40 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Palm Springs & the Coachella Valley: Where to Stay and Where to Eat!
Planning a Palm Springs trip with kids? Ride the rotating Palm Springs Aerial Tramway into the mountains, feed giraffes at The Living Desert, climb into warplanes at the Palm Springs Air Museum and say hello to the Cabazon Dinosaurs. Then spend afternoons at a resort pool with water slides. Book a resort in Rancho Mirage or Palm Desert for the easiest days.
We rounded up 40 things to do in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley with kids, 8 family-friendly resorts, and 10 places to eat that kids actually love, with prices, hours and a parent tip for every pick. You'll also find the 2026 holiday dates (hello, WildLights and the Festival of Lights Parade), Joshua Tree day trip ideas and a sample weekend itinerary.
Key Takeaways
Best home base: Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Indian Wells for big family resorts with water slides and lazy rivers; downtown Palm Springs for walkable restaurants and shops.
Best free fun: Palm Canyon Drive, VillageFest, Sunnylands, Whitewater Preserve, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, the Palm Springs Art Museum for kids under 18, and the Festival of Lights Parade.
Book ahead: Aerial Tramway tickets on weekends, Palm Springs Surf Club, WildLights at The Living Desert and resort stays over winter holidays.
2026 holiday dates: The Festival of Lights Parade is Saturday, Dec. 5; WildLights runs on select nights from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30; the Tramway's AutumnFest is Nov. 7.
Heads up: Summer temperatures often top 110 degrees, so plan outdoor fun for October through May. The old Wet 'n' Wild water park is closed.
Easy getaway: Palm Springs is about 110 miles from Downtown LA, so it works for a weekend or even a long day trip.
Planning a Trip to Palm Springs With Kids From LA
Getting to Palm Springs From LA
Palm Springs is about 110 miles east of Downtown LA on the I-10, so plan on roughly two to two and a half hours without traffic. Leave early on Friday afternoons and holiday weekends, when the drive can take much longer.
Palm Springs International Airport has flights from across the country and is just minutes from downtown, which makes it an easy option for visiting family.
Getting Around Palm Springs With Kids
You'll want a car, since the Coachella Valley stretches about 45 miles from Palm Springs to Indio. Downtown Palm Springs is easy to explore on foot once you park.
When to Visit and How Long to Stay
The best time to visit is October through May, when days are warm and sunny. Winter is perfect for hiking and outdoor fun, while summer is very hot and best for resort pools and indoor activities.
A three-day weekend covers the Tramway, The Living Desert and a pool day. Add a day for Joshua Tree National Park.
Things to Do in Palm Springs With Kids
Palm Springs has mid-century charm, mountain adventures and plenty of fun for kids, from a rotating tram to a desert surf park.
Where: Downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Cost: Free to walk
Ages: All ages
Palm Springs' main street is lined with shops, ice cream spots, restaurants and fun photo stops.
Parent Tip: Walk in the early evening, when it's cooler and the lights come on.
2. VillageFest
Where: Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
When: Thursday nights (check the website for hours)
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This weekly street fair has local food, crafts, music and street performers, all along Palm Canyon Drive.
Parent Tip: Grab dinner from the food stands and let the kids explore the booths.
Where: Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way, downtown Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Hundreds of stars set into the sidewalks of downtown Palm Springs honor movie stars, musicians and local legends.
Parent Tip: Turn it into a scavenger hunt and see who can find the most famous names on the walk to dinner.
Address: 219 South Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Season: Seasonal hours (check the website)
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
This little cluster of historic buildings downtown includes an old adobe house and a recreated 1930s general store full of vintage packages.
Parent Tip: It's a quick, low-cost stop that pairs well with a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive.
Address: 140 North Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays from October to May (check the website)
Cost: Free for kids under 6 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
This beautiful museum shares the history and culture of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, with exhibits, a spa and gardens.
Parent Tip: Pair it with a visit to Tahquitz Canyon to see the land the tribe has called home for generations.
Address: 101 Museum Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Hours: Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: Free for kids under 18; free for everyone on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; cashless
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
This museum has modern art, sculptures and glass art, plus a sculpture garden that kids love to explore.
Parent Tip: Visit on a Thursday evening for free admission for the whole family.
