Children: how to make them feel truly welcome in your rental
Welcoming children isn't always easy, but with a few simple touches you can give the parents (and yourself) a wonderful holiday!
A new challenge for your rental: welcoming children. How can you make sure that both the parents and the children have the best possible experience? Here are all our tips!
Inside your property
It isn't something we always think about, but picture yourself in the shoes of a four-year-old when it's raining outside and there's nothing to do. As adults, we can always find something to keep us busy, but for them it's trickier. So, to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves and the parents can take the pressure off a little, get one step ahead!
Why not provide a little toy chest filled with treasures for the children? The parents will be delighted, and as for the children, well, need we say more?
Filling it needn't cost you a fortune. Here's what we suggest:
- Booksfor all ages, fromBoulinierorRecyclivre
- A few board games: from a car boot sale, onVinted,Leboncoin, or your own children's games that they no longer play with...
- Simple recipesthat are easy to make with mum and dad: you can print off cards fromMarmitonorAufeminin
- DVDsor restrictedNetflixorAmazonaccess (which the parents can keep an eye on)
Finally, don't forget the garden. If the parents don't fancy going out, what could the children do in your garden? Do mention it if you have farm animals, a vegetable patch or a swing: anything that might appeal to parents!
In the local area
Having what's needed inside your rental really is important. But now it's time to think about the world outside. What is there nearby to interest them?
You could leave a little notebook or, even better, your StyQR welcome book with all the information you consider important.
For example:
- Walkssuitable for children
- Playgrounds
- Gardens, zoos and so on
- Restaurantsthat lay on activities for children
This list will make life easier for parents and earn you extra points when it comes to reviews! Follow all these little tips and everyone's holiday will go smoothly, and your rating will stay top-notch because you'll have thought of everything for the parents!
Here's what you can offer to keep children entertained, both indoors and outdoors, without breaking the bank:
| Type of activity | Where to find | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Books | Second-hand stores, Recyclivre | All ages |
| Board games | Flea markets, Vinted, Leboncoin | From 4 years old |
| Simple recipes to make | Marmiton, Aufeminin (printed sheets) | Children with parents |
| Films or restricted streaming | Netflix, Amazon Prime (controlled access) | All ages |
| Garden features | On your property | Depends on setup |
| Nearby activities | To mention in your StyQR welcome book | Based on local attractions |
Frequently asked questions
What should I put in a toy box for a holiday rental? Books for all ages, a few board games, simple recipe cards children can make with a parent, and maybe some DVDs or limited access to a streaming platform. There is no need to buy everything new: flea markets or second-hand sites work just as well.
How can I keep children entertained on a rainy day at a rental? This is exactly when a toy box proves useful: books, board games and recipe cards keep boredom at bay. Parents get a moment to relax while the children stay busy on their own or together as a family.
Should I adapt the garden to welcome families with children? It is not compulsory, but if you have a swing, a vegetable patch or farm animals, mention it clearly to your guests. This small detail is often what makes a child want to go outside, even when the parents would rather stay indoors.
What should I tell families about activities near the property? List walks suitable for children, playgrounds, gardens or zoos nearby, and restaurants that offer activities for them. A notebook, or better still, a digital guidebook gathering this information really makes life easier for parents.
Does welcoming children really affect the reviews guests leave? Yes, thinking about children both inside the property and in the recommendations around it is seen by parents as an extra attention. This kind of detail often makes the difference in the final rating, without requiring a heavy investment.
