Family-Friendly Airbnb Hosting: Tips to Attract and Increase Guest Bookings

Tom Barlow
Sep 10, 2024
10 min read

What's the benefit of Family-Friendly Airbnb Hosting?

For Airbnb hosts, families represent a reliable and growing segment of travellers, particularly during holidays and school breaks. While solo travellers and couples may be common year-round, families often look for more specific features and amenities to ensure their stay is enjoyable and stress-free. As a host, knowing how to tailor your property to meet their needs can significantly boost bookings and attract repeat customers. In this post, we'll explore several strategies that can help you increase family stays at your Airbnb property.

1. Understand What Families are Looking For

Before making any changes to your property, it’s important to understand the priorities of family travellers. Unlike solo adventurers or couples on romantic getaways, families have unique requirements when choosing accommodation. Some of the top considerations include:

Safety: Families with young children will prioritise a safe environment. They’ll be on the lookout for properties that are child-proof or have a secure space for kids to play.
Space: Families need enough room for everyone to sleep comfortably. Open living areas, multiple bedrooms, and extra beds are key.
Convenience: Parents often prefer locations near family-friendly attractions, parks, or restaurants. Properties that offer easy access to these can be more attractive.
Amenities: Essentials like Wi-Fi, washing machines, and fully-equipped kitchens are always valued, but extras like board games, streaming services, or baby equipment can set your property apart.

Understanding these needs allows you to tailor your property accordingly, enhancing its appeal to families.

2. Child-Proofing Your Property

Families with young children will instantly gravitate towards properties that feel safe. Consider the following improvements to make your Airbnb property family-friendly and child-proof:

Secure Furniture and Fittings: Ensure that all heavy furniture, such as bookcases or wardrobes, are firmly secured to the wall to prevent tipping. TVs and other electronics should also be placed out of reach of toddlers.
Block Off Hazardous Areas: If your property has stairs, balconies, or a pool, install safety gates or railings to prevent accidents. Make sure the garden or outdoor area is securely fenced, especially if your listing mentions these spaces as features.
Protect Against Sharp Corners: Adding corner guards to furniture and counters can help reassure parents that their little ones are safe from sharp edges.
Cover Electrical Outlets: A simple and inexpensive change, but one that can make a big difference to families with crawling babies or toddlers.

Not only will these modifications improve the appeal of your property, but mentioning them in your listing description will show prospective guests that you care about the safety of their children.

3. Create Family-Friendly Spaces

The layout of your Airbnb can be an important factor for families. Creating dedicated spaces for kids and parents can help make your property more welcoming.

Separate Bedrooms: Families often need separate rooms for children, so offering properties with multiple bedrooms is a great advantage. If space is tight, consider offering a sofa bed or bunk beds in a shared room.
Play Areas: If your property has extra space, consider creating a small play area with toys, games, or books. A few colouring books, puzzles, and soft toys can keep children entertained and make parents feel more at ease.
Outdoor Space: If your property has a garden or yard, promote it as a family feature. Consider adding a few outdoor toys, such as a swing set, a sandpit, or a football goal to encourage families to choose your property for their stay.

By dedicating certain areas to family activities, you’ll create an environment that feels like home for both adults and children.

4. Offer Family-Centric Amenities

Providing the right amenities can be a game-changer when it comes to attracting families to your property. Consider offering the following:

Baby Gear: If possible, offer a cot, high chair, and a baby bath. Parents of young children often travel with a lot of luggage, and having these items provided can make their stay significantly easier.
Entertainment Options: Stock your Airbnb with entertainment for all ages. A variety of children’s books, toys, and board games can keep kids entertained, while a smart TV with streaming services or a DVD collection can appeal to both parents and children.
Laundry Facilities: Families are more likely to stay at properties with laundry facilities, as travelling with children often results in more washing. Providing a washing machine, dryer, or even a clothesline can be a major convenience.
Wi-Fi and Smart Technology: Fast, reliable internet is a necessity for many guests, but particularly for families with older children who may need access to devices or entertainment during their stay.

These additional touches can elevate your property and position it as a go-to option for family travellers.

5. Emphasise Location and Accessibility

When families plan their holidays, they often look for properties near local attractions or kid-friendly activities. If your Airbnb is situated in a prime location, make sure to highlight this in your listing. Mentioning nearby parks, family-friendly restaurants, museums, zoos, or other local entertainment options is an excellent way to appeal to parents.

