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20+ Things to do in Palm Springs with Kids

Palm Springs can be known as an adult destination, but it really is such a fun place to travel to with your children. There are so many things to do and it is a great place to just relax by the pool and hang out. This unique city is fun to explore and is a great place of learning for everyone! Here are 20+ Things to do in Palm Springs with Kids.

Do you worry taking your kids on vacation? Do you think you have to go to “kid specific” destinations? Have no fear! We are here to show you that you can take your kids anywhere! Palm Springs is one of those places your kids will love and have just as much fun as you. We have compiled a list of 20+ Things to do in Palm Springs with Kids.

20+ Things to do in Palm Springs with Kids

1. Palm Springs Art Museum

This is such a fun unique museum to explore. There are three different areas to explore with different theming. It is currently closed but check their website for opening details and pricing for when it does open. There are detailed sculptures as well as works made of glass, and photography from renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Diane Arbus.

2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the largest rotating tramway in the world. A ten minute journey (each way) that offers views of different ecosystems and incredible views. Once you reach the top, you can take in the view from observation decks. There are restaurants but they are closed or offering limited items.

Tickets are available 2 weeks out and go pretty fast. Adults cost $26.95, Children ages 3-10 are $16.95, Children 2 and under are free.

3. Joshua Tree National Park

Located a short hour away from Palm Springs, this national park is a true gem. Two deserts meet to create a magical place to explore. There are plenty of family friendly hikes, nature trails, and viewpoints to stop and see.

There are two entrances. Start at one, and drive through the whole park. This activity will take you 6+ hours.

4. Palm Springs Air Museum

Palm Springs Air Museum– A fun air museum where you can explore the inside of airplanes, learn a ton about the aircraft. There are a lot of veterans working as well that share their experiences and it is really special and unique. It’s one of the top 14 Air Museums in the world, according to CNN. It also has the largest collection of WWII aircraft, which are operable by the way

Open 10-5. Children under 12 are free. Adults are $18.50

5. Cabazon Dinosaurs

A fun kitschy unique trail of dressed up dinosaurs. Long regarded as one of the most iconic roadside attractions and the set locations of different movies. This is a place that will definitely be fun for kids.

Adults are $13 Kids $11 and tickets are available at the door.

6. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

There are 80+ activities for kids of all ages. There is a mix of arts, crafts, and sciences so definitely something for every member of the family

7. Hiking in Palm Springs with Kids

There are lots of short easy hiking trails. Explore a little bit of the desert and get in some exercise.

8. Indian Canyons

With about 60 miles of hiking trails here for the entire family to enjoy the view and weather. You can enjoy a picnic on the way which you take in the waterfalls, mountain springs and more. It has the biggest collection of Washingtonia filifera palm trees in the world.

9. Shields Date Garden

Learn how the super food dates grow and try this delicious fruit. There is a cafe and it is a fun open space to walk around. Try a date shake, or some homemade date butter on bread. This is a different experience you won’t find many places.

Open everyday from 9-5
Cost: $5 per person, kids 12 and under are free

10. Sunnylands Center & Gardens

This 15 acre estate is often visited by official leaders and is absolutely gorgeous. Over 70 species of plants and a designed garden, even if your kids don’t love looking at plants, it is spacious and interesting. This site is perfect for Palm Springs with kids.

THE SAGUARO HOTEL

11. Tahquitz Canyon

This canyon is home to the Cahuilla Indians for a long time now. So you’ll get a peek into their history through native artifacts. The two-mile trail loop makes for a great hike and the 60-foot-tall Tahquitz Falls is an incredible site. Don’t forget to bring water!

12. Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Don’t miss out on a chance to tour Palm Springs popular iconic windmills. The tour can be taken from the comforts of your own car and the narrator will guide you as you go.

Cost: $49

If you don’t want to pay for a windmill tour, you can still easily get up close to the windmills!

famous palm springs windmills

13. Pool Hop with Kids

It is safe to say that most children love to swim. Palm Springs has no shortage of pools and your are not confined to your hotel’s own pool. Most hotels will let non guests in for a small fee, or if you order drinks or food. The Saguaro is especially colorful and fun.

14. Eat at Sherman’s Deli and Bakery

With lots of options and delicious treats to choose from, this famous bakery has something for everyone.

15. Shop(pe) | Ice Cream

What’s a vacation without ice cream. This shop is delicious and has some fun different flavors.

16. Get More Ice Cream

There are so many yummy ice cream shops, one stop just isn’t enough. Lappert’s Ultra Premium Ice Cream, Kreem, Great Shakes are all good options as well.

17. Walk Around Downtown

The main area of Palm Springs is so fun to just walk around. There are art exhibits, window shopping, yummy food, and just lots of things to see.

18. Relax by the Pool

Yes, I already listed pool hop, but be a cool parent and order your kids virgin Pina coladas poolside and just enjoy the desert heat and nice weather. Relax at your hotel and explore the area closest to you.

19. Palm Springs Walk of the Stars

You may have seen the famous Hollywood walk of fame, but did you know Palm Springs also has one? The Palm Springs Walk of Stars is a great showcase for celebrities who either lived in Palm Springs or considered it a “home away from home”. You could print out a list of the stars and have your kids search for different names on the stars.

20. International Banana Museum

Did you know there was such a place. For only $1 you can visit this banana museum that is full of yellow and more banana stuff than you can imagine. There are also fun and unique recipes shared (banana shakes, banana sodas). With over 25000 unique banana inspired things, this museum is sure to be a hit for things to do in Palm Springs with kids.

Address: 98775 CA-111, Mecca, CA 92254, USA

21. Pioneertown

Step back in time and visit A functioning 188o’s themed town. This is the set of 20+ westerns and is still a working production set today. The post office is the most visited in the country! Pioneertown is a little more than a few city blocks long. Only Horse and Foot Traffic is allowed on Downtown Mane Street, so you will need to park your car at either end and enjoy all the sites on foot.

22. Moorten Botanical Garden

This botanical garden sits on over an acre of land and houses 3000+ desert plants. It is a fun place to walk around and you can even spot some desert tortoises. Garden tours are available as well. The path is easy to navigate. We took our stroller, but I don’t think it is wheelchair accessible. It would be difficult in some areas to maneuver a wheelchair.

Other Things to do in Palm Springs with Kids

-trampoline park
-archery
-horseback riding
-jeep tour
-water park

The Ultimate Guide to Palm Springs with Kids Tips and Tricks

-drink lots of water, you are in a desert after all
-sunscreen up, even if the weather is overcast, wear your sunscreen and reapply
-don’t stress and over plan. The city is so laid back and you can cover a lot of ground in a small amount of time
-rent a car if you didn’t drive, the city is very spread out

If you need help packing, here are a few of our favorite travel necessities for airplanes and the car!
Amazon Store

We hope you enjoyed 20+ Things to do in Palm Springs with Kids. We travel with children a lot (our own, and nieces and nephews). It can be stressful, but we never let that stop up. If you enjoyed this Palm Springs Guide, you may like a few of our others.

>>>Palm Springs Itinerary -this one isn’t children specific, but still has lots of things to do
>>>Banff National Park
>>>Disney World Tips and Tricks
>>>Goblin Valley State Park

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