Airbnb with Kids: How to Choose a Family-Friendly Stay (Free Checklist)

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Why We Choose Airbnb When Travelling With Kids

When travelling with kids, having extra space to play, a kitchen for quick meals, and a cozy home base after long days of exploring makes all the difference. A home away from home where kids can run around freely and make unique memories is priceless! Add in a friendly local host — who sometimes doubles as your guide to hidden gems, or even surprises you with homemade treats — and suddenly you’re no longer just a tourist. You become a tiny part of a welcoming community!

We love observing how people live in different parts of the world — how their kitchens are built, what books they read, the decor they cherish. Farm stays open up a whole new world that’s so different from our city life, and our kids love meeting not just new people but also their pets and farm animals!

And while we definitely enjoy resorts and hotels (who doesnt love buffet breakfasts!), we feel Airbnb with Kids is an experience of its own — one that enriches family travel in more ways than one. Saving money by cooking your own meals is just a big bonus!

If you are planning your DIY trip to Europe (or just anywhere) let our blog help you with important considerations , like accommodation- How to plan a Europe trip from India - a detailed step by step guide!

Kids enjoying some sun at our airbnb at Hafslo, Norway.

How to Pick the Right Airbnb with Kids — Our Tried & Tested Tips

Here’s our tried-and-tested guide to choosing the perfect Airbnb for family adventures — with real examples from our travels!

1. Check the Location Beyond the Tourist Spots

A beautiful home is great — but being in the right location is everything. Choose a place that isn’t necessarily in the main tourist hotspot. You can often save money by staying just a little outside the busy centre, while also avoiding the noise and crowds that come with it. After an entire day of exploring a new place, it feels wonderful to head back to a quieter neighbourhood — ideally less than a 30-minute easy drive from major attractions — but still close to essential conveniences.

Look for:

• Quiet and safe neighbourhood

• Playground or walking track nearby

• Supermarket and gas stations within 5–10 minutes

• Quick drive to key family attractions

Example: Queenstown, New Zealand Our stay in Arthur’s Point was just 10 minutes from the town centre — the perfect balance! We woke up every morning surrounded by stunning fall foliage and mountain views above the Shotover Jet location. Peaceful, scenic, and close to everything we needed.

Airbnb in KL city centre was conviniently located at a walking distance from KLCC and public transport

2. Family-Friendly Space and Layout

Kids need room to play, explore, and unwind. That cute budget-friendly studio may look perfect in photos — but will it feel too cramped once you add suitcases, toys, and tired kids? Always make sure the space works for a family, not just a couple.

Must-haves:

• Comfortable living space for playtime and relaxation

• Enough proper beds for everyone

• Heating in common areas and bedrooms if travelling to colder places

• Hot shower with good water pressure (non-negotiable after long days!)

• Outdoor area if possible — even a tiny yard makes a big difference

• Bonus: Toys, books, board games, puzzles

Pro Parent Tip:Check listing photos carefully for open stairs, balcony railings, and unfenced water bodies — especially in rural stays. When in doubt, message the host!

Examples From Our Trips

• Railton, near Cradle Mountain (Tasmania): A spacious outdoor seating area with a fire pit — the kids happily ran around while we relaxed under the stars!Read more about our accomodtions in Tasmania in our blog - 6 Family-Friendly Accommodations in Tasmania Tested by Passportcubs

• Stryn, Norway: Our daughter couldn’t wait to return each day because the Airbnb had a gorgeous playground — it became the highlight of her evenings!

To read about our Norway adventure road trip with all scenic spots to stop and where to stay, read our blog - Norway 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary – Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Fjords & Scenic Routes

Family-friendly Airbnb with open layout for children to play in Railton, Tasmania

ensure comfortable sleeping space for everyone

Airbnb in Stryn with the coolest playground - that our daughter still talks about!

3. Safety First (Always!)

Before booking, check:

• Neighbourhood safety

• Stair gates or ground-floor bedrooms

• Secure windows/doors

• No cluttered/sharp furniture

• Child-friendly amenities: crib, high chair, plastic plates

  
  

Don’t hesitate to message the host with questions — great hosts reply quickly!

