14 Things to Do in Palm Springs With Kids (2024 Updated)

Palm Springs is well known as a party destination for college students on spring break.

As a result, it doesn’t exactly have a kid-friendly reputation.

That said, it’s more fun for kids than you might think, especially if you go when the college students are still in session.

Here’s a deep look at some of the most fun things that you can do when visiting Palm Springs with your kids.

14 Things to Do in Palm Springs With Kids

Where you go in Palm Springs with your little ones will depend on a few different factors.

First, make sure you pick activities that make sense for their ages.

There are some things that very young kids will find fun that older ones will call boring.

Furthermore, it’s critical to know your children well and to pick things that truly interest them.

Thankfully, there should be at least a few things on this list that appeal to even the toughest and most critical child.

1. Shields Date Garden

Shields Date Garden is a fun and entertaining place to take your little ones!

While here, you’ll check out the Gardens throughout a 17-acre date grove!

There are many beautiful trees and other sites to see while you’re there, so don’t be afraid to explore.

Furthermore, you’ll also get to try some delicious date snacks, including shakes and ice cream, as well as meet new friends and learn more about date farming.

Try this option if your kids love snacks and enjoy spending time outdoors.

2. Cabazon Dinosaurs

Located in nearby Cabazon, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are called the “world’s biggest dinosaurs” and have been around since 1975!

Any child of the 80s (i.e., most parents these days) probably remembers seeing these dinosaurs in the films “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” and “The Wizard.”

Over the years, they’ve expanded to include over 70 different dinosaurs, which provides plenty of fun photo opportunities for you and your family.

That makes them a great destination for anyone.

3. Tahquitz Canyon

At Tahquitz Canyon, you and your children can explore a beautiful Native American area that has been named one of the most culturally sensitive areas in Florida.

As you explore, you’ll see a 60-foot waterfall, check out beautiful rock art, engage with native wildlife and plants, learn more about ancient irrigation, and check out an observation deck.

Its natural beauty is hard to top, especially as you explore the in-depth trail map and learn more about the area’s fascinating legend.

4. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs utilizes an exciting aerial tramway that features a unique high-elevation experience.

You and your kids will ride the “world’s largest rotating tramcar” and get beautiful views as you climb.

Then, you’ll explore various hiking trails, check out some theaters showing unique documentaries, enjoy tasty foods in a few restaurants, check out the gift shop, and even visit a natural museum.

It’s a great one-stop destination for outdoor fun that should be engaging.

5. Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Palm Springs is home to many amazing windmill farms, where alternative energy is produced for the state.

Palm Springs Windmill Tours takes you and your kids throughout these farms to see these mammoths in action.

There are interactive and educational personal tours that you can take at your own pace, including radio-based tours that you can listen to while you explore.

This self-guided tour is a great option for the science genius in your family and is available most days.

6. Palm Springs Art Museum

At the Palm Springs Art Museum, you and your children can check out many unique artistic displays, including modern and contemporary art, various sculptures, paintings, fine-art photos, 40,000 negatives, contact sheets, and much more.

They have a kid-friendly section (and admission is always free for anyone under 18!), which makes this an excellent and engaging place to visit.

There are also educational activities that your family may love.

7. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is the kind of fun place that kids always love visiting.

They’ll get the chance to see animals like rhinos, lions, giraffes, and other animals in a safe and protected environment.

They’ll see over 1,600 plants and 140 animals from Africa and North America, as well as enjoy activities like hands-on learning and much more.

Even better, there’s a summer camp you can send them to if they’re interested in working with animals as an adult.

8. Palm Springs Village

Fest Palm Springs is an amazing city that provides the fantastic VillageFest every Thursday from 6-10 at night.

During this event, you and your children can check out over 180 different vendors, including food, shopping, and adventure destinations.

Even better, this area is pet-friendly, meaning you can bring your well-trained pup and explore together.

Though your kids might stay up a bit later than normal, they’ll likely have a lot of fun exploring this unique environment.

