Wondering what to do in Palm Springs with kids? A family trip to Palm Springs is for you if you like:

• Quirky roadside attractions, kid-friendly museums, amazing resorts pools
• Active outdoor fun: think hiking, animals, and wild landscapes
• A healthy mix of learning, play, and relaxation
• An easy-to-navigate area with straightforward drives between stops

On a recent visit to Joshua Tree National Park, we decided to hop over and check out downtown Palm Springs and the Aerial Tramway. What we found was a vibrant region that kept pulling us back for more. 

In this post, we share the best family-focused things to do in the Greater Palm Springs area. We combine outdoor adventure, unique roadside stops, natural and cultural history and plenty of fun downtime, all tailored to families who enjoy a mix of nature, learning, and memorable photo ops.

We use affiliate links to keep our blog free for you to read and to pay for the occasional pizza night. If you purchase through a link on our page, we might receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Palm Springs with Kids: The Basics

When to Visit

Season	What to Expect	Best For
Best time to visit: Fall (Oct – Nov)	70°F – 80°F, sunny and mild	Hiking, Pool Time, Stargazing, Zoo Visits. Fewer Crowds than spring, but still plenty of events and things to do.
Next-best time to visit: Spring (Feb – May)	60°F – 80°F, look for wildflower blooms	Outdoor Adventures, Zoo Visits, Easy Hikes, Aerial Tramway. April is busier with Spring Break and Coachella.
Winter (Dec – Jan)	60°F – range, crisp mornings and cool evenings	Mt San Jacinto Snow Play, Desert Stargazing, Warm Break from Colder Locations. Look for deals outside of the holidays.
Summer (Jun – Sep)	HOT (100°F – 115°F)	Indoor Activities and Pool Time. You’ll find bargains, but make sure you have air conditioning! Limit any midday outdoor time, even in the pool.

What to Bring – Your Greater Palm Springs Packing List!

How to Get to Greater Palm Springs 🚙

The closest cities to Palm Springs are Los Angeles (about 2 hours, more depending on traffic) and Las Vegas (about 4 hours). Depending on your travel plans, consider extending your visit so you can spend a couple days in one of these cities.

If you want to go directly to Palm Springs, there is a small airport served by 13 airlines with flights to 30 airports. 

However you arrive, you’ll want a car to explore. If you need to rent a car, check out the comparison site Discover Cars to help you quickly find the best deals and options for your trip.

What We Did on our Visit to Palm Springs with the Kids

OK, enough of the logistics! Here’s the fun part: our favorite family-friendly things to do in Greater Palm Springs. These are the things that we’ve been able to check off the list so far.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tops our list of things to do in Palm Springs with kids. Is it touristy? Yep. But it’s also a fantastic outing for your family trip. It combines a one-of-a-kind experience with light thrills, stunning scenery, and some education all in one place.

The highlights:

• A thrilling (but not scary) ride on a rotating tram car that carries you up over 8,500 feet. 
• A surprising temperature change that offers a break from the heat or a chance for snow play in the winter.
• Family-friendly hikes that take you through a totally different world than the desert landscapes below.
• Easy onsite amenities – from irresistible look-out decks for the perfect family photo to the on-site cafeteria and restaurant, bathrooms, gift shops, and shaded picnic areas.

What to Expect

At the base of the mountain, you’ll board one of the rotating tram cars which give you 360° views as you ascend from the desert floor to over 8,500 feet on Mt. San Jacinto. The ride is fun and exciting, but not scary. Our roller-coaster-fearing kiddos loved it.

Pro Tip: If you know for sure that you are going to do the Aerial Tramway, book  your tickets ahead of time. The wait for people who showed up without tickets was well over an hour, and we were there at the start of the day.

Temperatures at the top of the mountain tend to be about 30–40°F cooler, offering a welcome break from the heat in warmer months or even some surprise snow play in the middle of your desert vacation. 

