Best Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids: 12 Family-Friendly Attractions

If you're visiting Costa Rica with kids, there's a good chance La Fortuna will be the highlight of your trip.

Before we visited, I kept seeing photos of volcanoes, waterfalls, hanging bridges and hot springs, but I wondered whether it would actually work for a family holiday. Would there be enough to do for children? Would it be too much walking? And how many activities could you realistically fit into a few days?

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids?

If you're short on time, these are the activities I'd prioritise:

1. Mistico Hanging Bridges – rainforest canopy walk and wildlife spotting (our favourite) → Check tickets

2. La Fortuna Waterfall – swimming and one of Costa Rica's most iconic sights → Check tickets

3. Stay in a Hot Spring Hotel – perfect after a free hot springs and easy exploring → View Hotel Los Lagos

4. Sloth Tour – easiest way to see wildlife up close → Check tours

5. Zip Lining – best for children 6+ and teens → Compare tours

We visited La Fortuna with our 7-year-old son Joshua over the August summer holidays and found it one of the easiest places in Costa Rica to build a family itinerary. Most activities are within a 15–30 minute drive of each other, making it simple to combine wildlife, waterfalls, hot springs and adventure without spending your holiday in the car.

Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences and hotels we'd genuinely use again as a family.

Why La Fortuna Is One of the Best Places in Costa Rica for Families

If I had to recommend one place in Costa Rica for families, it would probably be La Fortuna.

What makes it so special is the variety. Within a short drive you can walk through the rainforest canopy at Mistico Hanging Bridges, swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, spot sloths and wildlife, relax in hot springs and enjoy views of Arenal Volcano.

It's also one of the easiest parts of Costa Rica to explore with kids because most attractions are within 15–30 minutes of town, meaning you spend more time enjoying activities and less time sitting in the car.

For us, La Fortuna felt like the Costa Rica we'd imagined before travelling. The combination of rainforest, wildlife, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes created experiences that felt completely different from a typical family holiday and quickly became the highlight of our trip.

The Best Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids

1. Mistico Hanging Bridges

This was one of the main reasons we wanted to visit La Fortuna, and it completely lived up to expectations.

Mistico Hanging Bridges is a series of rainforest trails and suspension bridges that take you high into the forest canopy, giving you a completely different perspective of the jungle. Rather than simply walking through the rainforest, you're often walking above it, with incredible views across the trees and towards Arenal Volcano on a clear day.

The walk itself was much easier than we expected. Joshua was 7 when we visited and had no problem completing the route. The bridges feel adventurous without being scary, and the well-maintained trails make it suitable for most school-aged children. If your kids enjoy nature, wildlife and a little adventure, I think this is one of the best family activities in Costa Rica.

For us, Mistico wasn't just one of the best things to do in La Fortuna—it was one of the highlights of our entire Costa Rica trip.

Thinking of adding Mistico to your itinerary? We found it offered some of the best value of any activity in La Fortuna and would happily do it again. View current ticket prices and booking options here.

For a deeper review of this experience, including what wildlife we saw, whether it's suitable for children, how difficult the walk really is and whether you need a guide, see Mistico Hanging Bridges with Kids: Is It Worth It for Families?

2. La Fortuna Waterfall

If you're looking for one experience that combines rainforest, swimming and incredible scenery, this is probably it.

La Fortuna Waterfall is one of Costa Rica's most iconic sights and quickly became one of our favourite activities in La Fortuna. Reaching the bottom involves walking down around 500 steps, but the waterfall itself is well worth the effort. Standing at the base looking up at the cascade surrounded by rainforest feels like the Costa Rica most families imagine before they visit.

What Joshua loved most was the opportunity to swim. The swimming area is beside the falls rather than directly underneath them, but it still feels like a real adventure. Parents should be mindful of water levels and stronger currents after heavy rain, but on the right day it's a fantastic place to cool down after the walk.

For a detailed review covering the steps, swimming, safety, what to pack and whether it's suitable for children, see La Fortuna Waterfall with Kids

Thinking of visiting? La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the best-value activities we did in Costa Rica and an easy addition to most family itineraries. Check the latest ticket prices and visitor information here.

3. Stay in A Hot Springs Hotel

If I had to choose one thing families shouldn't miss in La Fortuna, it would be staying somewhere with hot springs.

After busy mornings exploring waterfalls, rainforest trails and hanging bridges, being able to return to warm pools, waterslides and volcano views made a huge difference to our trip. It gave us a chance to slow down and turned our hotel into an attraction in its own right rather than just somewhere to sleep.

