10 Amazing Family Activities in Palm Springs You’ll Love

Imagine landing at Palm Springs International Airport, feeling the warm sun welcome you. Your kids can barely contain their excitement, dreaming of the fun ahead. Palm Springs is their promised land, offering a mix of joy, learning, and natural beauty.

On your first day, after breakfast, you head to the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. As you ride up Chino Canyon, the tram provides 360-degree views that amaze everyone. It climbs 8,516 feet in 10 minutes over 2.5 miles, making for an exciting start.

Then, it’s off to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Here, your kids engage with animals and learn about the desert. The zoo focuses on conservation and offers special tours, making it a key stop.

These highlights are just a start to what’s in store in Palm Springs. From horseback riding at Smoke Tree Stables to checking out planes at the Palm Springs Air Museum, each day is filled with discovery and laughter.

Key Takeaways

• The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers breathtaking views over a 2.5-mile ascent.
• The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens focuses on desert conservation with engaging animal encounters.
• Interactive exhibits and historical aircraft at the Palm Springs Air Museum are a hit with kids.
• Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium feature over 3,000 examples of desert plants.
• Smoke Tree Stables provides guided horseback rides for children aged 7 and up.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes you high up through Chino Canyon to the untouched wilderness of Mt. San Jacinto State Park. It’s known as the world’s largest rotating tram car. This makes it a top choice for families looking for fun in Palm Springs.

Statistics and Key Facts:

• The tram ride lasts about 10 minutes, and the car spins around, so all 80 riders get to see the valley below.
• At the top, the Mountain Station is at 8,516 feet high. From there, you see an amazing view of the area.
• The tramway is open every day. It starts at 10 AM on weekdays and 8 AM on weekends.
• Up to 80 people can stand in the tram car. This means big groups can go up together.
• Adult tickets are $30.95 and kids (3-10 years old) are $18.95. Kids under 2 get in free.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is unique among Palm Springs attractions for kids. It combines fun with learning. The journey up can show a 40-degree temperature change, teaching about climate and altitude. In winter, it becomes a land of snow where children can play in the snowshoeing or skiing. The park also offers over 50 miles of hiking trails for adventure lovers.

At the Mountain Station, you can find more things to do. There’s the Adventure Center for renting snow gear on weekends. Also, you can camp in Mount San Jacinto State Park for just $5 a person with a Wilderness Camping Permit.

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a beacon of fun in Palm Springs. It mixes adventure, learning, and amazing views. This creates lasting memories for people of all ages.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert is a must-see for families. Named one of the top 10 zoos in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler, it’s more than just a zoo. With over 1,600 plants and 140 animal species, each visit is a learning adventure.

Interactive Animal Encounters

Kids will love the interactive animal encounters here. They can get up close with a giraffe herd, including new members JoAnn and Daniel. The zoo also features two majestic black rhinos, Nia and Jaali, highlighting their dedication to conservation. Plus, the Endangered Species Carousel is a hit, showcasing animals like gorillas and elephants in stunning detail.

Every day, the zoo has special shows and keeper talks that engage and educate. Children adore the Gecko Gulch, home to fascinating lizards, and the jaguar habitat offers a peek at these incredible animals.

Hiking Trails and Botanical Gardens

Themed botanical gardens here offer a deep dive into plant life from various ecosystems. Visitors can explore the North American, African, and Australian sections. The Mojave Desert Garden showcases plants thriving in extreme conditions.

For the adventurous, there are hiking trails of different levels. Don’t skip the butterfly exhibit to see the magical transformation of butterflies. The Discovery Centers, featuring a merry-go-round and outdoor railroad, are perfect for kids.

Eating options like The Kookaburra Cafe and Thorn Tree Grill offer tasty American meals. A visit to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens promises a memorable day for the whole family.

Palm Springs Air Museum

A key feature in a kid-friendly Palm Springs guide is the Palm Springs Air Museum. It boasts a vast collection of historical aircraft, educational programs, and interactive exhibits. Perfect for your Palm Springs with kids itinerary.

Explore Historical Aircraft

The museum has one of the largest collections of WWII aircraft that still fly. It also showcases planes from the Korean and Vietnam wars. Over 70 historical aircraft, like the F-117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft, are on display.

From October to May, the museum organizes programs and guest speaker events. These enrich visitors’ understanding of aviation history.

