La Fortuna With Kids
Planning a family day in La Fortuna
La Fortuna suits families because the activities are short, the town is small and the rain and heat set a gentle pace. The key is choosing places with child rates, shallow water and clear rules, and leaving the river spots to adults. Prices below are in US dollars and rounded.
Thermal pools and water parks
Baldi Hot Springs has 25 pools and waterslides, open daily 9am to 10pm, with no reservation needed. Children under 5 are free, the child rate is $38 for the springs alone or $56 with one meal, and children aged 11 and over pay the adult price. Rates include IVA. A towel deposit of $10 is paid in cash, and lockers cost about $7.
EcoTermales charges about $30 for children aged 5 to 11, or about $46 with lunch or dinner. Tabacon sells a lunch or dinner day pass with a child price of about $90, and it needs a booking well ahead.
Kalambu is the family-oriented hot springs water park, with thermal slides. Check kalambu.com for current hours and prices before you set out.
Wildlife without the crowds
The Bogarin Trail is a 2.5 km forest walk on the edge of town, open 6am to 8pm. Self-guided entry is $20 and a guided walk is about $45. A guide helps children spot frogs, birds and sometimes a sloth. Sightings are possible but never guaranteed, and children should be taught to look, not touch or feed. Night walks cost $60 and need a torch with no flash.
Easy trails and bridges
Arenal Observatory Lodge has 11 km of trails, including 800 m that are wheelchair accessible, and an observation tower of about 28 m called The Nest. The entrance pass is about $20 to $22 and a day pass with lunch is $40.
At Mistico Arenal the 3.2 km trail has 16 bridges, six of them hanging, up to 45 m above the forest floor. Self-guided entry starts at $32 plus tax. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are required, so check that every child has a pair.
Adventure with an age limit
Pure Trek sets a minimum age of 5 for canyoning, which costs about $103 for the standard trip. Check that your child is comfortable with heights and cold water before booking.
What to skip with young children
The La Fortuna Waterfall has about 500 steps each way, and the pool at the base is the only safe place to swim, never under the plunge. The free river spring below Tabacon and El Salto have no lifeguard, fast water after rain and slippery rocks, and they are not places for small children.
Practical tips
- Pack water shoes, sun cream, insect repellent and a rain layer.
- Keep valuables out of parked cars, where break-ins are the usual crime.
- Book popular slots ahead in school holidays.
- Prices and hours change, so confirm before you go.
Read more: Day trips from La Fortuna and Animal activities in La Fortuna .
Official details: Baldi day pass and Bogarin Trail .
Look at GetYourGuide for family tours.