Traveling to La Fortuna with kids is one of the best ways to experience Costa Rica as a family. With wildlife, waterfalls, hanging bridges, hot springs, easy nature walks, chocolate tours, and incredible views of Arenal Volcano, there are activities for almost every age.
I’m a local from the La Fortuna area, and in this guide I’ll share some of the best things to do in La Fortuna with kids, along with practical tips to help you plan a fun and stress-free family vacation.
Is La Fortuna Good for Families?
Absolutely. La Fortuna is one of the best family destinations in Costa Rica.
One of the biggest advantages is variety. You can spend the morning looking for sloths and monkeys, cool off at a waterfall in the afternoon, and finish the day relaxing in hot springs.
Many attractions are also located relatively close to town, so you don’t have to spend hours in the car every day — something parents traveling with young children will definitely appreciate.
Here are some of my favorite family activities in La Fortuna with kids.
1. Look for Sloths at Bogarín Trail
If seeing a sloth is on your kids’ Costa Rica wish list, Bogarín Trail is one of the easiest places to start.
Located very close to downtown La Fortuna, this relatively short nature trail is known for sloths, colorful frogs, birds, lizards, and other wildlife.
Going with a guide is highly recommended. Wildlife can be surprisingly difficult to spot, and guides normally carry spotting scopes that allow children to see animals high in the trees.
Great for: All ages
Time needed: Around 1.5–2 hours
Local tip: Morning is usually a great time for wildlife watching.
2. Walk Through the Rainforest on Hanging Bridges
Walking above the rainforest is one of those experiences kids tend to remember.
The hanging bridge parks around Arenal combine forest trails with suspension bridges and opportunities to see monkeys, birds, snakes, frogs, and other wildlife.
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges is one of the best-known options and offers spectacular views of the rainforest and Arenal Volcano when the weather is clear.
Families with smaller children should keep in mind that the complete trail involves a fair amount of walking, so bring comfortable shoes, water, and rain protection.
Great for: La Fortuna with kids.
Time needed: Around 2–3 hours
3. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the area’s most famous natural attractions — and for good reason.
The waterfall drops approximately 70 meters into a beautiful rainforest canyon.
Getting there involves descending hundreds of steps, which means you’ll also have to climb them on the way back. For active families this is usually part of the adventure, but parents with very young children should take this into consideration.
There are areas where swimming may be possible depending on conditions, but always follow the instructions provided at the site.
Great for: La Fortuna with kids.
Time needed: Around 2 hours
Bring: Water, swimsuit, quick-dry clothes and shoes with good traction.
4. Relax in the Hot Springs
After hiking and exploring, few things feel better than soaking in naturally heated thermal water.
La Fortuna has several hot spring resorts, ranging from luxurious properties to smaller and more affordable options.
For families staying near downtown, Kenko Hot Springs is a convenient option located only about 600 meters from the center of La Fortuna, making it especially easy when traveling with children.
Other popular family options around the area include Los Lagos, Baldi, The Springs, and Tabacón.
Some resorts offer day passes, allowing your family to enjoy the thermal pools without staying overnight.
Great for: Almost every age
Local tip: Hot springs are perfect for the afternoon or evening after an active morning.
5. Take a Chocolate Tour
This might be one of the easiest activities to convince kids to do.
A Costa Rican chocolate tour teaches families how cacao goes from a tropical fruit to the chocolate we all know — usually with some tasting involved along the way.
It’s interactive, educational, and gives children an opportunity to learn about Costa Rican agriculture and history without feeling like they’re sitting through a lesson.
Several cacao and chocolate experiences are available around La Fortuna.
We recomment North Fields Coffee and Chocolate Tour.
Great for: All ages
Time needed: Usually around 1.5–2 hours
6. Search for Frogs at Night
When the sun goes down, the rainforest changes completely.
Night walks give families the opportunity to search for red-eyed tree frogs, insects, sleeping birds, reptiles, and other nocturnal wildlife.
For kids interested in animals, this can easily become one of the highlights of the trip.
A guided tour is the best option, both for spotting wildlife and understanding what you’re seeing.
We recomment Arenal Oasis
Great for: Curious kids and wildlife lovers
Local tip: Bring closed shoes and lightweight rain protection.
7. Visit Arenal Volcano
You can’t come to La Fortuna without spending some time around Arenal Volcano.
Several trails and viewpoints around the volcano allow families to explore old lava fields, rainforest, and regenerating forest while enjoying spectacular views.
Places such as Arenal 1968 and Mirador El Silencio are popular options.
The volcano isn’t always visible — clouds can move in quickly — so if you wake up and see Arenal completely clear, take advantage of it!