Address: 1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Hours: Weekdays from 10 a.m.; weekends from 8 a.m. (check the website)
Cost: About $36.95 adults and $20.95 kids 3 to 10 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
The world's largest rotating tram car climbs more than 8,500 feet up Chino Canyon to Mount San Jacinto State Park, where it's often 30 degrees cooler. In winter, kids can play in the snow at the top.
Parent Tip: Bring jackets, even in summer, and buy tickets online on weekends to skip the line.
Address: 1701 South Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Wednesdays (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This quirky garden is packed with cactus, succulents and desert plants from around the world, plus a cactus greenhouse called the Cactarium.
Parent Tip: Hold little hands, since many plants are prickly.
Address: 500 West Mesquite Avenue
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Cost: About $15 adults and $7 kids 6 to 12 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This beautiful canyon on the Agua Caliente reservation has a 2-mile loop trail to a seasonal waterfall, with rock art and desert plants along the way.
Parent Tip: Join a free ranger-led hike to learn about the canyon's history, and go early before it gets hot.
10. Indian Canyons
Address: 38520 South Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: All ages
On Agua Caliente land just south of town, Palm Canyon has one of the largest palm oases in the world, with shady trails along a stream.
Parent Tip: The easy walk down to the canyon floor from the trading post is great for kids. Go in the morning and bring plenty of water.
Address: 1500 South Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Cost: Day passes from about $45 adults and $22 kids 3 to 12 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
This surf park has a giant wave pool with waves for every level, plus pools, a lazy river and water slides.
Parent Tip: Book surf lessons ahead for older kids, and bring sunscreen and hats for the pool deck.
12. Demuth Park
Address: 4375 Mesquite Avenue
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Palm Springs' biggest city park has playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas and lots of shade trees.
Parent Tip: It's a good place to let kids run around in the late afternoon, when the heat starts to fade.
Address: 74-794 Lennon Place, Suite B
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Cost: Check the website for current prices
Ages: Best for ages 5 and up
These guided off-road tours visit desert canyons and the San Andreas Fault, with guides who share stories about desert plants and animals.
Parent Tip: Book a morning tour to avoid the heat.
Address: 745 North Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: About $26 adults; kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This museum has one of the largest collections of flying World War II aircraft, plus jets, helicopters and planes kids can climb into.
Parent Tip: Look for the cockpits kids can sit in, and check the schedule for flight demonstrations.
Things to Do Around the Coachella Valley With Kids
Beyond Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley has a fantastic zoo, a children's museum, date farms and desert oases.
Address: 71701 Gerald Ford Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Hours: Check the website for current hours
Ages: Best for ages 1 to 10
This hands-on children's museum has a pretend market, a climbing structure, art studios and lots of room to play.
Parent Tip: It's a great indoor break on a hot afternoon.
Address: 37977 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (check the website)
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This historic estate has beautiful desert gardens with walking paths, a labyrinth and a visitor center.
Parent Tip: Walk the labyrinth with the kids, and bring a picnic for the gardens.
Address: 73510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This large park has playgrounds, a skate park, a lake with ducks and big lawns, plus a public pool nearby.
Parent Tip: Bring bread-free duck snacks like peas or oats, and pack a picnic for the lawn.
Where: Jefferson Street
La Quinta, CA 92253
Cost: About $6 adults and $3 kids (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This park has a fishing lake, a splash pad in warmer months, campsites and big mountain views.
Parent Tip: Bring fishing poles and a picnic for an easy afternoon.
Address: 80225 US Highway 111
Indio, CA 92201
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (check the website)
Ages: All ages
This famous date farm has a garden trail with sculptures, a cafe and the best date shakes in the desert.
Parent Tip: Try a date shake, a sweet and creamy local favorite.
Address: 59111 Grapefruit Boulevard
Thermal, CA 92274
Ages: All ages
This family-run date farm has a gift shop, date samples and creamy date shakes, plus rows of date palms to see.
Parent Tip: Make it a stop on the way to Painted Canyon or the Salton Sea.
Address: 47900 Portola Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Cost: About $44.95 adults and $34.95 kids 3 to 17 (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
This award-winning zoo is home to giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs and desert animals from around the world, plus a big model train exhibit and a carousel.
Parent Tip: Go early in the morning, when the animals are most active, and save time for the giraffe feeding.
