Arenal & Northern Lowlands

The Arenal and Northern Lowlands region is widely considered the adventure capital of Costa Rica, yet it remains incredibly accessible for families with children of all ages. The area centers around the imposing cone of the Arenal Volcano, which, while currently dormant, heats the extensive network of underground water sources that feed the region's famous hot springs. For parents, this means a perfect day can be structured around active exploration in the morning followed by relaxing soaks in thermal pools in the afternoon—many of which feature waterslides and kid-friendly shallow areas.

La Fortuna serves as the primary base camp, offering a wide range of amenities including supermarkets, pharmacies, and international dining options that cater to picky eaters. Just outside the town, the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park offers concrete trails and suspension bridges that allow families to walk through the forest canopy; the paths are sturdy enough for sturdy strollers, making it one of the few rainforest experiences accessible to toddlers. Wildlife spotting here is frequent, with howler monkeys, coatis, and motmots often visible from the bridges.

For water-loving families, a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall is a highlight, though it requires descending (and later climbing) roughly 500 steps. A more relaxed alternative is a Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River, where guides row rubber rafts while families sit back to spot monkeys, caimans, and iguanas in the trees. Further north, the Rio Celeste offers a chance to see surreal turquoise waters, though the hike can be muddy and challenging for younger children.

East of Arenal, the Sarapiquí region offers a different pace with a focus on agritourism. Here, families can take interactive chocolate tours to learn how cacao is processed—including plenty of tasting opportunities—or visit pineapple farms. This area connects well with the Caribbean side, making it a logical stopover for cross-country road trips.