Daily swimming, constant water sports and shoreline play – kids of all ages just LOVE being by the water. Active parents will also love the chance to experience water sports like paddle-boarding and kayaking, as well as the opportunity to get away from work or life admin at home and reconnect with the family. It’s a truly wholesome vacation to encourage everyone away from screens and into the great outdoors.
Here’s our pick of the best lake houses for families around the world for your next outdoorsy vacation.
1. The Avasjon 4 Residence, Hjo, Sweden
One of 4 Kid & Coe vacation homes around the Alvasjö lake, owned by the same family, who offer mountain bikes, row boats, canoes and fishing gear for guests to borrow. There’s a sandy lakeside beach a short walk away for picnics on the shore and refreshing swims, with a handy lake house and sauna for warming up after. Land-loving guests can hit the cycling/walking trails, collecting blueberries, lingonberries and mushrooms along the way.
2. The Copake Lake House Residence, Copake, NY
The perfect lake house for families to escape everyday life and kick back in nature, taking in the serene surroundings from the hammock, decks or dock situated with spectacular views of the water. Take advantage of the lakeside waters sports with the 3 kayaks, 3 paddleboards and a canoe provided. Read more in our Postcards from Copake Lake, NY.
3. The Cannero Riviera Residence, Lake Maggiore, Italy
A gravel drive leads up from the water past the swimming pool to this lake house. Hapimag watersports center is right by the villa, where you can hire a pedalo, kayak or stand-up-paddle to head out on the beautiful lake.
4. The Vashon Waterfront Residence, Vashon Island, WA
Set on 210 ft of private waterfront with spectacular views across the Puget Sound to Mount Rainier, the property’s rocky, sandy beach is endless entertainment for all kids, from toddlers to teenagers. There are sea anemones, sand dollars, starfish, tiny crabs and more to discover at lower tides along with skipping rocks and playing in the surf. There are pool floats that can be used in the sea over the summer, and kayaks for adventurous parents to venture out in.
5. The Het Twiske Residence, Landsmeer, Outside Amsterdam
Kids can jump on the SUP board or go for a swim directly from the garden (if you’re lucky, a family of swans may swim by during your stay), play some basketball in the park at the end of the street, borrow the host’s bikes and visit the best cultural and sportive activities in nearby Amsterdam.
6. The Miami Beach Waterfront Residence, Florida
Not quite a traditional lake house for families, but it still fits the bill. The house sits on Biscayne Bay, where you can swim and enjoy the water views from the patio. At the house there are 4 bikes, a paddleboard and kayak – everything you need for getting on to and enjoying the house, the city and the water.
7. The Lakeview Road Residence, Copake, NY
There is loads of room for kids to play and run around outdoors on the waterfront, whatever the season. Older kids and teens will love sitting out by the firepit in the evening (perfect for toasting s’mores!) and exploring Robinson Pond – in winter it freezes over and makes way for ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
8. The Lake Lure Residence, Asheville, NC
Set on a private cove, there is minimal boat traffic and a no wake zone in place so kids can explore the water safely with a host of kayaks, rafts and water toys to borrow. There’s stepped access into the lake from the boathouse, and life jackets of every size are provided. Next to the boathouse there’s a private beach area for younger ones to play on, with a firepit area for evenings around ‘the campfire’.
9. The Nine Arrows Lake House Residence, Lake Arrowhead, CA
Tucked away in the woods, this is the perfect lake house for kids with the Arrowhead Lake only steps from the cabin down a meandering trail. Across the water and accessible by swimming or inflatable raft is Lone Pine Island where you can swim, sunbathe, picnic and relax in summer. In winter you can sled out back steps from the house or cozy up in front of the fire inside.
10. The Lac de Gerardmer Residence, France
This stunning minimalist home is in a rural village in northern France, bordered by the beautiful Lake Gérardmer which offers natural swimming boating tours, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing, as well as a water-front park, hiking trails, and a playground. It’s also just 10 minutes’ drive to Gérardmer ski resort.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/lake-arrowhead/the-nine-arrows-lake-house-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/copake/the-lakeview-road-residence-copake-lake
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/vashon-island/the-vashon-waterfront-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/upstate-ny/the-skaneateles-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/copake/the-copake-lake-house-residence