Get your space back with a kids’ loft bed

Does your child’s bedroom look like a toy tornado blew through it? Are you tripping over piles of clothes and stepping on Legos?  If you’re a parent with major space needs, you’re in the right place. We know firsthand the struggle of trying to fit all of your  kids’ belongings into their bedroom while still leaving enough space for them to play and sleep comfortably. Loft beds are the answer to all of your space-saving problems. These “lofty” goals may seem impossible, but thanks to these clever kids loft beds, the dream can now be a reality.

So, whether you’re dealing with a small bedroom or just want to give your kiddo the coolest bed ever, keep reading. These fun sleep setups not only save precious floor space but also provide a fun and adventurous sleeping arrangement for your little ones. out our favorite kids loft bed setups below, and be prepared to take their room to brand new heights. We know parents will love these:


west elm mid century loft bed for kids
West Elm

Mid-Century Marvel

$1954 BUY NOW

This loft bed with desk hits all the right mid-century notes: from the classic wood color to the streamlined styling, we are pretty sure this piece will stick around long after the kids have moved on to their own abodes.


loft beds for kids loftbed
Walmart

Urban Industrial

$200 BUY NOW

This workhorse not only delivers a spot to sleep, but the built-in shelving units also provide ample storage—whether your little one needs a spot for their dinosaur collection, books, or a place to display their sports awards.


loft beds for kids from Oeuf
Oeuf

Oeuf Perch Loft Bed

$1720 BUY NOW

Modern furniture maker, Oeuf, has done it again by applying their minimalist-yet-still-cool-for-kids look onto what can sometimes be a large and overwhelming structure in a room. Their "Perch" loft bed is as versatile a loft as the rest of them but with an eye for design thanks to its pared-down styling.


Amazon

Little Seeds Monarch Hill Haven Twin Metal Loft Bed

$350 BUY NOW

If your kid is begging to upgrade their little kid's room to a full-fledged teenager's oasis, this twin loft bed delivers design-worthy results with on-trend metal accents against clean lines. Plenty of space abounds below the sleeping area whether for a full desk setup or cozy lounge.


best loft beds for kids donco kids full house
Zulily

Donco Kids Full House Low Loft Bed-Color

$785 BUY NOW

If you are and your kids still can't get enough of farmhouse chic, then install this rustic-inspired loft bed that also accommodates a full-size mattress—a nice perk for growing kids.


loft beds for kids from DHP
Amazon

DHP Studio Loft Bunk Bed

$356 BUY NOW

Who could ever wake up on the wrong side of the bed that has a set of stairs welcoming you to start your day? This loft bed, ideal for active kids, also includes handy pockets for storybooks and toys—keeping all their favorites within easy reach.


best loft beds tiramisu best bunk bed
Amazon

Twin Loft Bed with Bench Seating

$387 BUY NOW

Do you have a Starbucks-loving teen? This convertible loft bed will make their mocha-frappucino dreams a reality thanks to this clever set-up that provides cafe-style seating underneath their sleeping quarters. Best part? If a playdate/study-sess goes late, the seating area can quickly transform into another bed, turning this loft into an instant bunk for sleepover fun.


Room & Board

Room & Board Chase Loft bed

$2499 BUY NOW

Some say a coat of paint is the easiest way to transform a room but they must not have seen this loft bed available in 16 different colors! Pop this loft bed into your kid's room for a much-appreciated splash without any of those rogue paint splatters.


loft beds for kids max and lily twin over twin loft bed

Max & Lily Twin over Twin Low Bunk Bed

$748 BUY NOW

Complete with guard rails, storage shelf, and stairs, this all-in-one loft bed has everything a kid could want with all the safety reassurances parents need so parents can sleep easily too.


Pottery Barn Kids

Treehouse Loft Bed

$2500 BUY NOW

This adorable loft bed is designed to have the bed fit inside the classic house frame, surrounded by plenty of open windows and to be ladder accessible. This one is sure to be perfect for the adventurous kiddos.


