How to Create a Family-Friendly Vacation Rental

Transforming your vacation rentals into family-friendly homes is one of the smartest business moves you can make as property owners. Think about it: families make up a huge chunk of the travel market, and they're constantly searching for places that cater to their unique needs.

By making your property welcoming for parents and their little ones, you'll attract more bookings, glowing reviews, and repeat customers. And here's the kicker: family-friendly rentals tend to get booked for longer stays because family trips require a bit more planning.

Investing time into making your rental family-friendly can pay off in big ways. In this article, we'll show you exactly where to begin. Let's dive in!

8 Tips to Transform a Family-friendly Rental

1. Start With Safety

Safety is the number one priority for any parent, and your rental should reflect that from the moment they step through the door. Simple childproofing measures like covering electrical outlets, securing furniture to walls, and providing safety gates can make a world of difference. It's not about stripping your space of charm but ensuring it's a safe environment where little ones can explore freely.

If your property has a yard or deck, consider outdoor safety in addition to childproofing. Ensure fences are secure, steps are well-lit, and any bodies of water (like pools) are gated. Bonus points if you go the extra mile and offer a first-aid kit and fire extinguishers in visible spots.

2. Provide Flexible Sleeping Arrangements

Families come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to offer a variety of sleeping options. Think beyond the traditional setup. Sure, a queen bed is great for parents, but what about the kids? Bunk beds, pull-out couches, or even rollaway beds can be lifesavers. Offering a pack 'n play or crib is another huge perk that simplifies travel for parents with babies.

Don't underestimate the importance of cozy sleeping arrangements, either. Extra blankets, pillows, and maybe even a couple of fun kid-themed bedding sets can add a little charm to your rental. Parents want their children to be comfortable, and kids will be thrilled to have their own space.

Family vacations rental properties

3. Curate a Kid-friendly Fun Area

After a long day of sightseeing, kids will still have energy to burn, no matter how tired the parents are. A dedicated play area or kid-friendly space can work wonders. Consider setting up a small nook with books, toys, puzzles, and board games that cater to various ages.

If you have outdoor space, adding lawn games or a simple swing can turn your property into a mini-adventure for kids. You can even go a step further and offer a dedicated game room with arcade games, LEGOs, or a PS5. Think of it this way: happy kids mean relaxed parents.

4. Equip a Fully Stocked Kitchen

Families love vacation rentals for one main reason: the ability to cook meals at home. Dining out can be stressful and expensive, especially when kids are involved. By providing a fully stocked kitchen, you're giving families the option to prepare meals on their own terms. Make sure you've got the basics covered—pots, pans, utensils, plates, and cups.

Kid-friendly dishware, like plastic bowls and sippy cups, will be a major hit with parents. Keep the essentials on hand—think salt, pepper, cooking oil, coffee, and tea. If you really want to impress, consider adding a welcome basket with snacks, bread, and milk.

Rental property for the entire family

5. Add Personal Touches That Make a Difference

Personal touches can turn a good stay into a great one. Something as simple as a personalized welcome note or a basket with snacks can go a long way in making guests feel appreciated. For families, consider adding small surprises for the kids, like coloring books, stickers, or a few toys.

A local guidebook with family recommendations, playgrounds, and restaurants can also enhance their experience. You can even secure discount coupons with local eateries or souvenir shops and provide them as an extra benefit of staying at your family vacation rental.

6. Make Your Property Easy to Clean

Children tend to be messy, so don't clutter your space. A tidy, well-organized space not only looks more welcoming but is also easier for families to manage during their stay. When the property is easy to clean, parents won't feel like they're constantly tidying up after their kids, allowing them to enjoy their vacation more.

At the same time, choose furniture and materials that are both durable and low-maintenance. Think wipeable surfaces, stain-resistant fabrics, and floors that are easy to sweep. Offering basic cleaning supplies like disinfectant wipes, a vacuum, and a broom can help parents tackle small messes quickly.

Age-appropriate toys for child safety

7. Ensure Arrival and Departure Are Easy

After hours of traveling, the last thing families want is a complicated check-in process. Make your guests' arrival as smooth as possible by offering clear instructions for self-check-in or easy key handovers.

If possible, allow for early check-in or late check-out. Families often need that extra time due to unpredictable schedules with kids. Similarly, for check-out, provide simple instructions and don't overburden families with lengthy cleaning tasks. You want them to leave your rental feeling relaxed.

8. Prepare for Emergencies

No one wants to think about emergencies on vacation, but being prepared shows that you take your guests' safety seriously. Make sure your rental is equipped with basic safety equipment like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fully stocked first-aid kit. You'd be surprised at how much peace of mind this brings to parents.

It's also a good idea to leave clear instructions on what to do in case of an emergency. Provide local emergency contact numbers, directions to the nearest hospital, and information about nearby pharmacies or urgent care centers.

Family-friendly rentals with safety features

Ready to Create Family-Friendly Vacation Rentals?

Creating a family-friendly vacation rental is more than adding a few extra beds and calling it a day. It's about making life a little easier for families who are already juggling a million things and giving them a place where everyone can unwind. Hopefully, these tips will give you a great starting point.

Once you've made your rental family-friendly, listing on Houfy is the next best move. Houfy's platform caters heavily to families seeking vacation rentals, and by offering direct booking options, you can avoid high commission fees from third parties.

Plus, families appreciate the personal touch of booking directly with hosts who understand their needs. List your property today and join more than 60,000 hosts and guests who benefit from the direct booking movement.