Traveling with kids can be exhilarating, but it can also be a real pain entertaining bored little ones who are used to their creature comforts. If you want to actually enjoy your next trip, try out a kid-friendly Airbnb or Vrbo instead of a confining hotel room. Both platforms are full of places where you can vacation in style, with everything from pools to playgrounds to game rooms. Here are some of the best family-oriented Vrbos and Airbnbs.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Related: Vacation Rentals for Large Groups & Family Reunions
Outdoor Games Galore
Scottsdale, Arizona | Sleeps 15
In the Phoenix area is this luxury 1.5-acre estate, with so many bells and whistles there’s no way the kids can claim they’re bored on the family trip. The backyard features a volleyball court, cornhole, a putting green, a nine-hole mini-golf course, soccer field, playground, splash pad, and much more.
Related: Where to Vacation if You Hate Bugs (and Where to Avoid)
Outdoor Games Galore: More
A pool, a game room, a custom bar, even a fruit orchard in the backyard, await the lucky sports fans who book this family-friendly property. And air hockey and foosball tables are available, in case you get tired of being a spectator and are ready to flex your own athletic prowess.
Related: 25 Places to Take the Family Now That Disney Is So Expensive
Texas Tree House
New Braunfels, Texas | Sleeps 8
This tricked-out treehouse will delight kids of all ages. It has two bedrooms (who said treehouses need to be small?) and a full kitchen and bathroom. You’ll appreciate the room to stretch out and rest, especially if you’ve spent a busy day at nearby Schlitterbahn waterpark or Natural Bridge Caverns.
Texas Tree House: More
The treehouse is perched on the edge of a walk-in salt-water swimming pool, complete with a cabana where parents can relax. There’s also a charming playground for kiddos who would rather have fun while staying dry.
Just Let ‘Em Slide
Garden City, Utah | Sleeps 45
The kids can bring all their cousins, their friends, and maybe even their whole class to this massive home in Garden City, the “Caribbean of the Rockies” on scenic Bear Lake. There are three huge decks off the back, with four slides — perfect for adults who want to relax while the kids go nuts.
Trending on Cheapism
Just Let ‘Em Slide: More
Uncooperative weather won’t be a concern here, because there’s a huge indoor playground with a trampoline, basketball court, and playset. There’s also a game room with two gaming systems and ping pong, a pool table, and a home theater. Kids can make a quick escape from the kitchen, where there’s an additional climbing area and indoor slide.
Larger-Than-Life Fun
Groveland, Florida | Sleeps 54
Big enough for a family reunion, this is the rental your kids will never shut up about for years. It’s close to Disney World, but one look at the billiard-themed swimming pool with a cue stick slide and a lazy river might have them begging to stay put. The yard also has giant bowling, human whack-a-mole, soccer darts, a basketball court, and more.
Larger-Than-Life Fun: More
The inside of this home is just as insane as the outside — after a while, you may not even remember you have kids. Features include video-game rooms, giant chess, a massive wall-sized maze, two escape rooms, a laser maze, a carnival-themed game room, and a home theater.
Sign up for our newsletter
A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Anaheim, California | Sleeps 16
Your tiny Jedis will flip when they see the “Star Wars” bedroom inside this roomy SoCal rental, complete with the coolest custom bunk beds this side of Tatooine. You’ll flip when you see the luxurious open living room, fully stocked modern kitchen, and easy access to Disneyland.
For more great travel guides and vacation tips, please sign up for our free newsletters.
A Galaxy Far, Far Away: More
The non-Jedis of the family may find a princess-themed room with a castle more to their liking, and there’s a game room and a den perfect for movie-watching. Outside is a heated pool, a playhouse, and a large covered patio, a perfect family dining area. The amenities, location, and thoughtful decorations make this one of the best Airbnbs for kids.
Singing and Swimming
Anaheim, California | Sleeps 11
Headed to the Los Angeles area? Why not dive into La-La Land with gusto? This 4-bedroom, 2-bath house is kid-friendly to the max with Disney-themed bedrooms and a karaoke stage.
Singing and Swimming: More
The dramatically lit pool and spa look like they came right out of a theme park, which makes sense, because, in addition to being less than three miles from the L.A. Angel’s ballpark, the home is a short walk to Disneyland.
Facing the Music
Detroit | Sleeps 14
Families vacationing in Detroit — especially those with older kids — might love this vacation rental inspired by Motor City’s music history. This expansive 7-bedroom, 4-bath home is decorated with a Motown theme.
Facing the Music: More
Photos, artwork, and memorabilia create a fun, nostalgic atmosphere. Fire up one of the vintage jukeboxes for a dance party, challenge a family member to a game of pool, or just hang on the outdoor deck.
Go Lodge!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Sleeps 20
Revamped for game lovers, this Tennessee mansion offers seven full bedrooms, five bathrooms, and fun in every room. For anyone who wants to venture outside, the place sits on a hill high above Gatlinburg and has striking mountain views.
Related: Vacation Rentals With Secret Rooms and Hidden Passages
Go Lodge!: More
This house seems sedate on the outside, but inside, kids will love the themed rooms as well as the pool table, ping-pong table, foosball table, and a dining room dedicated to puzzles — including a giant puzzle wall. Grown-ups may prefer to spend their time on the slot machine and roulette, blackjack, and craps.
Slumber Party Central
San Diego | Sleeps 13
Families with smaller children will love this four-bedroom, two-bath, 1,500-square-foot house. It features a fenced salt-water heated pool and plenty of play areas for the littles. A room with two bunk beds allows the kiddos to be together at night.
Slumber Party Central: More
The house comes with a selection of outdoor toys and baby and toddler gear that kids will love, including play vehicles, a Lego table, and a play house. The backyard also features a small playground area.