We stayed at Hotel Los Lagos, which includes multiple hot springs, swimming pools, slides and incredible views of Arenal Volcano. In fact, the hot springs became one of Joshua's favourite parts of the entire holiday. He still talks about the waterslides and pineapple mocktails from the swim-up bar, while we loved relaxing in the warm water after a day of exploring.

If you're deciding where to stay, I'd strongly recommend considering a hotel with hot springs included. For us, it was one of the things that made La Fortuna feel so special.

For a detailed review of our stay, including the pools, hot springs, rooms, food and whether it's worth the money, see Hotel Los Lagos La Fortuna Review

Thinking of staying here? You can check the latest Los Lagos prices and availability here and compare it with other family-friendly hot springs hotels in La Fortuna.

4. Arenal Volcano

Even if you don't book a dedicated volcano tour, Arenal Volcano becomes part of your La Fortuna experience.

We had incredible views of the volcano from Hotel Los Lagos, so we never felt the need to dedicate a full day to it. In fact, some of our favourite views came from the hotel hot springs and pool areas rather than a specific excursion.

That said, if you'd like to get closer, Arenal Volcano National Park offers walking trails, viewpoints and guided nature tours that make an excellent half-day activity. It's a great way to learn more about the area's volcanic history while experiencing Costa Rica's rainforest environment.

Want to get closer to the volcano? You can compare Arenal Volcano tours, hiking experiences and guided walks here to find the best option for your family and activity level.

5. Sloth and Wildlife Tours

If seeing wildlife is one of the main reasons you're visiting Costa Rica, I'd seriously consider booking a dedicated wildlife or sloth tour.

While we spotted plenty of birds, frogs and lizards during our trip, wildlife can be surprisingly difficult to spot on your own. Guides know exactly where to look and often carry spotting scopes that allow you to see animals you would otherwise walk straight past.

These tours are particularly good for families with younger children who may not want a long walk but still want the excitement of seeing sloths, monkeys, toucans and other wildlife in their natural habitat. If your children are animal lovers, this is probably the easiest way to guarantee some memorable wildlife encounters.

Want the best chance of seeing sloths and monkeys? You can compare wildlife and sloth tour options here.

6. Zip Lining

If your kids enjoy adventure, zip lining is one of the most exciting activities available in La Fortuna.

The area is home to several zip-line parks offering everything from beginner-friendly family courses to huge canopy adventures through the rainforest. Many tours have minimum age or height requirements, so it's worth checking these before booking.

This is probably best suited to older children, teenagers and parents who like a bit of adrenaline. If soaring above the rainforest canopy sounds appealing, La Fortuna is one of the best places in Costa Rica to do it.

Ready for an adrenaline rush? You can compare family-friendly zip-lining tours and age requirements here.

7. Chocolate and Coffee Tours

If you're looking for something a little different from waterfalls, hiking and adventure activities, a chocolate and coffee tour can be a great addition to your La Fortuna itinerary.

These tours are surprisingly family-friendly because they're interactive rather than classroom-style educational experiences. Children can learn how chocolate is made, see cocoa plants growing, and of course enjoy plenty of chocolate tasting along the way. Coffee tends to be more interesting for parents and older children, but many tours combine both experiences so there's something for everyone.

They're also a good option if you've had a few busy days exploring and want a more relaxed activity while still learning about Costa Rican culture and agriculture. Younger children tend to love the chocolate side, while older children often enjoy seeing how coffee and chocolate go from plant to product.

Travelling with a chocolate-loving child? You can compare coffee and chocolate tour experiences here.

Best Things to Do in La Fortuna with Older Kids and Teenagers

If you're travelling with older children or teenagers, La Fortuna becomes even more exciting.

While younger kids will love the wildlife, hot springs and waterfalls, older children can take advantage of some of the more adventurous activities the area is famous for. Experiences such as white water rafting, horse riding, canyoning and river tubing add a real adrenaline element to the trip and make La Fortuna feel more like an adventure holiday than a traditional family getaway.

The best part is that you can easily mix these bigger activities with the more relaxed experiences such as Mistico Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and the hot springs, creating an itinerary that keeps everyone happy. For families with older children who enjoy being outdoors and trying new things, La Fortuna is one of the best places in Costa Rica to add a little adventure to your trip.

8. White Water Tubing Tour

If your kids love water and adventure, white water tubing is a fantastic alternative to rafting.

Rather than sitting in a raft, each person rides their own inflatable tube through the rapids of the Arenal River, navigating twists, turns and splashes along the way. It looks a little less intimidating than white water rafting but still delivers plenty of excitement and is often a big hit with older children and teenagers.

