Family Adventure in Costa Rica: Rainforests, Beaches & Hanging Bridges

Costa Rica has always been high on our family’s adventure wish list and we finally made it happen. With lush rainforests, volcano views, and beach days all packed into one trip, it turned out to be the perfect balance of thrill and chill. We traveled with our kids (and their boundless energy), and while there were a few surprises along the way (crocodiles, anyone?!), it was a magical, memory-making kind of trip.

Here’s our full itinerary, including where we stayed, what we loved (and didn’t), and tips to make your own Costa Rica family adventure smoother and more fun.

And before you start packing, don’t miss our must-have family travel essentials — the gear that helped make this adventure smoother, easier, and a whole lot more fun (especially the kids’ tablet and wireless headphones, which were lifesavers on long flights).

Day 1: Arrival in La Fortuna

We landed at the Liberia airport in the afternoon, grabbed our rental car through Vamos, and were on our way. A quick tip for fellow travelers: Costa Rica requires third-party liability car insurance, and you will need to show proof of coverage. We used our Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which offers primary rental car coverage up to $75,000 globally—a major perk when traveling internationally.

This is the moment you’ll want the kids’ tablets, headphones, and Zofran on hand. The roads from the airport to La Fortuna are incredibly windy, and if anyone in your crew is prone to motion sickness, Zofran is a lifesaver. Trust us—we learned the hard way.

Before you hit the road, download Waze. It’s the difference between a smooth ride and accidentally turning your Costa Rican road trip into an off-roading adventure. We followed a so-called “shortcut” that quickly turned into 2 kilometers of bumping, scraping, and praying we wouldn’t get stuck. What should have taken five minutes took 30, and we emerged with a very dusty car and slightly rattled nerves.
Stick to the paved roads—your rental car (and your sanity) will thank you.

We arrived in La Fortuna around 7 PM, just in time to catch the last bit of daylight. Our Airbnb, tucked down a quiet street with picture-perfect views of Arenal Volcano, was everything we’d hoped for: peaceful, spacious, and kid-friendly. The private pool was an instant hit, and it felt like we had finally shifted from “travel mode” into vacation mode.

Even better? We had arranged in advance for a homemade dinner from Guiselle, the wonderful cook who runs a small restaurant just 30 seconds from the house on the same property. The food was hot and ready when we arrived—no scrambling for takeout or grocery runs, just delicious local dishes waiting for us. After a long travel day, it was the ultimate welcome.

We unpacked just enough to find pajamas and swimsuits, let the kids splash in the pool while we ate, and called it an early night—tired but so excited for the week ahead.

Day 2: Hanging Bridges & Night Hike

We woke up to the most amazing breakfast—courtesy of Guiselle, the same wonderful cook who had prepared our arrival dinner the night before. Her homemade meal had been so delicious that we immediately asked if she’d be willing to cook breakfast for us every morning… and thankfully, she said yes. Starting our day with fresh local dishes, hot coffee, and zero effort on our part felt like the ultimate vacation luxury.

We kicked off our day deep in the rainforest with a self-guided hike through the Arenal Hanging Bridges Park—hands down one of our favorite experiences in La Fortuna. We opted for the self-guided tour, but they do offer guided tours, as well. 

The 2-mile trail winds through lush greenery and crosses six swaying hanging bridges and ten solid ones, offering sweeping views of the jungle and occasional glimpses of Arenal Volcano. Birds called, the air smelled like fresh earth, and at any given moment we were surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. And the best part? No rushing, no keeping up with a group—just pure exploration at our own pace.

We paused to watch hummingbirds dart around flowers in the Rufus Hummingbird Garden, lingered at the edge of the Blue Morpho Waterfall, and spent way too much time trying to spot a sloth (no luck this time—but plenty of birds and monkeys!).

After the hike, we grabbed lunch at the on-site restaurant, which had the perfect mix of cold drinks, jungle views, and kid-friendly options to refuel after our adventure.

Later that afternoon, after a little downtime, we wandered around La Fortuna’s charming town square. The vibe is relaxed and local—perfect for a low-key dinner and some well-earned ice cream.

But the real magic started after sunset.