IKEA loft beds for kids
Ikea

Småstad

$649 BUY NOW

For the kid who needs it all—a desk, a wardrobe, a place to play, and a spot to sleep, then look no further than ultra-convenient Ikea whose loft bed provides all of that and then some without taking up a ton of floor space.


best loft beds for kids dorel living benson twin left bed
DHP/Amazon

Dorel Living Benson Twin Loft Bed

$159 BUY NOW

This fun, stylish, and functional design is made of sturdy wood construction. It's available in many different colors to easily fit into any new or existing decor. Enjoy simple and traditional design, perfect for small spaces.


Target

DHP Junior Metal Loft Bed with Storage Steps and Blue Curtain Set

$380 BUY NOW

This loft bed is perfect to keep your little love's room nice and neat. The curtains create a private area (to hide things or to play!) and also has panels above the storage pockets to keep small toys and books neatly out of sight. Finally!


Merax/Amazon

Twin-size Loft Bed with Desk and Reversible Ladder

$229 BUY NOW

Maximize space and functionality with this awesome design. The loft bed comes with a wooden desk and two corner shelves, perfect for the older child who needs a study area and lots of storage space.

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping 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.

You’ve made your list. You’ve checked it twice. Now get shopping! This year, support local businesses and pick a gift from a store near you. Flip through our guide for ideas to get your brains churning.

For Your Favorite Water Bug: Swim Lessons with Goldfish

Outdoor pools are drained, but that doesn't mean the water play has to stop. Help keep kids in the swim of things through winter with the gift of swim lessons from Goldfish Swim School Chicagoland. They'll be unwrapping more than the usual present, they'll be unwrapping life lessons mixed with smiles and confidence that comes from progress and mastery. More importantly, they'll be building on water safety skills—a gift that can save lives.

Swimming is always in season at Goldfish, so get ahead of the Winter Blues and gift the Golden Experience! Holiday gift packages include free lessons, a special Goldfish towel, dry bag and in-school credit.

Cost: Packages vary by location
Locations throughout Chicagoland. Visit goldfishswimschool.com for pricing and purchasing.

For Members-Only Access: Give the Gift of Membership to Chicago Favorites

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

If you're a super-fan of a particular museum, play space or attraction, maybe it's high time you became a card-carrying member. Along with scoring sweet perks like access to special events, discounts and free parking, you're helping an awesome family destination thrive. Often in the case of some of the biggies, after just two visits, the museum membership has paid for itself — and you can avoid those long admission lines. Read our story for the scoop on memberships you should consider gifting to your gang (or grandkids!) this holiday season.

For the Builders: LEGO Chicago & LEGOLAND Discovery

LEGO

No matter the age, LEGO appears at the tippy top of most Christmas lists. We have one that builders and Chicago lovers alike will love to add to their collections. This 444-piece Chicago skyline set features Willis Tower, the building formerly known as John Hancock Center, Big Red, Wrigley Building, DuSable Bridge and Cloud Gate (aka The Bean), finished off with a Chicago nameplate.

For the kid that can't get enough LEGO, consider an annual pass for the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg, which has attractions for families that includes a Miniland, rides, a 4D cinema, a master builder workshop, an opportunity to build and race your own LEGO car and much more!

Cost: $204 for LEGO Chicago Skyline set on Amazon, $44.95+/person for annual pass
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago; Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Rd.; Schaumburg; Online: legolanddiscoverycenter.com

For Showing West Town Pride: Holiday Bundles

Give the gift of West Town with a West Town Holiday Bundle, or split the items between loved ones on your 'nice' list. Three themed packages are available, each set features items from 5+ neighborhood favorites.

The Snow Day — The perfect collection to keep anyone comfy and cozy during a Chicago winter.

The Holiday Party — Show or share your West Town neighborhood spirit.

The New Year — Everything you need and want to kick off your "new year, new me" or "new year, same me" routine.

Cost: Valued at $140+, each bundle costs $75
Online: westtownchicago.com

For the Candle Obsessed: Chicago Neighborhoods

Vicinity Candles Etsy Shop

Annie from Vicinity Candles Etsy shop sells candles inspired by local Chicago neighborhoods, with scents like Lakeview, West Loop, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, Gold Coast, Pilsen, Wicker Park and Hyde Park. Each includes an insert that provides a glimpse into the neighborhood history which led to the inspiration for the scent.