If your property is located outside of a major town or city, focus on the benefits of the surrounding area. Perhaps there are nature walks, beaches, or outdoor play areas nearby. Families often appreciate the chance to get outside and explore, so make sure to share insider tips on local activities they can enjoy together.

Additionally, think about transportation. Families travelling with small children often prefer easy access to public transport, parking, or even family-oriented ride-sharing services. If you can offer free parking or have great links to public transport, make sure this is emphasised in your listing.

6. Write a Family-Focused Listing

Your Airbnb listing is your primary tool for communicating with potential guests. To attract families, it’s important to tailor your description to appeal to this market.

Highlight Family-Friendly Features: In your description, list all the family-friendly amenities you provide, from baby gear and toys to child-proofing efforts. Mention any nearby attractions or activities that families might enjoy.
Use Family-Oriented Keywords: In your listing title and throughout the description, use keywords that parents might search for, such as “family-friendly”, “child-safe”, “kid-friendly activities”, or “baby equipment included”.
Create an Inviting Tone: Your tone of voice matters. A warm, welcoming tone will help families feel that your property is a comfortable place for them to relax and enjoy time together.

Additionally, consider including a few photos that showcase family-friendly spaces in your home. Pictures of the play area, garden, or extra sleeping arrangements can offer reassurance that your home is well-suited to families.

7. Offer Flexible Booking Options for Families

Flexibility is key when it comes to attracting family bookings. Consider these ways to make your property more appealing to families:

Flexible Check-In and Check-Out Times: Families with young children often have unpredictable schedules. Offering flexible check-in and check-out times can make your property more attractive to parents who might be juggling naps or meal times.
Longer Stays: Many families prefer longer stays to get the most out of their holidays. If possible, offer discounted rates for week-long or extended stays. Families are more likely to book if they feel they’re getting a good deal.
Clear Pricing Structure: Make sure your pricing structure is easy to understand, with no hidden costs or confusing extras. Being transparent with your rates, particularly for additional guests or cleaning fees, will build trust with potential family guests.

Making the booking process smooth and straightforward can significantly increase the likelihood of a family choosing your property over others.

8. Provide Helpful Local Information for Families

As part of your welcome guide, consider creating a local guide with family-friendly tips and recommendations. This can include:

Child-Friendly Restaurants: List restaurants that offer kids’ menus, high chairs, or play areas. Parents will appreciate the convenience of knowing where they can dine without worry.
Local Attractions: Include details on local attractions, such as nearby parks, playgrounds, zoos, or museums, and give tips on opening hours or family discounts.
Shopping Information: Families often need to pick up supplies during their stay. Highlight the nearest supermarkets, pharmacies, or baby supply stores in your guide.

Providing this kind of information saves families time and helps them settle into the local area more quickly, contributing to a positive stay.

9. Go the Extra Mile with Special Touches

Small, thoughtful gestures can make a big difference when it comes to creating memorable family stays. Consider offering some of the following:

Welcome Gifts for Children: A small welcome gift, such as colouring books, puzzles, or snacks, can make a great first impression on young guests.
Stock Basic Supplies: Stocking your property with essential supplies like nappies, wipes, and baby food pouches could make life easier for parents who’ve had a long journey.
Host a Family-Friendly Experience: If your property allows, consider offering a local family-friendly experience, such as a scavenger hunt around the neighbourhood or a guided nature walk. This can add value to their stay and make your Airbnb stand out.

These little extras can help turn a family’s stay from good to great, increasing the likelihood of repeat visits and positive reviews.

10. Encourage Family Reviews and Word of Mouth

Finally, nothing attracts new guests quite like positive reviews. Families trust the opinions of other families, so providing excellent service and encouraging guests to leave feedback will help build credibility for your property.

Ask for Reviews: After a family has checked out, send them a polite, personalised message thanking them for their stay and asking them to leave a review. Highlight that reviews from families help other parents find the perfect place to stay, and offer to assist them if they have any feedback.
Feature Family Reviews: When a family leaves a glowing review, make sure to showcase it on your listing. Potential guests will value seeing testimonials from other families, especially if they highlight specific features such as the child-friendly amenities, safety measures, or local attractions.
Encourage Word of Mouth: Families who’ve had a great stay may recommend your property to other families they know. Provide them with a memorable experience, and you could benefit from positive word of mouth within their network of friends and family. Consider offering a small incentive, such as a discount on their next stay or a referral bonus for each booking that comes through their recommendation.

Positive reviews and word of mouth are invaluable in establishing your property as a trusted choice for family-friendly accommodation.