We wrapped up the day with a guided night walk through Night Tour La Fortuna. Their Night Walk La Fortuna is perfect for families and nature lovers who want a quieter, more immersive look at the jungle after dark. With groups capped at eight people per guide, we lucked out with a private tour just for our crew.

It felt like we stepped into a rainforest documentary—tiny frogs camouflaged against leaves, glowing insects blinking in the dark, and the echo of jungle life in full swing. Our guide was incredible, and here’s the best part: he somehow convinced all the kids to eat a live termite! He explained how they’re safe, packed with protein, and even minty—and before we knew it, the kids were popping them like jungle Tic Tacs. They’re still talking about it.

Day 3: Waterfalls & Ziplines

We started the day with a ziplining tour through Ecoglide Park, which turned out to be one of the most unforgettable adventures of the trip. It was the first time ziplining for all the kids, and naturally, there were some butterflies as we suited up and got briefed on safety.

Before the full tour began, everyone had a chance to try the practice zipline—a great way to test the waters. My daughter, who was just 3 at the time, gave it a try… then very confidently decided that ziplining was not her thing. Fair enough! My husband stayed back with her (he’s the real MVP), while my son and I joined the rest of the group for the full experience.

The tour at Ecoglide is split into two sections. The first section has 6 cables and 7 platforms, with lines up to 210 meters long and an average height of 25 meters—just enough to get your heart pumping. At the end of that section is the Tarzan Swing, which is as thrilling (and hilarious) as it sounds.

The second section features 5 more cables and 6 platforms, including some seriously epic lines that reach up to 430 meters. And the views? Insane. You’re literally flying through the rainforest with Arenal Volcano towering in the background—it’s the kind of moment that makes you want to high-five Mother Nature.

The entire experience lasted about two hours, and by the end, my son was grinning from ear to ear—already asking when we could do it again.
Family Tip! Spring for the photo package. Since you can only see the person behind you while ziplining, it's nearly impossible to get good action shots on your own. The professional photos captured all the epic moments we would’ve missed—and they were totally worth it.

After our adrenaline rush, we headed to Restaurante La Caribeña for lunch. While we were chatting with our waiter, he casually dropped the best local tip of the day: his uncle gives private wildlife tours at Bogarin Trail. Naturally, we booked on the spot—because how often do you get a recommendation like that straight from someone’s family?

Next up was La Pradera Souvenirs, one of the biggest gift shops in town. We picked out our traditional Christmas ornament (a travel ritual) and let the kids choose a few treasures of their own. Then it was back to the Airbnb for some much-needed swimming and energy-burn.

We wrapped up the night with dinner at Restaurante Café Mediterráneo, a cozy Italian spot with every parent’s dream feature—a huge indoor playground. The kids were happy and occupied for hours, which meant we actually got to eat a hot meal in peace. A win all around.

Day 4: Sloths & the Scenic Drive to the Coast

We kicked off the morning with one of the easiest—and most unexpectedly entertaining—hikes of our trip: the Bogarín Trail. Just 1.5 miles long and perfectly flat, it’s ideal for all ages (read: zero whining). Best part? Sloths! We spotted two hanging out high in the trees, and the excitement level among the kids was off the charts.

We booked a private tour with our waiter’s uncle from La Caribeña (yes, that uncle), and once again—total win. He wasn’t just pointing at leaves and calling it a day; he had deep local knowledge, could spot camouflaged animals in seconds, and somehow convinced all four kids to eat termites. If you’re from New Orleans like us, termites are usually a homeownership nightmare—not lunch. But hey, when in Costa Rica! The hike wrapped up with freshly served pineapple, sweet and cold—exactly what we didn’t know we needed.

Once we finished the tour, we refueled at SODA El Turnito, a cozy local spot known for its traditional casados and quirky beer bottles—Iguana Hefeweizen from Suizy Tico Creaciones, a local craft brewery. Delicious and photogenic? Yes, please.

With full bellies and happy kids, we packed up and hit the road toward Playa Hermosa. On the way, we made a pit stop in San Ramón, where the kids got their first taste of true road-trip cuisine: rice and beans. Simple, hearty, and apparently the official dish of the backseat crew.

