The Best 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 warm 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.

Note: If you visit Palm Springs for a family trip, October to May is ideal. Spring daytime temperatures are in the 70s to 80s and winter days often in the mid-60s, making it a great place to enjoy Palm Springs with kids year round. In summer, daytime temperatures often exceed 100 degrees, so a trip can be tougher for midday outings with kids.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is perhaps one of the most scenic family things you can do in Palm Springs, CA, with panoramic rides into the mountains. You’ll slowly rotate in your gondola as you ascend 2.5 miles through Chino Canyon to 8,516 feet. 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 in the San Jacinto Mountains, a hub for outdoor activities and outdoor adventures in every season, including winter.

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

Tahquitz Canyon Trail is a family-friendly hike in Palm Springs. I love a good waterfall, especially one right in the middle of the desert. If your family is up for some family fun, the two-mile loop will take you to a 50-ft. waterfall and especially appeals to older kids who can handle the distance. 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. This is one of the more kid-friendly outdoor options when families want a little more adventure.

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, a nearby town just outside the city and about 40 miles from Joshua Tree National Park. Pioneertown 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. It’s also a great spot to spend some time exploring beyond Palm Springs itself. Stop by Pappy & Harriet’s for a delicious meal and live music. We spent a couple of hours in Pioneertown on our last vacation. It was such a fun stop during our Palm Springs area trip.

Best Time to Visit Palm Springs

Wondering when to plan your family trip to Palm Springs? Fall through spring is generally the best time to visit, when the desert temperatures are much more comfortable for exploring, hiking, biking, and enjoying all the outdoor activities Palm Springs has to offer. October through April is especially popular, with sunny days and mild temperatures that make it easy to spend time outside.

Spring (March through May) is one of my favorite times to visit Palm Springs with kids. Days are warm and sunny without the extreme summer heat, making it a great time for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. March and April are particularly pleasant, while May starts to get quite warm. I have Palm Desert on my list of the best vacation ideas for March.

Fall (October through November) is another excellent choice for families. Temperatures cool down considerably from the summer months, making it much more enjoyable to explore the desert, visit attractions, or spend the day by the pool. November is especially comfortable, with average highs around 79°F.

Winter (December through February) brings some of the year’s most comfortable daytime temperatures, typically in the 60s and 70s. It’s a great escape from colder parts of the country. Although winter is also one of Palm Springs’ busiest travel seasons, so expect higher demand for hotels and attractions.

Summer (June through September) is the least ideal time for families who want to spend lots of time outdoors. Temperatures regularly climb into the triple digits. Plan outdoor activities for early morning and spend the hottest part of the day at the pool or indoors. The upside? Summer is Palm Springs’ slow season, which means fewer crowds and some of the best hotel rates of the year.

More Resources

Looking for a fun place to stay in Palm Desert? Check out these awesome waterpark resorts in Palm Springs. You can also read my full reviews of our stays at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort, The Marriott Shadow Ridge Villas, The Westin Desert Willow Villas and the Indian Wells Grand Hyatt Resort.

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