Family Travelers at Rios Lodge
authentic adventure travel for families
Find yourself between the rivers and the rainforest.
Why It Works for Families
At Rios Lodge, families rediscover what it means to be together. Tucked deep in the rainforest along the Pacuare River, our eco-lodge is a place where kids can roam free, parents can truly relax, and everyone can share in the magic of nature.
Here, screens fade away and connection comes easily through laughter, shared adventure, and simple joy. Whether it’s spotting a sloth on a morning walk, floating together in a hidden swimming hole, or hearing the sounds of the jungle from your cozy cabin, every moment brings you closer.
What Kinds of Families travel to Rios Lodge?
- Any fun-loving family with kids at least 6 years old and older.
- Family reunions, celebrations, or any large group trips.
- Multigenerational families - kids, parents, and active grandparents
Family Trip Highlights
- Family meals in the lodge-wide dining area perfect for connecting over good food, quality stories and card games.
- Family-friendly activities like wildlife-spying hikes, exciting rafting, ziplining, learning about the local community and environment, exploring the grounds, and so much more.
- Limited wifi to get kids (and parents!) off screens and into the rainforest!
FAQs for Families Visiting Rios Lodge
What is the minimum age for kids?
Families with children ages 6 and up are welcome at Rios Lodge!
What are the rafting age requirements?
For rafting, the minimum age depends on the time of year and whether they are rafting into or out of the lodge:
Rafting into the lodge (upper section of the Pacuare River) :
- Dry Season (December to April) : Kids ages 6+ can raft in.
- Rainy Season (May to November) : Kids must be ages 8+ to raft in.
Rafting out of the lodge (lower section of the Pacuare River with Class 3-4 rapids):
- Kids must be ages 12+ to raft out.
- Kids ages 6-11 must always hike out
What are the most popular activities for families?
Ziplining, nature hikes, waterfall swimming holes, and natural waterslides are big hits! You can also plan downtime connecting with each other playing games in the dining hall, relaxing in hammocks, bouncing on our trampoline deck or stretching on the yoga deck.
What are the lodging options for families?
Our Creekside Family Suite and Riverview Family Suite are perfect for families of four! For larger groups or family reunions, we also have eco bunk rooms that can house up to 8 people in each bunk room.
Does Rios Lodge offer child supervision?
Child supervision is a responsibility of the parents and guardians. Especially in a rainforest environment, accompanying children to different locations is important. However, each time you join a hiking or nature walk activity, you will have a trusted guide that is happy to accompany you AND your children as you explore the rainforest.
Can we add an extra bed for a child in the family suites?
Our family suites normally fit up to 4 guests. If you have a family of 5 and need an additional bed for a child, please contact our reservations team directly at reservations@rioslodge.com to see if this is possible for your stay.
What if my child is too young to raft out of the lodge?
No worries at all! Kids ages 6-11 must always hike out of the lodge because the lower Pacuare River is too big for smaller kids. Hiking out is a fully guided adventure through the rainforest!
What about meals for children?
All meals are included in your stay! We have a team of expert chefs and kitchen staff who prepare delicious tropical meals with local ingredients. If you have any specific dietary needs or concerns for your children, you can let us know when you book.
Are there any specific considerations for children during activities?
We have strong safety protocols in place for all our activities, and our expert guides ensure that all guests, including children, are trained in safety procedures. Our guides are certified in CPR and Advanced First Aid, and they are fantastic at making sure everyone has a fun and secure experience in the rainforest!
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Sample Family Trip Itinerary
- Arrive in Costa Rica, travel the next morning via Rios Lodge shuttle to the beautiful Pacuare River, to meet your guide for either hiking or rafting into Rios Lodge.
- Arrive to a warm welcome, fresh juice, and a short orientation walk around the lodge.
- Unpack in your family cabin and cool off with a swim in the natural river pools.
- Enjoy a wholesome dinner made with local ingredients and end the evening with stargazing or stories by candlelight.
- Set out on a guided rainforest hike to spot monkeys, toucans, and colorful frogs while learning about native plants and animals.
- Return for lunch and some hammock downtime or a playful dip in the river.
- Afternoon family activity: relaxing in hammocks, splashing in natural swimming holes, or playing board games.
- Share dinner with other guests and finish the day with card games and story-swapping.
- Morning thrills with a family-friendly zipline adventure over the Pacuare River.
- Pause for a swim under a waterfall and enjoy the daytime sounds of the rainforest.
- Afternoon free time to relax, read, or play in the open-air lodge lounge.
- Evening: gather for a campfire or night walk to spot glowing insects and listen to the rainforest symphony.
- Wake to birdsong and a hearty breakfast overlooking the river.
- Splashy tubing along a calm stretch of river – a perfect way to cool off and enjoy some water.
- Enjoy a lunch break with fresh, chef-made food.
- Set off on a waterfall hike to a natural waterslide you can slip down all day.
- Take in one last dinner and evening in the rainforest.
- Early morning birdwatching or sunrise yoga for the grown-ups.
- Family breakfast with fresh tropical fruit and homemade pancakes.
- Pack up slowly, soaking in the views and the sounds of the jungle one last time.
- Depart via the river or road, carrying home stories, laughter, and a stronger family bond.
