Turn the Desert Into a Playground With Family-Friendly Fun
Repetitive chimes of āAre we there yet?ā arenāt nearly as penetrating when it’s only a two-hour drive. On the way to Palm Springs, that pressing question is just a reflection of the kiddosā excitement for activities ahead! An itinerary full of off-road adventures, immersive escape rooms and family-friendly pools makes you a shoe-in for parent of the year. A trip to Palm Springs is just what your family needs, and thereās enough to do in this desert region to keep the kids entertained for hours These seven kid-friendly activities in Palm Springs ensure everyone has fun on this vacayāincluding you!Ā
Stay and Play at Renaissance Esmeralda
Make yourself at home at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. Acres of land create a laid-back vibe that allows kids to just be kids, yet the resort itself boasts amenities of a four-star destination. Tropical paradise awaits at the sandy beach pool, where kids can wade into the water while you lounge with a margarita in hand. In the afternoon, whisk the kiddos to Camp Esmeralda to be inspired with storybook creativity.
Here, they can enjoy activities like face painting, jewelry design and more. They can also continue to flex creative skills with slime, sand art and crafts! However, nothing is quite as captivating as immersive experiences. Kids can travel far and wide without ever leaving property groundsāor your sight! Renaissance Esmeralda’s Desert Glow Entertainment Zone offers virtual reality activations and arcade games, so you can pass on all that ā90s wisdom. Bring the whole family to unlock the secrets of the Gold Rush escape room. It’s really all fun and games at Renaissance Esmeralda.
Location: Indian Wells
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Black rhinos and 14-foot tall giraffes call the arid wilderness home at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardensāa non-profit zoo and botanical garden located in Palm Desert. Kids can get up-close and personal with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as getting to know the zooās most iconic animals, Nia and Jaali, which are The Living Desert Zooās two black rhinos who are available for exclusive morning meet-and-greets. Feed playful giraffes for nose-licking fun and meet dwarf donkeys at the petting kraal. Follow up these feedings with some Safari Soft Serve for yourself! A vanilla swirl is a sure way to beat the heat and restore your energy to finish up the zoo tour.
Location: Palm Desert
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Have a future paleontologist on your hands? A trip to the Cabazon Dinosaurs is sure to surprise and delight! Giggle as kids gawk at the massive life-size dinosaur figures. Painted in bright pops of color, these dinos make this one of the most iconic road-trip attractions. There are plenty of photo ops amongst the 70 dinosaur friends, including Mr. Rex, whoseā sharp, white teeth can be peered out of. Climb inside the tyrannosaurus rex and the bright-green apatosaurus for a dinoās eye view of the desert. The park also features a dino dig and fossil panning to discover artifacts of your own. Admission tickets are available at the door.Ā
Location: Cabazon
Pickled Bar
Pickleball is all the rage right now, and if you’re looking for a little family competition, Pickled Bar in Palm Desert is a must-visit. This climate-controlled indoor pickleball club features four pro-grade courts that are perfect for year-round play. Whether you’re introducing the kids to the sport or your whole family is already pro, this state-of-the-art facility has something for everyone. Plus, the facility has top-notch amenities like locker rooms, a lounge and a pro shop stocked with all the gear your crew will need.Ā
Location: Palm Desert
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Get your wilderness fix in the heart of the desert on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Travel through diverse climates and terrains on the tram ride up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park. The 360-degree views of Chino Canyon from the tram car are absolutely breathtaking! Plus, kids love to watch the city shrink below them as they reach elevations of 8,000 feet, and parents love to take a load off during the ride up. A 10-minute tram journey ensures little ones don’t get too antsy on the journey up to Mountain Station. After you disembark, grab ice cream bars at Pines CafĆ© and enjoy them overlooking the Coachella Valley below.
Location: Palm Springs
Family+ Sunday at Palm Springs Art Museum
For a dose of desert art, head to the Palm Springs Art Museum for Family+ Sunday! A tribute to contemporary California artwork, this museum is known for modern exhibition halls that feature the latest art trends. In addition, it’s one of the best kid-friendly activities in Palm Springs. Kiddos who aren’t quite ready to appreciate art yet can tap into their inner creativity every third Sunday of the month. On Family+ Sunday, gallery halls transform into makers markets. Artists and musicians come together and creative energy bounces off the walls. Parents can browse through the current exhibits while kids make their own beaded jump ropes and snap silly pics in the photo booth. They can even become the canvas for some fun painting art!
Location: Palm Springs
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
The Childrenās Discovery Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage is where curiosity comes to life! Designed for hands-on learning and creative exploration, this beloved family-friendly attraction near Palm Springs offers an interactive space where kids can touch, play and discover. From engaging science exhibits to artistic workshops and imaginative play zones, the museum fosters curiosity and learning in a fun, approachable way. Whether your little ones are building, experimenting or simply letting their creativity run wild, this kids museum provides a dynamic environment that makes education feel like an adventure. It’s a must-visit for families in the Coachella Valley!
Location: Rancho Mirage
Escape Room Palm Springs
Palm Springs is home to some of the largest escape rooms in Southern California. Pick among seven themed (and air conditioned!) rooms for a family-friendly challenge your kiddos will love. From unlocking spells at Merlinās Magic School to finding a lifeboat off the Titanic, these escape rooms create immersive experiences that challenge families to play off each other’s strengths. Watch as siblings come together to overcome seemingly impossible odds in under an hour. They’ll solve real-life riddles that promote communication and strategic problem solving. Escape rooms are appropriate for children as young as eight and are accessible for all abilities.
Location: Palm Springs
Red Jeep Tours
Embark on an Indiana Jones-style adventure through Indian Canyonsāone of the best things to do with kids near Palm Springs. Open-air Jeep tours allow families to see the desert like never before. Buckle up for a bumpy adventure through unexplored pathways along the San Andreas Fault in a shiny, red Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler. Naturalist guides are well-educated on native plants, animals, geology and the history of the California desert. They’ll share fun facts along the way! During the three-hour journey, passengers will find themselves amidst a palm oasis that Cahuilla Indians used to call home. Passengers also have the opportunity to hop out of the vehicle and walk through the tectonic plate-formed canyon for spectacular views of Coachella Valley.
Location: Coachella Valley