11. Leverage Social Media to Reach Families

Social media can be a powerful tool to market your property to families. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow you to share updates, photos, and special offers that can directly appeal to family travellers. Here’s how to optimise your social media efforts:

Post Family-Friendly Content: Regularly share posts that highlight the family-friendly aspects of your Airbnb. Share pictures of the play area, kid-safe outdoor space, and family-friendly amenities, and include captions that focus on how your property is ideal for families.
Use Hashtags Effectively: On platforms like Instagram, use family-centric hashtags such as #familytravel, #familyholiday, #kidfriendlyaccommodation, or #airbnbfamily to reach parents looking for child-friendly properties.
Share Local Attractions: Promote nearby family attractions through your social media channels. You could share posts about the best parks, children’s museums, or family-friendly restaurants close to your property. This not only showcases the local area but also reinforces your property as the perfect base for a family holiday.
Engage with Travel Influencers: If possible, collaborate with family travel bloggers or influencers. Inviting them to stay at your property and share their experiences with their audience can significantly boost your reach and credibility with family travellers.

By staying active on social media and targeting content toward families, you’ll enhance your visibility and attract more family bookings.

12. Offer Seasonal or Themed Promotions for Families

Offering promotions or themed stays tailored to families can help attract more bookings, particularly during peak holiday seasons when families are most likely to travel. Here are some ideas to consider:

School Holiday Discounts: Families are most likely to travel during school holidays, so offering a discount during these periods can entice more bookings. Market this on your listing and social media channels to highlight the offer.
Themed Packages: Create themed stays that appeal to families, such as a “Family Adventure Week” where you include information on local activities or even partner with local attractions for discounted entry. You could also create a “Staycation Special” that offers a fun local experience for families not travelling far.
Holiday-Specific Decorations and Activities: During festive periods like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter, consider decorating your property with family-friendly themes. Provide activities such as an Easter egg hunt or Christmas movie nights, and promote these special touches in your listing. Families love engaging experiences, especially around the holidays.

Promotions and themed stays can make your property stand out during competitive periods and give families an extra reason to choose your Airbnb.

13. Adapt to Changing Family Travel Trends

Family travel trends are constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay ahead of these changes to keep your property competitive. For instance, as more families seek eco-friendly and sustainable travel options, you can adapt your property by incorporating sustainable practices such as:

Energy Efficiency: Install energy-efficient appliances and use eco-friendly products where possible. Highlight these features in your listing, as eco-conscious families may prioritise properties that align with their values.
Waste Reduction: Offer recycling bins and encourage families to minimise waste during their stay. You can also provide reusable items like shopping bags or water bottles to promote a sustainable lifestyle.
Support Local Businesses: Promote nearby family-run restaurants, farmers' markets, or eco-friendly attractions. This aligns with the growing trend of supporting local economies while travelling.

Adapting your property to meet new family travel trends can help you stay ahead of the competition and continue attracting family bookings.

14. Provide Exceptional Customer Service for Families

Lastly, offering excellent customer service is crucial for ensuring a positive experience for families. By being attentive and accommodating to their specific needs, you can turn a good stay into a great one.

Clear Communication: Be responsive and proactive in your communication. Answer any questions families might have before their stay, especially if they have queries about safety, local amenities, or extra services.
Personalised Touches: Go above and beyond by providing personalised touches. If you know a family is celebrating a birthday or a special occasion, leave a small gift or card for the child. These gestures can leave a lasting impression and may lead to glowing reviews and return visits.
Be Flexible with Requests: Families often have special requirements or last-minute changes, such as needing an early check-in due to children’s nap schedules or requiring extra towels. Whenever possible, accommodate these requests to show that you’re a flexible and considerate host.

Building a reputation for exceptional customer service can turn first-time family guests into loyal, repeat customers.

Family-friendly Airbnb hosting doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By understanding what families are looking for, making your home child-proof, and offering family-friendly amenities and experiences, you can position your property as the perfect choice for parents travelling with children.

Creating dedicated family spaces, offering flexible booking options, and providing thoughtful extras will help ensure that your Airbnb stands out. In addition, leveraging reviews, word of mouth, and social media can boost your visibility and attract more bookings from families.

Ultimately, it’s about making families feel welcome, safe, and comfortable in your property. When they leave with positive memories, not only will they be likely to return, but they’ll also recommend your Airbnb to others—giving you the perfect opportunity to build a thriving family-friendly holiday home.