A Family Vacation Rental on Skaneateles Lake
Sunset Side Cottage was made for family gatherings: room for the grown-ups to talk while the kids run on an acre of lawn, a pebbly beach with a shallow entry, and a stack of games for the rainy afternoon that always happens.
Family-Friendly Features
- Two separate living areas, so kids can have movie night while adults linger over dinner
- A bunk room plus a king suite, two queen rooms and a pull-out sofa (sleeps up to 8)
- Shallow beach area at the renters dock for wading and pebble hunting
- Over an acre of lawn with lawn games, a hammock and a fire pit for s'mores
- Board games, puzzles, a chess set, children's books and toys
- Kid gear: children's dinnerware, outlet covers, children's bikes and room-darkening shades
- Lake wagon to haul towels, snacks and floaties down to the water
"Emily's beautiful A-frame home was perfect for the six of us." Kevin, August 2026
Kid-Friendly Things to Do Nearby
Drive times are from the cottage, checked in Google Maps in October 2026. Check each site for current hours.
- Clift Park swim area and gazebo (10 min): lifeguarded swimming roughly late June to late August.
- Austin Park, Skaneateles (11 min): two playgrounds, ball fields, tennis and a summer farmers' market on Thursdays.
- HABA Toy Outlet (15 min): the U.S. outlet of the German toy maker, headquartered in Skaneateles.
- Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards (18 min): apple picking and the Apple Grove Adventure Park.
- Emerson Park, Owasco Lake (23 min): a summer beach, playgrounds and disc golf.
- Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse (34 min): Asian elephants, Amur leopards and seasonal events.
- MOST, Syracuse (36 min): a hands-on science museum with a planetarium and dome theater.
- Fillmore Glen State Park (36 min): a waterfall gorge and a stream-fed summer swimming pool.
- Greek Peak (43 min): skiing in winter and the year-round Cascades Indoor Waterpark at Hope Lake Lodge.
A Sample Family Weekend
Friday
Arrive after 4 PM, let the kids loose on the lawn, and grill burgers. S'mores at the fire pit.
Saturday
Morning at the dock: wading at the beach, kayak rides and paddleboard turns. Lunch and a nap, then apple picking at Beak & Skiff (in season) or the zoo in Syracuse. Board game tournament after dinner.
Sunday
Doughnuts from Skaneateles Bakery and a stroll on the village pier before heading home.
Family Questions
Is the yard fenced?
No. The backyard is open lawn and not fully fenced, so keep an eye on little ones near the lane and the stream.
Is the lake walk easy with kids?
Yes. It is a short walk down a paved lane, and the wagon carries the gear.
Do you have a crib or high chair?
Please ask us through Airbnb before booking. The cottage has children's dinnerware and outlet covers, and we can share babysitter recommendations.
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