Marketing tips
Family-Friendly Features Guests Love: Win Over Summer Holidaymakers with Kids
4 Jul 2025
·
By Amanda Sanders
As peak travel season approaches, one guest profile takes centre stage: the family traveller. From toddlers to teens, parents booking summer holidays are looking for safe, convenient, and fun experiences that cater to everyone in their group. The good news? If you're a short-term rental host, a few simple adjustments can make your property more appealing to families - leading to more bookings, longer stays, and glowing 5-star reviews. At Travelnest, we help thousands of property owners prepare for peak season. When you work with us, you’ll also have access to your own dedicated property expert who can guide you on implementing the most impactful family-friendly features and optimising your listing to attract more bookings.
1. Prioritise child safety
Nothing matters more to travelling parents than peace of mind. If your property is safe and secure, it's far more likely to attract families.
Consider adding:
Stair gates (for multi-level properties)
Plug socket covers
Corner protectors for low furniture
Secure balcony locks or fencing for outdoor spaces
Travelnest Tip: Include “family-friendly” or “child-safe” in your listing description and tags. Many parents filter listings using these terms.
2. Stock up on family essentials
Families often travel with a lot of gear. By supplying a few practical items, you can reduce packing stress and earn bonus points from busy parents.
High-impact items include:
Travel cot and high chair
Plastic plates, bowls, and cutlery
Step stool for bathroom access
Changing mat or portable potty
Not sure which items make the biggest impact? Your Travelnest property expert can help you prioritise based on your property size and guest profile.

3. Add entertainment for all ages
Rain or shine, kids need something to do. Whether they’re winding down in the evening or taking a break from sightseeing, in-property entertainment can make or break a stay.
Easy wins:
Board games, puzzles, and books
Smart TV with kid-friendly streaming apps
Colouring books, Lego, or toy box
Wi-Fi strong enough for multiple devices
Bonus: If you offer a garden or patio, consider outdoor toys like a football, badminton set, or paddling pool for warmer months.
4. Highlight local family attractions
Families want more than just a place to sleep - they're looking for activities. Help them plan their trip with recommendations tailored to kids and parents alike.
Suggestions to include:
Local parks and playgrounds
Beaches with lifeguard coverage
Soft play centres or trampoline parks
Zoos, aquariums, or mini golf spots
Cafés with children’s menus or play areas
Travelnest Tip: Create a printed or digital local guidebook with a “Travelling with Kids” section and leave it out in plain sight.

5. Make check-in and checkout easy for parents
Travelling with children can be unpredictable. Offering flexibility makes a big difference.
Best practices:
Enable self-check-in
Allow early check-in or late checkout when possible
Send clear instructions ahead of time (ideally with pictures)
6. Photograph and promote your family features
It’s one thing to offer family-friendly amenities - it’s another to show them off. Make sure your listing images highlight child-friendly spaces and items.
Include photos of:
The high chair, cot, and games shelf
Outdoor play areas or fenced gardens
Kid-friendly dining setups
Cosy nooks for reading or quiet time
Need help deciding what to highlight? Your Travelnest expert can advise on which images convert best and how to position them across platforms.
How Travelnest helps you attract family bookings
At Travelnest, we support hosts in getting ready for peak demand from family travellers. Here’s how we help:
Distribution across top platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com
Optimised listings for visibility in family-related searches
Smart pricing tools to stay competitive during school holidays
A dedicated property expert to guide you through setup, presentation, and positioning for family appeal
Families notice the details and reward them with reviews
If your property offers comfort, convenience, and fun for parents and kids alike, families will keep coming back. And they'll tell other families too.
List with Travelnest today and get support from an experienced property expert who can help you make your space a go-to for family holidays.