Many tours also include an introduction to Costa Rica's indigenous Maleku culture, adding something a little different alongside the adventure. The rapids themselves are fun rather than extreme, making this a good choice for families who want an adrenaline-filled experience without committing to a full rafting trip.

This is probably best suited to confident swimmers and children over 10 years who enjoy getting wet, active and a little muddy.

Looking for one of the most exciting family adventures in La Fortuna? You can check the latest white water tubing tours, age requirements and prices here.

9. White Water Rafting

If your family enjoys adventure, white water rafting is one of the most exciting experiences available around La Fortuna.

Don't worry though – not all rafting trips are extreme. There are family-friendly routes suitable for beginners and older children, as well as more challenging rapids for teenagers and confident adventurers. It's a completely different way to experience Costa Rica's rainforest scenery and wildlife, with some trips combining river sections with opportunities to spot animals along the banks.

This is probably best suited to active families with older children who enjoy a bit of adrenaline and don't mind getting wet.

Fancy swapping the trails for the river? You can compare family-friendly rafting trips and age requirements here.

10. Horse Riding

Horse riding offers a slower and more relaxed way to explore the countryside around La Fortuna.

Many tours take you through farmland, rainforest and volcanic landscapes, often with fantastic views of Arenal Volcano along the way. For children who love animals, this can be just as exciting as some of the more adventurous activities.

It's also a good option if you're looking for something outdoorsy that doesn't involve lots of walking. Many tours cater for beginners, making them suitable even if nobody in the family has ridden before.

Looking for a scenic family activity? You can compare horse riding tours around Arenal Volcano here.

11. Night Walks

This was one activity we didn't manage to fit into our itinerary, but it's regularly recommended as one of the best wildlife experiences in La Fortuna.

Costa Rica's rainforest changes completely after dark. Frogs, insects, reptiles and many other creatures become active, giving families a chance to see a side of the jungle they would completely miss during the day.

This experience is particularly good for children who enjoy animals and wildlife. Many tours are relatively short and slow-paced, with guides helping spot creatures you would never notice on your own.

Want to see Costa Rica's rainforest after dark? You can compare family-friendly night walks and wildlife tours here.

12. Canyoning and Rappelling

If you're travelling with adventurous teenagers, this is probably one of the most exciting activities available in La Fortuna.

Rather than simply looking at waterfalls, you'll actually descend alongside them using ropes and harnesses. Expect wet clothes, big thrills and plenty of adrenaline.

This isn't something I'd recommend for every family, but for older children and teenagers looking for a memorable adventure, it's one of the most unique experiences available in the area.

While we didn't do this ourselves, it's one of the activities that consistently appears on lists of the best adventure tours in La Fortuna.

Looking for the ultimate Costa Rica adventure? You can compare canyoning and waterfall rappelling tours here.

Free and Cheap Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids

La Fortuna doesn't have to be expensive. While activities such as Mistico Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall were highlights for us, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the area without booking a tour every day.

One of the most popular free attractions is the El Chollin Hot Springs River, where naturally heated volcanic water flows through the forest. Families can swim and relax in the warm water completely free of charge, making it a great alternative to paying for a hot springs day pass.

Another simple activity is driving to one of the many Arenal Volcano viewpoints around La Fortuna. Some of our favourite volcano views actually came from our hotel rather than an organised tour, and on clear mornings the volcano dominates the landscape.

Wildlife spotting can also be free. We regularly saw birds, lizards and other wildlife around our hotel, and even simple walks around the gardens at Hotel Los Lagos often turned into mini wildlife hunts for Joshua.

Finally, don't underestimate the value of choosing the right hotel. We stayed at Hotel Los Lagos, which included hot springs, waterslides, pools and volcano views, meaning we had plenty to do on days when we weren't visiting paid attractions. Some afternoons were spent entirely at the hotel and ended up being just as memorable as our excursions.

What Are the Best Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids During Rainy Season?

We visited La Fortuna in August, which falls during Costa Rica's rainy season, and honestly, the weather affected our trip far less than we'd expected.

In fact, some activities arguably felt even better because of the rain. Mistico Hanging Bridges was one of our highlights, with the rainforest covered in mist and the sounds of birds, insects and wildlife all around us. The tree canopy provided plenty of cover, so even when it rained we still enjoyed the experience. It felt much more like exploring a real rainforest than it would have on a completely dry day.

The other activity that's perfect during rainy season is staying in a hot springs hotel. We stayed at Hotel Los Lagos, and being able to return from a morning of exploring and relax in the hot springs while looking out towards Arenal Volcano was one of our favourite parts of the trip. Light rain actually made the experience feel even more atmospheric.

