Last Updated: May 20, 2025
If you only have a few days in La Fortuna, it can be overwhelming to choose from all the many things to do in La Fortuna. If you go to Viator.com and so a search, you will get back 800+ results. How do you sort through all of that? This guide will help you know which activities are worth doing, where best to do them, if they’re kid-friendly, and which provider gives you the best experience.
If you’re wondering how to efficiently pack all of this into a few days, check out my suggested 7 day itinerary from San Jose or 7 day itinerary from Liberia. If you need a place to stay, my number one recommendation for families in La Fortuna is Los Lagos Resort (check prices here). To know why I picked this resort and get more tips and recommendations, see Best places to stay for families in La Fortuna. For more help planning your trip, see Step-by-Step Travel Guide to Costa Rica for Families.
And as a thank you for visiting my site, get a FREE copy of my Wildlife Spotting Guide for Kids, and more educational fun fact guides.
1. Sloth and Wildlife Spotting Tour
La Fortuna is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see sloths and other wildlife. You can see both the two-toed and three-toed sloths here. We saw 5 sloths here in an hour, whereas elsewhere in Costa Rica, we were lucky to see one or two. Also keep your eyes peeled for toucans, basilisk lizards (called “Jesus Christ Lizards”), monkeys, frogs and lots of other wildlife. Download my Wildlife Spotting Guide for Kids to print and take with you.
Is wildlife better in Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, or La Fortuna? Manuel Antonio has the highest concentration of wildlife spotting-opportunities in its small national park, but the trails here can get very crowded and feel like Disneyland. Monteverde has great wildlife too, but on the other extreme, the forests are very spread out and have dense foliage, so finding animals can be more challenging. In La Fortuna, there is plenty of wildlife, though the animals are not all concentrated in one area. For example, you might see sloths in one reserve, and monkeys when you do a rafting tour. Overall, La Fortuna is the best place to see the most wildlife in a more authentic, less-crowded setting.
The Best Places to do a Wildlife tour
- Bogarin Trail – Close to the town center, this 1.5 mile loop trail is easy even for young kids. It is hands down one of the best places in Costa Rica for reliable sloth spotting opportunities. You have the option of doing a self-guided walk but I highly recommend that you get a guided tour for this one. The guides know all the favorite hang out areas of the animals and you will struggle to see much of anything without their help. You can check prices and book the tour here. If you don’t have a car, you can get a taxi or Uber, or book this tour which includes pick-up.
Other Options
- Mistico Hanging Bridges Park – If you choose to do the hanging bridges hike here, you can combine it with a guided wildlife spotting tour.
- Ecocentro Danaus – A small nature reserve with a shorter 1 mile loop which might be easier for young kids. Choose this option if you want to also visit a small butterfly garden and reptile/frog pond as part of your visit.
How long do I need? You need about two hours for this activity. You can do this in the morning or early afternoon
Related Post: Best Things to Do in Monteverde
2. Hot springs
The naturally heated thermal waters from Arenal Volcano can be enjoyed in several Hot Springs resorts in La Fortuna. If you are not staying in one of these resorts already, you can just buy a day pass.
The Best Hot Springs Resort for Families
- Baldi Hot springs is one of the largest resorts with 25 pools and water features at various temperatures. It also has some fun features that kids will adore like waterfalls and a huge cave sauna. There are separate play areas for young kids and toddlers with smaller waterslides. The larger waterslides can be pretty fast and scary, so best reserved for teens and adults. Baldi also offers free entry for kids under 6 and is moderately priced. Even on busy days, if you head to the pools at the back of the resort, you can usually find quiet, empty pools to relax in. Advance reservations are not required.
Other Options
- The Springs Resort is beautifully landscaped with 28 natural-looking pools. It has a more calming and relaxing vibe than Baldi, with one waterslide for kids called the Monkey slide. The day passes cost around $120 each and must be reserved in advance. What you are getting for your money is one of the most beautiful resort and spa experiences in the world. Instead of day passes, which can add up quickly for a family of 4, a one-night stay (check prices here) might get you more value.
- Hotel Relax Termalitas – Budget option that is also closer to town
- Kalambu Water Park – If you want more of a theme park vibe with large slides. The waterslides can be quite fast, so safety might be a concern for some families.
If you don’t have a car and need transport, you can do a combination tour with other attractions. For the most efficient, top-rated tour, check out Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Full Day Tour.