Cost: $28 
Etsy Shop: Vicinity Candles

For Showing Rainbow Pride: Chicago Skyline Print

TinyHumanPrintCo

Whether you're parenting with a same-sex partner or want to show LGBTQ+ pride support, this colorful twist on a traditional black and white Chicago skyline print is a subtle way to start your tiny human down a path of inclusivity and kindness.

Cost: $20.40
Esty Shop: TinyHumanPrintCo 

For Those Who'd Like an On-the-Go Snuggle Buddy: Pockimals

Pockimals is making getting dressed ridiculously adorable with their Pockimals. These tiny stuffed animals come equipped with buttons that secure them directly to their custom-designed clothing pockets making them impossible to lose. All items are organic and produced with soft cotton to ensure comfort and no-scratchiness happiness. This Chicago-based company is made up of a team of friends who wanted to create the best children's toy to enhance creativity and focus on the magic of childhood.

Cost: $12.99-$60
Online: pockimals.com

For a Fun Night Out: Sauced at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

Combine a fun night out with holiday shopping and support local artisans at Sauced: The Night Market Before Christmas at the Chicago Athletic Association hotel Dec. 9 & 10. The event will include more than 30 vendors, food options and a DJ. While you're there, stop into Happy's, the hotel's over-the-top Christmas pop-up bar. 

Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; Online: saucedmarket.com

For Celebrating Chicago's Favorite Street Food: Hot Dogs

It is never too early to teach kids the proper (Chicago) way to eat a hot dog, sans ketchup, of course. Have them slip into this adorable hot dog-themed shirt and then hit up your favorite hot dog stand in Chicago

Cost: $16.20
Etsy Shop: RobeeCollective

For the Puzzlers: Chicago-Themed Puzzle

TransitTees

Raise your hand if you love a good puzzle! If you have your hand up, you'll love this 1,000-piece neon Neighborhood Map of Chicago puzzle. Puzzle-lovers get to learn more about the layout of our city while assembling the map.

Cost: $30
Etsy Shop: TransitTees

For Chicago Superfans: Transit Tees

Transit Tees

Chicago design studio Transit Tees' storefronts offer hundreds of Chicago-inspired gifts designed by local artists for under $40, as well as dozens of $10 and $20 stocking stuffers. Gift box sets include multiple Chicago-themed games, home goods or apparel items with free gift-wrapping and free shipping.

Cost: $40 & below
Locations in Wicker Park & Andersonville; Online: transittees.com

For the Book Worms: A Book by a Chicago Author

Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Chicago has a rich literary history and is home to so many award-winning authors covering every genre under the sun. Introduce your little bookworm to Chicago’s brightest and best authors with our list of kid-approved, classic and contemporary children’s books. From picture books to chapter books to graphic novels for advanced readers, these are the Chicago-authored tomes to add to your kid's bookshelf ASAP

For All Your Toy Needs: Small Local Toy Shops

Pixabay via Nathan Legakis

Shop local and show support for local businesses that navigated their way through the pandemic. Your kids have likely already penned their Christmas lists (and have checked it way more than twice) and we can guarantee all their biggest wishes can be granted on the shelves of a local Chicago toy store. Show love to your favorite neighborhood go-to toy store or venture out to discover a new-to-you gem!

For Music Lovers: Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots' New Album

Ben Tatar

Fans of the Chicago kiddie music scene love Ben Tatar and the Tater Tots. Lucky for us, he's back with his second family album of delectable songs about food just in time for the holidays, Seconds, releasing Nov. 12. Kids will giggle when they hear this savory gastronomic extravaganza, jam-packed with tasty treats for the ears and the dance floor.

Available for digital download or on CD. Online: ben-tatar.squarespace.com

For Fans of Christkindlmarket: Shop In-Person or Virtually

Gallagher Way

Christkindlmarket — Chicago's take on a traditional German Christmas market — is back with locations in the Loop and Wrigleyville. Browse the goods in the market's signature wooden cabins topped with festive red-and-white-striped canopies, or visit Christkindlmarket's virtual shop. If you shop the Wrigleyville location, be sure to check out Gallagher Way's Winterland programming. 