Great for: Active families
Time needed: Around 2–3 hours depending on the trail
8. Go on a Safari Float
For families who want to see wildlife without a strenuous hike, a safari float is an excellent choice.
These relaxing river trips take you slowly through the forest while guides search the trees and riverbanks for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles, bats, and tropical birds.
The Peñas Blancas River is one of the popular areas for this type of experience near La Fortuna.
Because the pace is generally much calmer than rafting, it’s a good option for families with children.
I recommend the Peñas Blancas Safari Float with Jacamar Naturalist Tours, especially for families who want to see wildlife without a long or difficult hike. The slow pace of the river makes it a relaxing way for kids to experience the rainforest and look for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, bats, and tropical birds.
Great for: Families looking for an easy wildlife experience
9. Enjoy an Easy Family Day in Downtown La Fortuna
Not every day needs to be packed with tours.
Spend some time walking around downtown La Fortuna, visit the central park, grab an ice cream, explore local shops, and enjoy the view of Arenal Volcano when the clouds cooperate.
There are plenty of restaurants in town, so it’s also an easy place to have a relaxed lunch or dinner without committing to another excursion.
Sometimes these slower moments become some of the best memories of a family trip.
10. Take a Family Photo with Arenal Volcano
After traveling all the way to Costa Rica together, La Fortuna is an incredible place to create a family memory.
Arenal Volcano, tropical rainforest, rivers, open fields, and waterfalls provide beautiful natural backgrounds for family photography.
As a local photographer in La Fortuna, I know several locations where families can get beautiful photographs without turning the experience into a long, formal photo shoot — especially important when younger children are involved.
My approach is relaxed and natural, mixing candid moments with a few classic family portraits.
If you’d like to document your family’s time in Costa Rica, you can learn more about my La Fortuna family photography sessions here.
How Many Days Should Families Spend in La Fortuna?
For most families, I recommend 3 to 4 full days in La Fortuna.
That gives you enough time to experience the area without trying to squeeze multiple major activities into every day.
A simple family itinerary could look like this:
Day 1: Arrive, explore downtown and enjoy the hot springs.
Day 2: Hanging bridges in the morning and a chocolate tour in the afternoon.
Day 3: Bogarín Trail and La Fortuna Waterfall.
Day 4: Safari float, Arenal Volcano hike, or another activity based on your children’s ages and interests.
The key is not overplanning. Costa Rica is much more enjoyable when you leave some room for weather changes, wildlife sightings, and spontaneous stops.
What Should You Pack for La Fortuna with Kids?
La Fortuna is tropical, warm, humid, and rainy at different times throughout the year.
For families, I recommend bringing:
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Sandals
- Swimsuits
- Lightweight rain jackets or ponchos
- Refillable water bottles
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Small backpack
- Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
- An extra set of clothes for younger children
Don’t worry too much if the forecast shows rain every day. Weather around Arenal can change very quickly, and rain is part of what keeps this area so green and beautiful.
Do You Need a Rental Car in La Fortuna?
A rental car is convenient for families, especially if you’re staying outside downtown and plan to visit several attractions independently.
However, it isn’t absolutely necessary.
Many tour companies provide transportation, and taxis and private transfers are widely available around La Fortuna.
If you’re traveling with small children, always confirm car-seat requirements and availability before booking transportation.
When Is the Best Time to Visit La Fortuna with Kids?
La Fortuna can be visited throughout the year.
The drier months generally make outdoor activities easier, but the greener months have their own advantages: lush rainforest, powerful waterfalls, and beautiful tropical scenery.
Even during rainy periods, mornings can be clear and beautiful.
My biggest recommendation is simple: don’t plan your entire vacation around a weather app.
Weather around Arenal Volcano is extremely localized and can change quickly.
Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting with Kids?
Definitely.
La Fortuna gives families a combination that’s difficult to find in one destination: wildlife, adventure, volcanoes, rainforest, waterfalls, hot springs, and educational experiences — all within a relatively compact area.
Whether your children are excited about seeing their first sloth, walking across a hanging bridge, swimming near a waterfall, tasting Costa Rican chocolate, or simply watching Arenal Volcano appear from behind the clouds, there is something here for them.
And don’t feel like you have to do everything.
Pick a few experiences your family will genuinely enjoy, leave some free time between adventures, and enjoy being in one of the most beautiful parts of Costa Rica.
Looking for More Things to Do in La Fortuna?
I’ve also created a complete local guide with more ideas, attractions, and recommendations for your trip:
13 Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica – A Local’s Guide
And if you’d like professional photos of your family during your stay, you can also explore my La Fortuna photography sessions and create a memory you can take home from Costa Rica.