How long do I need? – I would suggest getting there in the early afternoon after completing one or two other activities in the morning. You can stay until closing time, which is around 10 pm at Baldi. Mornings are less crowded than afternoons.
3. Arenal Volcano
If you are in La Fortuna, then you are most likely here to admire Arenal Volcano. You can see the Volcano from many miles around, and possibly even your hotel or resort. A hike is not necessary to admire this natural wonder, but it will get you closer to the volcano and see the rocks formed by old lava flows. To make this a great learning experience for kids, download my Kids Guide to Arenal Volcano.
The volcano might be under cloud cover for much of your visit, so stay flexible with your itinerary and grab the opportunity to go see it when the weather looks clear.
The Best Arenal Volcano Hike for Families
- Mirador El Silencio is a private reserve with some of the best views of the volcano and lava fields. This park is best for kids because you can drive much closer to the view point. From there it is about 15 minutes to hike to the lava rocks. You can extend your hike for as long as you want along the park’s many other trails if you can handle the hot sun. Don’t forget to download my Kids Guide to Arenal Volcano before you go.
Other Options
- Arenal Volcano National Park is the most popular and well-known park, but it is also the most crowded. The 2.5 mile (4km) out-and-back Las Coladas trail is the one that takes you to the lava fields. This hike is moderately challenging.
- Arenal 1968 is a private reserve with similar views and lava rock formations, but fewer crowds. It requires a 2.5 to 3 mile hike that can be challenging for young kids.
If you have a car, you can do any of these hikes on your own. You can hike at your own pace, and time your excursion to good weather, when you have a better chance to get clear views of the Volcano.
If you need transport or want a guided experience to help you learn about the ecosystem and spot wildlife, then I recommend this Arenal Volcano Guided Hike (check prices here).
How long do I need? – If you plan to do a full hike, you need about 4 hours. If you go to Mirador El Silencio and do the short hike to the lava fields, you should plan around 1 hour. It can take 30 minutes to drive to the Arenal Volcano area from La Fortuna town center.
4. Ziplining
Costa Rica pioneered zipline tours and this early start allowed the country to develop and refine the experience with strong safety protocols and regulations. You’ll find some of the longest, highest, and most spectacular ziplines here – all with really good safety records. Some operators cater specifically to families with young adventurers. My kids were 3 and 6 when they went on their ziplining adventure!
Should I zipline in La Fortuna or Monteverde? – If you have young kids and want something that is for beginners, and family-friendly, La Fortuna is your best option. If you want to experience Costa Rica’s most thrilling and adventurous ziplines, Monteverde is the best option.
The Best Ziplines for Families
- Ecoglide Arenal Park – Features 11 cables with an option to include the “Tarzan Swing”. They accept kids as young as 3 and have a lot of experience working with families. We had 3 preschoolers in our group! If you are not sure that your child can manage it, they have a practice zipline that your kid can try for free before committing to buy tickets. The youngest children can ride with guides so they feel safe the whole time. They also have automatic braking to control your speed, so you can just enjoy the scenery. Check Prices and Book this experience here.
Other Options
- Sky Adventures Arenal – Features the famous Sky Trek with some of the longest cables in Costa Rica, reaching speeds up to 40-50 mph. They also have an aerial tram if some members of your group would prefer that over ziplining. Choose this if you want to combine your visit with the aerial tram or hanging bridges here. Check prices and book here.
- Arenal Mundo Aventura – Offers 7 cables crossing canyons and rivers with views of La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano. Book this tour if you want the best scenery and wow-factor of the waterfalls as you zipline. Check prices and book here.
How long do I need? You need about two hours for this activity. You can do this in the morning or early afternoon. You need more time if you include hiking or other activities with your ziplining.
Related Post: Best Things to Do in Monteverde
5. La Fortuna Waterfalls
This is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and famous waterfalls. It’s easily accessible from the town center, which also means it can get busy. If you have a car, just drive 10 minutes to the falls and buy your tickets at the counter. You can take pictures from the viewing platform on top, or optionally descend 500 steps to the bottom of the falls. Be warned – the climb back up is exhausting – especially if your kids insist you carry them up the whole way!
If you don’t have a car, it might be more efficient to book a tour that combines a few different activities so that you can be efficient with your time. This is the best rated tour that combines Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna falls and Natural Hot springs – Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Hot Springs Full Day Tour (check prices here).