Example: In St. Helens, Tasmania, the host had left the heater running as we had informed that we will be reaching late after a long dayof hiking and travel and kids will be tired. There were also kid friendly cuttlery, toys and books available.

4. A Functional Kitchen Saves Money (and Meltdowns)

When kids are hungry, they’re hungry.A kitchen makes it so much easier to whip up quick meals, warm milk, or serve familiar comfort food for little travelers. It also saves money — especially on longer trips!

Look for:• Microwave for quick meals• Dishwasher to avoid holiday dishwashing battles• Enough basic cookware and utensils• Pantry essentials: oil, salt, sugar, tea/coffee• Kids’ plates and cutlery (a huge plus!)

Example: Taroona, near Hobart (Tasmania)Our host had generously stocked the kitchen with freshly baked bread, butter, fruits, preserves, biscuits, coffee, tea, cooking oil, spices and more — along with kids’ dining sets. Such thoughtful touches made it so much easier for us to settle in as a family, especially after our long drive from Zeehan.

Airbnb kitchen with essentials for family meals while traveling with kids, St.Helens , Tasmania

5.  Laundry Facilities = Life-Saver

When travelling with babies and toddlers — the moment you stop worrying about clothes getting dirty is when the real carefree fun begins!

Between outdoor adventures, muddy shoes, and ice-cream spills… laundry is a must!

Having a washing machine (and ideally a dryer) means:

✅ You can pack lighter

✅ You don’t have to carry around messes or stains

✅ You save luggage space for souvenirs (hello, holiday shopping!)

✅ Longer trips feel way more comfortable

If you’re planning a 10–15 day trip, we recommend choosing at least one Airbnb with laundry facilities midway through your journey — it makes a world of difference.

📍 Example: Queenstown (Arthur’s Point) & Stryn, NorwayWe packed so much lighter on our trips to New Zealand and Norway because both our Airbnbs had excellent washer–dryer setups. Quick laundry cycles and we were adventure-ready again!

6. Read Reviews Like a Detective

Photos can sometimes hide the reality — but reviews rarely do. Before booking, scroll through reviews like a detective and look for patterns, not just isolated comments.

Scan for repeated mentions of:

• Cleanliness: If multiple people say “spotless,” that’s a great sign.

• Responsive host: Quick communication matters when you need help with heating, check-in, or toddler emergencies!

• Heating/AC: Crucial in colder destinations like Tasmania, Queenstown, or Norway — kids can’t sleep well if they’re freezing.

• Peaceful neighbourhood: No late-night party surprises!

• Family-friendly touches: High chairs, toys, books, safety gates, etc.

Pro Tip:Specifically look for reviews written by other families. Their experiences — from stroller access to playground tips — mirror what your family might need too.

What to ignore:

• Single negative review with no follow-ups

• Complaints about things that don’t matter to you (e.g., “too quiet” — which is GREAT with kids!)

Bonus:Use the Keywords Search bar within reviews — type words like kids, family, heating, or clean. It’s a quick cheat to find what matters most!

📍 Example: our stays in Lom and Hafslo (Norway)- such gracious hosts, spotless clean homes in rural settings! we were so at home!

7. Unique Stays Kids Will Never Forget

Airbnb lets you choose experiences, not just a room.

Ideas:

• Farm stays with animals 🐑

• Houses with character - Bachops hill farmstay near Lake tekapo

• with elaborate playground.

These become core childhood memories ❤️

One of the most amazing stay on our holiday to New Zealand - Bauchops Hilla station framstay also geatures in one of our most favourite activities to do in NZD, read more about it in our blog - Top 12 Family Experiences in South Island, New Zealand — Part 1 (Best Things to Do with Kids)

we love airbnb farmstays!