Address: 29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road
Thousand Palms, CA 92276
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This preserve has palm oases and easy trails, including a short walk to the Thousand Palms Oasis.
Parent Tip: The visitor center is closed, so bring water and snacks, and go early before it gets hot.
Where: Mecca Hills Wilderness, off Box Canyon Road
Mecca, CA 92254
Cost: Free
Ages: Best for ages 8 and up
This colorful canyon has a famous hike that climbs a series of ladders through narrow slot canyons. It's a big adventure for older kids.
Parent Tip: Only go in cool months, start early, bring lots of water and skip it if rain is in the forecast. The dirt road in can be rough.
Address: 100-225 State Park Road
Mecca, CA 92254
Cost: Day-use fee per vehicle (check the website)
Ages: All ages
California's largest lake is a surprising desert sight, with a visitor center and huge flocks of birds, especially in winter.
Parent Tip: Bring binoculars for the birds, and check the website for visitor center hours before you go.
Address: 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road
Whitewater, CA 92282
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This preserve has a river, trout ponds, picnic areas and easy trails in a beautiful canyon.
Parent Tip: Bring a picnic and let the kids splash in the shallow river.
Address: 67616 East Desert View Avenue
Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
Season: Tours offered October to May (check the website)
Cost: About $16 for tours (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 6 and up
This quirky Hopi-style pueblo was handbuilt from found materials, with 35 rooms and lots of secret corners to explore.
Parent Tip: Book a tour to see inside, and walk the trail out back for desert views.
Where: Along the I-10 near Palm Springs
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Cost: Free to see from the road
Ages: All ages
Thousands of giant wind turbines spin along the pass at the entrance to the Coachella Valley. Kids love counting them as you drive in.
Parent Tip: Make it a game on the drive in and see who can spot the biggest turbine.
Address: 50770 Seminole Drive
Cabazon, CA 92230
Cost: About $15 adults and $13 kids (check the website for current prices)
Ages: Best for ages 2 to 10
These giant roadside dinosaurs have been a famous stop on the I-10 for decades. Kids can explore a dinosaur park with dozens of life-size dinosaurs.
Parent Tip: Stop here on your drive in or out of Palm Springs for a quick photo break.
Day Trips to Joshua Tree and the High Desert
Just north of Palm Springs, the high desert has giant boulders, Joshua trees and an Old West movie town.
Where: East Drive, off Highway 62
Morongo Valley, CA 92256
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
This preserve has boardwalk trails through a desert oasis, with lots of birds and the chance to spot wildlife.
Parent Tip: Go in the morning for the best bird-watching.
Where: Entrances in Joshua Tree, Twentynine Palms and Cottonwood Spring
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Cost: $30 per vehicle (check the website); free on Nov. 11, Veterans Day
Ages: All ages
This famous park has giant boulders to climb, twisty Joshua trees and some of the best stargazing in Southern California.
Parent Tip: Ask for a Junior Ranger booklet for kids ages 5 to 13, and bring lots of water, since there's none in the park.
Where: Joshua Tree National Park
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Ages: All ages
This easy 1-mile loop winds through a rocky valley surrounded by boulders, perfect for little hikers.
Parent Tip: Let the kids scramble on the low boulders along the trail.
32. Barker Dam Trail
Where: Joshua Tree National Park
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Ages: All ages
This easy loop leads to a historic dam, with rock art and the chance to spot bighorn sheep.
Parent Tip: After a rainy winter, the dam sometimes holds water, which kids love to see.
33. Skull Rock
Where: Joshua Tree National Park
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Ages: All ages
This giant boulder looks just like a skull, with hollow eye sockets carved by wind and rain. It's right by the road, so it's an easy stop.
Parent Tip: Parking is limited, so go early, and let kids scramble on the low rocks nearby.
Where: Joshua Tree National Park, near White Tank Campground
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Ages: All ages
A short, easy trail leads to a natural granite arch that kids love to stand under for photos.
Parent Tip: Hold hands near the arch, since the rocks can be slippery, and bring hats for shade.
35. Pioneertown
Address: 53626 Mane Street
Pioneertown, CA 92268
Cost: Free to walk
Ages: All ages
This Old West town was built as a movie set in the 1940s, with wooden storefronts, a dusty main street and plenty of photo spots.