For Tweens: A Bit of Pampering at Oasis Face Bar

Oasis Face Bar

It's never too early to teach kids, boys or girls, the importance of a good skincare routine. Newly opened Oasis Face Bar in Lincoln Park is the perfect intro for tweens because it takes the facial out of the spa, making it more budget-friendly and less time-consuming than a traditional spa experience. Bonus: It's locally and woman-owned. Stop by and grab a gift certificate, and maybe some masks and fun face products, to slip in your favorite tween's stocking.

From now until Christmas, for every $100 gift card you purchase, you'll receive a "Facial in A Box". Each box provides everything needed for one or two at-home facials. Wrap it along with the gift card, or take a self-care pampering day for yourself. 

Cost: Treatments for as low as $49
Oasis Face Bar, 2136 N. Halsted, Lincoln Park; Online: oasisfacebar.com

For the New Moms: Metta Baby Bucktown

infant massages in chicago metta baby spa treatments for kids in chicago
Metta Baby

Give new or expectant parents the gift of a one-of-a-kind experience with their new baby! Metta Baby is Chicago's premier infant wellness studio with offerings including water stimulation, infant massage, baby yoga, parent/baby classes, music classes and more! You can check out their full class schedule here.  The Metta Baby team is dedicated to promoting early developmental activities starting at two weeks that support motor, sensory, and cognitive skills while nurturing secure attachment between infants and their parents. The mission is to provide a solid socialization and support system for infants and their caregivers in the earliest stages.
 
Cost: Gift cards in various increments are available for purchase online or at the Bucktown location. 
Metta Baby; 1921 N. Damen, Bucktown; Online: mettababy.com

— Maria Chambers

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Keeping it all clean can feel like a full-time job, and the pay is not great, um, non-existent. But the payoff is enormous: The soft scent of fresh laundry, sparkling clean bathroom countertops, couches and rugs that don’t stink like your pet…ahh! Besides just looking good and smelling fresh, you want to know that the surfaces in your home are clean clean. Pause: When you hear the words “disinfecting and sanitizing,” do you envision hours of scrubbing and deep cleaning? Us too, but good news: Sanitizing your laundry and disinfecting bathroom countertops is, like, a million times easier than that, thanks to our clean-freak pals at OxiClean™! Read on to learn why their new OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer is the stuff of sweet-smelling dreams.

Your clean + sanitary oasis awaits—shop now and get things clean clean with OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer.

From Beds to Tubs, They Have it Covered!

Wanna disinfect your tile? Yep. Sanitize your rug? Got it. Gym bag? Sure. A favorite tee that’s seen better days? A-OK! Oh, and laundry, of course, too, and your carpet, couch, bathroom countertop… OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer 3-in-1 removes germs, odors and stains from multiple surfaces in your home. “Is this real life?!” Yes. Yes, it is.

Get rid of that cleaning product clutter with OxiClean™ 3-in-1 Laundry & Home Sanitizer.

It's Multi-Purpose

This 3-in-1 sanitizer packs a punch, killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses* (*when used as directed) in addition to providing stain and odor removal benefits on both hard and soft surfaces. It’s not just a laundry product. It’s a life product.

Make your life a little easier (and better smelling)—try it today and get things clean clean with OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer.

Keep Your Things Clean Clean

Our favorite things tend to be the dirtiest (looking at you, Mr. Fluffy Bunny, who literally gets dragged everywhere) and this product easily keeps them clean. Pro tip: The baggage we carry in our lives, again, literally, can get gross without our even knowing. OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer 3-in-1 is excellent for keeping your backpacks, shopping bags and totes fresh and way less germy!

Shop now and get things clean clean with OxiClean™ Laundry & Home Sanitizer.

