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Vacation rentals have been a more popular alternative to hotels as of late for more reasons than one. They’re private, spacious, often more affordable, and can be seriously out-of-this-world cool. And if you’re traveling with your family, there’s hardly an advantage to booking a tiny hotel room when you can vacation at a unique pad (though these travel companies will help you book a kid-friendly hotel). You might already be familiar with Airbnb, but there’s another vacation rental company you need to check out: Vrbo.
Like Airbnb, Vrbo offers vacation rentals around the world, and since we’ve already scoped out the best kid-friendly Airbnbs, it was time to do the same for Vrbo. And let us tell you—there are some wacky, wonderful, and majorly next-level kid-friendly Vrbo rentals out there.
From a Florida home decked out like a literal theme park — we’re talking a Candyland-themed kids’ room encapsulated by a ball pit, complete with an ice cream-shaped swimming pool (we’re not even kidding!) — to a fairytale cottage in California, prepare to wow your entire family when you book one of these spots.
And if you’re looking for something more modest and budget-friendly, there’s a kid-friendly Vrbo for you, too. Ahead, check out the best Vrbos for your next family vacation.
Celeb-Style Private Island
Accomodating you and up to 42 of your besties, The Ever After Estate in Clermont, Florida (it’s in the Orlando area) boasts a slot in “America’s Top 10 Most Outrageous Homes” according to HGTV. 62 private, gated acres feature so many things to do — including four arcades, indoor and outdoor movie theaters (one is poolside!), mini golf, ballpit room, and tons more. It’s like your own private resort!
Animal Lover’s Paradise
With an “exceptional” rating and over 100 5-star reviews, Mountain Magic in Boone, North Carolina has — wait for it — a private petting zoo with goats, donkeys, and a pot-bellied pig. 6 people can sleep in this charming cabin, which also boasts a waterfall, hammocks, decks, a hot tub and Jacuzzi (it’s also pet-friendly with deposit). Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s just 15 minutes away from all sorts of amenities and things to do.
Texas-Sized Treehouse
Up to 8 guests can enjoy this 2-bedroom, 1-bath treehouse in New Braunfels, Texas. The Redwood Tree Haus is one of four treehouses around a shared pool. Kids will love the mini children’s playground and the whimsical tree right in the middle of the house.
A Disney-Adjacent Dream
Located in Anaheim, California, this beauty is within walking distance of Disneyland! The Neverending Story Home features enough Disney-themed bedrooms to sleep 10 people, plus a Disney karaoke stage, salt-water pool with a built-in hot tub, and a kids’ play area. (And if you’re traveling with infants, there are baby amenities too!)
A Gamer’s Dream House
Located in Clermont, Florida with space for up to 54 people, this 13-bedroom funhouse is totally game-themed — from Minecraft to Pac-Man to Scrabble to CLUE and more. Each room at The Great Escape Parkside is actually a game! It features an escape room, human bowling, giant Whac-a-Mole, a laser maze, and much more.
Games Galore
Fun is the name of the game at The Sundown Estate in Scottsdale, Arizona. This 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom mansion sleeps 15 — but you won’t want to sleep because there’s too much to do! From swimming (and a splash pad!) to bowling to mini-golf, the outdoor recreation area features a ton of fun activities for kids and adults alike. Indoors, there’s air hockey, foosball, and a poker table, among tons of other amenities. And if you’re traveling with infants, you’ll love the free included “baby package” which gives you access to essentials like high chairs, toys, and pack-n-plays.
Mystical Austin Escape
You won’t find a straight line in this architectural gem located in Austin, Texas. This beast of a rental is sure to inspire your family as it’s basically an art museum. Created by two University of Texas architecture students in the ’70s who wanted to make a secluded escape that lived harmoniously with the environment, this sculptural design is one to add to your bucket list. Because of safety concerns, kids under 5 are not allowed.
Candyland Dreamhouse in Florida
What kid wouldn’t want to live in Candyland? This Clermont, Florida mansion will make that dream come true with each of its decked-out spaces. From the lollipop kids’ room complete with a literal ball pit to the ice-cream shaped pool and a huge game room, this massive rental is hard to beat. With a capacity of 52 people, (11 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms) this rental is great for combined family getaways or even a family reunion! And yes, pets are welcome.
Waterfront Chalet
If you’re in the mood for a waterfront getaway, this picturesque chalet in New Hampshire sits on 100 feet of sandy beach on Conway’s pristine Pequawket Pond, giving you access to swimming, boating, fishing, skating, and cross country skiing all in your backyard. Located in the heart of the Mount Washington Valley, the three-bedroom two-bath chalet boasts a beautiful view of the White Mountains and is located about ten minutes away from Kahuna Laguna, the 40,000 sq. ft. water park at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, as well as the world famous StoryLand.
40 Acres of Fun
Situated in Chimacum, Washington, close to the beautiful Olympic State Park, this house (which accommodates up to 24) may look unassuming from the outside, but the kiddos will love what lies within — including a room full of building blocks, a soft foam block room, a huge playroom equipped with plenty of cool ride-on toys, and an actual (but non-scary) labyrinth! There’s also plenty to do outside.
Personal Tropical Resort
This unique and beautiful tropical home offers 3,200-square-feet of tropical comfort, perfect for families with children. It features a huge open-plan kitchen with all the essentials, one full acre of beautifully maintained yard and tropical gardens, and three bedrooms with eight beds. Oh, and did we mention it also has a pool with a water slide, jacuzzi, and a sand pool for kids?! Plus, it’s location is close to the town of Hilo, Akaka Falls, Honomu zip line, beaches, parks, and many other activities.
California Barn
If you’re looking for a more laid-back getaway, a barn is a solid choice. This charming barn located in Newcastle, California is situated on a 52-acre cattle ranch that’s sure to wow the little ones. It’s located in the heart of wine country, so parents in need of some vino are sure to enjoy it too. The spacious patio has a fire pit and BBQ, and there are a few friendly farm cats that’ll likely come stop by and say hello. You’re just 15 minutes away from hiking, golfing, restaurants, and more, so you’ll have no issues finding things to do.
Luxury Beachfront Home
For an ocean-filled holiday, you’ll want to book this luxury beachfront escape. Located in Hutchinson Island South in Florida, this retreat is the ultimate place to get away from crowds. It boasts 8 bedrooms, so you’ll definitely want to share it with extended family members or friends. And if you want to feel really fancy, there’s an elevator, so it’s perfect if you have older family members as well.
Treehouse in the Ozarks
What kid (or adult) wouldn’t want to stay in a treehouse during vacation? This secluded treehouse is only five minutes from the town of Mountain View, Arkansas, and packs all the amenities a small family could need in its cozy space. With a king bed downstairs and a queen is in the ladder-accessible loft, the 700-square-foot nest sleeps four. Enjoy gorgeous views from every space — even the jacuzzie bathtub! — and soak up all the nature of the Ozarks.
Storybook Cottage in Carmel, California
Bring your kid’s fairytale dreams to life with this whimsical home. This storybook cottage, adorned in pastel pink and green, was built by the iconic Hugh Comstock and has been recently renovated. It’s located two blocks from downtown, but is completely private—so you get the best of both worlds. It sleeps 8, so it’s great for larger families or combined vacations.
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