🌴 Soaring Through the Canopy: The Best Zip Line Tour in La Fortuna Costa Rica

We zipped near the Arenal Volcano—one of the most scenic and kid-friendly places in the world to try it. The cables stretch between ancient trees and across deep canyons, rivers, and untouched rainforest. Everywhere you look, the forest pulses with life: howler monkeys calling in the distance, flashes of tropical birds, the scent of orchids drifting through the air.

Whether you're here for adventure, family bonding, or to witness Costa Rica’s raw beauty from above, ziplining checks every box.  This makes it a perfect addition to any family itinerary—especially if you’re following a route like the 7-day Northern Costa Rica family itinerary. 

This guide breaks down exactly which zipline parks are best for kids, what parents need to know about safety, and how to choose the perfect experience for your family.

 La Fortuna is made for ziplining. The dramatic landscape surrounding Arenal Volcano creates natural elevation, deep canyons, and sweeping canopy views—ideal for exciting yet family-friendly routes.

Parents love La Fortuna because:

• The region is extremely safety-focused
• Courses are professionally designed and maintained
• Many parks allow tandem rides for younger children 
• There are options for both cautious first-timers and fearless adventurers

The best part? The adventure feels wild—yet the setups are polished and trustworthy.

Most La Fortuna zipline parks welcome kids as young as 4–6 years old, depending on the course. 

Many offer:

• Tandem rides with a certified guide
• Automatic braking systems (a must for younger kids)
• Shorter, scenic lines perfect for beginners 
• Harnesses sized for children
   

Typical requirements:

• Minimum age: 4–7 years
• Weight limits: ~40–300 lbs
• Tandem options: Available at many parks
• Brake type: Automatic is best for kids
   

If this is your child’s first zipline experience, choose a park known for gentler lines and guide-assisted options. Also, be ready that your smaller, less adventurous ones might decide the zip line cables are too high for them after all.

 7:00 AM — Hotel pickup
8:00 AM — Gear fitting + safety briefing
8:30–10:00 AM — Ziplining adventure
10:15 AM — Smoothie + photos
11:00 AM — Optional add-on: Arenal Hanging Bridges or wildlife tour

For complete day-by-day planning, see our 7-day Northern Costa Rica itinerary.

Ziplining is pretty straight forward, but there are a few things you don't want to forget at your hotel. We always pack

• Closed-toe shoes 
• Lightweight activewear
• Hair ties for long hair  
• Rain jacket (weather can change fast)
• Sunscreen & bug spray 
• Water + small snacks

Tip: Book morning tours—afternoon rain is common.

 At the end of the day, ziplining in La Fortuna isn’t just another vacation activity—it’s one of those rare experiences that becomes part of your family’s story. It’s the laughter echoing through the trees, the wide-eyed “I did it!” moments, the unexpected calm that settles in when you’re suspended above the canopy with nothing but green in every direction. It’s the kind of adventure your kids will talk about long after the trip is over, the memory they bring up at dinner months later, the one they’ll ask to do again before you’ve even touched the ground. In a world that moves fast, this (ironically very thrill filled activity) is a chance to pause, breathe, and feel something unforgettable together. And that alone makes it worth every second.

For more rainforest magic, continue with our La Fortuna Night Hike Guide or explore the best activities in La Fortuna for families.