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No Boredom Allowed

Traveling with kids can be exhilarating, but it can also be a real pain entertaining bored little ones who are used to their creature comforts. If you want to actually enjoy your next trip, try out a kid-friendly vacation rental instead of a confining hotel room. Airbnb and Vrbo are full of places where you can socially distance in style, with everything from pools to playgrounds to game rooms. Here are some guaranteed kid-pleasers across the country.


Prices and availability are subject to change.


Related: Vacation Rentals for Large Groups & Family Reunions

Vrbo

Outdoor Games Galore

Scottsdale, Arizona Sleeps 15

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In the Phoenix area is this new luxury 1.5-acre estate, with so many bells and whistles there's no way the kids can claim they're bored. The backyard features a volleyball court, cornhole, a putting green, a nine-hole mini-golf course, soccer field, playground, splash pad, and much more. 

Vrbo

Outdoor Games Galore: More

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A pool, a game room, a custom bar, even a fruit orchard in the backyard, await the lucky sports fans who book this property. And air hockey and foosball tables are available, in case you get tired of being a spectator and are ready to flex your own athletic prowess.

Vrbo

Some Texas-Sized Fun

Cedar Hill, Texas Sleeps 16

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Putting the "big" in Big D, this 22-acre Dallas County estate would make an epic home base for any fun-seeking family. At 3,500 square feet, this place has plenty of elbow room, plus amenities to knock your socks off.

Vrbo

Some Texas-Sized Fun: More

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Vacationing families booking this vacation rental can expect an outdoor movie screen, zip lines, a pool, spa, fire pit, climbing wall, and even a giant slip-and-slide, which winds through a long ravine. 

Vrbo

Singing and Swimming

Anaheim, California | Sleeps 11

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Headed to the Los Angeles area? Why not dive into La-La Land with gusto? This 4-bedroom, 2-bath house is kid-friendly to the max with Disney-themed bedrooms and a karaoke stage.

Vrbo

Singing and Swimming: More

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The dramatically lit pool and spa look like they came right out of a theme park, which makes sense, because, in addition to being less than three miles from the L.A. Angel's ballpark, the home is within walking distance to Disneyland.  

VRBO

Movie-Themed Mansion

Davenport, Florida | Sleeps 36

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A movie buff’s paradise, this mansion’s bedrooms feature Hollywood movie themes, including "Titanic," "Jaws," "The Wizard of Oz," "Jumanji," and more. There are three 120-inch projector screens and all bedrooms have smart TVs for plenty of movie watching. The house includes two full-sized bowling alley lanes, too. 

VRBO

Movie-Themed Mansion: More

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This 14-bedroom mansion features a large private swimming pool and spa, complete with resort-style sun loungers. The family will also have access to the Solterra Resort clubhouse with tennis courts, a resort-style pool and water slide, cabanas, a lazy river, and more.

Vrbo
Vrbo

Facing the Music: More

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Photos, artwork, and memorabilia create a fun, nostalgic atmosphere. Fire up one of the vintage jukeboxes for a dance party, challenge a family member to a game of pool, or just hang on the outdoor deck. 

Kirkland's Smoky Mountain Cabins
Kirkland's Smoky Mountain Cabins

Go Lodge!: More

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This house seems sedate on the outside, but inside, kids will love the themed rooms as well as the pool table, ping-pong table, foosball table, and a dining room dedicated to puzzles — including a giant puzzle wall. Grown-ups may prefer to spend their time on the slot machine and roulette, blackjack, and craps.


Vrbo

Slumber Party Central

San Diego |  Sleeps 13

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Families with smaller children will love this four-bedroom, two-bath, 1,500-square-foot house. It features a fenced salt-water heated pool and plenty of play areas for the littles. A room with two bunk beds allows the kiddos to be together at night.

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Slumber Party Central: More

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The house comes with a selection of outdoor toys and baby and toddler gear that kids will love, including play vehicles, a Lego table, and a play house. The backyard also features a small playground area. 

Vrbo

Blue Mountain Retreat

Chimacum, Washington | Sleeps: 25

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A house that bills itself as a place "where kids entertain themselves" sounds promising to us, especially since the grown-ups can relax in the hot tub or on the large deck with views of 20 private, scenic acres. Nearby Olympic National Park offers more chances to drink in nature's beauty.


Related: Coolest Mountain Hideaways Across America

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Blue Mountain Retreat: More

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Lego room? Soft block room? Massive lower-level playroom filled with ride-on toys? The kids will probably ping-pong between all three, especially since there are secret passages connecting the spaces, including two slides.