 

 

—Jamie Aderski

What’s the perfect complement to an action-packed visit to Orlando? Enjoying your “downtime” at the perfect hotel: Orlando World Center Marriott. Centrally located near Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, this fantastic resort is not only your family’s home base, but a true destination in itself. The world’s largest Marriott hotel, there are 28 stories, complete with 2,010 newly redesigned guestrooms and suites. 

Here’s why your crew will want to snag a room, STAT, for your next Orlando visit:

Park, Stay and Play at Orlando World Center Marriott with up to 30% savings including free self-parking! Be among the first to experience the all-new Falls Pool Oasis and enjoy savings on your future stays when you book by October 31, 2021.

It’s Simple to Get around Town

First thing’s first… getting here. A prime location in central Florida makes Orlando an easy drive for Floridians. If you're flying, the hotel is 17 miles from Orlando International Airport, so you’ll be unpacking your bags in no time. Adjust your Mickey ears and hop on the scheduled shuttle service to Disney Parks and Springs—less than two miles away!

Two Words: Water Oasis

The newly redesigned (400K gallons!) heated lagoon-style pool takes those vacation vibes up a notch. Lounge poolside in a luxurious private cabana with beverage service from Falls Pool Bar & Grill (because you totally deserve the break!). Little ones love the kid's splash zone, while thrill-seekers will be busy speeding their way down twisty slides galore. Voted one of the "World's Coolest Hotel Pools" by Forbes, this is an unforgettable spot to soak up the sun. Next Spring, River Falls will be unveiled—complete with three new water slides and a 575-foot lazy river.

Park, Stay and Play at Orlando World Center Marriott with up to 30% savings including free self-parking! Be among the first to experience the all-new Falls Pool Oasis and enjoy savings on your future stays when you book by October 31, 2021.

The Food Is Awesome

From grab-and-go to pool-side dining, there’s no shortage of great ways to refuel. Choose from nine unique dining options depending on your cravings. Families especially love that this is the only hotel with a hydroponic garden—providing sustainable, non-GMO cuisine that’s free from pesticides throughout all dining outlets. (Yep, even on vacation you can still get your kids to eat their veggies.) 

Parents Can Have “Me Time” Too

Golfers will be eager to head to the onsite 18-hole championship golf course, Hawk's Landing Golf Club, which has a full-service golf shop and an onsite pro for personalized instruction. Be on the lookout for native birds and Florida wildlife while you enjoy the course. When you want a little R&R, the full-service spa has you covered with pampering massages, facials and nail services. 

Park, Stay and Play at Orlando World Center Marriott with up to 30% savings including free self-parking! Be among the first to experience the all-new Falls Pool Oasis and enjoy savings on your future stays when you book by October 31, 2021.

Based on availability, blackout dates may apply.

-Jessica Solloway

School is out and the temperature is rising! If destroying your home interior is NOT a part of the summer agenda, a water park is perfect for kids to cool down, have fun and get rid of extra energy. Thankfully, the Bay Area boasts several so there are options to choose from. We think you’ll especially love the new South Bay Shores at Great America. Pack those towels for a day out!

East Bay

AquaAdventure

Compared to the other mega water parks, AquaAdventure is smaller and more intimate which makes it manageable with the littles. A lazy river snakes through the park and kids will enjoy the splash pad, Bucket Bay and Oasis pool that is 3.5-4 feet deep. There are also four water slides from the Fortress of Fun tower that the more adventurous kid can conquer. 

Things to know:
-Bring a blanket for seating on crowded days
-There is a large, grassy picnic area just outside the entrance for those who wish to bring lunch
-Swim lessons, camps and aqua aerobics are also offered 

40500 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 
Online:goaquaadventure.com

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

With thirty-five attractions ranging from an idyllic lazy river to extreme waterslides for the daredevils, there's something for the whole family here. Younger ones will love hanging out at Splashwater Island with its pint-sized slides while waiting for the massive bucket to dump water on people below. 