But the most unforgettable detour? A spontaneous stop at the Tarcoles River, better known as Crocodile Bridge. And let me tell you—it absolutely lives up to the hype. Massive crocodiles lounged in the sun just below the bridge, some easily the size of small boats. Totally terrifying… and totally worth the stop.

Now, here’s where things got intense: the bridge railing had huge gaps, wide enough for a toddler to slip right through. Cue all parents holding onto children like human seatbelts. We admired the crocs for about three minutes before making a hasty retreat. Cool? Yes. Terrifying? Also yes. A once-is-enough kind of stop.

The bridge area also had plenty of souvenir shops, where we picked up another Christmas ornament (we’re committed to our tree theme!) and let the kids choose a few trinkets. If you're braver than us, there are restaurants and bars with decks overlooking the river, so you can watch the crocs from a much safer distance—with a cocktail in hand.

We rolled into Playa Hermosa by early evening and checked into our beachside Airbnb, tucked in a gated community with a private pool—basically family vacation heaven. The kids jumped straight into the pool while we kicked back with a cold drink and watched the sunset melt over the Pacific.

From sloth-spotting to croc-dodging to beach lounging, it was a day full of “Did that really happen?” moments—and a perfect way to bridge the rainforest and the coast.

Day 5: Octopus, Black Sand, and the Slow Beach Life in Playa Hermosa

After all the jungle hikes, ziplines, and sloth-spotting in La Fortuna, we were more than ready for a slow beach day—and Playa Hermosa delivered. This beach was exactly what we needed: soft sand, calm vibes, and best of all—no crowds. The kids ran straight to the shoreline and didn’t stop playing for hours—building sandcastles, collecting shells, and chasing each other in and out of the surf. Meanwhile, we did something we hadn’t done in days: absolutely nothing. We strolled the beach, read our books, and officially shifted from travel mode into vacation mode.

We stayed in a gated beach community, which came with some major perks. Our Airbnb had a private pool perfect for morning or post-beach dips, and the shared community pool became an unexpected highlight. The kids made fast friends with local children, and we had genuinely great conversations with Costa Rican families—many of whom were escaping San José for a quiet weekend on the coast. It was the kind of natural connection that makes travel feel deeper and more meaningful.

As sunset painted the sky, we made our way into town for dinner at Vida Hermosa Bar & Restaurante—and let me just say, this place is a family vacation dream. It’s right on the beach, so the kids could keep playing in the sand while we waited for our food. There were swings, beach games, and tons of space to roam, which meant the grown-ups actually got to enjoy a peaceful meal.

And the food? Incredible. This was the meal where all the kids tried octopus—and loved it. No bribes, no drama, just straight-up adventurous eating. We were shocked (and impressed).

A few family tips:
➤ While Playa Hermosa is great for relaxing, the waves are better suited for surfing than swimming with small children. Definitely keep an eye on the surf conditions.
➤ And do not wear light-colored rash guards—the black volcanic sand is impossible to fully get out. Trust us. If you plan to wear those clothes again, go dark.

We ended the night sandy, sun-kissed, and finally, fully relaxed. Playa Hermosa was everything we needed.

Day 6: Ziplining, Girl Time in Jacó & a Cliffside Sunset Dinner

The kids had such a blast ziplining in La Fortuna (and Dad may have felt a little left out after staying behind with our 3-year-old) that we decided to book a second round—this time near the coast at Ocean Park Ranch. While the lines weren’t quite as high or dramatic as those in the jungle, the experience came with a whole new vibe. Soaring above the trees with views of the Pacific Ocean in the distance made it feel just as thrilling, but with that laid-back beach energy. It was the perfect way to round out the adrenaline chapter of our trip.

While the boys tackled the ziplines, the girls took a more relaxed route and explored the town square of Jacó—a vibrant, open-air shopping area with local boutiques, souvenir shops, cafés, and plenty to keep little ones entertained. We wandered in and out of colorful shops, tried on handmade jewelry, and of course made time for ice cream and the playground. You could feel the pulse of the town as toucans swooped from tree to tree above the promenade, and ocean breezes drifted in from the coast. It was the kind of morning that felt effortlessly fun.

