Whether you’re a current property owner thinking about breaking into the short term rental market or looking for an investment property to rent out, making your vacation rental family-friendly is a smart way to increase bookings and appeal to a broad audience in North Lake Tahoe! Families make up a large chunk of the travel market and look for accommodations that are not just comfortable but also safe, functional, and tailored to their needs. By making your property family-friendly, you’ll stand out in a competitive market, attract more repeat guests, and ensure glowing reviews!
Wondering how to transform your vacation rental into the ultimate family retreat? Here are some of our top tips!
Ready to make your vacation rental a passive income stream? Consider reaching out to us to see how Tahoe Signature Properties can help you manage your family-friendly vacation rental seamlessly!
Why Focus on Families?
Families are a core demographic in the vacation rental market. According to industry data:
- Families represent a huge number of vacation rental guests and typically look for spacious, practical, and kid-friendly accommodations.
- Families often plan longer stays, resulting in higher overall revenue.
- Positive family experiences lead to repeat bookings and referrals.
By catering to families, you’re investing in a sustainable and reliable audience that values comfort, safety, and convenience.
Essential Tips for Creating a Family-Friendly Vacation Rental
Properties with desirable features often attract more guests and higher rates. So if you’re looking to increase bookings, nightly rates and get great reviews and return guests, having amenities that cater to families is a great way to start!
1. Safety First
Parents prioritize safety above all else when traveling with kids. To make your rental family-friendly:
- Provide removable baby gates for stairs and ensure all balconies and railings are secure.
- Provide outlet covers, cabinet locks, and corner protectors for furniture.
- Keep cleaning supplies, sharp objects, and fragile decor out of reach.
- Include a first aid kit and emergency contact information in a visible location.
- Stay on top of recalls so you can remove them from the home promptly.
- Make sure fire extinguishers are mounted on each floor of the home in a visible place.
- Make sure carbon monoxide detectors and fire alarms are installed in the house.
- If you have bunk beds, make sure the mattresses on the upper bunk allow at least 6 inches of railing clearance for safety.
This is not an exhaustive list by any means, so it’s important that you do your research to make sure you’re providing the safest environment for your guests!
Pro Tip: If your property has a hot tub or pool, ensure you provide clear safety rules and install locking covers or alarms.
2. Kid-Friendly Amenities
Families with young children will often book if the property offers extra supplies that make traveling easier!
Consider adding baby equipment to your home that your guests can access to make their stay that much easier!
- High chairs, cribs, and pack ‘n plays.
- Kid-sized utensils, dishes, and sippy cups.
- Baby monitors and night lights.
- A toy box or basket with age-appropriate games, puzzles, and books.
Including these amenities eliminates the stress of packing bulky items, making your rental more appealing to families!
3. Design Playful Spaces
While it’s not necessary, families will often be drawn to homes that have spaces that look and feel homey, comfortable or playful.
Create a designated play area with toys, books, and games.- Add a kid’s corner with bean bags, blankets, and a small table for crafts or coloring.
- Stock your living room with family board games and movies for cozy nights in.
Pro Tip: If you have outdoor space, consider a small play structure, swings, or yard games like cornhole or bocce ball!
4. Provide Entertainment for All Ages
Families often need a variety of entertainment options to keep everyone happy for their holiday! Here is a list of ideas to get you started:
- A smart TV with access to family-friendly streaming services.
- Wi-Fi and a gaming console with kid-friendly games.
- Books, puzzles, coloring pages and board games for different age groups.
- Outdoor activities like sleds in winter or lawn games in summer.
While you don’t have to do it all, a few touches like this will make your property feel like a home away from home for families!
5. Offer Flexible Sleeping Arrangements
Families come in all shapes and sizes, so sleeping arrangements need to be flexible! Here are some tips that we like to consider when we’re setting up a home:
- Bunk beds, folding cribs, twin beds, or sleeper sofas to accommodate babies, kids and teens!
- Beds with pull-out trundles or folding cots are good for extra sleeping options if you have the storage space
- Include blackout curtains in bedrooms for easier naptime and early bedtimes.
Pro Tip: Label sleeping arrangements in your property listing so families know what to expect.
6. Equip the Kitchen for Family Dining
A fully equipped kitchen is a top priority for families! In fact 71% of travelers with children say access to cooking their own meals is a major
reason they choose a vacation rental! Here are a few tips on where to start:
Provide a full set of pots, pans, utensils, and child-safe dishes.
- Include a coffee maker, toaster, blender, and microwave for convenience.
- Stock basic cooking essentials like salt, pepper, oil, and you can even stock some kid-friendly snacks!
A well-stocked kitchen saves families time and money, making their stay more enjoyable which means they’re more likely to book again and give your home great reviews!
7. Highlight Outdoor Activities and Local Family Attractions
North Lake Tahoe is packed with family-friendly activities year-round. Help families make the most of their trip by:
- Offering a guidebook or map with nearby attractions like beaches, hiking trails, and ski resorts.
- Recommending family-friendly restaurants, playgrounds, and local events.
- Providing seasonal gear like snowshoes, sleds, or beach toys.
8. Promote Your Family-Friendly Features
Once you’ve made your property family-friendly, make sure your listing highlights these features:
- Use family-centric keywords like “kid-friendly,” “play area,” or “family-sized kitchen.”
- Showcase photos of kid-friendly spaces, safety features, and family amenities.
- Mention nearby family attractions and activities.
Let Tahoe Signature Properties Help You Manage Your Family-Friendly Rental!
Creating a family-friendly vacation rental offers a significant–but it can be daunting to think of everything that will set your home apart! That’s where Tahoe Signature Properties comes in.
As the leading property managers in North Lake Tahoe, we specialize in helping homeowners maximize their rental income by catering to families and other key audiences! Effective management can increase bookings and reduce costs.
Why Choose Tahoe Signature Properties?
Expert Marketing: We highlight your property’s family-friendly features with professional listings and targeted strategies.
Guest Support: From check-in to check-out, we ensure a seamless experience for families.
Full-Service Management: We handle everything, from safety updates to stocking kid-friendly amenities, so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Partnering with Tahoe Signature Properties means turning your vacation home into a sought-after destination for families, all while enjoying hassle-free management and exceptional results!
The Bottom Line on Family-Friendly Rentals
Creating a family-friendly vacation rental in North Lake Tahoe is one of the best ways to attract more bookings, enhance guest satisfaction, and increase your property’s earning potential! By adding safety features, kid-friendly amenities, and thoughtful touches, you’ll create an experience families will cherish and recommend for years to come.
Ready to transform your property into a family-friendly without the hassle? Partner with Tahoe Signature Properties today and let us take your rental to the next level!