8. Communication with the Host Can Tell You A Lot

A friendly and responsive host:

✔ makes check-in smooth

✔ helps with local tips

✔ is there when you need help

📍 Example: Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaOur host in Kuala Lumpur was absolutely amazing — always available on chat with quick responses to our pre-arrival questions, and super helpful throughout our stay. They even stayed in touch during checkout and kindly arranged a cab to the airport for us! Plus, the host had consistently excellent reviews for all the important family-friendly aspects we look for — which is why we booked with confidence in the first place. Read more about this place and how it enhanced our experience of exploring KL with kids and parents in our blog - 3 Perfect Days in Kuala Lumpur with Kids: Best Family Activities & Food Guide

9. Pricing Smart: Compare Total Cost

Instead of comparing base price,

✅ Look at total cost = nightly rate + cleaning + service fees

✅ Check for weekly or monthly discounts

✅ Filter by free parking to save extra

10. Clear Check-In, Check-Out & House Rules

After a long journey with kids, the last thing you want is confusion at the door. Smooth arrival and clear guidelines help everyone settle in stress-free.

Check-in essentials to look for:

• Clear instructions sent ahead of time

• Self check-in option (keypad/lockbox) for late arrivals

• Parking details if you’re on a road trip

• Contact information for emergencies

Check-out clarity matters too:

• Simple tasks (e.g., take out trash / start dishwasher)

• Hosts do allow flexibility when possible

House Rules:

Every home is different — and following rules helps ensure Airbnbs remain welcoming for fellow travelling families.

Look for rules related to:

• Quiet hours

• Use of outdoor spaces like gardens or pools

• Pets allowed or not

• Safety restrictions (balconies, fireplaces, farm areas, etc.)

Pro Parent Tip:If anything is unclear — ask! Friendly hosts always clarify and often make special accommodations for families.

📍 Example: Many Airbnbs now offer self check-in using a secure door code. Your host will usually share the code a few hours — or even a day — before your arrival, so you don’t have to stress about late flights or tired kids at the door. It’s one of the simplest comforts that makes family travel smoother and hassle-free!

Glamping options are also available on Airbnb - Zeehan bush camping and glamping - makes for a memorable stay!

Family Airbnb Booking Checklist (Free!)

Before you confirm — make sure your stay ticks these boxes ✅

✔ Great reviews — especially from families

✔ Responsive and friendly host communication

✔ Safe location + easy transport

✔ Separate bedroom for kids

✔ Kitchen with essentials

✔ Heating/AC suitable for the season

✔ Laundry facilities

✔ Kid amenities (cot, booster, toys)

Planning a family trip doesn’t have to feel stressful — and the right accommodation can truly make or break your holiday. With this simple checklist by your side, you can quickly compare properties, avoid common surprises, and make sure your stay is safe, comfortable, and kid-approved. Read more about our kid- approved accomodtions in Tasmania in our blog - 6 Family-Friendly Accommodations in Tasmania Tested by Passportcubs

FAQs About Choosing Family-Friendly Airbnbs

Q1. What should I look for when booking an Airbnb with kids?

Focus on safety, sleeping arrangements, kitchen access, washing facilities, and location close to attractions or supermarkets. Outdoor space and kid-friendly amenities (like high chairs or games) are a big bonus. Good airbnb ratings and higher reviews are important considerations.

Q2. Are Airbnbs better than hotels for families?

Often, yes! Airbnbs can offer more space, separate bedrooms, and a kitchen — making routines easier with little ones. But hotels may be better for short stays or if you prefer on-site services like breakfast and room cleaning.

Q3. How do I verify if a home is safe for young children?

Check photos for hazards like stairs without gates, balconies, sharp corners, or easily accessible pools. You can also message the host to confirm baby-proofing or child-safe features.

Q4. Should I read all the reviews?

Skim for reviews from other families. They often mention cleanliness, noise,safety,comfort of beds, and whether the listing matches the photos.

Q5. What’s the best way to communicate special needs to a host?

Use the Airbnb messaging tool to clearly explain what you need — example: crib, blackout curtains, early check-in, heating, food prep space. Good hosts will confirm if they can provide these.

Q6. Is it okay to ask for extra amenities like toys or kitchen basics?

Yes — many hosts are happy to help if you request before arrival. But do check the listing first; if it’s not listed, assume it may not be available.