Palm Springs, known for its stunning desert landscapes and warm weather, is an increasingly popular destination for families. With various activities tailored for young travelers, family-friendly eateries, and accommodations catering to children, it’s an ideal spot for a memorable family vacation. Here’s an overview to help you plan your trip to Palm Springs with kids.
Climate: Best Time to Travel with Children
Palm Springs experiences a desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters, making it essential to choose the right time for a comfortable family visit.
Best Seasons: Fall (October–November) and Spring (March–April) offer pleasant temperatures, generally between 70°F and 90°F, perfect for outdoor activities without extreme heat.
Summer Caution: June through September can see temperatures exceeding 100°F, making it less ideal for outdoor adventures with children.
Winter Months (December–February): With cooler daytime highs averaging 60°F to 70°F, this period is also a pleasant time to visit, although pool and water park options may be limited.
Family-Friendly Activities
Palm Springs is packed with activities that cater to children of all ages, from interactive museums to outdoor adventures.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Located in Palm Desert, this popular attraction allows children to explore desert wildlife, including giraffes, camels, and mountain lions. There are hands-on exhibits, trails, and seasonal events like nighttime safari walks.
Highlight: The giraffe feeding experience is a favorite among kids.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
This tram takes families up to the San Jacinto Mountains, offering cooler temperatures and panoramic views. At the top, there are nature trails and picnic spots, ideal for a family outing.
Tip: Bring layers, as temperatures can be much cooler at the higher elevation.
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
This interactive museum in Rancho Mirage is designed for younger children, with hands-on exhibits in science, art, and nature. It’s ideal for a day of educational fun, especially on a hot afternoon.
Joshua Tree National Park
Just a short drive from Palm Springs, this national park provides unique rock formations, hiking trails, and plenty of space for kids to explore and enjoy nature.
Family-Friendly Tip: The Hidden Valley and Barker Dam trails are short and accessible for young kids. Kids love climbing the rock formations and spotting lizards and birds. It’s best visited in cooler months to fully enjoy the park.
Palm Springs Air Museum
Known for its impressive collection of WWII aircraft, this museum offers kids an up-close look at historic planes, plus the chance to sit in a cockpit and try hands-on flight simulators.
Water Parks
For cooling off in the desert heat, family-friendly water parks like Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs (now operated under new management) provide pools, slides, and splash zones perfect for young children.
Kid-Friendly Dining Options
Palm Springs boasts a variety of restaurants that welcome families and provide menus with options for children.
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery: A classic deli that’s great for breakfast or lunch with kids, offering a large menu with sandwiches, soups, and treats like giant cookies.
The Tropicale: A fun, tropical-themed restaurant that’s casual and family-friendly, with a relaxed outdoor patio. Their kids’ menu includes favorites like chicken fingers and pasta.
Jake’s Palm Springs: Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious American fare, Jake’s offers options that cater to children’s tastes, such as burgers and mac and cheese.
https://www.jakespalmsprings.com/Lulu California Bistro: This vibrant spot in downtown Palm Springs has an extensive menu with a variety of options for kids, plus coloring pages and crayons to keep little ones entertained.
Additional Tips for a Family-Friendly Experience
Accommodations: Most of Isle Blue villas in Palm Springs cater to families, offering amenities like kid-friendly pools, babysitting services, and larger suite-style rooms.
Safety in the Heat: If visiting in warmer months, ensure children stay hydrated and wear sun protection. Many outdoor attractions offer shaded areas, but early mornings or late afternoons are best for outdoor activities.
Pack Layers: Even in the desert, temperatures can drop in the evenings, so having light layers helps keep kids comfortable during cooler nights.
Transportation: While Palm Springs is fairly compact, a car is recommended for accessing nearby attractions like Joshua Tree and the Living Desert Zoo.
Events: Depending on the season, look for family-oriented events like the Palm Springs VillageFest, a lively street fair held every Thursday evening with food, crafts, and live music.
Palm Springs provides families with a range of activities, from adventurous hikes and wildlife encounters to educational museum visits and refreshing poolside relaxation. With a bit of planning around the weather and child-friendly venues, it’s a destination that can create lasting memories for all ages.