Luckily, with some smart renovation choices (and a few well-chosen books), you can create the perfect family-friendly rental that helps kids to build real-world skills.
Below, we’ll walk through exactly what you should include in your renovation and how to weave books into your guests’ next big day out.
Why Design Your Rental With Families in Mind?
Families choosing an apartment over a hotel are usually looking for:
● Space to spread out and relax after a busy day of exploring
● A kitchen to handle any and all culinary wants and needs
● Quiet and cozy spots to unwind before bedtime
● Safety features so that parents of young children can also relax a bit
When you renovate with these needs in mind, your rental is much more likely to become a customer favorite, as well as get glowing reviews, repeat bookings, and, most importantly, recommendations to other families. Once your renovation is complete, pop your listing on spareroom.com and be sure to highlight these features in your listing.
Step One: Layout and Safety First
Before you pick paint colors or fun decor, think about the bones of your space.
Family-Friendly Layout Tips
● Open-plan living wherever possible
You’d be surprised by the difference that knocking down a simple wall can make to opening up the entire house. More specifically, renters want an open kitchen and living room to make it easier for parents to cook while keeping an eye on little ones playing or reading.
● Clear paths and fewer trip hazards
Avoid cluttered layouts. This includes built-in storage, wall-mounted shelves, and slimline furniture to help keep floors free for toys and strollers.
● Flexible sleeping spaces
The more sleeping options, the better! A combination of a main bedroom, a sofa bed, and (if space allows) sturdy bunk beds or twin beds makes it that much easier to host different family configurations.
Safety Must-Haves
When renovating for a family, be sure to budget for the small safety details, such as:
● Child-safe windows, cupboards, and drawers
● Secure any balcony railings
● Corner protectors on low tables
● Sturdy handrails on the stairs
● Non-slip flooring throughout the house
These details don’t just help in protecting kids, they also show parents that you’ve really thought about their needs, making them much more likely to book your accommodation again in the future.
Using Books to Turn Your Rental Into a Learning Hub
Books are a very powerful tool that can actually be used to make family trips a little bit more meaningful. As you renovate and decorate, think about where your guests are the most likely to spend time reading.
Create a “Story Corner”
Design a small reading nook that fits into your renovation plan. It could include:
● A comfy armchair or beanbag to sit on
● A small, low bookshelf - so that children can also browse
● Soft lighting to create a warm and cozy atmosphere
Stock the shelf with:
● Picture books about travel, maps, and the local area
● Fiction books to encourage creativity
● Children’s books for parents to read at bedtime
You could even include a few options from educational book series, as they introduce kids to real-world concepts (such as money, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking) in a fun, yet age-appropriate way. Parents who value educational trips will be sure to notice—and appreciate—the extra thought.
Renovation Checklist: What to Include for Family Guests
Here’s a practical breakdown of what to add or upgrade as you renovate, with families and real-world skills in mind.
1. Living Area: Base Camp for Big Adventures
● Durable, easy-clean furniture – Choose stain-resistant fabrics and sturdy tables that can handle crafts, board games, and snack time.
● Board games and puzzles – Great for teaching turn-taking, patience, and problem-solving on rainy days.
● A world map or local map on the wall – Kids can mark where they’ve been, practice geography, and plan tomorrow’s outing.
2. Kitchen: Real-Life Math and Life Skills
Renovate the kitchen as a place where families can cook together:
● Child-friendly cookware and dishes – Unbreakable plates, small cups, plastic bowls, and kid-sized cutlery.
● Step stool – A sturdy stool so kids can help wash veggies or stir batter (with supervision).
● Clear, labeled storage – Use simple labels for snacks, cereal, or breakfast items so kids can learn to find and put things away.
Parents can use everyday kitchen moments to teach measuring, counting, and budgeting. For example: “We have a budget for today’s treats—how should we spend it?”
3. Bedrooms: Rest, Routine, and Reading
● Blackout curtains – Essential for helping little ones sleep after an exciting day out.
● Bedside lamps – Encourage bedtime stories and quiet reading time.
● Under-bed storage – Perfect for stowing suitcases and keeping the room uncluttered.
You might add a small basket of age-appropriate books in each bedroom. Parents can choose a story that matches the day’s outing—a book about animals after a trip to the zoo, or a story about trains after a ride on local transport.
4. Bathroom: Independence Boosters
You can even add some special features to the bathroom in order to make the home that little bit more safe for families with small children:
● Non-slip mats and sturdy towel hooks – Most home accidents occur in the bathroom.
● Step stool at the sink – Helps kids brush their teeth and wash their hands on their own.
● Easy-to-reach shelves – Make it easier for children to keep their toothbrush, hairbrush, and small toiletries organized.
These small touches support independence and responsibility. Renters will be sure to notice and appreciate the small touches.
5. Kid Zone: Play, Learn, and Imagine
If your renovation allows for even a small kids’ area, it will be a major selling point amongst renters. This can include:
● A low table and chairs for drawing and other fun activities
● A small selection of toys (such as blocks, cars, dolls and pretend food)
● Crayons, coloring sheets, and simple activity books related to travel and local attractions
Families heading out for the day can grab a book or activity from this zone to keep kids engaged in the car or while waiting in line.
Helping Families Plan Their Next Day Out (With Books!)
You can also use your renovation as an easy opportunity to help families plan fun and educational days out.
You could even add a “Local Adventures Station” near the entrance or dining table to give them some ideas. Be sure to include:
● A folder with printed maps and local attraction brochures
● A list of nearby family-friendly spots—playgrounds, museums, parks, and indoor play centers
● Have a look at some family days out ideas before they head out
To top it all off, throw in a few themed books on your shelves. For example:
● Animal stories before a zoo visit
● Books about space before a science center trip
● Stories about courage or friendship before a big theme park ride
Parents can read a book in the morning to set the theme, enjoy the outing, then read a “reflection” story at night to reinforce what kids learned and felt.
Bringing It All Together
Renovating an apartment for rental isn’t just about fresh paint and new furniture. When you design with families in mind, you’re creating a space where kids can rest, play, and grow, while the parents also enjoy some much-needed downtime.
By:
● Prioritizing safety and a practical layout
● Including family-focused features like kid-friendly kitchens, reading nooks, and play areas
● Stocking a small library of thoughtful books that connect to local adventures
…you turn your rental into more than just a place to sleep. It becomes a launchpad for family fun and a quiet classroom for real-world skills—one story, snack, and day out at a time.
Ashley Pugh ;
Ashley Pugh is one of the Co-Founders of Familydaysout.com and has been committed to writing family related content since 2008. There isn't much about family attractions that Ashley doesn't know, after visiting hundreds of them worldwide over the last 20 years.
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