Tips for Hosting a Kid-Friendly Vacation Rental
If you're renting out a large property, like a home, for short term rental or vacation rental, one of the strategies you can take is to make it kid and family friendly. Small changes will go a long way in creating a kid-friendly property that will attract more families, improve guest satisfaction (reviews), and keep them coming back.
Family-friendly Amenities
- • Offer cribs, high chairs, and booster seats. This doesn't need to be kept out in case it creates too much clutter, but is good to have on hand. Make sure you let guests know they can ask you to put it out before their arrival.
- • Stock the kitchen with kid-sized utensils, plates, and cups.
- • Provide board games, puzzles, and books for various age groups. These are easy to buy second hand if you don't want to spend a lot of money.
Bedroom Setup
- • Consider furnishing one or two rooms (depending on how many room your property has) with bunk beds or twin beds to accommodate families.
- • Provide blackout curtains to help children sleep better.
- • If you paint your house or a bedroom for kids, use paint that says it's "washable" or "stain-resistant" so if cleaners need to scrub the walls, it'll be easy to do. This is in my must-have list for short-term or vacation rentals.
Safety First
These items can also be provided for guests upon request if you don't want to permanently leave it in place.
- • Install outlet covers, corner protectors, and secure furniture to prevent tipping.
- • Provide child-safe locks for cabinets and doors.
- • Ensure staircases have gates if needed.
Outdoor Considerations
- • If you have a pool, ensure it has a fence or a lockable gate.
- • Provide safe outdoor toys or sports equipment, like pool floaties. This is simple and cheap but goes a long way to ensure guests have fun!
Emergency Preparedness
- • Regardless of family preparation, always have a well-stocked first aid kit available. Make sure you check it often in case folks used anything in it that needs replacing, like band-aids.
- • Display emergency contact numbers and instructions clearly.
House Rules and Guidance
- • Outline clear rules for children's safety in your rules book, and in emails prior to guests arriving so they know what to expect. We email our book so it's not lost.
- • Provide local recommendations for family-friendly restaurants, parks, and activities.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- • Use non-toxic cleaning products, and speak to the cleaners to make sure they know kids or a family will be coming.
- • Regularly inspect for potential hazards like loose wires or sharp edges.