3 Day La Fortuna Itinerary for families
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La Fortuna was one of our absolute favourite stops during our family gap year in Costa Rica.
We spent several weeks travelling the country with our kids, and La Fortuna really stood out as the place where you can pack in so many of Costa Rica’s most iconic experiences — wildlife, volcanoes, jungle, adventure activities, and hot springs — all in one easy-to-navigate destination.
If you’re short on time, travelling with kids, or trying to avoid constant hotel hopping, this is a huge win.
This La Fortuna itinerary is designed specifically for families who want adventure without exhaustion. It’s based entirely on what we did ourselves, with realistic pacing, child-friendly activities, and enough downtime to actually enjoy it.
If you’re wondering how many days in La Fortuna you really need, this 3 days in La Fortuna itinerary is exactly how we’d do it again.
👉 Download the free 3-day La Fortuna itinerary (PDF) — a stress-free, family-tested plan you can save offline and follow day by day
Perfect if you’re short on time and want to see the best of La Fortuna without overplanning.
Day 1: Sloths, Swimming & a Relaxed First Evening
Morning: Sloth Spotting With Armando
If you do one wildlife activity in La Fortuna, make it this.
Sloth spotting with Armando was hands-down one of our top experiences in Costa Rica. In just 1.5 hours, we saw 13 sloths, including mums with babies — far more than we ever expected.
What made this experience special wasn’t just the number of animals, but the guide himself. Armando is incredibly passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely brilliant with kids. He explained things clearly, got the children involved, and made the walk feel like a relaxed jungle wander rather than a “tour”.
The walk is easy, flat, and suitable for all ages, which makes it perfect if you’re travelling with younger kids. Going in the morning is key — it’s cooler, animals are more active, and everyone has more energy.
Hotel pick-up is included, which makes the early start painless.
Lunch: Local Spot in La Fortuna
After your morning out, head back into town for lunch. La Fortuna has plenty of casual, affordable places that work well with kids — think rice and beans, grilled chicken, smoothies, and fresh juices.
For a bit of authentic Costa Rican food we loved Soda Viquez, just off the main street. Their casadas (traditional Costa Rican plates of rice, beans, salad and meat) are huge and a steal at around £6/US$8. They also do big juicy burgers, rice dishes and pasta.
Afternoon: El Salto Rope Swing
This is one of La Fortuna’s best free activities — and a huge hit with kids.
El Salto is a local rope swing over the river, just outside town. It’s an easy walk from where you can park or get dropped off, and it’s a fantastic way to cool down after a hot morning.
The atmosphere is fun and social, with locals and travellers jumping in together. There are spots to sit by the river if some kids prefer to watch rather than jump.
Parent note: This is real river swimming, so keep a close eye on kids and assess water levels on the day.
Evening: Dinner at The Open Kitchen
For your first night, keep dinner relaxed and informal.
The Open Kitchen in La Fortuna is very family-friendly, with a laid-back vibe and food that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s the kind of place where sandy feet and tired kids don’t feel out of place — perfect after a travel-heavy day.
Day 2: Sky Adventures & Big Costa Rica Energy
Full Day: Sky Adventures Arenal
This was one of the most memorable days of our time in Costa Rica.
Sky Adventures Arenal is a one-stop adventure hub where you can combine multiple experiences in a single, well-organised day — ideal when travelling with kids. This combination of so many excellent activities is what makes this one of the best things to do with kids in La Fortuna.
Depending on what you choose, your day here can include:
- Ziplining through the rainforest canopy
- The Sky Tram, gliding silently above the jungle
- Hanging bridges at canopy level
- Jungle hikes and waterfalls
Everything is incredibly well run, with excellent safety standards and guides who are confident working with children. Even nervous kids felt reassured.
After a full-on morning, we loved sitting at the café at the end of the experience with a cold drink, soaking in the views over Lake Arenal and the volcano. It’s one of those moments where you realise how special this place really is.
⚡ Book Sky Adventures Arenal here — the easiest way to combine ziplining, hanging bridges, and jungle views in one unforgettable day
Evening: Dinner at Travesia
After a big adventure day, Travesia Restaurant is a great dinner option.
It’s family-friendly and offers plenty of Western-style dishes that are a hit with kids — think huge burgers, pizzas, and generous portions — while still being a relaxed place for adults too.
Day 3: Volcano Trails & Hot Springs Bliss
Morning: Arenal Volcano 1968 Hike
No La Fortuna itinerary is complete without spending time at the volcano itself.
We recommend the Arenal 1968 Trails, which are particularly well-suited to families. There are three trails of varying lengths and difficulty, so you can choose what works best for your kids and energy levels on the day.
The highlight for us was walking across the solidified lava fields from the 1968 eruption. It’s an incredible way for kids to physically see and understand the geology of the area, rather than just hearing about it.
The views of the volcano are stunning, and the trails are well maintained and clearly marked.
After your hike, cool off with a drink or lunch at the Lava Coffee Shop, which has fantastic views back towards the volcano — a lovely, relaxed way to end the morning.
🌋 Plan your visit to the Arenal 1968 Trails here – the best volcano hike in La Fortuna for families with kids
Afternoon & Evening: Los Lagos Hot Springs (Day Pass or Stay)
If you’re not already staying somewhere with hot spring access, this is the perfect way to finish your 3 days in La Fortuna.
Buy a day pass to Los Lagos Resort and spend the afternoon (and evening) soaking in the thermal pools.
Los Lagos is particularly good for families because it offers:
- Multiple thermal pools of different temperatures
- A large cold-water swimming pool
- Waterslides and flumes for kids
- A swim-up bar
- Beautiful lighting at night, making the experience feel extra special
It’s the ultimate way to unwind after a busy few days of exploring — and kids absolutely love it.
