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 ’90s nostalgia, 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
Clik here to view.
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
Guest Rating: 5.00/5
The Playhouse Retreat | Scottsdale, AZ—Book Here!
The Arcade House | Bloomington, IL
Clik here to view.
With a massive (massive!) game room featuring all the classics, a tiki-themed backyard complete with hot tub, and cinema-themed bedrooms, the Arcade House is a seriously popular Airbnb property. It also includes a play nook for kiddos, a hammock, and access to the whole property, so making it an extended family and friends getaway is easy!
Number of Guests: 9
Guest Rating: 4.99/5
The Arcade House | Bloomington, IL—Book Here!
White Lotus | Broken Bow, OK
Clik here to view.
This 3-story cabin in the always-popular Broken Bow, OK, has all the secluded atmosphere you could want, plus the convenience of being centrally-located. Including a resort-style pool, kids' playset, arcade, firepit, two king suites, and a beautiful natural surrounding, the White Lotus is a total win for your family.
Number of Guests: 8
Guest Rating: 4.97/5
White Lotus | Broken Bow, OK—Book Here!
Luxury Entertainment Oasis | Tracy, CA
Clik here to view.
The only way to do this home justice was to include an aerial view of the property, but even then, you absolutely have to click through the images to get a full sense of this self-proclaimed oasis. Basketball, tennis, and badminton courts, 13-hole putting green, Jacuzzi, swim-up bar, water slide, and outdoor BBQ kitchen; you wouldn't even need to leave the house!
Number of Guests: 16+
Guest Rating: 4.87/5
Luxury Entertainment Oasis | Tracy, CA—Book Here!
Theme House | Davenport, FL
Clik here to view.
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
Guest Rating: 4.91/5
Theme House | Davenport, FL—Book Here!
Galaxy Quest | Orange County, CA
Clik here to view.
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
Guest Rating: 4.95/5
Galaxy Quest | Orange County, CA—Book Here!
Mountaintop Cabin by Yosemite | Ahwahnee, CA
Clik here to view.
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: 4.98/5
Mountaintop Cabin by Yosemite | Ahwahnee, CA—Book Here!
Austin Oasis Retreat | Austin, TX
Clik here to view.
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+
Guest Rating: 4.80/5
Austin Oasis Retreat | Austin, TX—Book Here!
Pool House + Arcade Game Room | Sevierville, TN
Clik here to view.
Brand new almost 6,000 sq 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+
Guest Rating: 4.85/5
Pool House + Arcade Game Room | Sevierville, TN—Book Here!
Dino Disneyland | Orange County, CA
Clik here to view.
Another right down the street from Disneyland, this one includes a 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
Guest Rating: 4.95/5
Dino Disneyland | Orange County, CA—Book Here!
Lodge 603 | Stroudsburg, PA
Clik here to view.
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
Guest Rating: 4.98/5
Lodge 603 | Stroudsburg, PA—Book Here!
Estate Entertainer's Paradise | Sonoma, CA
Clik here to view.
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
Guest Rating: 4.96/5
Estate Entertainer's Paradise | Sonoma, CA—Buy Here!
All properties listed are independently & personally selected by our editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
All images courtesy of retailers.