Vrbo

Decked Out Near Disney

Kissimmee, Florida | Sleeps: 24

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Why should the magic begin and end with Disney World? Stay in this fully decked-out nine-bedroom home, and it won't have to. The eye-popping pool with a spillover spa and a lazy river only hints at the wonders inside, but we wouldn't blame you for relaxing on the covered lanai all day while the kids splash.


Related: How to Do Disney on a Budget

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Decked Out Near Disney: More

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The kids may not even want to swim when they see the themed bunk-bed rooms with hidden entrances to a secret kids' zone, complete with talking portraits. There's also a theater room and two game rooms, with everything from air hockey to arcade favorites.

Vrbo

Larger-Than-Life Fun

Groveland, Florida | Sleeps: 54

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Big enough for a family reunion, this is the rental your kids will never shut up about for years. It's close to Disney World, but one look at the billiard-themed swimming pool with a cue stick slide and a lazy river might have them begging to stay put. The yard also has giant bowling, human whack-a-mole, soccer darts, a basketball court, and more.


Related: Most Luxurious Airbnbs Around the World

Vrbo

Larger-Than-Life Fun: More

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The inside of this home is just as insane as the outside — after a while, you may not even remember you have kids. Features include video-game rooms, giant chess, a massive wall-sized maze, two escape rooms, a laser maze, a carnival-themed game room, and a home theater.

Vrbo

Texas Tree House

New Braunfels, Texas | Sleeps: 8

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This tricked-out treehouse will delight kids of all ages. It has two bedrooms (who said treehouses need to be small?) and a full kitchen and bathroom. You'll appreciate the room to stretch out and rest, especially if you've spent a busy day at nearby Schlitterbahn waterpark or Natural Bridge Caverns.


Related: Amazing Airbnbs and Vrbos Across America

Vrbo

Texas Tree House: More

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The treehouse is perched on the edge of a walk-in salt-water swimming pool, complete with a cabana where parents can relax. There's also a charming playground for kiddos who would rather have fun while staying dry.


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Vrbo

Smiles in the Smokies

Sevierville, Tennessee | Sleeps: 12

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This shiny new four-bedroom cabin in the Smokies is kid-friendly not just because of its amenities, but because of its location: You'll be near Dollywood, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and all of Gatlinburg's endless activities, from mini golf to dinner shows to skiing.


Related: Best Winter Home Rentals in America

Vrbo

Smiles in the Smokies: More

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Kids will go nuts for the nine-seat theater room, air hockey, arcade games, 10-foot climbing wall, and "cubs' den," accessible by ladder and outfitted with its own TV. They'll even find an Xbox in one of the kids' bunk rooms. While they're otherwise occupied, you can kick back on the deck or sit in the hot tub and enjoy an amazing view of the mountains.

Vrbo

Private Petting Zoo

Boone, North Carolina | Sleeps: 6

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A charming cabin in the mountains would appeal to plenty of kids on its own. Add in the fact that it's got its own petting zoo, and the little ones may go, well, a little ape. They'll also be surrounded by some of North Carolina's loveliest scenery, including Grandfather Mountain and Pisgah National Forest.

Vrbo

Private Petting Zoo: More

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If the kids can tear themselves away from feeding the pigs, goats, and donkeys, they'll love exploring the lush grounds complete with a fire pit, hammock, hot tub, and waterfall. Inside, the cabin is a charmer, too, with a big stone fireplace and cozy covered porch.


Related: 21 Places to Safely See Wild Animals Up Close

Vrbo

Lake Views Near Branson

Hollister, Missouri| Sleeps: 10

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This four-bedroom home close to the family-friendly playland of Branson has a view of Table Rock Lake from the back deck, and there's access to a gleaming neighborhood pool and playground if the kids want to burn off energy without going too far.

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Lake Views Near Branson: More

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You might have a little more luck keeping the kids out of the kitchen when there's a hidden tube slide under the center island. It snakes down to a "kid cave" with a hammock, a climbing wall, and cushioned floors. There's also a pinball machine, air hockey, and a gaming system, so you actually have a shot at finishing that glass of wine in peace.

Vrbo

Utah Playground

Orem, Utah | Sleeps: 16

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Who needs a hotel when you can have this Utah mansion with every conceivable kid-friendly amenity? There's a theater room, an indoor basketball court, an arcade and game room, a dance space, two kitchens, and plenty of play equipment for little ones to burn energy outside, including a trampoline.