Things to know: 
-Plan to arrive early and stake out shaded chairs/picnic tables for a home base for your crew especially on the weekends
-There are lockers for your valuables so pick a spot nearby if you plan to access them throughout the day

1950 Waterworld Pkwy, Concord, CA 
Online: sixflags.com/hurricaneharborconcord

Road Trip Worthy: Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge

Manteca is very much worthy of a road trip to visit Great Wolf Lodge. A hotel, nine eateries, an arcade, ropes course, bowling alley and more—read our Great Wolf Lodge story to find out why it is so much more than just an indoor waterpark! 

 

South Bay

NEW! South Bay Shores at California Great America

South Bay Shores

Newly expanded and having just opened, South Bay Shores is now twice the size of the old park and double the fun! You'll find that it is brightly updated with large, shaded areas for lounging and relaxing on sweltering days. The youngest visitors will adore Pup’s Pier with its water guns, interactive spray jets and climbing nets while rides like Shark Reef Plunge’s near-vertical free fall in which the floor drops out from underneath you will satisfy thrill-seekers.  Your admission ticket to Great America includes South Bay Shores leaving your family with a terrible dilemma: roller coasters or water slides?!

Things to know:

- Parking is $20/vehicle pre-purchased online, $25 at the gate and $30 for preferred parking (not offered online)
- The Sand Bar next to the wave pool offers ice-cold beer, wine and frosty adult slushies. If you close your eyes, you could almost be in Maui. 
- The food options range from fish tacos to sliders and wraps to rotisserie chicken which is the most diverse (and delicious in our opinion) of the water parks. 

4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 
Online:cagreatamerica.com/south-bay-shores

Raging Waters

Raging Waters

Nestled next to the San Jose Foothills and Lake Cunningham, Raging Waters is the traditional and iconic water park that many of us grew up at! Let Speed Slide hurtle you down at dizzying speeds (neck and back permitting) or tube down the family-friendly Serpentine Slides (the yellow slide is the fastest!). Play structures Pirate’s Cove and Wacky Water Works along with the Little Dipper activity pool will keep tiny tykes happy. With many varying attractions, your family will include fun, soaked days at Raging Waters in their summer memories!  

Things to know:
-There is limited shade. Consider bringing a pop-up sunshade or umbrella. 
-Insider tip: Cross the bridge over the lazy river towards Speed Slide where there is a large, shaded grassy area to lay out a blanket or towel

2333 South White Road
San Jose, CA 
Online: rwsplash.com

Gilroy Gardens Water Oasis

Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy Gardens' Water Oasis has everyone's favorite dump bucket along with kiddie water slides, sprayers, splash pools and more. The original water oasis is still there as well, perfect for tots. Reserve a cabana to give yourself somewhere to chill out in the shade. 

3050 Hecker Pass Hwy.
Gilroy, CA
Online: gilroygardens.org

—Christine Lai & Kate Loweth

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Editor’s note: Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines, wear masks and ensure you’re abiding by local orders when traveling. Stay safe and be responsible!

If you’re planning a trip to a galaxy far, far away, Airbnb has the perfect place for you to stay in Orlando, Florida.

Twelve Parsecs is a 9-bedroom house located just 15 minutes away from Disney World, making it the perfect place for a family of Jedi warriors to rest their heads while visiting Galaxy’s Edge.

With 17 beds and 5 bathrooms, this house can easily accommodate your entire family on your next Disney World vacation. The home features some incredible details that will have you feeling like you’ve left the real world behind and stepped right into a Star Wars movie.

The rooms are decked out in handpainted murals and one-of-a-kind, handcrafted beds. You can sleep on a floating cloud in Cloud City or spend the night in the swamps of Dagobah. Even the hallways are designed to resemble the fastest ship in the galaxy.

The home includes a heated pool and resort amenities at the Champions Gate Oasis resort that include a water park, two golf courses, splash pad, game room, theater and more. The hosts have also left behind 16 Star Wars Easter eggs for guests to find.

The Twelve Parsecs by Loma Homes Airbnb is available for $546 per night.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Airbnb

 

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If you are desperate for a change of scenery, we’ve got just the spots for you. These Airbnb rentals in Miami are the perfect spot to get away with your family as they are super close to the beach, but also have that pool you’ve been dreaming of. You’ll find tons family-friendly amenities in these Airbnb rentals including cribs, full kitchens and tons of outdoor space. There are even a few that are pet friendly!