How long do I need? You need about two hours for this activity. 1 hour for the hike down and back up, and about half hour to spend at the bottom if swimming is open. You can do this in the morning or early afternoon. You need less time if you just want to admire the falls from the viewpoint on top.
6. Hanging Bridges
If you’re looking for that perfect vacation photo, this is it. Walking across a hanging bridge is the most quintessential activity for visitors to do in Costa.
Should I do hanging bridges in La Fortuna or Monteverde? – The best hanging bridges are in Monteverde. The bridges there are longer, feel more secluded, and go through pristine, virgin cloud forest. But if you’re not going to Monteverde, then La Fortuna is your next best option.
The Best Hanging Bridges for Families
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park – Has about 6 hanging bridges and 10 fixed bridges. It is a 2 mile loop and has volcano viewpoints if the weather allows it. You can do this hike at your own pace or with a guide who will help you spot wildlife along the way. You can check prices and book here.
- Sky Adventures Arenal Hanging Bridges – This is a 2.5 mile trail with 5 bridges and a waterfall. Choose this option if you want to combine the hike with ziplining or the tram. It can also be less crowded than Mistico. Check prices and book here.
How long do I need? You need about two hours for this activity. You can do this in the morning or early afternoon. You need more time if you include ziplining.
7. River Safari Float or White Water Rafting
If you want an adventure to cool off from the heat and get another great opportunity to spot wildlife, a safari float is great fun, especially with kids. Monkey sightings are especially common, though you can see other wildlife like bats, lizards, sloths and more. The tour accepts all ages, but know that the raft ride is 2 hours long, and kids younger than 3 might struggle to sit still that long. If you need something more challenging, choose whitewater rafting or tubing.
The Best Rafting Tours for Families
- Jungle Safari Float – You will get picked up in La Fortuna and driven about 30 minutes to Penas Blancas River. Some other tours will take you to rivers further away, but the extra time on the road is not worth it. Once on the river, your ride takes about 2 hours. You will be treated to some snacks before being driven back. The guide will paddle the boat and point out wildlife. Green Vacations is our favorite provider for this tour. You can check prices and book here.
- White Water Rafting – You can choose between the milder Class II/III rapids or the harder class III/IV rapids on the Balsa river. Tours include pickup and transport to the river as well as lunch. Check prices and book with among the best providers here:
How long do I need? For the Safari Float, you need half a day. Tours begin in the morning or early afternoon so you have time for other activities that day. The White water rafting tours only begin in the morning around 9 am and take 5 – 6 hours. The only other activity you can combine is relaxing in the Hot springs or a Night tour.
8. Coffee and Chocolate Tours
You will see a number of these tours all over Costa Rica, and they are a great way to turn education into a delicious adventure. Most tours are very interactive with hands-on demonstrations that kids love. Coffee has been central to Costa Rica’s economy for nearly two centuries, and they are world-renowned for producing beans with exceptional flavor profiles. Many tours also include cocoa and sugarcane production to make their offering more appealing.
Should I do the coffee & chocolate tour in La Fortuna or Monteverde? If you are more interested in coffee, which is what Costa Rica is really famous for, Monteverde is better. Because of the higher elevation, it creates ideal growing conditions for specialty coffee. If you’re more interested in chocolate, La Fortuna is better because cacao only grows in hot, tropical weather.
The Best Coffee and Chocolate Tours for Families
- Northfields Coffee and Chocolate Tour – This family-owned farm offers the best overall tour with plenty of tastings and interactivity. Choose this option if you want a balance between coffee and chocolate. Check prices and book here.
- Don Jorge Tour – If you want a smaller group size and a less formal atmosphere, choose this farm. They are not as well-known as Northfields, so they get fewer visitors. They are also great with young kids and families. Check prices and book here.
- Don Olivio Chocolate Tour – More emphasis on chocolate and chocolate tastings. Choose this if chocolate is your first true love. Check prices and book here.
How long do I need? Most take around 2 hours. They can be done at multiple times during the day, with the last tour starting around 2 or 3 pm.
Related Post: Best Things to Do in Monteverde
9. Night tours
The rainforest transforms after dark, revealing a whole new cast of characters. Expect to see red-eyed tree frogs, sleeping toucans, tarantulas, and perhaps even a sloth or snake. Tours begin right after dark at 6pm so don’t worry about kids having to stay up late.