Parent Tip: Look for weekend Old West shows, and grab dinner at Pappy and Harriet's nearby.
Where: Joshua Tree National Park
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Ages: All ages
This short boardwalk trail winds through a dense field of fuzzy-looking cholla cactus, which glow golden at sunset.
Parent Tip: Stay on the trail and don't touch the cactus, since the spines stick easily.
37. Keys View
Where: Joshua Tree National Park
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
Ages: All ages
This viewpoint looks out over the Coachella Valley, the San Andreas Fault and the mountains beyond.
Parent Tip: Go at sunset for the best views, and bring jackets, since it's windy at the top.
Holiday Fun in Palm Springs (2026)
Palm Springs celebrates the holidays desert-style, with glowing zoo lights, a lighted parade and fall festivals on the mountain.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Where: Mountain Station, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Cost: About $46 adults and $32.50 kids (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
The Tramway celebrates fall at the top of the mountain with food, music and family activities.
Parent Tip: Bring jackets, since it's much cooler at the top.
Dates: Nov. 24, 25, 27 and 28; Dec. 4, 5, 10 to 12, 17 to 24 and 26 to 30, 2026
Hours: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: About $25 adults and $20 kids (check the website for current prices)
Ages: All ages
The zoo lights up with glowing animal lanterns, light displays and holiday fun after dark.
Parent Tip: Dec. 17 is an adults-only night, so plan your family visit for another date.
Date: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, at 5:45 p.m.
Route: Palm Canyon Drive, from Ramon Road to Tachevah Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Cost: Free
Ages: All ages
Floats, marching bands and lighted displays light up Palm Canyon Drive in this beloved holiday parade.
Parent Tip: Grab a curb spot early with blankets or chairs, and bring warm layers, since desert nights get chilly.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs With Kids
Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Indian Wells have big family resorts with water slides and lazy rivers, while downtown Palm Springs puts you near shops and restaurants.
Every resort name below links to live rates so you can compare prices for your dates.
Neighborhood: Palm Springs
Address: 1600 North Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Best for: A fun, beachy pool vibe
This colorful resort has a big pool with a sandy beach area and a fun, island-style vibe.
Parent Tip: Spend an afternoon at the pool, then walk to dinner downtown.
Neighborhood: Palm Desert
Address: 74855 Country Club Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Best for: Families who love boats and big pools
This resort has boat rides through its lagoons, flamingos and big pools with water slides.
Parent Tip: Ride the boat to dinner, which kids love.
Neighborhood: Rancho Mirage
Address: 41000 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Best for: Water slides and a lazy river
This resort has Splashtopia, a family water park with two 100-foot water slides and a 425-foot lazy river.
Parent Tip: Kids need to be 42 inches tall for the big slides, so check heights before you go.
Neighborhood: Indian Wells
Address: 44600 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells, CA 92210
Best for: A resort water park
This resort has HyTides, a water park with slides and a lazy river, plus a kids' club.
Parent Tip: Book a villa for more space and a kitchen.
Neighborhood: Rancho Mirage
Address: 71333 Dinah Shore Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Best for: Families who want a water slide and space
This resort has a big pool with a water slide and lots of open space for kids to run.
Parent Tip: Ask for a room near the pool.
Neighborhood: La Quinta
Address: 49499 Eisenhower Drive
La Quinta, CA 92253
Best for: A classic resort with many pools
This historic resort has dozens of pools, gardens and a relaxed, Spanish-style feel.
Parent Tip: Ask which pools are best for families when you check in.
Neighborhood: Downtown Palm Springs
Address: 100 West Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Best for: Walking to Palm Canyon Drive
This downtown hotel has a rooftop pool with mountain views and is steps from Palm Canyon Drive.
Parent Tip: Walk to VillageFest on a Thursday night.
Neighborhood: Downtown Palm Springs
Address: 400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Best for: Families on a budget downtown
This hotel has a pool and is a short walk to downtown shops and restaurants.
Parent Tip: It's a good value pick for families who want to be near downtown.
Where to Eat in Palm Springs With Kids
Palm Springs' food scene is casual and fun, with classic diners, burgers, Mexican food and date shakes.