Later, we all met up for dinner at Terraza del Pacifico, a beautiful cliffside restaurant with sweeping ocean views. As the adults sipped drinks and watched the sky melt into sunset colors, the kids ran barefoot through the grass, playing freely as waves crashed below us. It was one of those perfectly unhurried moments that makes you want to press pause.

From jungle canopy thrills to coastal breezes, this day struck just the right balance of adventure and ease.

Day 7: Early Rise and Smooth Travels

We had an early 6 AM departure from Playa Hermosa to make our 10 AM flight out of LIR. Waking the kids at 4:30 AM wasn’t exactly a highlight, but thanks to prepping the night before, it all went surprisingly smoothly.

Tablets and headphones were fully charged, snacks were packed, and the kids left the house in their pajamas with an extra set of clothes in their carry-ons—pro move for any early travel day.

The 1 hour and 40-minute drive to the airport was peaceful and quiet (thank you, screen time), and we arrived at LIR with time to spare. Even better? Our Chase Sapphire card got us into the VIP Lounge, where we fueled up on coffee, stretched out in comfy chairs, and let the kids decompress before the flight. A relaxed ending to an unforgettable trip.

Reflections from the Road: Why We’ll Always Say Yes to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is pure magic. From lush rainforests and hanging bridges to black-sand beaches and sloth sightings, every day brought a new kind of wonder. It was wild and beautiful, yet incredibly family-friendly—just the right balance of adventure and comfort. The people were warm, the pace was peaceful, and nature stole the show at every turn. We left with bug bites, tan lines, and full hearts… and already dreaming of when we’ll go back.

We came for the volcano views and wildlife.
We stayed for the hammocks, fresh pineapple, and pura vida way of life.

Still on Our Bucket List: What We’ll Be Back For

  • Monteverde Cloud Forest – Famous for its misty canopy walks, rare birds, and unique biodiversity. We didn’t make it there this time, but it’s at the top of our list.

  • Hike to Cerro Chato – A tougher trail next to Arenal Volcano that leads to a crater lake. Not for toddlers, but perfect for when the kids are a little older.

  • Rappel down a waterfall – For the more daring days ahead, we’re saving this for when our crew is ready for some serious thrill.

  • Visit Tortuguero during nesting season – Sea turtles nesting or hatching is a once-in-a-lifetime sight and would be unforgettable for the kids.

  • Surf lessons in Tamarindo or Santa Teresa – As the kids get older, we’d love to trade in hiking boots for surfboards and try catching a wave together.

  • Kayak through the mangroves – Peaceful, educational, and full of hidden wildlife—we’d love to paddle through these quiet ecosystems on our next visit.

  • Stay in a jungle lodge – Waking up to monkeys outside your window? Yes, please.

Pro Tips for Costa Rica with Kids

  • Currency: Costa Rican colón, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted (especially in tourist areas).

  • WhatsApp is a must: This is how most locals, tour operators, and even some restaurants communicate. Use it to confirm reservations, ask questions, or stay in touch with guides.

  • Navigation: Download and use Waze, not Google Maps. Waze is far more accurate on local roads and will save you from unexpected detours (and off-roading adventures).

  • Driving & Rental Cars:

    • Do not park under coconut trees — falling coconuts can cause major damage.

    • You're legally required to purchase third-party liability insurance when renting a car in Costa Rica. This is separate from any coverage your credit card offers.

    • Use the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve card to book your rental car. The Reserve offers primary coverage up to $75,000 worldwide.

  • Tipping: You do not need to tip extra in restaurants—a 23% tax and service charge is already included in your bill. You're welcome to leave more for exceptional service, but it's not expected.

  • Volcano views: Your best chance to see Arenal Volcano clearly is early in the morning, before clouds roll in. Set your alarm and enjoy the view with your coffee!

  • Water: Tap water is generally safe in major tourist areas but stick to bottled or filtered water in rural regions, especially for kids.

  • Bug spray: A must near rainforests or coastlines—pack more than you think you’ll need.

What to Pack: Costa Rica Family Essentials