• Warbird rides start at $195, offering a unique flight experience over the Coachella Valley.
• Every Saturday, visitors can explore a vintage Warbird cockpit from 10 AM to 12 noon.
• Free parking and pet-friendly accommodations enhance the visitor experience.

Interactive Exhibits and Simulations

The Palm Springs Air Museum is full of interactive exhibits for all ages. Kids love the flight simulators and watching documentaries. It keeps growing its youth education center, making it a top pick in your Palm Springs with kids itinerary. Events like the Memorial Day Flower Drop and the Annual Gala offer extra fun.

The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. It only closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and February 8th.

• Memberships offer free annual admission, reduced guest admission rates, and gift shop discounts.
• Guided Youth Tours are available on select days, with programs tailored for groups of 10 to 40 students.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is a top choice for a full, engaging historical experience. It’s a must in any kid-friendly Palm Springs guide.

Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

Located in Rancho Mirage, the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert is a great spot for kids’ fun in Palm Springs. It’s open from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The museum has a good Yelp rating of 4.1 from 141 reviews. It’s known for its interactive exhibits that make learning fun.

As a Certified Autism Center, it’s welcoming to all kids. Staff are trained in Sensory Sensitivity Awareness. The museum has cool activities like the Pizza Place, Grocery Store, and Music Garden. Kids love exploring here.

Strollers can’t go into exhibit halls, but there are kid-friendly bathrooms and water fountains. Parking is easy to find near the entrance. However, shade is scarce, so cars might get hot. There’s no cafeteria, but the gift shop has snacks. You might want to bring a lunch.

The museum is designed with accessibility in mind. Exhibits are spaciously set up and most activities are at tables anyone can reach. There’s also comfortable seating for caregivers. With over 50 hands-on activities, kids will stay busy and happy.

Kids can try science experiments and desert adventures. These themed activities boost thinking skills and creativity. Parents can join in too, making it a fun family experience. Even though it might not suit very young toddlers, this museum is a top choice for families visiting Palm Springs.

Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium is a peaceful place for families in Palm Springs. It’s famous among attractions for kids. The garden has over 3,000 kinds of cacti and succulents from all over, making it a top kid-friendly spot.

Exploring Desert Flora

Started in 1938, Moorten Botanical Garden has cared for its desert plants for more than 85 years. It has themed areas for visitors to see different plant species and desert environments. It’s perfect for families wanting to learn together.

The Cactarium greenhouse teaches about various desert plants. Families can walk around and appreciate the desert beauty.

Family Photo Opportunities

The beautiful cacti and succulents make for great family photos. The unique scenery of Moorten Botanical Garden captures the essence of your visit. With its calm setting, it’s perfect for any photo.

Visiting allows you to learn and create lasting memories. It offers many beautiful spots for photos.

Smoke Tree Stables

Opened in 1927, Smoke Tree Stables is a top spot for family fun in Palm Springs. It’s a peaceful place away from city noise, offering horseback rides on beautiful trails. Everyone finds joy here, whether you’re riding for the first time or have lots of experience.

Guided Horseback Rides

Kids seven and up can join the guided horseback rides, making it a great activity for families. The Murray Canyon haul ride takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. You’ll see stunning desert views. Even if you’ve never ridden before, our pros will show you the ropes for a safe, fun trip.

Connecting with Nature

At Smoke Tree Stables, it’s all about getting close to nature. Families can enjoy the beauty of Palm Springs in a calm setting. Riding through Murray Canyon offers a special chance to see areas you can’t get to on foot. It’s an exclusive adventure. The stables are also perfect for rustic weddings or events, offering a beautiful natural scene.

Ruddy’s General Store Museum

Ruddy’s General Store Museum takes you back in time. It shows you what a 1940s general store looked like. You can see hundreds of items, most still in their original, unopened packages.

A visit costs only $1 per person. It’s a chance for families to dive into history. They can see artifacts that show how Americans used to trade and live. This museum makes any family trip to Palm Springs better. It’s fun and teaches something new to people of all ages.

The museum is in the Village Green Heritage Center. It’s a key spot to understand Palm Springs’ history. Seeing its old-time charm is a treat. This makes it a top place for those who love learning about American culture.

Looking for something different for your trip? Or just want to feel a bit nostalgic? Ruddy’s General Store Museum is perfect. It’s cheap to get in and packed with history. It’s a great find for families wanting education and enjoyment.