Address: 401 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
What to order for kids: A grilled cheese or a giant slice of cake
This classic deli has huge sandwiches, a big bakery case and a kids' menu.
Parent Tip: Save room for dessert from the bakery case.
Address: 200 South Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
What to order for kids: Pasta or chicken tenders
This colorful bistro has a big menu with something for everyone, plus a patio on Palm Canyon Drive.
Parent Tip: Sit on the patio for people-watching.
Address: 149 South Indian Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
What to order for kids: A burger or sliders
This little burger shack is a Palm Springs favorite for classic burgers and fries.
Parent Tip: It's closed on Sundays, and there's often a line, so go early.
Address: 134 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
What to order for kids: Pancakes or eggs
This popular brunch spot has big breakfasts and a lively patio.
Parent Tip: Go early on weekends, since it fills up quickly.
Address: 622 North Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
What to order for kids: Pancakes or bacon
This breakfast spot is famous for its bacon flights and creative brunch menu.
Parent Tip: Arrive before it opens to beat the line.
Address: 222 South Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
What to order for kids: Quesadillas or tacos
This festive Mexican restaurant has a big patio, live music and classic dishes.
Parent Tip: Sit on the patio for a fun, lively dinner.
Address: 701 East Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
What to order for kids: Pancakes or a burger
This retro diner inside the Ace Hotel has comfort food and a fun, laid-back vibe.
Parent Tip: It's a great breakfast spot before the Tramway.
Address: 160 South Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
What to order for kids: A milkshake
This shake shop has dozens of creative milkshake flavors.
Parent Tip: Share a shake, since they're big.
Address: 130 North Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92262
What to order for kids: A scoop in a waffle cone
This Hawaiian ice cream shop is a sweet stop on Palm Canyon Drive.
Parent Tip: Grab a cone and stroll Palm Canyon Drive.
Address: 650 East Sunny Dunes Road
Palm Springs, CA 92264
What to order for kids: A bagel with cream cheese
This bagel shop is a local favorite for fresh, chewy bagels.
Parent Tip: Go early, since bagels sell out.
A Sample Palm Springs Weekend Itinerary for Families
Here's how we'd spend a first weekend in Palm Springs with kids, plus an extra day if you can swing it.
Day 1 (Palm Springs): The Aerial Tramway in the morning, lunch downtown, an afternoon at the Air Museum and VillageFest if it's a Thursday.
Day 2 (Coachella Valley): The Living Desert in the morning, a date shake at Shields Date Garden and a pool afternoon at your resort.
Day 3 (Joshua Tree): Hike the Hidden Valley Nature Trail, climb boulders and visit Pioneertown on the way back.
With more time: Add the Palm Springs Surf Club, Tahquitz Canyon or a stop at the Cabazon Dinosaurs.
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Takeaway
Palm Springs with kids is one of the easiest warm-weather getaways from LA. Ride the Tramway, visit The Living Desert, and save time for a resort pool day.
Plan outdoor adventures for October through May, book the Tramway and holiday events ahead, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palm Springs good for kids?
Yes. Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are great for kids, with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, The Living Desert, the Palm Springs Air Museum, a surf park and resorts with water slides. Joshua Tree National Park and the Cabazon Dinosaurs are easy day trips, too.
How many days do you need in Palm Springs with kids?
Three days is perfect for a first family visit. Spend one day in Palm Springs, one day at The Living Desert and your resort pool, and add a day for Joshua Tree National Park. A long weekend works well, since it's only about two hours from LA.
Where should families stay in Palm Springs?
Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Indian Wells have big family resorts with water slides, lazy rivers and kids' clubs, like the Omni Rancho Las Palmas and the JW Marriott Desert Springs. Downtown Palm Springs is great for walking to restaurants, shops and VillageFest.
What is free to do in Palm Springs with kids?
Free favorites include Palm Canyon Drive, VillageFest, Sunnylands, the Coachella Valley Preserve, Whitewater Preserve, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, the Festival of Lights Parade and the Palm Springs Art Museum, which is free for kids under 18 and free for everyone on Thursday evenings.
What is the best time of year to visit Palm Springs with kids?
October through May is the best time to visit, with warm, sunny days that are perfect for hiking and outdoor fun. Summer is very hot, often over 110 degrees, so plan for resort pools and indoor activities. Winter weekends and holidays are the busiest.
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