The Best Airbnb Experiences For Families Who Love to Play

Sometimes the highlight of your getaway is where you stay. These Airbnb experiences are a vacation all on their own.
Last year, Airbnb launched new categories to help you find the perfect rental:

New  –  homes added within the past 10 weeks
Top of the World  – homes above 10,000 feet
Trending  – rentals that have received a high number of views
Adapted  – home adapted for wheelchair access
Hanoks  – traditional Korean homes constructed of natural materials

They also added the Play category , and for fun-loving families, this makes drilling down to find the perfect vacation rental a breeze! Play category rentals are properties that include on-site fun beyond the regular amenities. Mini golf. Epic pools. Basketball courts. Arcades. When they say “Play”, they mean play. That also means that these properties are usually super family-friendly. These are the Airbnb experiences you’ve been looking for.
Sure, it makes total sense to go on a family vacation and use your rental house as home base for showers and sleeping, but these are some of the best Airbnb Play category rentals that you can have just as much fun at without even leaving! They’re the kind of places that  are the destination themselves. A lot of times, that can even mean you’re saving some money on attractions if the real attraction is right where you’re staying. If you love life-sized dinosaurs, giant backyard chess, or Ms. Pac-man, keep reading.These are some of the best Airbnb Play vacation rentals, so get ready to make some family memories.




Davenport, FL—Theme House




Not only is this themed house amazing on its own thanks to the amazing game room, themed bedrooms (Nintendo, Marvel, and more!), but it's located within a resort, so you have access to all of those amenities, too! Clubhouse, resort pool, cabanas, poolside tiki bar, kids playground; there's no way to get bored here. The house can accommodate up to 14 guests and includes kids amenities like a highchair, kids table, crib, and baby tub! Davenport, FL—Theme House—Book Now






Ahwahnee, CA—Mountaintop Cabin by Yosemite




Yes, the amazing arcade room is a definite draw for this property (NBA Jam, Ms. Pac-Man, Street Fighter!), but the whole house is incredible! Sitting on 19 acres close to Yosemite, sunsets and stargazing are on the horizon (literally) from the huge balcony, and the giant bunk room, reading room, and massive corner spa tub are no slouches, either! This one sleeps 11 guests. Ahwahnee, CA—Mountaintop Cabin by Yosemite—Book Now






Orange County, CA—Galaxy Quest




Sure, it's 7 minutes from Disneyland, but this backyard is out of this world! Covered patio, Endeavor shuttle replica (life-sized!), full size playground, pedal cars and scooters, pedal car path, mini golf course, ping pong, lawn games—it's the backyard of our dreams! Add the galaxy-themed arcade room with 13 free-play arcade games and maybe even Disneyland can wait a day or two! Sleeps 9 guests. Orange County, CA—Galaxy Quest—Book Now






Grand Isle, VT—Lakefront Paradise




This 1 bedroom rental unit sleeps 3 people and doesn't share any common space with the main property, but that's just the start! Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, stunning views, and an outdoor skate rink! This is definitely the full lakefront vacation experience.  Grand Isle, VT—Lakefront Paradise—Book Now






Sevierville, TN—Pool House + Arcade Game Room




Brand new almost 6,000sq ft cabin with stunning mountain views, indoor heated pool, theater, and game room (think: billiards, hockey table, shuffleboard, foosball, arcade racing game, arcade system, and a card table!). This play-all-day property sleeps 16+, so bring your family and friends! Sevierville, TN—Pool House + Arcade Game Room—Book Now






Lyndon Station, WI—Pirate Ship Cabin




Ahoy! This is a real camping adventure aboard this tiny home/pirate ship. It's definitely for nature-lovers/experienced campers due to the rustic nature of the property, but when was the last time you stayed on the seven seas?! *Editor's Note: Reading the full description of this property on the Airbnb website is highly encouraged prior to booking.  Lyndon Station, WI—Pirate Ship Cabin—Book Now






Mountain Home, AR—Robinson Roost Retreat




Robinson Roost Retreat is super close to Norfolk Lake and Main Street, and it includes room for 16+ guests. The cherry on top is the adorable retro decked out game room with ping pong, billiards, arcade games, and diner booths! Mountain Home, AR—Robinson Roost Retreat—Book Now






Orange County, CA—Dino Disneyland




Another right down the street from Disneyland, this one includes life-sized dino mini-golf and an arcade in addition to sleeping up to 13 guests! Orange County, CA—Dino Disneyland—Book Now






Stroudsburg, PA—Lodge 603




Pocono Mountain air + game rooms and tons of room for family make Lodge 603 a fab fam getaway! Theater, hot tub, game rooms with arcade games, huge outdoor area, bar, gym and close to everything? We're swooning! Stroudsburg, PA—Lodge 603—Book Now






Scottsdale, AZ—Mini Golf Getaway




This house is equipped with a personal concierge service, making anything from private chefs to in-home morning yoga possible, but that's not even the best part! Three-hole putting green, heated pool, playground, and so much more. It's such a beautiful property that sleeps 6! Scottsdale, AZ—Mini Golf Getaway—Book Now






Sonoma, CA—Estate Entertainer's Paradise




So, not only are you in Sonoma Wine Country, you don’t have to leave the property to have immediate access to a heated pool, ping pong, poker table, hammock, putting green, bocce ball court, and multiple lounge areas indoors and out! Sleeps 10. Sonoma, CA—Estate Entertainer's Paradise—Book Now






Bay St. Louis, MS—Southern Retreat




You and nine of your friends and family members can enjoy an enormous backyard, full-sized tennis court, kids area, pool, two kitchens, wrap-around porch, and some of the best vacation memories! Bay St. Louis, MS—Southern Retreat—Book Now


All properties listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
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