When we visited in February, I thought there might be a dusting of snow, but there was full sledding happening at the top of the mountain! I felt silly packing our snow gear, but I’m so glad we were prepared.

Pro Tip: Pack your snow gear during winter visits! It may seem excessive when parking your car in the 70°F sunshine, but the right gear means fun with snow play at the top of the mountain!

Mt. San Jacinto State Park

At the top of the mountain, you’ll step out into a world completely different from the desert below. Take a deep breath of pine-scented air and get ready to explore the trails. 

We headed out to find the Winter Adventure Center first, only to find that it never reopened after 2020. The park website is a bit misleading here. Without any gear to rent, we spoke with park staff, who recommended that we check out the Long Valley Discovery Trail. The kids were enjoying their unexpected snow day, even without sleds or snow-shoes, so we still had plenty of fun exploring.

The Mountain Station

When you exit the tramway, you’ll be in the large Mountain Station. There are lookout decks here with sweeping views of the valley below – an irresistible photo op! 

You’ll also find exhibits about the region, gift shops, picnic spots, an on-site cafeteria, and The Peaks restaurant.

During our visit, I made reservations for lunch at The Peaks. Reservations aren’t required, but toward the end of our meal a crowd started gathering near the entrance. We were glad we had them.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

• Up-close animal encounters with over 500 animals, including special experiences like Giraffe Feeding and Rhino Encounters (for an additional fee)
• Kid-friendly extras – one of the largest model train exhibits in the world, a wildlife hospital that doubles as an education center, plus playgrounds and splash pads for mid-day breaks
• Family-friendly convenience and comfort with on-site cafes and snacks, shaded picnic areas for BYO lunches, and tram services to rest tired feet of all sizes

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert is one of the best family-friendly attractions in the Palm Springs area. It’s part zoo, part botanical garden, and part outdoor adventure park. 

We’ve been to a lot of California zoos, and though this isn’t the largest, it’s one of our favorites. It’s not overwhelming, I loved the creative exhibit designs, and there were plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. 

One highlight is the Australian Adventures area, where you actually enter the enclosure and walk around alongside wallabies with kookaburras singing above!

Pro Tip: On our visit we went toward the prairies after Australian Adventures. Don’t do this unless visiting the Tennity Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center is at the top of your list. Visit the wallabies and then backtrack toward the African Safari area. You can sign up for a Rhino Encounter and/or feed the giraffes here. You can also eat lunch and pet goats in Village WaTuTu. We didn’t make it here until the end of the day, and wished we’d gone earlier.

Explore Downtown Palm Springs

• Retro style and Hollywood history
• Walkable charm with family-friendly restaurants and snacks

Pro Tip: Keep the kids’ energy up with a stop at Great Shakes, known for their creative milkshakes topped with donuts.

Escape Room Palm Springs

We had to make a stop at Escape Room Palm Springs for the “Merlin’s Magic School” room. John loves escape rooms and puzzles, and JJ loves those wizards, so for us it was a no-brainer!  We finished with 1 minute left (and a lot of clues!).

Though not necessarily specific to Palm Springs, I love adding an activity like this that makes us work together. Escape Room Palm Springs offers several family-friendly themes that kids will get into:

• Merlin’s Magic School (the one that we did, fun for wizard-lovers…you know who you are!)
• Titanic (designed for all ages, small groups, and first-timers)
• Bank Heist (see how much loot your team can gather before the cops show up)

Cabazon Dinosaurs

• A must-do roadside stop for dinosaur-loving kids of all ages
• Fun kitschy photo ops that will make you smile for years to come
• Free and pet-friendly options if you are ok skipping the dino park

The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a classic California road-trip stop. There was no way we could resist a photo-filled stop as we left town and headed toward Los Angeles. 

At Cabazon Dinosaurs you’ll meet Mr. Rex, a 65-foot tall T Rex who lets you climb a staircase into his mouth (for a fee). And Dinny, a 150-foot Apatosaurus, with a gift shop in his belly (free admission). 

Paid admission allows you to climb in Mr. Rex and wander through a trail of dino models. There’s also a small dino dig site and a panning sluice (probably the only California sluice where you’ll be looking for fossils instead of gold). 

We paid the fee because we were with our two dino-loving kiddos, but you can have just as much fun posing with Dinny and Mr. Rex for free. 

Pro Tip: One thing I love about this stop is that Dinny and Mr. Rex get new paint jobs every now and again. It’s always worth a stop to see them in their seasonal best!

Joshua Tree National Park

• Otherworldly adventures in one of California’s favorite National Parks
• Natural playgrounds of rocks where kids can climb, scramble and explore at their own pace
• An International Dark Sky Park perfect for stargazing with hot cocoa beneath the Milky Way

The main entrance to Joshua Tree National Park is less than an hour from downtown Palm Springs. 

If you’re in the area, I highly recommend driving out and spending at least one day here. It’s easy to drive through the main park roads and pull over to scramble around Skull Rock or wander through Hidden Valley.  It’s one of those rare gems that’s magical to experience and easy to explore. 

If you’re up for adventure, there are plenty of opportunities here. We hired Cliff-hanger guides to help us try outdoor rock climbing for the first time. Other outfitters offer unique jeep tours.

Pro Tip: Make sure to bring maps, as you can’t rely on GPS in the park. And if cars are lined up at the West Entrance near Joshua Tree Village, head about 15 miles east to the North Entrance at Twentynine Palms.

Pioneertown

Pioneertown makes for an interesting stop on your way back to Palm Springs from Joshua Tree. Founded in 1946 as a permanent western movie set that could be enjoyed as a real town, the stables, saloons, and jails here were featured in more than 50 films and TV shows. 

Stop for dinner at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, known for good BBQ and surprisingly big-name live acts. Just know the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We forgot this and ended up at The Red Dog Saloon. Not bad, but not the most kid-friendly spot, especially when the outdoor areas are closed. 

Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids – Our List for Next Time

Wherever we travel, we usually leave town with some amazing activities that we just couldn’t squeeze in. And since our Palm Springs trip took place when the weather was a bit on the cooler side, we have plenty to do on our next trip. 

The following are at the top of my list for next time.

Great Tours for Hands-On Learning

The Air Museum

The Palm Springs Air Museum blends hands-on learning with living history, making for a fun and engaging experience for the whole family. And as an added bonus, they have air conditioning!

One thing that makes this Air Museum stand out from the others – everyone is invited to touch and explore. No looking from behind the ropes!  Don’t miss the Exploration Center featuring an F-16 Flight Simulator and other fun and interactive activities.

And if you’re willing to splurge on a bit of adventure, you can even take a plane for a spin! Pilot provided, of course. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to fly in a WWII-era bi-plane or a P-51 Mustang, this is your chance!

Rancho Mirage Library Observation Nights

I know, I know. Going to the library doesn’t top most people’s family vacation itinerary. But, if you’re looking for an easy and educational way to do some stargazing while you’re in town, check out the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory’s program calendar. 

On Observatory Public Exploration Nights (OPENights) you can get your hands on the observatory’s telescopes to get magnified views of planets, star clusters, and more. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and learn from the staff and volunteers on hand.

Windmill Tours

One thing that’s sure to grab your attention when driving through the Greater Palm Springs area are the fields and fields of windmills. Join a tour to step back in time 40  years and learn all about the “Wind Rush” of the 1980’s.

Families can choose between a guided Golf Cart tour or a self-guided car tour through one of the area’s private wind farms.  

Resort Pass Pool Days

Maybe you decided that a Palm Springs resort wasn’t the best stay for your family, but you are still drawn to the luxury, relaxation, and outdoor amenities that they offer. Buying a ResortPass can be a smart and fun choice that allows you to experience the best of both worlds.

Palm Springs is hot and sunny most of the year, meaning a pool day is almost always a good idea. ResortPass lets you book day access to luxury resort pools, cabanas, and splash pads without being a guest. You get the fun of a resort without the cost or commitment of a full stay.

ResortPass could also be a good idea for early arrival or late departure days, when you don’t have a hotel room but want to swim and relax.

I had planned on booking a ResortPass to Omni Rancho Las Palmas for a luxe and relaxing day after our Joshua Tree adventures, but cool and rainy February weather changed our plans. It’s definitely on our list for the next visit!

The following are my top picks for a relaxing family day at the pool:

• Omni Rancho Las Palmas: Lazy river, waterslides, splash pad, sandy beach, poolside grill
• Hyatt Regency Indian Wells: Seven pools, twisting water slide, lazy river, splash pads, poolside grill, outdoor games

Take a Hike

You don’t have to drive all the way out to Joshua Tree to find amazing hikes with unique landscapes! These three hikes offer visiting families an active way to explore the desert, learn about the region’s natural and cultural history, and even share a little adrenaline-boosting, memory-making time together.

Ladder Canyon & Painted Canyon (Mecca Hills)

At the tippy top of my list is this 5 mile hike about an hour south of Palm Springs and 40 minutes west of the southern entrance to Joshua Tree. Great for adventurous families, you’ll feel like you’re in a real-life adventure movie as you scramble around, navigating tight spades, and winding through rock walls.

Visitors appreciate being immersed in amazing rock formations and painted cliffs, and the “wow” moments provided by hidden passages that lead to wide-open views at the top.

There’s no cell service here, so go early, mind the weather reports, and bring a printed map and first aid kit with you. It’s not an ideal hike for kids under school-age or those afraid of heights. 

Tahquitz Canyon (Palm Springs)

This 2-mile hike leads to a rewarding 60-foot seasonal waterfall. Managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, you’ll learn about the history of the space through rangers sharing stories and the history of the land. 

Just minutes from downtown, it’s an ideal half-day adventure. Check on the seasonal waterfall flow before you go. It’s going to be the strongest in the winter and spring.

Indian Canyons (Palm Springs)

If you’re looking to experience an oasis in the desert, this is it. Home to the largest California fan palm in the world, Indian Canyons can be explored via several family-friendly trails like Andreas Canyon (a short 1 mile loop) and Palm Canyon (where Palm Springs got its name). 

Stop by the Visitor Center to learn the natural and cultural history of the area, and get some helpful guides and maps.

For the inside scoop, take a Red Jeep tour with a naturalist guide who will take you to the hidden water cave that nourishes this oasis (best for families whose children are 8+).

Where to Stay in and around Palm Springs

Omni Rancho Las Palmas (Rancho Mirage)

With family-friendly features like Splashtopia Waterpark (a 2 acre water playground with lazy river, water slides, a sandy beach and splash pad) you’ll have a hard time getting the kids to leave the resort!

Shadow Ridge II – The Enclaves (Palm Desert)

We love the Marriott Vacation Club properties for when we want the luxuries of a resort with the space of a vacation rental. Both one and two bedroom villas have kitchens, living and dining areas for added space and comfort. Guests enjoy multiple pools, whirlpools, splash pads, restaurants and play areas.

Mid-century Modern Vacation Home (Palm Springs)

If you would like to have a house all to yourself, Palm Springs has some very unique family-friendly vacation rentals. This one has a backyard view of the San Jacinto Mountains that can be enjoyed from the pool, fire-pit, or life-sized chess game. And if your kids are anything like mine, the bunk beds will be a fun perk too.

Palm Springs FAQs

If you enjoyed this post about visiting the Palm Springs area with kids, you might like these too:

• Death Valley with Kids

• Joshua Tree with Kids: Family Adventures in the Desert

• Los Angeles Bucket List: 50 Ways to Make Your Visit Amazing

• Road Trip Travel Insurance: What You Need and How to Get It

Not ready to visit Palm Springs just yet, but want to save this post for later?