Greater Palm Springs is really the best place to raise kids! Between it’s safe and small town protective community and it’s strategic location to so much, you’ll always have things to do!
There’s no shortage of family fun, with a variety of parks, outdoor adventures, and unique experiences to enjoy across Greater Palm Springs and surrounding areas! Whether you're staying close to town or willing to venture a bit further out, there’s something for everyone.
Family-Friendly Activities in Greater Palm Springs
1. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
• Explore wildlife from deserts around the world with interactive exhibits. The seasonal "WildLights" event is a must-see around the holidays. You can also feed giraffes, ride the carousel, and enjoy the big train!
2. The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
• A hands-on museum filled with engaging exhibits for kids to learn through play—art stations, science experiments, and more.
3. Get Air Trampoline Park
• A newly remodeled trampoline park with plenty of space for jumping, climbing, and other active fun. It’s perfect for kids with lots of energy!
4. Zebra World
• A unique animal experience where kids can feed and interact with zebras, camels, and other farm animals in a fun and educational environment.
5. BabySpace Coachella Valley
• Early childhood programs that focus on sensory development, offering interactive and creative activities for babies and toddlers.
6. La Quinta Skatepark
• A well-maintained skatepark with areas for skaters of all skill levels, making it a great spot for active families.
7. Cahuilla Lake & Trailhead in La Quinta Cove
• Scenic nature trails perfect for family hikes and picnics. A peaceful spot to explore desert landscapes together.
8. Fantasy Lanes Bowling Center
• A family-friendly bowling alley offering a fun and relaxed environment for kids and parents to enjoy a game or two.
9. Arcade at Desert Willow
• A fun arcade with a variety of games and activities for kids of all ages. It’s a great spot for some indoor fun.
10. Shields Date Garden
• A historic date farm where families can learn about date cultivation and enjoy delicious date shakes and fresh dates.
11. El Dorado Polo Club
• Known for amazing events year-round like Winter Lights and dog contests, in addition to famous polo festivals. A unique family-friendly experience.
12. Coachella Valley History Museum
• Learn about the region’s history, from Native American heritage to early settlers. The museum offers kid-friendly activities to explore local culture.
13. Moorten Botanical Garden
• A peaceful garden with a variety of desert plants, ideal for children to explore the unique flora of the desert.
14. Palm Springs Museum of Art
• The museum often offers family programs and educational activities, making art engaging for children in a fun, interactive way.
15. Sunnylands Center & Gardens
• A peaceful, beautiful space for families to explore, with exhibits and activities that teach kids about the history of the estate and the Annenberg family.
16. Palm Springs Museum of Architecture and Design
• A museum showcasing the area’s iconic architecture with engaging displays for kids to enjoy.
17. Palm Springs VillageFest (Seasonal)
• A vibrant street fair every Thursday evening, featuring local artists, food vendors, live music, and entertainment that kids will love.
18. The Living Desert Garden Railway
• A fun mini train exhibit featuring detailed landscapes and moving trains. It’s a great family activity, especially during the holiday season.
19. Rancho Mirage Westin Kids Area
• A kids' club and activities area at the Westin, offering fun games and supervised activities for children during a family stay at the resort.
20. Cotino by Disney Lagoon (Opening Soon)
• Disney’s new lagoon-based community is set to offer water activities, family-oriented experiences, and interactive entertainment. It's an exciting new development in the area.
21. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
• Ride the world's largest rotating tramcar to the top of Mount San Jacinto for incredible views, family-friendly hiking, picnicking, and even winter sledding.
22. Fantasy Lanes Bowling Center
• A family-friendly bowling alley that offers a fun and laid-back experience for kids and parents alike.
23. Dave & Buster’s
• An arcade and restaurant offering fun games, food, and entertainment for all ages. Kids will love the variety of activities available.
24. River Walk
• A beautiful outdoor shopping center with a movie theater, a chocolate store, a hat shop, and more. Kids tend to have a lot of fun exploring the area and grabbing a sweet treat.
25. Boomers Palm Springs
• An amusement center with mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and arcade games—a great place for family fun.
26. Museum of Ancient Wonders
• A fun and educational museum where kids can explore dinosaur exhibits, fossils, and ancient artifacts.
27. Palm Springs Windmill Tour
• A fascinating tour of the iconic windmills that power much of the Coachella Valley. It’s an informative and kid-friendly outdoor adventure.
28. My Gym
• A children’s gym offering a variety of classes and activities designed to promote physical activity and coordination in kids of all ages.
29. Palm Springs Lanes
• A bowling alley and family-friendly entertainment spot, with plenty of games and activities for kids to enjoy.
30. Palm Desert Aquatic Center
• Probably the best water park in the area, with pools, water slides, and interactive water play areas for kids of all ages.
31. Guided Tour with Friends of the Desert Mountains
• Explore the natural beauty of the Coachella Valley with a guided tour led by Friends of the Desert Mountains. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the local desert landscape, wildlife, and conservation efforts, making it a great educational experience for families. Whether you’re hiking through the desert or exploring nearby mountain trails, this is an excellent way to connect with nature.
32. Old Town Artisan Studios in La Quinta
• A vibrant arts and crafts center offering workshops where kids and families can create their own masterpieces. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to local art and culture in a hands-on environment.
33. Starlight Dance in Palm Desert
• A family-friendly dance studio offering dance classes and performances for children of all ages. It’s a fun way for kids to get moving and express themselves through dance in a welcoming, supportive atmosphere.
Amazing Parks & Playgrounds in the Valley
34. Ironwood Park
• A spacious park in South Palm Desert offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and nature walks. It's a great place for kids to run around and enjoy the outdoors.
35. Civic Center Park in Palm Desert
• A beautiful park with large grassy areas, picnic tables, and a small pond where families can feed the ducks. It’s a relaxing spot to spend the day.
36. Palm Springs Demuth Park
• A family-friendly park with a playground, walking trails, and pickleball courts. The park also features kids' air play areas where younger children can enjoy active play.
37. La Quinta Water Park
• A water park with slides, splash zones, and family-friendly pools—a great way to cool off and have fun on a hot desert day.
38. Palm Springs Surf Park
• A perfect place for kids to try out surfing, paddleboarding, or just have fun in the water, with beginner options and family-friendly lessons.
39. The Float at Omni La Quinta Resort
• A luxurious family-friendly spot to unwind, with a lazy river, swimming pools, and a relaxed atmosphere for families to enjoy together.
20 to 45 Minutes Outside the Coachella Valley
40. Pioneertown
• A unique Old West-style town built as a movie set, where kids can enjoy exploring the shops, restaurants, and the iconic Pappy & Harriet’s for family-friendly dining and live music.
41. Cabazon Dinosaurs
• A quirky roadside attraction featuring giant dinosaur sculptures that kids can climb and explore. Don’t miss the small museum dedicated to prehistoric creatures.
42. Idyllwild (for Snow Activities)
• A charming mountain town perfect for winter snow activities like sledding, snow play, and scenic hiking. It’s an easy day trip from the valley during the colder months.
43. Joshua Tree National Park (Beyond the Valley)
• Located just outside the Coachella Valley, Joshua Tree is an iconic destination for hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and discovering the beauty of the desert.
Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Areas
• There are also lots of dog parks throughout the area, making it easy to bring your furry family members along while you explore.
Fun and Entertainment for Parents
44. World-Famous Spas (for Parents)
• Take a break at one of the many luxury spas in the area, while kids enjoy their own activities. It's the perfect way for parents to recharge while the little ones stay busy.
We can’t wait to have you here in Greater Palm Springs! We’re So Excited!!!