Family travel hub  >  Traveling with young kids  >  
9 perks… rental
Family travel hub  >  Traveling with young kids  >  9 perks… rental

9 perks of staying in a kid-friendly vacation rental

March 15, 2024 • 4 min read
Where are you staying for your next family adventure? Kid-friendly vacation rentals are a great choice for families since they give you more space to spread out — and they can actually help you save money when you add up all the perks. Explore some of the reasons families love staying in vacation rentals, then jump in and find one of your own.

Points of interest

  • A vacation rental puts you as close or far from the action as you like
  • It’s easy to maintain sleep schedules when everyone has their own bedroom
  • Traveling with a baby? Find a rental that comes with baby gear
Two young kids press their faces against the glass to get their parents’ attention.

1. Make the food you want when you want it

You don’t need to be beholden to expensive restaurants while you’re away with the kids in a family vacation rental. Having a kitchen gives you the freedom and flexibility to make toast and coffee when the baby gets up at 6AM, or store and reheat the leftovers from a family dinner out so they don’t go to waste. A dishwasher and sink are extra handy if you need to wash bottles multiple times a day.

2. Rooms with a view

In a vacation home a “room with a view” doesn’t mean you’ll be looking out over a huge parking lot. You can find homes with truly amazing vistas right out the window. The kids will never forget sleeping in a home nestled near a national park, a bungalow steps from the beach, or a dome in the desert.

3. Stay somewhere you never imagined

Ever thought about staying inside a spaceship? What about a castle or a farm with animals? Dreaming of lounging by your own private pool all day? Kid-friendly vacation homes help you go beyond the cookie cutter choices and give you a chance to experience uniquely designed homes. Explore a few of our favorite home types for kids on Airbnb to kick off your trip planning.

4. Enjoy a little privacy

Tuck the kids into bed, turn out the lights, close the door, and keep the vacation going while they sleep. With your own private living area, you can hang out, watch a show, or cozy up with a book and a well-deserved night cap. They’ll be able to sleep better and you’ll be able to chat without worrying about making noise or turning on the lights.

5. Spread out and get comfy

When you’re traveling with kids, you’re going to be toting a lot of stuff. Renting a vacation home means you’ll have plenty of room for suitcases and supplies, plus ample space for you and the kids to lounge, read, snack, and sleep.

6. Need a high chair? No problem

Pack less — and stress less — with kid-friendly amenities that make your trip easier. Having access to a washer and dryer lets you leave extra outfit changes at home, and a crib can save you from lugging a playpen on the plane. Check out the essential family-friendly amenities to look for in your next vacation rental here.

7. Keep your routines (mostly) in check

Kids are creatures of habit, so making sure you can keep their routines as close to normal will help avoid hangry tantrums or over-tired meltdowns. Vacation rentals often make this easier since they come with the essential comforts of home and the space and amenities you need to settle in.
A baby takes a bath with mom in a clawfoot tub.

8. Invite the whole family

Want to invite grandma and grandpa along? Go ahead! A family vacation rental can range from a 2 bedroom apartment to a sprawling house with multiple rooms and bathrooms, whatever fits your group size and budget best. Not only can it be cost-effective to share a place with your relatives, but you can search for additional amenities they might need in a stay like a step-free entrance, or a pool for the kids.

9. Feel free to stay a while

If you have the time to take an extended trip, a long-term stay is a great option. Setting up in a home away from home can make the experience that much more relaxing and immersive. Some Hosts even offer a discount when booking longer trips.
Overall, vacation rentals are perfect for families because they give you almost endless options. Once you know where you’re going, you can tailor your accommodation to your style, amenity needs, group size, favorite activities, and scenery — then take off and start the fun.
Two cute toddlers happily head to the beach.

Up next...

Top amenities for your next family vacation rental

From laundry to heated pools, amenities can take your vacation from fine to fab.