La Fortuna Night Hike With Kids: Into the Jungle After Dark

 As the sun disappears, the rainforest transforms into an entirely different ecosystem. Animals that hid all day suddenly emerge, and the forest becomes a stage for creatures that thrive in the dark.

You’re likely to glimpse red-eyed tree frogs clinging to leaves, delicate glass frogs glowing in the beam of your flashlight, and tiny neon poison dart frogs hopping between roots and moss. Owls may watch silently from tree branches, lizards sleep curled up on leaves, and armadillos shuffle softly through the undergrowth. Even snakes—beautifully camouflaged in branches—are sometimes spotted resting or gliding between vines.

And with a bit of luck, you may even catch sight of a sloth moving slowly under the cover of darkness - we did just a few feet away! Seeing these animals in their natural habitat, completely undisturbed, is the kind of quiet thrill families remember long after the trip is over.

 Night hikes in La Fortuna are intentionally slow-paced and immersive. Guided by a trained naturalist, you move carefully through dim forest trails, pausing often to listen, observe, and let your eyes adjust to the shifting shadows.

The experience feels both peaceful and exhilarating. You might stop to examine a glowing insect on a leaf or wait quietly as your guide scans the canopy for movement. The jungle becomes a classroom, and every tiny discovery—especially for kids—feels like uncovering a secret. These tours are designed to be safe and accessible for families, with guides who know exactly how to keep children engaged, curious, and comfortable.

 Anura is a small, locally run frog sanctuary with a huge heart. The owner has spent years restoring this pocket of land into a thriving haven for nocturnal creatures.

It’s one of the best places to reliably see:

• red-eyed tree frogs
• glass frogs
• tiny poison dart frogs
• insects and night birds
   

Our kids loved this spot. Every frog discovery was a victory, and walking through the sanctuary surrounded by croaks and chirps felt magical. The night we visited, we even saw a sloth just a few feet away—a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Perfect for: families, young kids, beginner night hikes
Vibe: safe, close-up, educational

Set near the Arenal Volcano, Arenal Eco Oasis is a boutique wildlife refuge with diverse habitats—gardens, rainforest, and spring-fed ponds.

This is one of the best places to spot:

• red-eyed tree frogs 
• blue jeans dart frogs
• green-and-black dart frogs
• stick insects
• colorful tree crickets
   

The area is thoughtfully curated, so while you’re not trekking deep into the wild, you get incredibly close wildlife encounters in a safe, family-friendly environment.

Perfect for: families who want guaranteed frog sightings
Vibe: educational, intimate, photogenic

If you want something a bit more adventurous, exploring the famous Mistico Hanging Bridges at night is unforgettable.

Imagine walking suspended above the rainforest the darkness wrapping around you, the forest echoing with sounds and stars peeking through breaks in the canopy. Wildlife sightings include insects, bats, and occasionally sloths, though frog sightings are fewer here since it’s not a managed habitat.

Perfect for: adventurous families, older kids, photographers
Vibe: atmospheric, dramatic, immersive

TIP: If you want to experience Mistico in daylight too, don’t miss our guide to Costa Rica's most famous hanging bridges!

El Silencio is the most rugged option—a private preserve with wild, untamed trails. No paved paths, no curated experience. Just real rainforest. At night, it becomes even more thrilling. Every sound is amplified. Every shadow feels alive.

Wildlife is unpredictable—you might see a dozen creatures or only a few. But the rawness of the experience makes this one of the most authentic night hikes in La Fortuna.

Perfect for: nature lovers, adventurous families, teens
Vibe: raw, wild, unpredictable

Booking ahead is a smart move—especially in the dry season, when tours fill quickly. Here are the official links for the most popular night hikes in La Fortuna: 

• Anura Frog Sanctuary – Official Site
•  Arenal Eco Oasis – Official Site
• Mistico Night Hike & Hanging Bridges Night Tour - Official Website 
• El Mirador del Silencio – Tour Page 

These pages give you the most reliable details on timing, pricing, and availability. If you’re building a full Costa Rica itinerary, here’s how we fit this night hike into our 7-day Northern Costa Rica family trip.

• Flashlight (if you have one, otherwise all operator supply sufficient lighting)
• Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots
• Lightweight long pants + sleeves
• Insect repellent
• Quiet voices and a sense of adventure
   

Optional but helpful:

• Camera with macro mode
• Water bottle

How long is a typical night hike? 

1.5–2.5 hours, depending on the location.

What’s the best age for kids? 

Most tours welcome ages 4+, though 6+ is ideal for full engagement.

What time do tours start? 

Typically between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM—right as animals become active.

Can you see sloths at night? 

Yes, though not guaranteed. We spotted one just feet away at Anura.

Are night hikes only for frog lovers?

No! You may see birds, insects, mammals, snakes, and more.

A night hike in La Fortuna feels otherworldly—quiet, electric, mysterious, and alive.

It’s one of the rare experiences that families remember long after the trip is over:
the glow of frog eyes, the symphony of nighttime sounds, the thrill of stepping into the rainforest after dark.

Whether you choose a frog sanctuary, wildlife refuge, rugged preserve, or the misty hanging bridges, this is one adventure your family will never forget.