Top Costa Rica Kid-Friendly Tours

Observe Costa Rica's bountiful wildlife from the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in Arenal. Trek along ground-level forest trails and suspended walkways in this private, family-owned nature reserve that’s home to a vast array of birdlife, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants. Learn about the area’s rich biodiversity from a naturalist guide as you explore different levels of the rainforest, from floor to canopy, and enjoy commanding views of Arenal Volcano.

Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Prebooked entry saves you from waiting around in long ticket lines, so you have even more time to explore its attractions. Choose whether to tackle family-friendly hiking trails through the cloud forest, visit a rescued jungle cat educational program, or spend time at the site's numerous specialty wildlife exhibits.

Just outside the crowded beaches of Tamarindo, Las Baulas National Park offers an often-overlooked natural getaway. This tour takes you through the park’s vast network of mangrove forests on a relaxing boat trip. As you float down the river, your guide points out wildlife like howler monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds that you might not see on your own.

Get to know the Peñas Blancas River ecosystem with a naturalist boat captain. Glide through the tranquil forest and spot arboreal and aquatic animals like monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles, and alligators, along with birds such as herons, cormorants, American darters, and passerines. Keep an eye out for the basilisk lizard, known for walking on water. Drift beneath ficus, luehea, and kapok trees, where dense foliage creates shaded tunnels rich with lianas and epiphytes.

Discover the natural beauty of the La Fortuna region on an action-packed full-day tour that is ideal for people who enjoy outdoors activities. Go on hikes through lush rain forest; visit a butterfly garden and Maleku Indian village; take a dip at La Fortuna waterfall; look for wildlife; and view the Arenal Volcano. Top off the day with a cocktail and a relaxing soak in a natural hot water river.

Saddle up for a thrilling 2-hour horseback riding adventure from Playa Flamingo and soak up the scenery from the back of a beautiful horse! Look out for Howler monkeys, iguanas, magpie blue jay and parakeets as you amble along rainforest trails or let loose with a gallop along the beach. Best of all: there are a range of horses and trails suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Discover one of Costa Rica’s most popular animals, the sloth, on this tour from La Fortuna. Join a small group and take a hike through secondary rain forest to search for these friendly creatures. Learn about the mammal from your guide and keep your eyes peeled for other fauna and flora.

Visit the herpetarium in Monteverde’s Selvatura Park, and get a personal introduction to Costa Rica’s snakes, amphibians, and lizards on a guided, one-hour tour. Start times are available throughout the day, and your guide will share fun facts about Costa Rican wildlife, ecology, and history, as well as the unique characteristics of each creature you see.

Crossing and/or upriver to observe wading birds, water lizards and maybe the Crocodile! Exploring the jungle and the wonderful forest of Guanacaste and its wildlife: Koatis, howler monkeys, armadillos, birds and multicoloured butterflies… Shower for ponies after the walk. Childrens and adults will be on horseback. The guide keeps the ponies of the little ones on a leash. The stools are adapted. We have helmets and ponies very, very docile. Multiple informations about the fauna and flora. Photo break. Snack break Trained and passionate guides Totally Safe tour Carefully groomed and Pampered horses Selected points of interest : River , Jungle , Animals (monkeys, butterfly, birds, crocodile) More than 1000 satisfied cutomers

At a two hour drive from La Fortuna we visit the Tenorio volcano national park. After some hiking we will get to the Rio Celeste (blue river). The blue color you can see is the result of a chemical reaction between two merging rivers containing different volcanic minerals. (Foto tenideros) It’s a very rare phenomenon which creates a fairytale- like beauty. The hike itself is medium tough and takes about 4 hours. It will take you to a waterfall, a lookout point and the place where the river changes colors. (Foto waterfall)With the help of the guide there is a good possibility of seeing wildlife. After the hike we’ll have lunch and start our drive back to la Fortuna.

Enjoy an exciting zipline adventure with incredible views of the Arenal Volcano (if weather permits) at Airtime Zipline Adventure, located just minutes from downtown La Fortuna and next to the famous Sloth Watching Trail. The course features 9 cables (including a practice line) and 10 platforms, built with sustainable and recycled materials. Perfect for families and beginners, this activity offers a thrilling experience without extreme heights children 4 years and older are welcome! Our professional guides will ensure your safety and fun throughout the tour. We operate with all official permits and insurance from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), giving you total peace of mind. On clear days, you’ll soar with amazing volcano views while enjoying a memorable experience surrounded by nature. The adventure lasts only a couple of hours, so it’s easy to fit into your La Fortuna itinerary.

