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If you’re planning a family trip to Costa Rica, chances are you’ll come across two names again and again: Poás Volcano and Arenal Volcano.
We were lucky enough to visit both during our time in Costa Rica and while they’re often spoken about they offer very different experiences, especially when traveling with children.
So if you’re wondering Poás vs Arenal Volcano: which is better for families? This post will help you decide and work out whether it’s worth doing both.
Visiting Poás Volcano With Kids
Poás Volcano is one of the most accessible volcanoes in Costa Rica, which makes it particularly appealing for families.
The main crater viewpoint is reached via:
- a short, paved walk
- minimal elevation gain
- clear pathways and viewing platforms
This makes Poás a great option if:
- you’re traveling with younger children
- you’re short on time
- you want a “wow” experience without a long hike (we have a wow video!)
The environment here feels controlled and well-managed, which can be reassuring if you’re traveling with kids who aren’t used to rugged terrain. There is also a cafe and gift shop you can visit at the end for refreshments which wasn’t crazy expensive like many touristy spots.
What to know before you go
Poás sits at a higher elevation, meaning:
- temperatures can be cooler
- mist and rain are common
- weather can change quickly
👉 What to pack:
A lightweight rain jacket, warm layer, and comfortable trainers or walking shoes are more than enough here.
The walking boots my boys use are the Jack Wolfskin boots – we replace with these EVERY time and to be honest the only reason we have had to replace is due to growth rather than them wearing out.
Visiting Arenal Volcano With Kids
Arenal Volcano offers a much more immersive, adventure-style experience and this is where Costa Rica really comes alive for many families.
Rather than a single viewpoint, Arenal is explored through:
- lava trail hikes
- hanging bridges
- wildlife spotting
- waterfall visits
- hot springs nearby
The experience feels less “look and leave” and more explore and stay.
We based ourselves in La Fortuna, which is one of the best places to stay when visiting Arenal with kids. Having a comfortable base here made a huge difference after active days out. You can read here about our top pick of where to stay.
👉 What to pack:
For Arenal, we’d recommend:
- trail shoes or lightweight hiking shoes
- insect repellent (essential in rainforest areas) We use non toxic patches and have used these for years.
- refillable water bottles – we like these for easy roll up/space saving when you’re done!
- sun hats and high-SPF sunscreen (this sun cream has been a game changer for non toxic and skin sensitivity. I actually like to make my own but when I can’t/don’t we always get this)
These aren’t “extras” they genuinely make the experience more enjoyable, especially for children.
Poás vs Arenal Volcano: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Poás Volcano | Arenal Volcano |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Very easy | Moderate |
| Walking required | Minimal | Variable (short to longer hikes) |
| Time needed | Half day | 1–3 days ideal |
| Best for | Younger kids, quick visits | Active families, longer stays |
| Wildlife | Limited | Abundant |
| Nearby base | San José area | La Fortuna |
Which Volcano Is Better for Younger Children?
If you’re traveling with younger children or toddlers, Poás Volcano is often the easier option.
Why?
- short walking distances
- clear paths and railings
- minimal planning required
You can easily combine a visit to Poás with other nearby attractions without overtiring little ones.
A small snack pouch, compact first-aid kit, and water bottles are all you really need for a smooth visit.
Which Volcano Is Better for Adventure-Loving Families?
For families with older children, Arenal Volcano tends to be the standout.
The variety of activities means kids can:
- hike through rainforest
- spot wildlife
- learn about volcanic landscapes
- experience Costa Rica beyond viewpoints
This is also where travel becomes worldschooling-style learning, with nature doing the teaching. You can read about how we consider Costa Rica the perfect worldschooling experience here.
👉 Helpful extras for Arenal:
- binoculars for wildlife spotting
- cooling towels for humid days
- quick-dry clothing
These are the kinds of small items that can dramatically improve comfort and they’re easy to reuse across multiple trips.
Can You Visit Both Poás and Arenal?
Yes and if you have the time, we’d recommend it.
They complement each other beautifully:
- Poás offers a dramatic, accessible volcano experience
- Arenal provides depth, adventure, and variety
We did Poas Volcano as our wave goodbye to Costa Rica. We wanted to stay near San Jose for our flight but home so staying near the Volcano at Altura Hotel gave us one last adventure.
Planning your Costa Rica itinerary?
We’ve shared where we stayed in La Fortuna and how we structured our family route around the country here:
👉 Costa Rica with Kids: A Real Itinerary You Can Copy
And if you’re looking to save on accommodation and experiences in Costa Rica, you can read how we do that here:
👉How we travel so often (and YOU can too!)
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