5 Spectacularly Kid-Friendly Airbnbs in California for an Unforgettable Family Experience
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California is a big state with mild, sunny weather and lots to see. Still, some of the biggest, most expensive cities are not (or shouldn't be) the main attraction for families traveling with kids in tow. (Take it from me, a California native with two kids of her own!) For this reason, I compiled a list of five compelling and very kid-friendly Airbnbs in California that might give you a different experience of the state—and one that will be truly memorable for the young ones in your brood. From magic treehouses to interactive farm stays and crazy residential arcades, here are my top picks for making memories with your children in The Golden State.
27 Kid-Friendly Airbnbs to Rent for Your Next Family Vacation
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Enjoy a nostalgic childhood-inspired vacation in the vibrant city of San Jose with this whimsical treehouse stay. This unique place can comfortably accommodate a family of four and, while it might look scant on kid-friendly amenities, this is an experience-oriented rental that allows kids to live out childhood dreams—perhaps inspired by family-friendly movies like The Sandlot, Hook or Tarzan. In fact, the glowing five-star reviews frequently mention what a special experience it is for the kids. And, given the unique setting, I probably don't even need to mention that there's ample outdoor space available for romping around. File this one under 'magical treetop glamping.'
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Located just six minutes away from Joshua Tree National Park, this property allows families to enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the area without, you know, having to rough it. What's more, the rental features numerous kid-friendly features—including a game room with a pool table, foosball table and indoor swing. The outdoor space, complete with hammocks and lawn games, isn't too shabby either. Plus, the bedrooms are butterfly themed and there's even a photo-op wall that will come in handy for your future scrapbook.
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When it comes to paradise for kids, this impressive, gaming-themed home gives Disneyland a run for its money (literally). For starters, there's a huge arcade in the living room, plus a separate gaming lounge with a jumbotron theater. In fact, not a single room in the house is without some kind of game—the dining room and the themed bedrooms (Super Mario!) all have arcade or video games available—and that applies to the backyard, too, where there are lawn games galore. In other words, if you're aiming for a vacation with built-in kid entertainment so you can just relax, you can't do better than this.
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Sprawl out at this palatial hillside retreat in the Fallbrook region of California and you might be tempted to book a permanent stay. You can suspect supreme privacy and a sweeping view from every bedroom of the gorgeous natural surroundings. Take a cold plunge in the pool, soak in the hot tub and then enjoy some family fun with ping pong and foosball in the very well-appointed game room. Oh, and did I mention the expansive backyard, yoga deck and exercise room? Yep, this place has something to offer any member of your group.
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Families looking for a nature retreat will delight in the offerings available at this unique farm stay. Kids can enjoy close-up encounters with all the animals on the property (think: bottle feeding a baby goat). The vacation rental is a well-appointed, detached home on a 5-acre property, so there's plenty of outdoor space to play. That said, the magic is really with the animals—and the hosts, parents themselves, are committed to providing the most memorable, interactive experience gift possible for families who visit. Bonus: The property is also located right outside Sequoia National Park, so there's plenty of sightseeing to be had if you can pull yourself away from all the cuties on the farm.
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35 Cheap Family Vacations You Haven't Thought of Before
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