Explore one of the world’s most diverse collections of species gathered in one place with a visit to the animal sanctuary at Diamante Eco Adventure Park in Guanacaste. From adorable three-toed sloths to scaly reptiles and sleek jungle cats, see an amazing array of animals rescued by the Costa Rican Ministry of Wildlife, and learn about the park’s conservation projects. The naturally designed habitats include hummingbird gardens and a large butterfly observatory teeming with jewel-toned beauties.

Get an early start for a full-day tour from Playa Langosta that visits the wildlife refuge at Finca Verde Lodge and a waterfall in the rain forest. Your guide leads an educational walk that showcases the birds, sloths, frogs, snakes, insects, and tropical plants of Finca Verde. Then have lunch and stop for a dip in the natural pool at the base of Llanos del Cortez Waterfall.

Join the rain forest’s late night crowd on this nocturnal wildlife tour at Arenal Mundo Aventura. Use lanterns to light your way down a trail and catch sight of animals like the red-eyed tree frog, pit vipers, and mottled owls—your guide points them out along the way so you don’t miss a thing.

Explore the tropical forest surrounding Arenal Volcano on a self-guided visit with three trails ranging from easy to challenging. Choose a route that matches your preferred level of activity while taking in panoramic views and volcanic landscapes shaped by past eruptions. With opportunities to learn about the local environment and take breaks along the way, this is a flexible option for experiencing Arenal at your own pace.

Arenal Volcano Rainforest & Natural History Tour – ( HANGING BRIDGES TOUR ) This is the quintessential Arenal Volcano tour to do when you’re in La Fortuna! Discover a natural paradise of trails and hanging bridges as you stroll along the beautiful natural paths of the Mystic Park. Connect with nature and observe the flora and fauna from a more intimate perspective while you have the opportunity to walk through the forest, hang from the branches or fly above the treetops like an eagle. Admire the stunning views from La Catarata Bridge and learn more about the rainforest with the help of a naturalist guide. Hear about the animal life, geography, history of the region and admire stunning views of the volcano, depending on the weather. This tour is adventure in the rainforest in Arenal, where you can explore and see animals, plants, and take lot pictures.

Experience the adrenaline of Bungee jump (150 meters) above La Balsa river. You will enjoy the life of the forest from the top  of the trees - more than 500 acres of forest with an amazing view: 10 cables, 10 platforms, 3 trails, 2 hanging bridges, 1 Tarzan swing - total of 1045m. The canopy is a network of cables, towers and suspended platforms through the treetops of the cloud forest.

Discover Costa Rica's enchanting Pacific rain forest from the air and water on this combo shore excursion from Puntarenas. Walk through the treetops on a series of hanging bridges at a private biological reserve, and then cruise down the Tarcoles River, home to a famous community of crocodiles. In between the eco adventures, enjoy time to shop and snack at a quaint replica of a Spanish colonial settlement.

Take home frame-worthy photos of Costa Rica’s sublime rain forest and its inhabitants with a photography tour at Arenal Natura Ecological Park in La Fortuna. Bring your camera and snap away among the unspoiled natural setting of this private reserve, where a naturalist guide will lead you along jungle trails and though diverse wildlife habitats. Capture all the details of incredible animals like crocodiles, red-eyed tree frogs, snakes, and butterflies, plus delicate orchids and other tropical flora.

Get a taste of San Jose’s culture and cuisine on this walking tour that includes snacks. Explore Costa Rica’s capital alongside a guide who alleviates the hassle of navigating, and learn about the city’s history, architecture as you taste. Explore the produce stalls of two traditional markets and discover what makes Costa Rican coffee so delicious as you sample some local brews.

Take a walk on Costa Rica's wild side with this guided nature trek at the Ecocentro Danaus, a sustainable ecotourism park. Learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts on a guided loop through the rain forest and wetlands, where you can see hundreds of species of tropical plants, plus butterflies, frogs, birds, monkeys, and other jungle-dwelling critters. Round-trip transport from La Fortuna and a fresh fruit snack make this a sweet and easy day trip during a visit to Arenal.

Manuel Antonio may best known for its beautiful beaches, but another world comes alive in its jungles at night. Get an up-close look at nocturnal creatures like spiders, frogs, snakes, and bats on a private night hike through a nature reserve. A certified naturalist guide knows just where to find these creepy crawlers and ensures the safety of your group on this educational adventure.

This half day tour will walk you through nature, and over six hanging suspension bridges, where your guide will tell you all about the flora and fauna of the canopy of the forest. Look out for monkeys, sloths, snakes, birds, and all kinds of insects on this walk. The course is about 1.9mi (3km) long, so wear some comfy shoes.