Palm Springs has something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences or relaxing outings. From outdoor adventures to educational attractions, this vibrant city offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained.
The year-round sunshine and stunning desert landscapes make this city perfect for a family getaway. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best family-friendly activities in Palm Springs, ensuring your family vacation is filled with unforgettable memories.
Take a Ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an iconic attraction that takes you on a thrilling journey up the cliffs of Chino Valley. As you ascend to Mount San Jacinto State Park in the rotating tram cars, you’ll take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Coachella Valley below. Once you reach the Mountain Station at an elevation of 8,516 feet (2,596 meters), a world of adventure awaits.
Explore the pristine alpine wilderness on hiking trails of all levels. Two restaurants, a museum, and a gift shop await after your adventure. Fun for all the family!
Enjoy a peaceful picnic or take a thrilling ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to experience breathtaking natural beauty.
Explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Immerse your family in the wonders of the desert ecosystem at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This unique attraction showcases a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, providing insights into the behaviors and adaptations of desert dwellers.
Explore desert habitats and meet amazing animals like giraffes, meerkats, and cheetahs. Get up close with interactive encounters and go behind the scenes with a zookeeper tour. The Living Desert has a botanical garden with a variety of desert plants. It’s a great way to learn and have fun with family.
Visit Cabazon Dinosaurs
Cabazon Dinosaurs is a popular roadside attraction just 19 miles from Palm Springs, featuring giant dinosaur sculptures. They have become iconic landmarks and a source of fascination for tourists and visitors.
The first dinosaur sculptures were a massive concrete brontosaurus named Dinny and a Tyrannosaurus rex named Mr. Rex. After featuring in the cult-classic PeeWee Herman’s Big Adventure, more than 70 dinosaurs are an established part of pop culture. The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a tourist attraction and a museum. Inside Dinny, you will find a small museum dedicated to dinosaurs and paleontology.
The museum features dinosaur replicas, fossils, and educational exhibits, offering an educational experience for visitors of all ages. Be sure to climb up to the observation in Dinny’s mouth.
Palm Springs Air Museum
For the aviation enthusiasts and history buffs in the family, the Palm Springs Air Museum is a living museum that houses an impressive collection of meticulously restored aircraft It includes iconic planes from World War II and subsequent conflicts.
Explore the hangars and get up close to historical warplanes like the P-51 Mustang and the B-17 Flying Fortress. The B-17 Hangar offers interactive exhibits where youths can sit in a cockpit or experience a flight simulator. The Palm Springs Air Museum is a testament to aviation history and where the past comes alive.
Stick Tricks at the Palm Springs Skatepark
Skateboarding and rollerblading enthusiasts will find their haven at the Palm Springs Skatepark. This state-of-the-art facility offers a variety of ramps, rails, and bowls, catering to skateboarders and rollerbladers of all skill levels. Whether experienced riders or just starting out, there’s a section of the park suited to your family member’s abilities.
Watch your kids navigate the ramps, perfect their tricks, and make new friends who share their passion for the sport. Families can bond over a shared love for adrenaline-pumping activities while enjoying the warm California sunshine at the Palm Springs Skatepark.
Wander Through the Palm Springs Art Museum
For families with a love for art and culture, the Palm Springs Art Museum offers an enthralling experience. The museum boasts a diverse modern and contemporary art collection, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed-media works. Explore the galleries and discover renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo.
The museum also features a section dedicated to showcasing Native American and Western art, providing insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Engage with interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and imagination, allowing children to express themselves artistically. The Palm Springs Art Museum is great for families who appreciate the beauty of art and fosters a deeper understanding of different artistic movements and styles.
Discover Indian Canyons
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse your family in the tranquility of the Indian Canyons. This picturesque oasis is home to palm-filled canyons, meandering streams, and stunning hiking trails.
As you explore the canyons, you’ll encounter breathtaking vistas and unique desert flora and fauna. The Indian Canyons are culturally significant as the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Guided tours provide insights into the tribe’s history, traditions, and connection to the land.
Choose from several hiking routes, ranging from peaceful nature walks to more challenging treks, and create unforgettable family memories amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert.
Get Wet at DropZone Waterpark
Beat the desert heat and make a splash at the DropZone Waterpark. This facility offers a wide array of water activities suitable for all ages. There’s no shortage of aquatic fun, from exhilarating water slides to lazy rivers and splash pads.
Let the little ones enjoy the Lil’ Jumper’ Landing, complete with mini slides, a giant tipping bucket, and multiple interactive water features. For the more adventurous members of the family, plunge down terminal-velocity slides or try out the thrilling wave riders.
To wind down, relax on a tube as you float along the Jet Stream River or build sandcastles on Jumper’s Sandbox. Dropzone Waterpark guarantees a day of refreshing entertainment and water-filled excitement for the whole family.
Experience the Palm Springs VillageFest
The Palm Springs VillageFest is a weekly street fair that takes place every Thursday evening. Palm Canyon Drive comes alive with a vibrant community celebration. Explore diverse stalls with local goods and unique crafts on a lively street. As you meander through the street fair, you may encounter live entertainment, including musicians, bands, and street performers.
The VillageFest also offers a variety of food vendors, serving delicious treats and international cuisine. Activities for kids include face painting, balloon art, and interactive games. The Palm Springs VillageFest is a fantastic opportunity to soak up the city’s vibrant spirit while discovering hidden gems and enjoying a fun-filled evening with the family.
See Palm Springs From the Air
Take your family vacation to new heights with aerial adventures. View Palm Springs and the awe-inspiring Coachella Valley aboard a 1940, three-seater Stearman biplane, a hot-air balloon, or a helicopter.
As you soar through the sky, witness breathtaking views of the desert landscape, towering mountains, and iconic landmarks. Knowledgeable pilots provide informative commentary, identifying points of interest and sharing fascinating facts about the region’s geography and history.
Whether it’s your first time in an aircraft or you’re a seasoned flyer, the experience of seeing Palm Springs from the air is truly unforgettable. Palm Springs air tours offer a unique perspective and an opportunity to create cherished family memories.
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Palm Springs in Summary
Palm Springs features a treasure trove of family-friendly activities, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, educational experiences, and cultural attractions.
From soaring above the mountains on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to exploring the captivating exhibits at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, there’s something for everyone in this desert paradise. Engage your family’s sense of adventure, foster curiosity, and create lasting memories as you explore the 10 best family-friendly activities in Palm Springs.
Plan your vacation today and embark on a journey of discovery and fun in this enchanting desert oasis.
