La Fortuna. For everything you need to know about planning this experience, see our full guide to the Arenal Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna, including trail tips and best times to visit.
Why families love it:
Best for ages: 4+ (but doable with adventurous younger kids)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Go in the morning for the best chance at spotting wildlife. Hiring a guide increases your chance of seeing sloths, monkeys, toucans, and tiny tree frogs.
Ziplining was our kids’ FAVORITE activity in La Fortuna (and probably all of Costa Rica) — and surprisingly, one of the safest and most organized things we did.
What makes it great for families:
Some zipline parks also include Tarzan swings, sky trams, or obstacle courses. If you’re deciding which zipline is right for your family, our best ziplines in La Fortuna for kids guide compares difficulty levels, ages, and safety features.
Best for ages: 6+ (varies by tour, plus heights can be intimidating for the less adventurous little ones)
Choose a zipline park with a private guide or small-group experience for a smoother, less crowded adventure.
There’s something almost surreal about slipping into a natural hot spring, steam rising around you as the rainforest whispers nearby. In La Fortuna, this magic is part of everyday life—thanks to the geothermal heart heated naturally by the Arenal Volcano.
But not all hot springs are created equal — especially for kids. Some are party-oriented; some have quiet luxury pools perfect for families. Our visit to the springs was certainly a family favorite and a stop you don't want to miss!
We compare all the top options in our detailed guide to the best hot springs in La Fortuna for families, including luxury day passes and quieter pools for younger kids.
We have an entire blog post for you on the different springs. Check out the link at the bottom of this page for more details!
It begins with the hush of twilight settling over the trees. One moment, the rainforest is bathed in golden light; the next, it’s alive with shadows and sounds. As the heat of the day fades, a new world awakens in the jungle. This is not the rainforest you see in postcards—it’s the one you feel with your whole being. And it’s absolutely electric. Night hikes feel magical for kids and adults alike.
Expect to see:
Best for ages: 6+
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
For an in-depth look at what you’ll see and how to prepare, read our La Fortuna night hike guide, including tips for choosing the right tour.
Chasing waterfalls in La Fortuna, Costa Rica with kids is one of those rare experiences that feels both wild and deeply grounding. The roar of La Fortuna Waterfall, the cool mist rising from jungle cliffs, and the surreal turquoise glow of Río Celeste create moments that stop your family in their tracks.
These family-friendly waterfalls blend gentle adventure with breathtaking beauty—where your kids’ eyes widen, your camera can’t keep up, and everyone feels connected to Costa Rica’s raw, natural magic.
Go early to avoid crowds in photos.
Few things captivate kids like the wildlife in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Step into an eco-park or wildlife rescue center, and suddenly the rainforest becomes intimate and alive—sloths blinking from branches, toucans flashing color overhead, tiny red-eyed frogs clinging to leaves like jewels. These family-friendly wildlife experiences transform curiosity into awe, making them some of the most unforgettable things to do in La Fortuna with kids. It’s nature at its most magical, and your family gets a front-row seat.
All ages — even toddlers love this.
Go early in the morning. Costa Rican wildlife is far more active before the heat sets in. If your family loves wildlife, don’t miss our guide to off-the-beaten-path adventures in La Fortuna, where we share quieter spots for sightings.
If you're looking for one of the most joyful family activities in La Fortuna, a chocolate tour is pure delight. The warm smell of roasted cacao, the feel of beans grinding between your hands, and the first taste of freshly made chocolate turn learning into laughter. These kid-friendly chocolate and coffee tours offer a delicious peek into Costa Rican culture—and watching your children light up as they create their own chocolate is a memory you’ll savor long after your trip.
Good for all ages, even very young children.
t Some of the best family hikes in La Fortuna are the simplest ones—gentle trails where the rainforest opens to reveal dramatic views of Arenal Volcano. Warm air, birdsong, and lush jungle surround your family as you explore paths perfect for curious kids and relaxed travelers. These easy volcano-view hikes offer spectacular scenery without the intensity, making them ideal for families who love adventure with a luxurious, slow-travel pace.
30 minutes–2 hours depending on trail choice.
Go just after sunrise or before sunset for the clearest views of Arenal Volcano. For detailed trail descriptions and difficulty ratings, read our guide to Mirador El Silencio and easy hikes in La Fortuna.
For families craving unique experiences, the best off-the-beaten-path things to do in La Fortuna feel like discovering Costa Rica’s secrets one moment at a time. Maybe it’s a hidden hot spring tucked deep in the forest, a private farm where your kids feed animals, or a tiny jungle village where a guide points out a sloth camouflaged high above the road. These authentic, less-touristed family adventures offer quiet magic and connection—the kind of memories your family will talk about long after your Costa Rica trip ends.
Ask your hotel concierge for locally run experiences—luxury hotels often know the most exclusive, uncrowded spots.
Staying in La Fortuna’s best luxury family resorts feels like waking up inside the rainforest itself. Picture stepping onto your balcony to see Arenal Volcano emerging from the morning mist, or soaking in warm thermal pools while tropical birds flit overhead. These luxury family-friendly hotels in Costa Rica blend comfort with wild beauty, creating experiences that feel as memorable as any adventure outside the resort. For families, it’s the perfect balance of exploration and indulgence.
Costa Rica's hot springs are a must-experience. There’s something grounding about soaking in volcanic warmth, surrounded by lush greenery and the hum of the rainforest.
Soar above the treetops, feel the wind in your face, and see the rainforest like never before—why zip lining in Costa Rica is pure jungle magic, even for those that might not actively seek more adrenaline in their lives.
This was one of our favorite activities in Costa Rica. It's just so much fun to surround yourself with the buzz of the rainforest at dusk and discover the most fascinating nocturnal creatures with your flashlight in the dark!
Hike La Fortuna off the beaten path at Mirador El Silencio, a rugged trail offering wildlife, jungle scenery, and some of the most stunning Arenal Volcano views in Costa Rica.
There’s something about seeing the jungle from above that shifts your entire perspective. Discover this patch of vibrant rainforest in La Fortuna.
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