We were there in April with our two daughters. Yes, they could have stayed in the downstairs. No, they didn't. There is no connecting indoor stairway, at least in the villa we stayed in. The upstairs was huge, so it was manageable but.... The library at the MO was great for the kids: good movies and of course the computers. Besides a trip to the elephant camp, don't forget to do the Night Safari! Greetings from Old Cape Cod!