Should I do a Night Tour in La Fortuna or Monteverde? Monteverde has a cooler and more pleasant climate than La Fortuna. This means fewer bugs, especially at night time. If anyone in your family is squeamish about bugs, Monteverde is the better option (there will still be some bugs). On the other hand, the nocturnal red-eyed tree frog, a big hit with kids, can only be seen in the wild in La Fortuna. You can also do a night tour in both places and have a different experience. Either way, download my Free Wildlife Spotting Guide before you go on this tour.
The Best Night Tour for Families
- Arenal Oasis Wildlife Night Tour – This highly rated tour takes place in a frog sanctuary, but other wildlife can be spotted as well. Book well in advance as this tour often sells out. Compare prices and book your Arenal Oasis Night Tour here.
Other Options
- Mistico Park – Choose this if you want more of a balanced emphasis on frogs, lizards, snakes, coatis and more. Book this tour here.
- Bogarin Trail – Choose this for a better chance to see sloths at night. Book here.
How long do I need? Most take around 2 hours.
10. Rio Celeste Day Trip
Rio Celeste is one of Costa Rica’s most spectacular natural wonders, famous for its striking, turquoise-blue water. It’s located about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna and can be visited as a day trip from La Fortuna. You can also visit Rio Celeste on the way to Liberia Airport. See my 7-day itinerary from Liberia to see how to easily incorporate this into your journey.
Once you’re done with the hike (or if you skip the hike altogether), you can visit a free swimming hole to swim in the bright blue waters. This swimming hole is located just outside the national park and is part of the same river that feeds the famous Rio Celeste waterfalls. Just put “Rio Celeste – Danta Free River Pool” into your Google Maps. The swimming area is just a short walk from the car park ($2 to park). Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can also go tubing on the river with a guide (ages 5+).
Keep in mind that heavy rain can wash out the vibrant color. Getting there requires a steep, often slippery 2-3 hour hike that may not be suitable for young children or less experienced hikers. It can also get crowded during peak times.
If you don’t have your own car, check prices and book your day trip with one of the best tour providers here – Rio Celeste Full Day Tour From La Fortuna
How long do I need? A full day if you do it as a day trip and include swimming. Half day if it’s a stop on the way to the airport.
11. Cooking and Farm Tours
This is a lovely way to combine a meal with an authentic cultural experience. Kids of all ages are welcome in these cooking classes, and they can participate as well.
The Best Cooking Tour for Families
- El Fogon de Chela – Set in an outdoor kitchen with beautiful volcano views. Dona Chela is the main cook. She focuses on traditional Costa Rican food with recipes you can take home with you. Note that this is a, 15-minute drive from La Fortuna town center, and the tour does not offer pick up. You can get a taxi or Uber. Book early as it often sells out. Check prices and book here.
- Campesino Farm Tour – Choose this tour if you want something with more focus on farming practices, like milking a cow and extracting sugarcane juice. The tour ends with preparing and eating a traditional homemade meal. Kids may enjoy the variety of activities on this tour compared to a long cooking session. This tour also offers pick up. Check prices and book here.
12. Waterfall Rappelling
Waterfall rappelling (also called canyoning) is one of Costa Rica’s signature adventure activities. It involves descending waterfalls using ropes and harnesses. La Fortuna is the best destination for this activity, with multiple operators providing tours. It is a top favorite in Costa Rica, and the only reason I ranked it so low is because it is only recommended for adults and kids age 12 and above. You also need to be in great physical condition and a good swimmer to do this.
The Best Waterfall Rappelling Tours for Families
- Book with Lost Canyon Adventures here: – Canyoning in the Lost Canyon, Costa Rica
- Book with La Roca Canyoning here. This tour also includes two ziplines – Waterfall Rappelling, Ziplining, Pool Jumping, Hiking with Lunch
13. Free Swimming Holes and Rope Swing
If your wallet needs a break, here are some great free experiences in La Fortuna.
The Best Free Experiences for Families
- Free Natural Hot Springs – There are a couple of free access points to the same thermal heated water that feeds the fancy resorts nearby. They are located near Tabacon Resort. Just enter “La Fortuna free hot springs” into Google Maps to find your way there. Parking can be a huge challenge here, and cars line the road for long stretches. Also keep in mind that these hot springs are not maintained, so trash and safety may be a concern. Don’t leave your stuff unattended while you swim – especially passports.
