The demand for family-friendly Airbnb rental properties soar during the summer months when families are more likely to travel. Use these tips below to help increase your bookings by meeting the needs of families with small children.
By taking the time to provide for – and protect – all guests properly, you will surely convey a sense of care to your guests, resulting in shining reviews.
Utilize these Airbnb host tips to get your property ready for the summer season and family vacationers.
Provide Outdoor Entertainment
We all know how much energy kids can have, especially while on vacation. Offering a variety of entertainment options for your guests will help to blow off some of the extra energy and keep guests happy.
Keeping the kids entertained will tire them out sooner and give the parents some much-needed time to relax. Maximize the unique features of your property when attempting to provide adequate entertainment options.
If your Airbnb includes a big backyard – or better yet, a pool – this will surely be an attraction for families with young children. Just be sure to keep the area clean and provide the proper safety equipment.
It might also be worth the investment to purchase an outdoor grill as an opportunity for barbecues and other outdoor activities. Setting out an adequate number of chairs and tables will allow the whole family to enjoy the outdoors together. Elevate your outdoor area with string lights and lots of greenery so that the party doesn’t end when the sun goes down.
WiFi
In today’s world, everyone has their own personal devices that help them stay connected. Whether it is for personal conversations, virtual classrooms, or work-from-anywhere remote offices, your guests will expect to have high-speed internet available.
Ensure your guests have a reliable connection by checking your internet speed. A good internet speed is at or above 25 Mbps. This will support most online activities, including streaming services, online gaming, and web browsing.
Help your guests stay connected by providing free and unlimited Wifi throughout the property. Guests will most likely want to connect to the Wifi as soon as they walk through the front door.
To make things simple, write down instructions to access the WiFi and include them in your welcome packet or on a small sign near the entrance.
Television and Streaming Services
Another source of entertainment is, of course, the TV. Set the remote control in an area where it can be easily found, so guests don’t need to search for it. Make sure the TV is set to an appropriate channel, and the volume is turned down. The TV channels are likely different from what your guests are used to at home, so it is always helpful to include a guide if one is not already available.
If you offer streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video, be sure to include these as an amenity on your property listing online.
Promote Nearby Attractions
Outside of your Airbnb are many sources of entertainment just waiting to be explored. Local parks and zoos can be great sources of fun for families to enjoy together.
Go the extra mile by sharing any family-friendly places nearby. You may even consider partnering with local businesses to cross-market one another and provide exclusive deals for your guests.
Provide Laundry
As much as parents (and hosts) would prefer kids to stay clean, it’s in their nature to play outside and get dirty. As a result, children are more likely to go through more clothes as compared to adults. Help make your guests’ life a bit easier by providing a functional washer and dryer. Laundry detergent, fabric softener, and stain removers are a bonus. Parents will no longer have to worry about stains or running out of clean clothes for their kids during their vacation.
If your rental property is located near a beach or features a pool, it might also be a good idea to have additional drying racks available for swimsuits and towels.
Stock Up On Kitchen Essentials
Busy families on the go are always in need of fueling up before their next adventure. Providing your guests with a functional kitchen is a great way to keep the kids satisfied and even create memorable experiences cooking together.
Equipment
Always keep your vacation rental kitchen clean and ready to use before guests check-in. Equip your kitchen with a functional stovetop, oven, refrigerator, microwave, and toaster. Don’t forget the pots and pans, cooking utensils, plates, bowls, glasses, and utensils.
To cater to families, including a few sippy cups or plastic cups with lids is another great idea. Also consider a few plastic or melamine bowls and plates to prevent any accidents.
Food and Snacks
Every functional kitchen needs some basic spices and condiments. Make mornings a little easier for your guests by providing a coffee and tea station equipped with ground coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer.
Be sure to refill each of these items in between guests to remain well-stocked. You might also choose to stock your kitchen with a small welcome basket with snacks, fresh fruit, or even a bottle of wine.
Hiring a professional cleaning service can help you keep your property clean and ready for each guest. TurnoverBnB offers a cleaner marketplace to help you find your next cleaner or cleaning service.
With all the running around they do, little ones can work up quite the appetite. In an effort to keep them sated, consider providing a few snack-sized treats. Be aware of common food allergies, such as peanuts, when purchasing food items.
Safety
Accidents are bound to happen with children. As an Airbnb host, it is important to make your property as safe as possible to avoid any injuries.
Childproofing
If your vacation rental regularly hosts families with small children, it would be a good idea to childproof the entire property. This may include adding childproof locks to certain cabinets that store cleaning supplies or other areas that could be harmful to small children.
Include a small first aid kit equipped with bandaids and other essentials such as rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
Decor
While the perfect decor can add beauty and character to a room, it can also be a potential danger to children. Keep all expensive, delicate, or heavy items out of reach. Children like to climb on furniture, so avoid placing such items high up on shelves where they can fall over. This will help to avoid damage to your property while also keeping the kids safe.
Enhance Your Listing Online
After all of these steps are completed, take a few pictures of your new and improved vacation rental. Upload these pictures to your booking sites, and be sure to label your listing as “child friendly” to gain the attention of vacationing families.
Looking for more host tips? Follow our blog for more tips and to learn how you can improve your vacation rental property.
