Family Things to do in Palm Springs CA

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Palm Springs is one of the best cities to visit in California. And it’s easy to see why. There are so many great things about the Palm Springs areas. From amazing resorts with beautiful pools, to top-notch golf courses, a remarkable dining scene, and everything in between, there are plenty of family things to do in Palm Springs, CA.

Personally, I love relaxing and enjoying the weather in Palm Springs, so I always book a family-friendly resort where I can enjoy a pool-side Pina Colada and perhaps catch a dive-in movie at night. But when we do feel a bit more adventurous, these are my favorite family things to do in Palm Springs, CA that provide entertainment, beautiful sights, and fun photo opportunities.

Palm Springs Aerial Tram

The Palm Springs Aerial Tram is perhaps one of the most scenic family things you can do in Palm Springs, CA. You’ll slowly rotate in your gondola as you ascend 2.5 miles up the cliffs of San Jacinto Peak. Besides beautiful views of the Coachella valley, you can also enjoy a meal at one of the two restaurants at the top, or use this as a starting point for some magnificent hiking trails.

The Living Desert Zoo – One of the most popular family things to do in Palm Springs, CA

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a Palm Springs favorite. Keeping true to its desert setting, this part-zoo, part-botanical garden is home to animals like bighorn sheep, rhinos, giraffes and more than 1,600 plant and cacti species. Kids love feeding the giraffes (for $8), and there are private tours available for an even more personal experience that involves a bit less walking.

Hike Tahquitz Canyon

I love a good waterfall, and one right in the middle of the desert is even more of a novelty. If your family is up for an adventure, the two-mile loop will take you to a 50-ft. waterfall. Because the hike is on the Cahuilla Indian Reservation, you do need to purchase admission to access the trail. It’ll set you back $15 for adults and $7 for kids aged 6-12.

Cabazon Dinosaurs – One of the more iconic family things to do in Palm Springs, CA

If you have a dino lover in your group, the Cabazon Dinosaurs should be high on your list of family things to do in Palm Springs, CA. These 100-ton dinosaurs have long been regarded as the most iconic roadside attraction in Palm Springs. They stand just outside of the Creationist-themed dinosaur museum that has a gift shop, more than 100 dino friends, and plenty of fun photo opportunities waiting for you.

Pioneertown

Make the 50-min drive over to the visit the 1880s-themed Pioneertown. Pioneertown, located just outside of Joshua Tree, was designed as a film set in 1946. Today it’s no longer used as a film set, but there are a number of stores and restaurants you can visit, great photo ops and even free gun fight shows depending on when you visit. Stop by Pappy & Harriet’s for a delicious meal and live music. We spent a couple of hours in Pioneertown on our last Palm Springs visit and had a lot of fun.

Looking for a fun place to stay in Palm Desert? Check out this list of the best family resorts in Palm Desert. You can also ready my full reviews of our stays at The Marriott Desert Ridge Villas, The Westin Desert Willow Villas and the Indian Wells Grand Hyatt Resort.

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