Tropical Paradise—Miami, FL

You won't want to leave this gorgeous home that has the tropical backyard of your vacation dreams. Grill out on the barbecue and enjoy the pool's waterfall and outdoor sound system. A crib and pack n' play are both available for families to use. 

Sleeps: 14
Cost: $394/night
Online: airbnb.com

Hollywood Tropical Retreat—Hollywood, FL

Enjoy a courtyard and pool deck designed with plenty of outdoor seating and a tiki hut. The property has synthetic grass through out, perfect for kids and family to sit and play on. You can also book the property's pool house if you'd like additional space. 

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $317/night
Online: airbnb.com

Tropical Oasis—Miami, FL

Welcome to your private luxurious tropical oasis! This gem is perfect for families looking to relax! Only one mile from Hollywood Beach, home to one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks, this 3 bedroom and 3 bathroom home features 2 master suites and new furnishings. A lovely salt water pool for maximum enjoyment in your own backyard paradise awaits. 

Sleeps: 7
Cost: $244/night
Online: airbnb.com

Biscayne Residence—Miami, FL

Your family will love hanging out in the heated, outdoor pool and enjoying some dinner from the BBQ. This property is just a 15 minute drive from Miami Beach, 20 minutes from MIA (40 minutes from FLL Airport), and has several bars and restaurants within a short walk. Bonus: the property is pet-friendly. 

Sleeps: 8
Cost: $383/night
Online: airbnb.com

Luxurious Paradise for Unforgettable Vacations—Miami, FL

You'll love this beautiful home to enjoy at your convenience with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and a spacious kitchen with individual family room for entertainment. Boats are available for rent at an additional fee. Enjoy your afternoon by the pool with the waterfall to keep a chill vibe. 

Sleeps: 14
Cost: $380/night
Online: airbnb.com

Gated Community, Private Pool—Miami, FL

If you are looking to relax with your family, this spot is for you. You'll love the upgraded decor and the backyard that's like a peaceful spa. Walk to the park for a picnic and view of the bay. 

Sleeps: 5
Cost: $346/night
Online: airbnb.com

—Kate Loweth

Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year.

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Photo: via Yelp

Oh, IKEA. My 13-year-old anxiously awaited her chance to wander the aisles of the furniture store after her younger sister, some weeks back, took approximately 547 photos of items she wanted to add to their future she-shed. We arrived early, eager to check in the 5 and 6-year-olds we brought along (given no other option), to the amazing kid zone so we could go through IKEA as quickly as humanly possible before having to retrieve the younger siblings. After the disappointing realization that the kid zone was not open, we reluctantly took the youngest kids with us on the maze of adorable room inspirations and wallet shrinking adventure.

We passed through the seven layers of the wood furniture forest and into the farthest reach of the store when the 6-year-old gives me the look of desperation and says ” I have to poop!” I exclaim, “Can you wait a few more minutes?” She assures me she cannot absolutely wait at all, not even one more tiny second. I give instructions to the teenager to stay in the adorable modern living room design #24 and wait for me while I retrace the many miles back to a bathroom. IKEA, why are there no bathrooms in the showroom??? I’ve never played football, but I imagine I am a linebacker pushing through crowds of people as I run the opposite way of those IKEA arrows with my 6-year-old whining in tow.

If you know me, directions are really not a strong suit for me. It is sort of like a foreign language. In fact, my husband has threatened multiple times to revoke my passenger seat privileges or send me to “map school” if I cannot be of more help to him while he is driving. So inevitably, I get lost. I pass every single layer of IKEA; from odd children toy department to plastic plant paradise to furniture that functions as a bed, desk, and closet all in one before finally finding the registers. I shove my way through crowds and discover the line that has formed outside of the bathroom. Oh wait, I think to myself there are more restrooms by the entrance. I can see the entrance now, but how do you get over there? You have to follow the yellow brick road of torture all the way around the store again to get to it.