Blue Mountain Retreat
Chimacum, Washington | Sleeps 25
A house that bills itself as a place “where kids entertain themselves” sounds promising to us, especially since the grown-ups can relax in the hot tub or on the large deck with views of 20 private, scenic acres. Nearby Olympic National Park offers more chances to drink in nature’s beauty.
Blue Mountain Retreat: More
A collection of toys and books for all ages? A massive lower-level playroom? Lego room? The kids will probably ping-pong between all three, especially since there are secret passages connecting the Vrbos rooms.
Decked Out Near Disney
Kissimmee, Florida | Sleeps 24
Why should the magic begin and end with Disney World? Stay in this fully decked-out nine-bedroom home, and it won’t have to. The eye-popping pool with a spillover spa and a lazy river only hints at the wonders inside, but we wouldn’t blame you for relaxing on the covered lanai all day while the kids splash.
Decked Out Near Disney: More
The kids may not even want to swim when they see the themed bunk-bed rooms with hidden entrances to a secret kids’ zone, complete with talking portraits. There’s also a theater room and two game rooms, with everything from air hockey to arcade favorites.
Smiles in the Smokies
Sevierville, Tennessee | Sleeps 12
This shiny new four-bedroom cabin in the Smokies is kid-friendly not just because of its amenities, but because of its location: You’ll be near Dollywood, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and all of Gatlinburg’s endless activities, from mini golf to dinner shows to skiing.
Smiles in the Smokies: More
Kids will go nuts for the nine-seat theater room, air hockey, arcade games, 10-foot climbing wall, and “cubs’ den,” accessible by ladder and outfitted with its own TV. They’ll even find an Xbox in one of the kids’ bunk rooms. While they’re otherwise occupied, you can kick back on the deck or sit in the hot tub and enjoy an amazing view of the mountains.
Private Petting Zoo
Boone, North Carolina | Sleeps 6
A charming cabin in the mountains would appeal to plenty of kids on its own. Add in the fact that it’s got its own petting zoo, and the little ones may go, well, a little ape. They’ll also be surrounded by some of North Carolina’s loveliest scenery, including Grandfather Mountain and Pisgah National Forest.
Private Petting Zoo: More
If the kids can tear themselves away from feeding the pigs, goats, and donkeys, they’ll love exploring the lush grounds complete with a fire pit, hammock, hot tub, and waterfall. Inside, the cabin is a charmer, too, with a big stone fireplace and cozy covered porch.
Utah Playground
Orem, Utah | Sleeps 16
Who needs a hotel when you can have this Utah mansion with every conceivable kid-friendly amenity? There’s a theater room, an indoor basketball court, an arcade and game room, a dance space, two kitchens, and plenty of play equipment for little ones to burn energy outside, including a trampoline.
Utah Playground: More
Check out the mountain views while you paddle around in the massive indoor pool, splash down on the twisty slide, or play a game of basketball in the water. There’s also an adjacent hot tub, sauna, and bar for a real party.
Having a Capitol Time
Washington, D.C. | Sleeps 8
This sleek townhouse will catch the eye of parents with its Scandinavian design and African art, and it’s close to Washington’s many kid-friendly attractions, including the Smithsonian, National Zoo, and International Spy Museum.
Having a Capitol Time: More
Kids will be delighted to discover a whimsical children’s room stocked with books and cozy beds, and if they climb up to the loft, they’ll find an honest-to-goodness ball pit, play kitchen, Lego station, and more.
Toy Story Experience
El Paso, Texas | Sleeps 8
Pixar fanatics big and small will fall in love with this three-bedroom “Toy Story” home. What looks like an unassuming suburban abode from the outside is actually a movie-themed wonderland inside.
Toy Story Experience: More
The thoughtful details in this home include an adorable Etch-a-Sketch TV, a ceiling painted like the cloud wallpaper in Andy’s room, and even Buzz Lightyear dangling daringly in the kitchen. Neon lights, games, and toys complete the scene.
Wild in the Woods
Murphy, North Carolina | Sleeps 5
If you have outdoorsy kids who want a real mountain adventure, this rustic treehouse may be just what the family ordered. Together with a nearby hut, it sleeps five — just bring your sleeping bags, and be prepared to cook over a fire and use a compost bathroom.
Wild in the Woods: More
What’s a treehouse without a fun way down? This one has several, including a spiral staircase, two slides, and a fire pole. There’s also a goliath swing, a slackline, and another huge slide that speeds kiddos through the woods. When the kids are finally exhausted, they can relax in a hammock or chill out in their treehouse bunk beds.
Going Underground
Santa Fe, Tennessee | Sleeps 8
Got a “Lord of the Rings” fan in the family? You’ll feel like you have your very own hobbit houses with this unique rental near Nashville. The family gets the run of three fully heated and cooled earth huts on 15 acres, one of which even has a kitchen. There’s a bathhouse with laundry just yards away, too.
Going Underground: More
Kids can marvel at the farm animals, pick berries, hike to two nearby waterfalls, or hang out in an adorable play hut that’s just their size. There’s also a fire pit where the family can warm up, roast marshmallows, and tell stories under the stars.
A Pirate’s Life for Me
Lyndon Station, Wisconsin | Sleeps 6
Misbehaving kids can walk the plank at this insane rental near the Wisconsin Dells. The kids will have a bunk room in the belly of the ship, and parents have their own private quarters, too. There’s a separate bath house to answer nature’s calls. The waterparks, shows, and other attractions of Wisconsin Dells are close by.
A Pirate’s Life for Me: More
As if climbing around a pirate ship isn’t enough, there’s a swing set and even a slide from the top deck. A nearby climbing wall is also ready for little crewmates to burn some energy, and older ones can even try their hand at axe throwing.
