Happy May! Summer is just around the bend and I'm already itching to lock in our long weekend escapes for the season. If you're noodling the idea of a warm-weather getaway, take a look below for our favorite, kid-friendly vacation rentals that are perfect for splashing around. 

And take note... later this month, as subscribers to this newsletter, you'll be the first and ONLY folks to have exclusive, half-price access to a downloadable resource that can make traveling with kids wildly more impactful. It's the "Let's Get Excited" pre-trip activity guide and it's an easy and reusable resource that creates a rich learning and excitement-building experience for your kids before you ever leave the house. Because we spend a lot of money on travel! So why wouldn't we maximize the effort and ensure our kiddos get to as well? 

Sidebar: Reply to this newsletter if you're leaving for a trip in the next three weeks and would like to try out and provide feedback and photos on the guide before it launches! I’ll choose a few folks to send a free copy to!

With summer in mind, we'll also be taking it easy and transitioning to an every-other-week newsletter schedule over the next few months, as we move across state lines and settle into a new home. There's going to be so much to share... we can't wait!

Top kid-friendly vacation rentals with pools

If you don't have a pool in your own backyard, there's nothing better than vacationing somewhere that offers private access to one—especially in the summertime. We're talking barbeque grills, pool floaties and maybe even a frozen cocktail for mom. 

Here, we're highlighting a few of our favorite vacation rental finds (Airbnbs, VRBOs and direct-bookings) that offer a slew of fun for families in need of a little Vitamin D. 

The Playhouse Retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona
Pictured above

Sleeping up to 11 guests, this is no Scottsdale family resort. It’s a private vacation rental dubbed The Playhouse Retreat that lives up to its name. With a heated pool, splashpad, pickleball court, put-put and mini soccer field, this place was made for fun. For the littlest ones, it offers a massive commercial-grade playground and “safety city” oasis, complete with kid-size roadways, playhouses and riding cars.

Spirit Cabin in Forestburgh, New York

Two hours outside of New York City, you’ll find all the resort amenities you could desire in this modern lakefront home. It sleeps up to seven guests in three bedrooms and is filled to the brim with luxe features. A fully fenced saltwater pool, hot tub, sauna, crossfit gym, firepit and outdoor cinema experience kickstart the fun.

Howdy Hideaway in San Antonio, Texas

We’re smitten with the “Howdy, ya’ll” mural that brightens the beautiful poolscape in this San Antonio vacation rental. But those green golf course views don’t hurt one bit. Sleeping up to 12 guests across four bedrooms, with a pool table and arcade game-room-slash-bedroom, we think that this home is the perfect space to celebrate a milestone teen birthday or gather with a few tween friends.

Retrograde Retreat in Joshua Tree, California

Hello, fun house! This desert escape is a private playland. Step on property to find a glass-front shipping container pool, outdoor movie theater, hot tub, cowboy tub, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, hammocks and more. Inside, a contemporary and cozy home features a main bedroom with queen bed and a converted garage equipped with two full size beds. (A hanging queen bed is located outside for star gazing, too!)

Isle Be Back in St. Augustine, Florida

Bright and modern design make this three-bedroom vacation rental just as cheery on the inside as it is on the outside. With a heated saltwater pool, bonfire pit, golfing green, games, and two bicycles, there’s plenty to occupy all ages. Worth noting – especially for parents with littles – is an available pool safety alarm.

Lake Anna Retreat in Mineral, Virginia

Does a 50-foot waterslide float your boat? This luxe, lakeside getaway in Virginia overlooks Lake Anna, sleeping 12 guests in five bedrooms. A 50-foot waterslide dumps directly into the lake from atop the marina but, a private pool is also available for guests that don’t want to walk to the water.

Mother’s Day is just over a week away…

I just can’t stop touting my love for this frame, which I’ve bought twice as gifts now. It’s on sale for $149 right now and is a breeze to update via the app, which takes a simple click to add, highlight or remove photos.

This is NOT the digital frame of yesteryear, guys. I’ve purchased the Carver style below as well as the Carver Mat, which looks even better sitting on the counter or entry way table.

If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift idea to forward to your husband, this is it. Showcase your travel photos in your own home, or keep the grandparents updated on your latest adventures with one click.

Before I go: A private woodland putt putt

With three bedrooms that sleep up to nine guests, this Smoky Mountain escape dubbed Ava’s Cabin doesn’t leave much reason to explore beyond the property lines. Right on site, you’ll find a full private putt-putt course, mini pickleball court, playground, sand pit and hot tub. Nestled in trees, it’s a private escape that’s not short on fun.

Need more ideas? The Kid-Friendly Stays travel directory is the perfect first stop in your next family vacation adventure, wherever you wanna go(!), offering a curated collection of hotels, resorts, Airbnbs and VRBOs for your perusal.

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