La Fortuna Waterfall is also worth visiting during rainy season, although this is the one activity most likely to be affected by weather. When we first visited, swimming was closed because water levels were too high after heavy rain. Fortunately, we simply returned the next day and enjoyed sunshine and calmer conditions. That's a good reminder that flexibility is important when visiting Costa Rica during the summer holidays.

If I were choosing the best family activities for rainy season, I'd prioritise:

• Mistico Hanging Bridges

• Hot springs hotels such as Los Lagos

• La Fortuna Waterfall

• Sloth and wildlife tours

• Chocolate tours for a wet-weather alternative

The key is to start early. We found mornings were often sunny or dry, while rain was more likely to appear later in the day. For more on what the weather was actually like during our trip, see Costa Rica in August with Kids: Is Rainy Season Worth It for Families?.

How Many Days Do You Need in La Fortuna?

For most families, I'd recommend 2–3 nights.

You could see the main highlights in two days, but I think three days gives you a much better balance of activities and downtime.

A typical stay might look something like:

• Day 1: Mistico Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and hot springs

• Day 2: Wildlife tour or Zip lining

• Day 3: One additional activity, a chocolate tour or simply more time enjoying your hotel

Personally, I think three days is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to experience the rainforest, waterfalls and wildlife without feeling like you're rushing from one attraction to the next.

If you're planning your route, see 3 Days in La Fortuna with Kids: Family Itinerary

Tips for Visiting La Fortuna with Kids

A few things made a big difference to our trip.

Start activities early whenever possible. Not only is wildlife more active in the morning, but the weather is often better too, particularly during rainy season.

Always pack swimwear, even on days when you're not specifically planning to swim. Between hot springs, hotel pools and waterfalls, you'll find plenty of opportunities to use it.

Most importantly, don't try to do everything. There are enough activities here to fill an entire week, but we found focusing on a few memorable experiences worked much better than trying to tick every attraction off a list.

We intentionally prioritised experiences like Mistico Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall over some of the wildlife tours because they suited our family better.

Final Thoughts: Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting with Kids?

Absolutely.

For us, La Fortuna wasn't just one of the best places in Costa Rica for families—it was the part that felt most distinctly Costa Rican.

Between the rainforest, waterfalls, volcano views, hot springs and wildlife, it offered experiences we simply couldn't have had anywhere else. One morning we were crossing hanging bridges high above the forest floor, and that afternoon we were sitting in hot springs looking at Arenal Volcano.

What makes La Fortuna work so well is the balance. There is enough adventure to keep children excited, but enough relaxation that it still feels like a holiday.

If you're visiting Costa Rica with kids, I genuinely think La Fortuna deserves a place on your itinerary. It was our favourite part of the trip and, judging by how often Joshua still talks about the hot springs, waterfalls and rainforest adventures, I think he'd say exactly the same.

FAQs: Best Things to Do in La Fortuna with Kids

Is La Fortuna worth visiting with kids?

Yes. In fact, if you're only visiting one inland destination in Costa Rica, I'd make it La Fortuna. The combination of waterfalls, wildlife, hot springs, volcano views and family-friendly adventure activities makes it one of the best places in the country for families. For a full breakdown of why we loved it, see Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting with Kids?

What is the best thing to do in La Fortuna with kids?

If I could only choose one activity, I'd recommend Mistico Hanging Bridges. Walking through the rainforest canopy, spotting wildlife and crossing the suspension bridges felt like the Costa Rica experience we'd imagined before travelling.

For our full review, see Mistico Hanging Bridges with Kids

How many days should families spend in La Fortuna?

For most families, I'd recommend 2–3 nights. That gives you enough time to visit Mistico Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, enjoy the hot springs and add a wildlife or adventure tour without feeling rushed.

For a suggested route, see 3 Days in La Fortuna with Kids: Family Itinerary

What age is best for visiting La Fortuna with kids?

La Fortuna is great for all ages, but I think it really comes into its own with children aged 6 and above. School-aged kids get much more from the waterfalls, wildlife experiences, hanging bridges and adventure activities. Joshua was 7 when we visited and it felt like the perfect age.

What are the best things to do in La Fortuna with kids during rainy season?

Some activities work particularly well during Costa Rica's rainy season. Our favourites were Mistico Hanging Bridges, where the rainforest felt even more atmospheric in the mist, and the hot springs at Hotel Los Lagos, which are perfect after a wet morning exploring. La Fortuna Waterfall is also fantastic, although water levels can occasionally affect swimming after heavy rain.

If you're visiting during the school holidays, read Costa Rica in August with Kids: Is Rainy Season Worth It for Families? to see exactly what the weather was like during our trip.

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If you’re planning your family trip to La Fortuna, these guides will help you pull everything together:

About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.