🏨 Book a Los Lagos day pass or stay here and finish your La Fortuna trip soaking in warm pools while the kids play
Where to Stay in La Fortuna With Kids
Choosing the right base in La Fortuna can make a huge difference to how relaxed your stay feels — especially when travelling with kids.
These two places sit at opposite ends of the spectrum, but both work brilliantly for families depending on your budget and travel style.
You can also read our full list of recommended places to stay across Costa Rica here.
Arenal Xilopalo – Budget-Friendly & Great for Families
If you’re travelling on a budget or mid-range family gap year, Arenal Xilopalo is an excellent choice.
This is a simple, friendly place that offers great value without sacrificing comfort. Rooms are spacious, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it feels genuinely welcoming to families. It’s the kind of place where kids are comfortable being kids, not somewhere you feel you need to tiptoe around.
It’s also conveniently located for getting to La Fortuna town and nearby activities, making it a practical base for a busy itinerary.
Why families love Arenal Xilopalo:
- Affordable, clean, and comfortable rooms
- Spacious layout that works well with kids
- Friendly, low-key atmosphere
- Great value for longer stays
🏨 Check rates for Arenal Xilopalo — our favourite budget-friendly stay with huge family apartments, friendly staff, and volcano views you’ll never forget
Los Lagos Resort – Hot Springs, Pools & a Treat for Everyone
If your budget allows, Los Lagos Resort is one of the best family-friendly places to stay in La Fortuna — and it’s more than just accommodation.
This is where the hot springs experience really comes to life for families. There are multiple thermal pools, a large cold-water swimming pool, and waterslides and flumes that keep kids entertained for hours. Parents get the relaxation; kids get the fun — everyone wins.
The resort is beautifully lit at night, which makes evenings in the pools feel especially magical after a day of adventures.
Even if you don’t stay here, it’s still worth visiting on a day pass, but staying onsite makes it effortless.
Why Los Lagos works so well for families:
- Extensive hot springs complex included with your stay
- Waterslides and kid-friendly pools
- Swim-up bar and on-site restaurants
- Ideal for winding down at the end of a busy La Fortuna itinerary
🏨 View room options or book a stay at Los Lagos Resort — or check day pass availability if you’re staying elsewhere
Which Is Right for Your Family?
- Choose Arenal Xilopalo if you’re prioritising value, simplicity, and a practical base for activities.
- Choose Los Lagos Resort if you want to build relaxation into your itinerary and give the kids a memorable resort experience.
Both fit perfectly into this 3 days in La Fortuna itinerary — it just depends on how you want your days (and evenings) to feel.
Want the find the best places to stay in Costa Rica?
Check out our in-depth guide to the BEST hotels, eco-lodges and beachfront getaways for families (on any budget!)
Do You Need a Car for This La Fortuna Itinerary?
No — you don’t need a car for this itinerary.
Most tours in La Fortuna include hotel pick-up, and Uber is widely available and affordable in the area. You could easily manage these 3 days in La Fortuna without driving.
That said, having a car does make a Costa Rica family trip easier overall, especially if you’re moving between destinations or travelling at your own pace.
👉 Read our honest guide to driving in Costa Rica with kids to decide if hiring a car is right for your family
🚗 Check current car hire rates with Discover Cars — our recommended rental agency for Costa Rica and beyond
Is La Fortuna Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely — yes.
If you’re wondering is La Fortuna worth visiting, especially as a family, we’d say it’s one of the best places in Costa Rica to travel with kids.
Here’s why:
- Huge variety of activities in one place
- Easy logistics
- Wildlife encounters that genuinely deliver
- Adventure activities designed with safety in mind
- Something for every age and energy level
Whether you’re on a short holiday or a long-term family gap year, La Fortuna ticks a lot of boxes.
Download the Free 3-Day La Fortuna Itinerary (PDF)
Want to save this itinerary for later?
We’ve created a free, printable PDF version of this La Fortuna itinerary, perfect for saving offline or using while you travel.
Inside the PDF:
- A clear 3 day La Fortuna plan
- Family-friendly pacing
- Space for your own notes and bookings
- A stress-free way to plan your time
👉 Download the free 3-day La Fortuna itinerary here and take the guesswork out of planning.
If you’re planning a longer trip:
- Check out our 7-day Costa Rica itinerary for families
- Or our 2-week Costa Rica family route, designed for adventure travel with kids
FAQs: La Fortuna With Kids
How many days in La Fortuna do you need?
Three days is ideal for most families. It allows you to see wildlife, experience adventure activities, hike the volcano, and relax in hot springs without rushing.
Is La Fortuna suitable for young kids?
Yes. Many activities, like sloth spotting, short hikes, hot springs, and hanging bridges, are suitable for younger children. Adventure activities have age and height limits, but there’s plenty to do for all ages.
Is La Fortuna expensive for families?
La Fortuna can be mid-range, but there are lots of ways to manage costs. Free activities like El Salto, shared tours, and family-friendly accommodations help keep budgets under control.
Do you need a guide to see wildlife in La Fortuna?
While you can spot wildlife independently, guided tours (especially for sloths) dramatically increase what you’ll see and help kids understand what they’re looking at.
Need More Costa Rica Inspiration?
If you’re planning a bigger Costa Rica adventure, you might also find these helpful:
- 25 best things to do in Costa Rica with kids
- Best family beaches in Costa Rica
- Where to stay in Costa Rica for families
- Where to see sloths in Costa Rica
- Best things to do in La Fortuna with kids
- Driving in Costa Rica as a family
- Swimming in the bioluminescence in Costa Rica
- Seeing nesting turtles in Costa Rica
