by Jessica Howell
Sometimes, an escape to nature is just what the doctor ordered. Serve up some escapism for the whole family in these standout vacation rentals, perfect for outdoorsy crews. From domes to treehouses, they sleep at least four people and are sure to infuse a bit of adventure into your everyday.
We’re breaking down our favorite parts of each in this list of top VRBO choices for adventurous families:
LOCATION: Red River Gorge, Kentucky
GUESTS: Up to 6
BEDROOMS: 2 bedroom
In addition to a hot tub, kitchen, full bath and fire pit, this place sleeps six and sits just above a gurgling creek in Kentucky’s climbing and hiking dream destination—Red River Gorge.
If nature is your thing, this sort of space is ideal for families. A grill made cooking up dinner easy, s’mores for dessert, a dip in the temp-lowered hot tub, and a full day of exploring was JUST what the doctor ordered when we visited in the summer months. Plus, a wild thunderstorm made for the most memorable night as the rain danced off the dome, just a few feet above our heads in the second-floor bedroom space.
LOCATION: Columbia Falls, Montana
GUESTS: Up to 6
BEDROOMS: 2+ Bedrooms
Perched on five acres of woods, a 30-minute drive from the beauty of Glacier National Park, is this accommodating treehouse-style vacation rental. It offers two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and two decks with stellar forest views. Travelers with babies will appreciate a wide array of equipment – travel cribs, monitor, highchair, books and toys, kids dinnerware, and babysitter recommendations. Baby safety gates are also on hand for staircase safety.
Kids will love running underneath the house, making smores by the firepit and pulling out the stocked boardgames.
LOCATION: Kanarraville, Utah
GUESTS: Up to 6
BEDROOMS: 1+ Bedrooms
Near Zion National Park, this charming ranch property is home to mini highland cows and more, alongside multiple vacation rentals that are up close to the animals and adorable. A tiny farmhouse sleeps up to four guests with one bedroom, while two larger farm homes sleep up to six guests. In each, private back patios with hot tub and bonfire pit share a fence with private Mini Highland Cow pastures. (Treats for the cows provided, and you can pet and feed cows over the fence!)
See more family-friendly properties with animals on site. Shared spaces, including a garden, orchard area, trampoline and large firepit are also available.
Smoky Mountain Treehouse with Slide
LOCATION: Sevierville, Tennessee
GUESTS: Up to 6
BEDROOMS: 1 Bedroom
Set in a treehouse resort, this cozy escape sleeps up to six in one cleverly outfitted bedroom that fits in a king bed, slide-out queen bed and bunkbed set. From your perch, you’ll enjoy mountain views, and both an indoor LED fireplace and outdoor wood-burning fireplace for cozy relaxation. The fully equipped kitchenette makes meals simple, while playful décor and interactive details—like a 20-foot slide, drink chute, secret hatch, and bucket pulley system—will delight all ages. Plus, they’re all handcrafted by talented local craftsmen.
Luxury Treehouse in Broken Bow
LOCATION: Broken Bow, Oklahoma
GUESTS: Up to 12
BEDROOMS: 3 Bedrooms
Call it a treehouse, perhaps, but let’s not deny the luxury of this three-bedroom forest home on stilts. In it, you’ll find two private and separate king bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. For kids and teens, there’s a bunkhouse that has four queen beds, a hang-out space with an Xbox, and a dedicated bathroom. Plus, there’s an open-concept great room featuring a well-stocked kitchen, a cozy living room, and a gaming area with a foosball table and arcade table with 200 old-school games like Pac-Man, Galaga, Centipede, Donkey Kong, and Frogger.
The outdoor space has something for everyone – a cozy fireplace, a slide off the deck, disc swings, hammock swings, outdoor ping pong, cornhole, and a large therapeutic hot tub provide hours of family fun while numerous activities in Beavers Bend State Park are just minutes away.
Waterfall Slip ‘N Slide Escape
LOCATION: Franklin, North Carolina
GUESTS: Up to 20
BEDROOMS: 5 Bedrooms
Slide down a private waterfall right outside your bedroom on this two-acre property that sleeps up to 20. Have bonfires on the island surrounded by a rushing stream. Swim in the natural granite pool. Catch a rainbow trout right outside your door. Grill next to the sounds of the water running over the rocks. And that’s just the exterior.
Inside you’ll find space for everyone with five bedrooms with a waterfront decks off each. Whether it’s relaxing in the den surrounded by water on three sides or gathering around the table in the spacious dining room, sharing stories into the night, this home invites you to slow down. A stone fireplace adds coziness, a game table for family fun and competition, and dining space to seat 12. The kitchen is fully equipped and a den with a two-story wood burning fireplace give the feeling the stream is rushing beneath your feet. The waterfall isn’t only outside. There is also a spa room with an interior waterfall and built-in 10 person hot tub. There is an additional game room with bumper pool, darts, and games.
