Family Travel Guide to Arenal, Costa Rica — Volcano Views, Hot Springs & Rainforest Adventures
Welcome to La Fortuna / Arenal, where warm hot springs meet rainforest trails and volcano views. This is an easy, confidence-boosting base for families: short drives to waterfalls, suspension bridges made for curious kids, and calm, kid-approved hot springs for the perfect wind-down.
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Why Families Love Arenal
Arenal is built for families who want a little adventure with a lot of comfort. Mornings can be mistico-magical on suspension bridges, afternoons are for splashing in calm hot-spring pools, and evenings bring volcano views and fresh smoothies. Roads are straightforward, attractions are close, and you can flex days between high energy (zip-lines!) and low-key (sloth walks, chocolate tastings).
Stay Here
Hot-springs access + volcano views = unbeatable family base.
- Explore top hot-springs resorts in La Fortuna (Booking.com)
- Compare family-friendly hotels & apartments in La Fortuna
Tip: If you’re splitting time between pools and parks, choose a stay with on-site hot springs to make nap windows easy and evenings effortless.
Things to Do Around Arenal
Arenal Volcano National Park
Gentle trails, lava fields, and classic volcano vistas. Map pin
Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges
Canopy walkways with wow-factor views — kids love spotting toucans and leaf-cutter ants. Guided bridge walks
La Fortuna Waterfall
A famous 70-meter cascade with well-maintained steps and a swimming area below (check conditions on arrival). Tickets & combos
Sloth & Wildlife Night Walks
Low-effort, high-excitement for kids — guides make it magical. Book a sloth tour
Chocolate & Coffee Experiences
Sweet, hands-on learning — from bean to bar. Reserve a tasting
Zip-lines & River Floats
Mix adrenaline with gentle wildlife floats for a balanced day. Zip-line options • Safari float
Where to Eat
- Local sodas — casual Costa Rican staples with kid-friendly plates.
- Ice cream & smoothie bars — perfect post-waterfall treat.
- Coffee roasters & cafés — pick up beans to bring home.
Family Tips
- Pack light rain jackets year-round; quick showers are common.
- Water shoes help at waterfalls and rocky pools.
- Plan “high-energy mornings, hot-springs afternoons” for happy kids.
- Driving from SJO/LIR? Book your car in advance and aim for daytime arrivals.
- For peace of mind on rentals & tours, consider travel insurance.
Sample 3-Day Family Flow
- Day 1: Arrival → easy town stroll → early hot-spring soak.
- Day 2: Hanging Bridges → café lunch → La Fortuna Waterfall → pool time.
- Day 3: Sloth/Chocolate combo → volcano viewpoint → relaxed dinner.
Plan Your Trip
✈️ Search worldwide flight deals
🏨 Compare hotels & hot-springs resorts
🌍 Protect your trip with SafetyWing
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