Costa Rica with Kids: Your Family Adventure Guide to La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano

Pure Trek (waterfall rappelling)

Pure Trek’s half-day canyoning tour was one of the most exciting things we’ve ever done together. We rappelled down three waterfalls, descended a rock wall, and braved the heart-pounding “monkey drop.” Our son was just seven at the time and tackled everything with a huge smile.

The day started with hotel pick-up and a ride to Pure Trek’s home base, where they served us a delicious lunch. They easily accommodate dietary needs—just give them a heads-up. Then came the gear, the safety briefing, and the fun. The monkey drop ended with us completely soaked and laughing so hard we could barely climb out of the water.

Sky Adventures Arenal Park (rainforest ziplining)

Nothing gets your heart pounding like zipping high above the rainforest canopy. Our day began with a scenic tram ride to the top of the mountain before launching into seven incredible ziplines. The views of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake were unreal, though I’ll admit—if you’re afraid of heights, this might push your comfort zone (it definitely did for me!). Depending on your child’s size, they might need to double up with you, legs wrapped snugly around your waist as you soar from platform to platform. Sharing those moments in the air with our son was pure magic.

Arenal River tubing & hiking (river tubing adventure)

After so much high-energy action, a river tubing tour was the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. We floated in comfy inner tubes linked to our experienced guide, drifting through calm sections and bouncing through small rapids. Along the way, we spotted sloths hanging lazily in the trees and stopped riverside for fresh tropical fruit. It was peaceful, splashy, and just the right pace for a warm afternoon. Best of all, the round-trip hotel pick-up made it completely stress-free.

Outback ATV (ATV tour around Arenal Volcano base)

The Outback ATV tour was pure muddy, dusty fun—exactly the kind of adventure our son couldn’t stop talking about. He rode with my husband on a quad and I had my own as we wound our way through the rainforest trails and around the base of Arenal Volcano. Toward the end, we hiked to a scenic viewpoint for photos, and midway through, we stopped at a riverbed where we all jumped in for a swim. Cooling off in the water after kicking up clouds of dust was the perfect break. We were all smiling the entire three hours.

Sloth’s Territory (sloth sightings)

You simply can’t visit Costa Rica without trying to spot some of its adorable, slow-moving sloths. We dedicated one of our mornings in La Fortuna to visiting Sloth’s Territory and taking their guided forest trail tour. Over the course of about 1.5 to 2 hours, our guide led us along shaded jungle paths, pointing out both two-toed and three-toed sloths, as well as birds, frogs, and other wildlife we would have completely missed on our own.

I highly recommend booking a morning tour. Even though much of the walk is in the shade, the afternoon heat can be intense, and your whole family will be much more comfortable exploring during the cooler part of the day. Plus, the wildlife tends to be more active in the morning—giving you a better chance of seeing these gentle creatures on the move (well, as much as a sloth moves!).

Organico Fortuna (lunch/dinner)

For healthy, fresh, and delicious food, Organico Fortuna is a must-visit. This quaint downtown spot serves organic meals that taste as good as they are for you. The menu has something for everyone—smoothie bowls, wraps, and wholesome treats—and the small market inside is perfect for picking up local products or souvenirs.

Spectacolar Cantina (lunch/dinner)

This festive taco joint quickly became a family favorite—we loved it so much we went twice! They serve fresh tacos, hearty burritos, and refreshing margaritas or sangria for the adults. With its casual vibe and street-side seating, it’s a great choice for a relaxed lunch or dinner after a day of adventure.

Italianissimo (dinner)

Craving pizza or pasta? This cozy Italian restaurant will hit the spot. The first thing you’ll notice is the owner’s Harley parked out front, and once he welcomes you inside, you’ll want to ask how he ended up in La Fortuna from Italy. The menu is filled with comforting, homemade dishes—perfect for refueling after a busy day exploring waterfalls, volcanoes, or zip lines.