- El Salto Rope Swing – This is another popular free swimming hole with refreshingly cold water and a rope swing. You can find it by entering “El Salto Rope Swing” into Google Maps. Be careful, especially with kids, because the rocks can be slippery and the current can sometimes be too strong. Also, always keep your belongings within sight.
14. Horseback Riding
There are many horse farms in Costa Rica and the horses are usually well taken care of. Horseback riding can be a fun option with trails usually offering views of the volcano.
Mistico Park Horse Riding – You will have lovely views of Arenal Volcano. Rides are about 1.5 hours long. Check Prices and Book your horse riding tour here – Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding
15. Arenal Lake
Several tours allow you to experience Arenal Lake with the Volcano in the background. You will also see Lake Arenal scenery at several viewpoints on your drive to or from La Fortuna. If you have booked a taxi transfer from La Fortuna to Monteverde, a boat ride across the lake will likely be part of your journey. This can also be a nice activity if you have a free evening and want to watch the sunset from the lake
The Best Arenal Lake Activities for Families
Book a lake Sunset cruise here: Moonshine Sunset Cruise on Lake Arenal
Book your Lake Arenal Paddle Boarding here: Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience
Book your Private Arenal boat tour here: Arenal Lake Boat Tour
16. Mountain Biking
Guided Mountain Bike tours will take you around trails near Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake for some beautiful views, while escaping the crowds. You may want to avoid this activity in the wet season between May to September because trails will be extra wet and muddy.
Book your guided mountain bike tour here – Biking Tour around Arenal Volcano and Lake
17. ATV Tours
Another great way to get off the beaten path and explore the lakes and rainforests surrounding Arenal Volcano is on an ATV. This tour will help you cover a lot more ground than if you went hiking. It also includes a stop to visit the Maleku – one of Costa Rica’s indigenous communities. Keep in mind however, that ATV safety is questionable for children under 16, so if you’re travelling with kids, you might want to save this activity for a future trip.
Book your ATV tour here – Arenal Volcano ATV Guided Experience in La Fortuna
18. Cano Negro Day Trip
Caño Negro is one of Costa Rica’s most important wetland areas located about 2 hours from La Fortuna, near the Nicaraguan border. It is one of Costa Rica’s best bird-watching locations for jabiru storks, roseate spoonbills, anhingas, and wood storks, three species of monkeys, caimans, crocodiles, emerald basilisk lizards and river turtles. The best way to see wildlife here is by boat tours. The ecosystem is also completely different to the rainforest landscapes around Arenal, making for a refreshing change of pace.
However, keep in mind that this is a full day trip and most of your day will be spent on the road traveling to your destination or doing pickups and drop offs. If you only have 2 – 4 days in La Fortuna, your time is better spent on excursions nearer to town.
Book your Cano Negro Day trip here – Caño Negro by Boat Incl. traditional Costa Rican lunch
19. Venado Caves
This is a half day tour to the caves which are about 45 minutes away from La Fortuna. The tour will guide you through a series of underground grottos and chambers, wading through water and some climbing through tight quarters. Kids have to be a minimum of 8 to participate. Even at that age, the darkness and possibility of bats getting quite close to your head might freak most kids (and maybe adults) out.
Book your Venado Caves tour here – Venado Caves Underground Experience from La Fortuna
20. Maleku Indigenous Reserve
If you are interested in a very off-the-beaten-path cultural experience, this tour will take you to visit the villages of the Maleku community that historically inhabited the northern plains of Costa Rica. They are known for their distinctive pottery, wood carvings, and traditional medicines and they practice a nature-based spirituality connecting humans with the natural world. This tour can take about 6 hours and you will be spend about half of that on the road.
Book your Maleku village visit here – Maleku Indigenous Reserve Tour
Ready for the Next Step?
- Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Costa Rica for Families – Know everything you need about flights, food, currency, rental cars, accommodation and activities
- 7 Day Itinerary from San Jose Airport or 7 Day Itinerary from Liberia Airport
- Best Things to Do in Monteverde
- Best Places to Stay in La Fortuna
- Download a Free Wildlife Spotting Guide and other Costa Rica Fun Facts for Kids by subscribing to my Newsletter.
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