10 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids

Are you planning a trip to Palm Springs with your family? Here’s a quick guide to the 10 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids. It will help ensure everyone in your family has fun. These top attractions in Palm Springs are perfect for kids. They will help you make memories that last forever.

1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: Go up to 8,516 feet. Enjoy cooler air and great views at the top.
2. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens: This place has 1,200 acres, with 80 acres as developed zoo and gardens. It features 150 species and interactive experiences for kids.
3. Palm Springs Air Museum: Find one of the biggest WWII aircraft collections in the U.S. There are also interactive exhibits and simulations for kids.
4. Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert: This museum offers educational and hands-on exhibits. It aims to inspire and entertain kids.
5. Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium: See desert plants and take family photos with the cacti.
6. Smoke Tree Stables: Enjoy horseback riding. Connect with nature on beautiful trails.
7. Ruddy’s General Store Museum: Experience a 1930s general store. It feels like stepping back in time.
8. Palm Springs Windmill Tours: Learn about green energy on a windmill farm tour. Understand more about renewable energy.
9. Indian and Tahquitz Canyons: Go on ranger-led hikes in scenic areas. See waterfalls and more than 150 plant species at Andreas Canyon Trail.
10. Palm Springs Skate Park: Take skateboarding lessons and attend clinics. It’s great for families.

Palm Springs has lots to offer for families. You could hike the Hidden Valley loop. Maybe stay at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas to enjoy their lazy river. Or, learn about the cultural heritage at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. These activities are top choices for families in Palm Springs. They promise fun and unforgettable moments on your family trip.

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Discover the wonders of green energy with Palm Springs Windmill Tours. It stands out among Palm Springs educational tours. Learn hands-on about the power of wind on this tour.

Touring a Windmill Farm

Take your family on guided tours for $55.00 each for an hour of fun. Want more? Try VIP tours which last 1.5 to 2 hours for $100 per person. You need to spend at least $200 for up to 5 members. Self-driving tours cost $59.00 for two adults, and kids under 12 join for free. It’s a top pick for kid-friendly activities in Palm Springs.

Learn about the area’s 2,100 wind turbines. They’ve been shaping the Palm Springs landscape for 40 years.

Sustainable Energy Education

This tour highlights how wind energy technology has evolved in Coachella Valley. You’ll see how wind turbines work. Some reach over 400 feet and power 1,500 homes with a 3-megawatt capacity.

This educational journey highlights wind power’s role. As of 2020, it generated about 10% of the U.S. electricity. It shows how wind energy is a lasting solution for our energy needs.

Indian and Tahquitz Canyons

Indian and Tahquitz Canyons are great spots for hiking Palm Springs. They offer beautiful nature that both locals and visitors love. These canyons, owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, mix great views, learning, and fun nature activities kids Palm Springs will enjoy.

Ranger-led Interpretive Hikes

You can join ranger-led hikes in both Indian and Tahquitz Canyons. They have tours that share info about the area’s history and wildlife. Hikes in Tahquitz Canyon start at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. You can tour Andreas Canyon in Indian Canyons every weekend at 1 p.m.

Tahquitz Canyon is known for its 60-foot waterfall. It offers a 2-mile loop hike with a 350 feet rise. This trail is a hit with families with older kids and teenagers. They learn about the canyon’s nature and history from expert rangers.

Scenic Views and Waterfalls

The canyons have over 60 miles of hiking trails. They offer amazing views and natural waterfalls. The Andreas Canyon Trail is easy and spans 1 mile, ideal for families with young kids. The Murray Canyon Trail is tougher. It covers 4 miles with a 600 feet climb. These trails look their best in March and April when snowmelts and rains increase water flow.

When visiting, bring snacks, water, and sunscreen. Taking regular breaks will make sure even the youngest hikers have a good time.

Palm Springs Skate Park

The Palm Springs Skate Park stands out among local activities for youth. It spans 30,000 square feet, making it one of California’s biggest skate parks. There are areas for beginners and experts alike, with the Flow Bowl, Nude Bowl, and Combi-Bowl.

Skateboarding Lessons and Clinics

Safety and learning are key at this skate park. Skateboarders must wear helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. There are skateboarding lessons and clinics for those wanting to learn. These help meet the need for fun, outdoor family activities in Palm Springs.

Family-Friendly Skateboarding Environment

This park is great for family outings with its kid-friendly setup. It has features for all skill levels, and supervision ensures safety. The park also hosts events with over 300 attendees, showing it’s a community favorite.