Top amenities for your next family vacation rental

March 15, 2024 • 4 min read

When you’re far from home having a few creature comforts can make all the difference. If you’re looking for a stay with a pool to cool off in during the summer, a cozy fireplace in the winter, or pet-friendly perks like a fenced in yard, look no further! We’ve gathered some of the top amenity ideas so you can check every box when you book your next family vacation rental.

Points of interest

A full kitchen makes a world of difference, especially with kids
Look for extras like games, streaming services, or sports equipment
Clear any four-legged travel companions with the host ahead of time

Two cute toddlers happily head to the beach.

Essential practical amenities

Once you find the perfect family vacation rental, double check that it has these amenities at a minimum.

A full kitchen

When your baby wakes up at 5 AM wanting a bottle, or your kids (or you) have a sudden attack of the mid-afternoon hangries, having a full kitchen at your disposal can be a lifesaver. Being able to cook meals can also be the difference between a budget vacation and an expensive one for a family with children — eating out adds up FAST! In addition to the usual stove, fridge, and dishwasher, look for kitchen amenities such as:

coffee maker with filters
dining sets for the number of allowable guests
pots, pans, knives, and cooking utensils
non-perishable cooking basics (oil, salt, spices, sugar, etc.)
small kitchen appliances (toaster, rice cooker, blender, processor, etc.)

Laundry machine

If you’re traveling with kids, there’s no way to avoid unplanned outfit changes. From regular daytime dirtiness to afternoon “snackcidents,” you may want to do a wash or two while you’re away. This amenity has a hidden bonus of enabling you to pack a little lighter for the whole family.

Air conditioning/heating system

Having the ability to adjust the temperature of your vacation rental is key for families with infants and small children, especially if the stay is located in a region with extreme temperatures. Sometimes, vacation rentals may include air conditioning, but only in a room or two. Be sure to clarify if your rental has central air or individual room units.

A serene pool surrounded by palm trees and cactus.

Entire home in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Top pet friendly amenities

Pet-friendly vacation rentals are a terrific way to ensure that you can bring the WHOLE family along for the fun. If you’re bringing your four-legged family members on your next family vacation, ensure that your accommodation is set for pets and stocked with some or all of the following amenities:

pet bowls
pet bed and towels
poop bags and leash
fenced-in yard
pet gates
pet crate

Be sure to clear your pet with your Host before you arrive, even if the listing specifies that it is pet-friendly.

Fun activity amenities

Isn’t it great when your accommodation is one of the best parts of your vacation? Make sure everyone is happy from dawn to dusk with these kid-pleasing family vacation rental perks.

Outdoor space

Get some air and take family time to the great… backyard. When you have little kids, it’s a huge help to be able to get them outside. Fenced in yards, hot tubs, barbecues, and patio furniture are commonly sought outdoor amenities.

A pool and/or hot tub

For some locations, a pool is a must-have amenity as it provides hours of fun without leaving the house. Be sure to check with your host if the pool is enclosed or otherwise equipped with safety-features, especially if you have little ones that can walk or crawl.

Built in entertainment

Home entertainment is an essential part of modern family life, and an excellent way to wind down at the end of each adventure-filled vacation day. Make sure your vacation rental has these entertainment amenities:

Wi-Fi/Internet access
TV/streaming services
board games
family-friendly movies and books

A beautiful desert home all lit up at dusk.

Entire home in Yucca Valley, California

Kid-friendly amenities

Taking a vacation with kids is infinitely easier when you know your vacation rental is equipped with some of the largest baby-care items you will need. Lighten your load and gain some peace of mind by ensuring your family vacation rental has these common (and crucial) kids items:

baby or stair gates
stroller
high chair
travel crib
changing table
white noise machine
blackout curtains
kid-friendly dinnerware

Top accessibility amenities

Accessibility is key for multi-generational families or family members with disabilities. It can mean the difference between a truly restful vacation and another day battling an inaccessible world. Here are a few accessibility amenities to seek in your next vacation rental:

step-free or ramp-based entrances
stair-free, single-level accommodations
hand railings next to toilets and in showers
shower seating installed or available
non-slip bathroom floors
door/hallway dimensions fit for wheelchairs and walkers

With how much a missing amenity can impact vacation comfort and satisfaction, it’s a good idea to make a checklist and customize it for your family’s needs. Print off or copy the above lists and add-in your must-haves before you book your next family vacation to make it a little (or a lot) better for the whole family.