Most people picture Palm Springs as a destination for golf fans and couples seeking mid-century modern aesthetics and poolside cocktails. But here’s a surprise: the greater Palm Springs area is actually fantastic for a family trip with kids of all ages.
The Coachella Valley stretches across several connected towns—Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Cathedral City—all within a 30-40 minute drive of each other. That means you can pack a ton of variety into a long weekend or stretch it into a full week without running out of things to do.
When planning your trip, consider booking your stay at one of our many family-friendly rental properties in the Palm Springs area to enjoy comfort and convenience throughout your adventure.
Here are the best things to do with kids next time you visit Palm Springs.
1. Ride The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Into Cooler Mountain Air
Photo Credit: Kate Scott
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a standout attraction for families, offering a 10-minute ride in the world’s largest rotating tramcar from the desert floor up 2.5 miles through Chino Canyon to Mountain Station in Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
The rotating floor provides panoramic views, and air conditioning offers a refreshing break from desert heat.
At the top, families can enjoy easy, stroller-friendly trails, visit the natural history museum, and take in panoramic views from observation decks. There’s also a snack bar and some restaurants.
Families with older kids and teens can explore over 50 miles of hiking trails in the San Jacinto Mountains for more adventure.
It’s a good idea to book advance ticket reservations online at peak times. Lines can stretch over an hour on weekends and major holidays.
2. Get Hands-On With Wildlife At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert consistently ranks as one of the best family days out in the entire region. Unlike typical urban zoos, this one emphasizes desert ecosystems and conservation, giving kids a more focused educational experience while still delivering the animal encounters they crave.
Kids can get nose-to-nose with giraffes and hand-feed them lettuce, or walk among wallabies in an open-range area where animals approach visitors. Cheetahs, zebras, and black rhinos roam spacious enclosures designed to mimic natural environments.
3. Explore Kid-Friendly Museums
When daytime temperatures climb too high, indoor attractions become essential. Fortunately, the Palm Springs area offers several excellent museum options that work for different ages and interests.
Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum houses aircraft from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, and modern eras across multiple air-conditioned hangars. Many aircraft have open cockpits kids can climb into, and veteran volunteer docents share firsthand stories on busy days.
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
The Children’s Discovery Museum is a family-friendly educational attraction designed for children of all ages. The museum features a wide range of interactive exhibits, pretend play areas, and hands-on activities that encourage learning through fun and imaginative experiences.
Rancho Mirage Library & Observatory
Don’t overlook the Rancho Mirage Library as a family destination. Beyond the expected books and story times, it offers free indoor playrooms, storytimes for young kids, and teen book discussions.
Additionally, its observatory public exploration nights (OPENights) provide free or low-cost stargazing under the clear desert skies. The desert’s lack of light pollution means you can see Milky Way details impossible in cities, so it’s worth planning an evening around if your kids are old enough to stay up.
4. Step Back In Time with Dinosaurs and Desert Towns
Photo Credit: The Image Party
These two fun attractions are popular places to stop off while exploring the Palm Springs area.
Cabazon Dinosaurs
About 20-25 minutes west of Palm Springs on I-10, the Cabazon Dinosaurs have been a fun roadside attraction since the 1970s. The massive T. Rex and long-necked Dinny are impossible to miss and perfect for dinosaur-loving kids. Don’t miss the gift shop set inside a dinosaur’s belly.
Pioneertown
Originally built in the 1940s as a movie set for western films, Pioneertown near Yucca Valley (about 40 minutes from Palm Springs) is now a real community with a dusty Main Street, wooden storefronts, and occasional staged gunfights. Kids who love cowboys, pretend play, or just running around in an unusual setting will enjoy exploring.
5. Cool Off at Palm Springs’ Best Waterparks and Pools
Palm Springs and the surrounding Coachella Valley offer several waterparks and public pools that are perfect for families looking to beat the desert heat without needing a hotel stay or resort membership. These spots provide fun splash pads, water slides, lazy rivers, and other kid-friendly pool features.
Palm Desert Aquatic Center
The Palm Desert Aquatic Center is a family favorite with multiple pools, including a dedicated kids’ pool and toddler splash pad. It also features two 20-foot water slides that add excitement for older children and teens.
Palm Springs Swim Center
The Palm Springs Swim Center is a public aquatic facility featuring a large pool with swim lanes, a shallow play area for children, and a splash pad. It’s an affordable and family-friendly spot for swimming and water play without the need for a hotel stay.
6. Head Outdoors: Joshua Tree, Easy Desert Trails & Bike Rides
Photo Credit: Gary C. Tognoni
The desert around Palm Springs is surprisingly varied and full of kid-friendly hiking and biking opportunities, even for families who don’t consider themselves outdoorsy. You don’t need technical gear or marathon endurance to enjoy the landscape.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park sits about an hour from Palm Springs and offers one of the most unique landscapes in California. Adventurous kids love the otherworldly Joshua trees, massive boulder formations, and vast desert vistas.
Try these popular short hikes:
- Hidden Valley – 1-mile loop with cool boulder formations and rock scrambling
- Skull Rock – 0.5-mile out-and-back or 1.7-mile loop to see a skull-shaped rock
- Barker Dam – 1.1-mile loop with possible wildlife sightings and a historic dam
- Cap Rock – 0.4-mile loop, a quick, easy hike with great rock formations
Enter via the West Entrance (nearest to Palm Springs) or North Entrance (in Twentynine Palms), depending on which hikes you’re targeting. The visitor center at each entrance has maps, ranger advice, and restrooms.
It gets hot in the desert, so start early; aim to be inside the park by 8 or 9 AM. Pack more water than you think (at least 1 liter per person per hour of hiking). Avoid midday hikes with young kids in warmer months.
For longer or more complex hikes, bring printed or downloaded maps because cell service is extremely spotty.
Indian Canyons
Indian Canyons, just south of downtown Palm Springs on Agua Caliente Cahuilla tribal land, offers family-friendly hiking trails through lush palm oases and striking rock formations.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes, making it a great spot for all ages to experience nature and adventure.
- Andreas Canyon – 1.2-mile loop featuring a lush palm oasis and minimal elevation change
- Palm Canyon – 4-mile out-and-back trail with dramatic scenery and towering California fan palms
- Murray Canyon – 2-mile loop with some steep hills and scrambling.
Visitors should arrive early to avoid heat and parking issues, respect tribal rules, and bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Entry fees typically come with discounts for children.
Note that the canyons are closed during the summer months due to excessive heat and some tribal holidays.
Biking Around Town
Downtown Palm Springs and the surrounding neighborhoods are mostly flat and bike-friendly. Several hotels and shops offer bike rentals, including kids’ bikes and child seats. An easy ride along the flat streets works well as a morning activity before the heat peaks.
Come Plan Your Next Family Vacation in Palm Springs
With so many family-friendly attractions and outdoor activities to choose from, Palm Springs is the perfect base for exploring the best of the Coachella Valley and making lasting memories together.
Ready to plan your Palm Springs family trip? Book your stay with us at one of our many family-friendly rental properties in the greater Palm Springs area. Get ready to experience the magic of palm trees, desert landscapes, and unforgettable adventures.
