Fun Things To Do In Palm Springs That Are Family-Friendly

Everyone knows that Palm Springs is an incredible place to visit for a romantic getaway or a chic desert bachelorette party. But did you know that you can also have a great time adventuring at this desert destination when you visit with your kids? That’s right, fun things to do in Palm Springs aren’t reserved only for the grown-ups. 

Check out the most popular attractions, hike the best trails, try the coolest activities, and take in the finest features of this incredible town down south by adding all the best things to do in Palm Springs with kids to your itinerary.

Fun Activities In Palm Springs The Whole Family Will Love

1. Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world, and riding it is one of the most fun things to do in Palm Springs. Perhaps the most popular of all the Palm Springs attractions for families, the tram is a must-try for anyone who visits this desert town for the first time. 

2. Pay a Visit to the Palm Springs Air Museum

Huge airplanes, eager veteran docents sharing stories, and plenty of fun history facts to learn—what’s not to like about the Palm Springs Air Museum? Visit this museum for a bit of educational family fun in Palm Springs and get to know its mission to exhibit, educate, and eternalize the role of pilots and combat aircraft in World War II. 

3. Plan an outing at the Hidden Valley Picnic Area

The Hidden Valley area of Joshua Tree is one of the most beautiful and easily accessible parts of the park. This is an awesome location to explore with kids, especially when you’re looking to spend the day hiking, picnicking, checking out the trees and rock formations, and enjoying other outdoor Palm Springs fun things to do.

4. Take a Guided Tour of the Keys Ranch

In a different corner of Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll find a house, schoolhouse, store, and workshop dating back to the 1910s. Only accessible via guided tours, the registered historic site—the homestead and ranch of William F. Keys—is an awesome Palm Springs attraction for families to check out.

5. Meet the Animals at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Palm Springs’ Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is one of the best zoos and animal conservation centers in the country. Active in conservation research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and education initiatives, this institution has been refining what it means to love animals since the 1970s. Visiting the zoo is truly a fun thing to do in Palm Springs with kids for a fruitful experience.

6. Stop by the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

If you want your kids to take the reins of the Palm Springs family activities for the day, head over to the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert. A sizable kids’ museum featuring more than 50  interactive exhibits, this awesome attraction is a surefire hit with kids of all ages.

7. Hike Through the Indian Canyons

Consisting of Palm Canyon, Murray Canyon, and Andreas Canyon, Indian Canyons is a Golden State desert park that’ll leave a lasting impression. Exploring this beautiful enclave of natural wonders is one of the coolest things to do in Palm Springs with kids for several reasons. Hiking, biking, bird-watching, and horseback riding are just a few of the things you can enjoy here. You’ll also come across a 60-foot waterfall, incredible rock formations, and a rich array of desert flora and fauna.

8. Take Pictures in Front of the Cabazon Dinosaurs

Kids love the Cabazon Dinosaurs, unsurprisingly so. Two huge dinosaurs greeting you and your family as you enter Palm Springs are bound to capture any child’s attention. Park your car, check out the quirky roadside attraction, go on a tour of the museum, and pay a visit to the cool little gift shop for souvenirs. Visiting the dinosaur museum is a great way to kick off a day of fun activities in Palm Springs.

9. Show off your diving skills at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Boasting three pools, multiple fun slides, many diving boards, and a variety of other cool features, the Palm Desert Aquatic Center is an awesome spot to cool off in the desert heat. Spend the day splashing around with your family and enjoy all the fun things to do in Palm Springs’ favorite waterpark!

10. Embark on a Family Horseback Adventure

Kids love interacting with animals, which is why a  horseback ride in the desert landscape is a great option for fun things to do in Palm Springs with children. Smoke Tree Stables has been in business for over 75 years, offering guided hourly and daily rides for novice and experienced riders. Reserve in advance for your family and have fun riding!

11. Jump Around at a Trampoline Park

Are your kids bouncing off the walls in your house? Take them to Get Air in Palm Desert and let them go crazy on the trampolines. Accommodating to children of all ages, Get Air offers fun activities in Palm Springs for the entire family any time of the year. Jump around, play dodgeball, dive into the foam pit, and spend an active day full of laughs and leaps. What’s more? Families of four to 10 get 20 percent off their jumping time at Get Air!

12. Get a Bird’s Eye View of Palm Springs with your Family

Napa and Temecula get all the hot air ballooning attention in California, but the Greater Palm Springs area offers aerial adventures that are no less impressive. For an incredible hot air balloon ride, book a tour with Magical Adventure Balloon Rides in Indio. A super fun thing to do near Palm Springs with kids, this beautifully tranquil ride will give you the best views of the Coachella Valley. 

Is your family a fan of more daring expeditions? Let Palm Springs Biplanes lead your aerial desert adventure. Climb aboard a three-seat 1940 Stearman Biplane, feel the wind in your face as you go back in time, and enjoy an unparalleled experience as you soar through the skies. Keep in mind that this Palm Springs attraction for families might be better reserved for those with older kids for safety measures.