Related: Mansions You Can Actually Afford to Rent

Vrbo

Utah Playground: More

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Check out the mountain views while you paddle around in the massive indoor pool, splash down on the twisty slide, or play a game of basketball in the water. There's also an adjacent hot tub, sauna, and bar for a real party.


Related: Best Vacation Rentals With Indoor Pools

Vrbo

A Pirate's Life for Me

Lyndon Station, Wisconsin | Sleeps: 6

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Misbehaving kids can walk the plank at this insane rental near the Wisconsin Dells. The kids will have a bunk room in the belly of the ship, and parents have their own private quarters, too. There's a separate bath house to answer nature's calls. The waterparks, shows, and other attractions of Wisconsin Dells are close by.

Vrbo

A Pirate's Life for Me: More

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As if climbing around a pirate ship isn't enough, there's a swing set and even a slide from the top deck. A nearby climbing wall is also ready for little crewmates to burn some energy, and older ones can even try their hand at axe throwing.

Vrbo
Vrbo

Just Let 'Em Slide: More

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Uncooperative weather won't be a concern here, because there's a huge indoor playground with a trampoline, basketball court, and playset. There's also a game room with two gaming systems and ping pong, a pool table, and a home theater. Kids can make a quick escape from the kitchen, where there's an additional climbing area and indoor slide. 

Airbnb

A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Anaheim, California | Sleeps: 16

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Your tiny Jedis will flip when they see the "Star Wars" bedroom inside this roomy SoCal rental, complete with the coolest custom bunk beds this side of Tatooine. You'll flip when you see the luxurious open living room, fully stocked modern kitchen, and proximity to Disneyland.

Airbnb

A Galaxy Far, Far Away: More

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The non-Jedis of the family may find a princess-themed room with a castle more to their liking, and there's a game room and a den perfect for movie-watching. Outside is a heated pool, a playhouse, and a large covered patio perfect for outdoor family dining.

Airbnb

Having a Capitol Time

Washington, D.C. | Sleeps: 8

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This sleek townhouse will catch the eye of parents with its Scandinavian design and African art, and it's close to Washington's many kid-friendly attractions, including the Smithsonian, National Zoo, and International Spy Museum.

Airbnb

Having a Capitol Time: More

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Kids will be delighted to discover a whimsical children's room stocked with books and cozy beds, and if they climb up to the loft, they'll find an honest-to-goodness ball pit, play kitchen, Lego station, and more.

Airbnb
Airbnb

Toy Story Experience: More

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The thoughtful details in this home include an adorable Etch-a-Sketch TV, a ceiling painted like the cloud wallpaper in Andy's room, and even Buzz Lightyear dangling daringly in the kitchen. Neon lights, games, and toys complete the scene.

Airbnb
Airbnb

Wild in the Woods: More

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What's a treehouse without a fun way down? This one has several, including a spiral staircase, two slides, and a fire pole. There's also a goliath swing, a slackline, and another huge slide that speeds kiddos through the woods. When the kids are finally exhausted, they can relax in a hammock or chill out in their treehouse bunk beds.


Related: Amazing Treehouse Vacation Getaways

Airbnb

Going Underground

Santa Fe, Tennessee | Sleeps: 8

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Got a "Lord of the Rings" fan in the family? You'll feel like you have your very own hobbit houses with this unique rental near Nashville. The family gets the run of three fully heated and cooled earth huts on 15 acres, one of which even has a kitchen. There's a bathhouse with laundry just yards away, too.

Airbnb

Going Underground: More

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Kids can gather eggs from the farm's chickens, pick berries, hike to two nearby waterfalls, or hang out in an adorable play hut that's just their size. There's also a fire pit where the family can warm up, roast marshmallows, and tell stories under the stars.


Related: Spectacular Caves You Can Rent

Airbnb

Gamer's Paradise

Lithia Springs, Georgia | Sleeps: 4

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Tiny houses are all the rage, and this one near Atlanta is tucked away in a lush yard, with a big deck for relaxing. There's even a salt-water pool with lights and a slide, plus a screened-in porch with board games and exercise equipment. You'll also be just a few miles from Six Flags.

Airbnb

Gamer's Paradise: More

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The real draw here is a massive private arcade, decked out in neon lights. There are more than 40 games, from nostalgic favorites like pinball and Ms. Pac-Man to Terminator and racing games. Better yet, playing is free with your stay, so your kids won't be begging for buckets of quarters.


Related: Coolest Tiny Home Rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo