10 Absolute Best Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids

When you think of Palm Springs, you probably picture pretty palm trees, vast golf courses, and sparkling swimming pools. You will find these treasures and oh so much more in this California desert city! Families seeking cool hotel prices flock to Palms Springs in summer months. The rest of the year, when California beaches may be too chilly for a swim sans wet suit, sun lovers head to this desert hot spot. Here are the 10 best things to do in Palm Springs with kids and teenagers, no matter what time of year you visit.

1. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The focus of the Living Desert is public education plus the conservation of the world’s desert creatures and plants. It is an impressive combination of zoo and botanic garden.

As a bit of a zoo snob, I was pleasantly surprised by the wealth of impressive animals on display and in shows here. Look for exotic creatures like giraffes, zebras and cheetahs as well as animals native to the American Southwest like bobcats, coyotes and burrowing owls.

If visiting during warmer months, then plan to go early in the day. That's when animals are most active and the weather is coolest.

The expansive G-Scale Model Train Exhibit sends miniature trains chugging through the desert landscape much to the thrill of young ones at the Living Desert. The Endangered Species Carousel is another popular draw for children who can climb aboard one of 30 animals for a merry spin. My children’s favorite spot, though, was the one-acre Gecko Gulch play area with its Saguaro cactus slide and pretend “panning for gold” trough.

2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Soar from the desert valley to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The floor of the car rotates throughout the ride, so passengers get a 360-degree view of Coachella Valley without having to move around the car.

The temperature at the top is about 30 degrees cooler than the bottom in Palm Desert, making the tram a great option for those seeking relief from the heat. In the summer, go hiking on one of 54 miles of trails at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Expect snow up here during the winter months. You can rent cross-country skis or snowshoes for exploring. Or, just have a good old-fashioned snowball throw-down.

3. Joshua Tree National Park

Located about an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a must for nature-loving families. This is the best place to spot the unique-looking Joshua trees with their outstretched arms and spiky leaves. These unusual trees grow only in the Mojave Desert in the Southwestern U.S., making them a must-see during your visit.

Pick up a Junior Ranger Handbook from one of the Visitors Centers. Kids ages 5 to 13 can earn their Junior Ranger badge upon completing required tasks.

For strikingly stark desert views and Joshua trees aplenty, plan to spend some time hiking here. According to FamilyCanTravel.com, Skull Rock Trail is one of best and easiest hikes for families at this National Park. Bonus: the trail was named for a rock formation that looks like a spooky human skull, making for fun photo ops.

Go it on your own or book a Joshua Tree Driving Tour with our partner, GetYourGuide.

4. Cabazon Dinosaurs

Just 20 minutes outside Palm Springs, families can pose with two of the world's tallest dinosaur statues in Cabazon. This is really more of a fun pitstop than a true museum, but your kids will long remember visiting these dinosaurs.

At the World's Biggest Dinosaurs Museum, you can even climb the stairs to the top of the 150-foot-long Dinny the Dinosaur brontosaurus. Inside, buy dino-themed tchotchkes in a gift shop.

Also onsite is a 65-foot-tall faux Tyrannosaurus rex named Mr. Rex. These original roadside attractions were built in 1975 and 1986, respectively.

5. Palm Springs Windmills

Wind turbines in the Palm Springs area produce an electrifying 1.5 million megawatt-hours. They also provide stunning Instagram ops.

This self-driving wind turbine tour makes a good option. You don't have to go out of your way to see the windmills, though. Believe me, if you drive around Palm Springs with kids — you will see windmills in action in the San Gorgonio Pass.

In fact, according to PalmSprings.com, the area contains more than 4,000 separate windmills and provides enough electricity to power Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley.

6. Date Shakes

With so many date palms gracing the landscape, you must taste some of those trees' tasty fruits during your Palm Springs family vacation.

Even if your kids don't think they like dates, I'll bet they'll dig them when mixed into a creamy ice cream shake! Date milkshakes taste almost chocolatey, but with a slightly chewy and altogether crave-able texture.

Other flavors are available, too, but date shakes really are the treat of choice in the Palm Springs area. There are several places to sip this yummy concoction.

Date Shake Locations in the Palm Springs Area

• Shields Date Garden in Indio – This is the most iconic spot for a date shake pitstop. Wander through the 17-acre date garden before ordering your shakes and other date-infused goodies like candies, cookies, bread, and even coffee. Whole dates are available to purchase as well. There's also an onsite café for those looking for heartier, savory fare.
• Nature Health Food & Café in Palm Springs – You'll go bananas for their banana date shake.
• Palm Spring Fudge & Chocolates in Downtown Palm Springs – Pick up some handmade fudge and a date shake to go before strolling and shopping Palm Canyon Drive.
• Great Shakes in Downtown Palm Springs – Ice cream shakes here come topped with a darling mini doughnut, adding to the appeal.
• State Fare Bar & Kitchen at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage – If you like your date shake served with a side of ooh-la-la, then head here for a decadent upscale treat.

7. Shopping in Palm Springs

If you've got a tween or teen who loves to shop, then the downtown stores and outlet malls near Palm Springs are sure to please.

Palm Canyon Drive

The palm tree-lined Palm Canyon Drive is the main strip in the city. It's lined with all sorts of shops and restaurants. Most interesting to your offspring will be Fits4Kidds children's apparel, Crystal Fantasy's array of gems and jewelry, and the irreverent Just Fabulous gift shop.

Hollywood stars of yesteryear flocked to Palm Springs as a vacation retreat and many of them are featured along the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on Palm Canyon Drive. Look for stars of celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Shirley Temple. Delve deeper into city's star culture with a Palm Springs: Legends and Icons Tour.

Palm Springs Outlet Malls

To search for name brands and great deals, head to one of two outlet shopping malls. Cabazon Outlets features such stores as Adidas Outlet, Guess, and Sunglass Hut. Next door you'll find a wider range of shops like Levi's, Lululemon, American Eagle, Carter's, and much more at Desert Hills Premium Outlets.

8. Golfing in Palm Springs with Kids

Golfing families especially love Palm Springs. From kid-friendly golf instruction to gorgeous courses — Palm Springs has got you covered.

Golf Lessons and Camps for Kids

Beginners will want to start at the First Tee of the Coachella Valley in Palm Desert. Introductory golf lessons are available as well as an on-site driving range and 9-hole par-3 course.

Additionally, kids 15 and younger at Marriott Shadow Ridge can enjoy a free lesson at Marriott Golf Academy. They must be accompanied by a full-paying adult.

In summer, sign up for 5-day golf camps at PGA Jr. Camp at Mission Hills Country Club for kids aged 7 to 13.

Palm Springs Golf Courses

Many resorts in Palm Springs boast beautiful golf courses. Tops for serious golfers is La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. According to GolfBreaks.com, “The PGA West Resort offers 5 fantastic public courses, with the Pete Dye-designed TPC Stadium ranked in the 100 Greatest Courses in the US by Golf Magazine, offering a stern test.”

Not only does JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa offer two 18-hole championship golf courses set among towering mountains and sprawling lakes, but also the resort is home to a full grass 18-hole putting course for guests of all ages.

Discover more family-friendly golfing options recommended by VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com.

9. Miniature Golf and Arcade Games

If putt-putt is more your family's speed, then bring the kids to Boomers. In addition to three 18-hole miniature golf courses, kids will go gaga for bumper boats, a rock-climbing wall, and a wide array of video games at this small theme park.

Meanwhile, if your family would like to check out the largest arcade in California, then look no further than the 12,000-square-foot JW Entertainment Center at JW Marriott Desert Springs. You don't need to be a resort guest to get in on the action, either. The public is welcome to play classics like PacMan, Skee Ball, and Air Hockey. Modern games include high-tech simulators, motocross racing games, four lanes of duckpin bowling, and more.

10. Palm Springs Swimming Pools for Families

Spectacular hotel pools are a major draw in Palm Springs. Book a stay at one of the area's many hotels with a fabulous pool, buy a hotel pool day pass, or dive into a public pool. Most are heated year-round, making every season a good time for a pool day.

Best Palm Springs Hotel Pools for Kids

As a hotel pool enthusiast, I was particularly smitten with the swimming pools at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. The cascading waterfalls are beautiful. Plus, the zero-entry pool is perfect for families traveling with young children.

The sandy beach provides plenty of fun for digging and sandcastle building, too. During summer and spring break, look for Dive In Movies that add to the allure of a stay at this resort.

Trekaroo Editor-in-Chief Sharlene Earnshaw recommends Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage as one of the best kid-friendly hotel pools in the USA.

She says, “Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa has taken full advantage of sunshine and created Splashtopia, a large pool complex complete with water slides, a lazy river, a sand beach for tots, and a large pool which features Dive In Movies on the weekends.”

Waterslide lovers will rejoice at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa’s HyTides Plunge water park. According to Locale Magazine, “Featuring a set of 30-foot dueling water slides, a lazy river and a splash pad with water cannons, dumping buckets and more, this pool area offers gallons of insurmountable fun. Shaded by towering palms and nestled up against the mountains, The HyTides Plunge water park, along with the resort’s seven expansive pools, makes for the ultimate year-round destination.”

Hotel Pool Day Passes

Even if your hotel doesn't offer such splendid splash-time amenities, Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel offers pool passes for children and adults for a small fee. Families can swim in the hotel's eight pools, which are filled with natural hot spring water and kept at varying temperatures. Dry sauna, shower room changing facilities are included. Poolside dining and drinks are available, too.

Take a look at additional hotels and resorts in the Palm Springs area that offer pool passes through ResortPass.com.

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Locals and travelers alike enjoy the affordable watery oasis at Palm Desert Aquatic Center. There's a zero-depth pool and splash playground for little ones, waterslides and high dive boards for bigger kids, and lap lanes for parents wanting to stay in shape during their Palm Springs vacation.

Explore More Things to Do in California with Kids

For another desert getaway in California, discover what there is to do in Borrego Springs.

Planning a California road trip? Take a look at these Highway 5 pitstops for families.

Get even more ideas with this list of the best California family vacation destinations.

Book a luxury vacation home for your Palm Springs getaway via TopVillas.

Find more activities and tours in the Palm Springs area via GetYourGuide.

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A Note from The Travel Mama: Renaissance Esmeralda hosted my family's hotel stay in the Palm Springs area. We also received free entry to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. I did not receive any other discounts or compensation related to this story. All opinions are mine, as always.