The Best Airbnb Experiences For Families Who Love to Play

If you haven’t checked out the Airbnb Play Category, this is your sign. For fun-loving families, the Play Category makes drilling down to find the perfect vacation rental a breeze! These 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 experiences and vacation rentals, so get ready to make some family memories.

The Playhouse Retreat | Scottsdale, AZ

According to Airbnb, this is the #1 home in Scottsdale for families with kids of all ages. Just looking at it, that's not a surprise. An 8-person spa, resort-style lounge chairs, a kids' splash pad, playhouse town, and commercial-grade playground; what else could you possibly ask for? There's even a free baby package included if you're traveling with a little one.

Number of Guests: 11
Cost Per Night: Varies by date
Guest Rating: 4.99/5

The Playhouse Retreat | Scottsdale, AZ—Book Here!

Theme House | Davenport, FL

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!

Number of Guests: 14
Cost Per Night: Varies by date
Guest Rating: 4.91/5

Theme House | Davenport, FL—Book Here!

Galaxy Quest | Orange County, CA

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! 

Number of Guests: 9
Cost Per Night: Varies by date
Guest Rating: 5.0/5

Galaxy Quest | Orange County, CA—Book Here!

Mountaintop Cabin by Yosemite | Ahwahnee, CA

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! 

Number of Guests: 11
Cost Per Night: Varies by Date
Guest Rating: 4.99/5

Mountaintop Cabin by Yosemite | Ahwahnee, CA—Book Here!

Austin Oasis Retreat | Austin, TX

The centerpiece of this property is a stunning pool under these beautiful shaded trees. But, there's also a sweet patio and bocce ball, plus it's only 10-15 to downtown Austin!

Number of Guests: 16+ 
Cost Per Night: Varies by date
Guest Rating: 4.81/5

Austin Oasis Retreat | Austin, TX—Book Here!

Pool House + Arcade Game Room | Sevierville, TN

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!

Number of Guests: 16+
Cost Per Night: Varies by date
Guest Rating: 4.8/5

Pool House + Arcade Game Room | Sevierville, TN—Book Here!

Dino Disneyland | Orange County, CA

Another right down the street from Disneyland, this one includes life-sized dino mini-golf and an arcade. The dinosaur theme continues all throughout the house and, when you're ready to leave the Jurassic Era, you can head to Disney; it's only 8 minutes away!

Number of Guests: 13
Cost Per Night: Varies by Date
Guest Rating: 5.0/5

Dino Disneyland | Orange County, CA—Book Here!

Lodge 603 | Stroudsburg, PA

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.

Number of Guests: 12
Cost Per Night: Varies by date
Guest Rating: 5.0/5

Lodge 603 | Stroudsburg, PA—Book Here!

Mini Golf Getaway | Scottsdale, AZ

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. 

Number of Guests: 8
Cost Per Night: Varies by date
Guest Rating: 4.93/5

Mini Golf Getaway | Scottsdale, AZ—Book Here!

Estate Entertainer's Paradise | Sonoma, CA

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! 

Number of Guests: 12
Cost Per Night: Varies by date
Guest Rating: 4.96/5

Estate Entertainer's Paradise | Sonoma, CA—Buy Here!

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

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