9. Smoke Tree Stables

Smoke Tree Stables is a family-owned and operated business that’s been around since 1927!

It’s a great destination for the horse-obsessed kid in your family because you can ride around on various beautiful trails for an hour or for the whole day.

All riders must be at least seven years old and can’t be above 250 pounds.

Before your trip, you’ll get paired with a friendly horse that you should feel comfortable controlling and which feels right to you and your kids.

10. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

Located not far from Palm Springs is the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert!

Here, you and your kids can explore a museum designed specifically for children, one that will work them through various exhibits and teach them about the world.

There are over 80 different hands-on exhibits throughout three galleries, as well as outdoor activities, a Discovery Garden, a music garden, and even a tortoise habitat.

It’s the kind of adventure you’ll love exploring with your kids.

11. Get Air Trampoline Park

Do you and your kids love trampolines and want to have some fun bouncing around for a few hours?

Well, at Get Air Trampoline Park, you and your little ones can enjoy wall-to-wall trampolines, slamball, ninja obstacle courses, foam pits, and other special weekly activities.

The air-conditioned experience is perfect for those hot days or when the rain won’t stop falling.

You can also host birthday parties and other indoor, private adventures here if you want.

12. Moorten Botanical Garden

Moorten Botanical Gardens has been open since 1938, displaying high-quality and beautiful cactus plants.

However, it also includes desert trees and plants, as well as rocks, fossils, gold mining relics, and even crystals.

It’s the kind of place that you and your kids can explore for hours every day, multiple days in a row, and still find something new to see.

Note that summer heat often limits the available hours here, meaning you need to be careful who you plan.

13. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is internationally known as one of the most beautiful places in the world.

That’s because the Mojave and the Colorado Deserts meet here and share their ecosystem in this area.

As a result, there’s a unique blend of animals and plants that is simply impossible to find everybody else.

There are many backpacking and camping trails available throughout the area that stay open most of the year unless heat or weather affects your safety.

14. Sherman’s Deli & Bakery

If your kids love cookies, candies, and sandwiches (and who doesn’t?), they’ll likely love Sherman’s Deli & Bakery.

While it’s not an all-day adventure or anything like that, it’s a low-key dining environment that includes fresh deli meats, delicious desserts, and much more.

They also provide things like crayons, coloring sheets, toys, and various kid-friendly meals, like hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.

You can take your meals on the outdoor patio to get some fresh air and enjoy the natural desert scenery and even get the chance to see some wild animals.

Palm Springs Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Palm Springs Safety Review

Safety Index:

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
MUGGING RISK: LOW
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Palm Springs kid friendly?

Though Palm Springs often has a reputation as a party spot, it’s actually a great place to bring kids!

It has gone beyond the party-focused experience of past years to provide a broader and more engaging environment for you and your kids.

It’s especially opened up to people with animals, like dogs, and includes multiple destinations that your kids and pets will greatly enjoy.

Are there many museums in the area?

Palm Springs provides many unique museums that will appeal to a broad range of people.

For example, there’s the General George Patton Memorial Museum, McCallum Adobe, Coachella Valley Historical Museum, Ruddy’s General Store Museum, Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, and much more.

These destinations should entertain just about any curious child.

What's the best time to come to Palm Springs?

The warm weather common in Palm Springs can become very intense in the summer, which may make it hard for some people to enjoy.

That said, it’s still a good time to come to the city because many tourist-friendly areas open up and provide you and your kids with even more fun and entertainment.

Just as importantly, you can avoid the spring breakers and keep your kids happy.

How can I avoid college-aged students?

If you want to hit up Palm Springs with your kids, you should consider going when spring break is not in session.

Obviously, that happens at various types throughout the year at different colleges, so it can be tricky to plan.

However, there are usually few college students around during the winter or summer, giving you and your kids plenty of time to have fun.

14 Things to Do in Palm Springs With Kids