Costa Rica Adventures for Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide to Exciting Activities in La Fortuna
Curated By
Alexandra Duhl
Curator’s statement
Welcome to Costa Rica Adventures for Kids, your ultimate guide to family-friendly fun in this tropical paradise! Packed with exciting activities, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences, Costa Rica offers endless opportunities for families to create lasting memories together. Whether you're ziplining through lush rainforests, splashing in sparkling waterfalls or spotting wildlife in national parks, there's something here to delight adventurers of all ages. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery, exploration and pure joy as you explore the wonders of Costa Rica with your little ones by your side.
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Things to do in Costa Rica
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Activities:
Ziplining at Arenal Ecoglide Park: The guides here were amazing with our kids aged 3-6! We all had so much fun and would definitely recommend this supplier if in La Fortuna Area!
La Fortuna Waterfall: One of our favorite activities with the kids! Even after nearly 500 steps down (and back up!), we had an incredible time swimming at the waterfall. La Fortuna Waterfall cascades dramatically from a height of 75 meters (246 feet) into a picturesque pool below, surrounded by lush rainforest.
Sloth Tour: Our guide Jason at Bogarin Trail was so patient with our toddlers who wanted to check out all the wildlife at, well, a sloth's pace. We took in the sights of two and three-toed sloths, poison-dart frogs, toucans, ants, lizards and more!
Chocolate & Coffee Tour: Our tour with Don Olivio let us explore a family-run farm & get a real taste of Costa Rica. We sampled everything from cacao chocolate, sugar cane, to tropical fruit & rum!
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges: This guided tour was really interesting and we got to test our fear of heights while viewing many different animals & waterfalls. We were greeted at the very end with a howler monkey - a highlight of the trip. I would highly recommend a soft carrier for small kids!
Hiking at Arenal Volcano National Park: The lava trail just past the entrance gate was around a 2-mile round trip & got us great views of the volcano & also Lake Arenal!
Places to eat & drink in Costa Rica
Piura Restaurante & Terraza: A Peruvian twist to Costa Rican food. Everyone loved their dishes (favorites were ceviche & scallops) and they made fun smoothies for the kids!
Sloffee Coffee La Fortuna: Who doesn't need a nice, iced latte pick-me-up when traveling with kids?
Voodoo Bar & Cocktails: A great place for a pre-dinner drink. This is also in a "food-hall" atmosphere, so would be a great place for a casual bite to eat!
The Corner Restaurant: A great lunch spot with wood-fired pizza! Bonus: A kids play area!
Sura Bar & Bistro: Located at Volcano Lodge & Springs, this restaurant has one of our very favorite dinners. Try the Seafood Bisque, trust me!
Restaurant Nene's: Recommended by our guide at Bogarin Trail, this place had incredible ceviche & we loved the traditional Costa Rican rice & chicken.
Need to know
Traveling with kids is always an adventure & Costa Rica was no different. We had an incredible time & hope you do too!
Travel Advisor
Alexandra Duhl
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Costa Rica. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Family Adventures in Joshua Tree: A Kid-Friendly Weekend Exploration Guide.