My child is sweating and near tears. I do not help the situation as I yell-whisper that this is her fault as she didn’t give me decent notice of her predicament. I channel my inner husband and his direction skills and make it in record time through the arrow maze and reach the oasis of a bathroom. My child feels instant relief and smiles up at me wondering what the big deal was and why her mom reacted like a crazy person.

I have time to calm down, feel that familiar pang of parent guilt about the yelling and vow to do better the next time. Thankfully kid zone is now open. I beg the lady to save me two spots while I rush back through the maze to find my teen angel and 5-year-old still waiting patiently for me. We drop the children off, plan our 45 minutes of bliss and begin the trek through the store again!

It feels like I’ve run a marathon both physically and mentally, but we survived. The teen found many suitable items for her she-shed all nicely packed in tiny boxes. “Why is everything in boxes?” she innocently asks. It’s IKEA, dear, so yes, everything is packed in nice little boxes with impossible directions, one tiny wrench and a promise to never you’ll never fall victim to this again.

But I know I will do it again. The lure of tiny rooms will bring me back once again with hope the trip will go smoothly and be filled with memories. Memories that make me smile, laugh, give us stories for years to come. Until next time, IKEA.

I am a part-time teacher, CHP wife, mom to 5 kids biological and adopted, ranging in ages from 14-5. I love friends, trailering, fun dinner parties, booze, exercising ( because booze) and being with my family. In my spare time....ha ha ha ha!

The Tree That Got Away

It was about 10 feet tall and the morning sun was burning off the dew on its needles, making it glow. It was halfway down a hill of trees, but none of them was as full nor held as perfect a pyramidal shape as this one. It was perfect, and we would soon discover it would become the standard-bearer for every Christmas tree to come.

There was just one hitch. It was July, and we were two states and 5 months away from our home, and Christmas.

We were riding on the Virginia Creeper Trail, a rails-to-trails descent in Virginia that rolls through miles of farmland. Halfway down, nature and 20-ounces of blue Gatorade paid a visit to my 5-year old son, who raced for the privacy of a nearby grove of fraser firs.

I should note here that he did not drop trou on any of the trees. Realizing even in the heat of the moment that these beauties would end up in someone’s living room, I redirected his aim. So, while he found relief in the grass, I couldn’t help but notice what a delightful oasis we’d stumbled upon. The air smelled of Christmas morning, and trees grew along paths reminiscent of Scottish labyrinths. Our footsteps fell silently on needle-cushioned earth.

“We’re in the Candy Cane Forest!” exclaimed my niece, who had tracked us down, and who was also a big fan of Buddy the Elf. “Hey, look at this!” my oldest son shouted. We found him, awe-filled, in front of our perfect, glowing tree. It was pure magic.

After persuading them that we could not, in fact, take it home with us (no saw, hadn’t paid for it, nothing to strap it to except for Mom’s back, and besides, it was still swimsuit season), we hopped back on our bikes.

The morning after Thanksgiving, we were bundled up, still full from the previous day’s feast and sluggish from hours spent watching football on the couch. While making coffee, my husband suggested we take a ride to the hardware store to pick out a fresh Christmas tree.

“The hardware store?” my son balked. “No, Daddy. We already have our tree. We have to go back to The Creeper. I know exactly where it is.”

A 12-hour drive was not on my husband’s agenda, but neither was the hardware store on my children’s. They’d seen the promised land of treedom and would accept nothing less. We compromised. Just north of the city, we spent a lovely day in the fresh air, without a single electronic device nearby, walking off some of the thousands of calories that had been the gift of the day before.

We came home with a very fine fresh Christmas tree. It wasn’t THE tree, but we loved it anyways like you sometimes must. And so began our family tradition of trying to forever fill the tree stand of the “Tree That Got Away.”

Now through Christmas, share a photo of your family’s REAL Christmas tree memory-making experience for a chance to win $1,000!

photos: Shelley Massey

Shelley Massey is a writer and editor for family travel, fitness, and lifest‌yle publications. She enjoys exploring with her four kids ages 10 & under, running, good food, entertaining, and great stories. And though she and her family live happily in Atlanta, their hearts are in Tennessee.