20 Family-Friendly Activities To Do When Visiting Palm Springs
Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are known for sunshine, beautiful mountain views, and endless opportunities for family fun. Whether you're planning a weekend adventure, visiting on vacation, or looking for something new to do with the kids, there's no shortage of activities everyone can enjoy.
From interactive museums and beautiful parks to splash pads, hiking trails, and family-friendly restaurants, here are our favorite activities for kids and families throughout the Coachella Valley.
🦒 1. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens (Palm Desert)
One of Southern California's best zoos, The Living Desert offers giraffe feedings, carousel rides, interactive exhibits, and beautiful walking trails that children love exploring.
🚠 2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride the world's largest rotating tramcar to the top of Mount San Jacinto for breathtaking views, hiking trails, cooler temperatures, and even snow during the winter months.
🦆 3. Ruth Hardy Park (Palm Springs)
This beautiful neighborhood park features a large playground, basketball courts, picnic tables, and plenty of shady areas for kids to play.
🎨 4. Palm Springs Art Museum
Discover family-friendly exhibits, sculptures, and educational programs that encourage creativity and inspire young minds.
🍦 5. Downtown Palm Springs & Palm Canyon Drive
Spend an afternoon exploring local shops, toy stores, candy shops, outdoor dining, and delicious ice cream while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
🌵 6. Moorten Botanical Garden
Kids love discovering hundreds of unique cactus and succulent species while walking through this charming desert garden.
🛝 7. Civic Center Park (Palm Desert)
One of the Valley's most popular parks featuring a large playground, ducks and turtles, walking paths, picnic areas, and plenty of room to run and play.
🚲 8. Rent Bikes & Explore Palm Springs
Cruise through Palm Springs' famous mid-century neighborhoods while enjoying scenic mountain views and quiet residential streets.
💦 9. Joe Mann Park Splash Pad (Indio)
Cool off at one of the area's favorite splash pads featuring colorful water fountains, spray features, and a nearby playground.
🦋 10. Sunnylands Center & Gardens (Rancho Mirage)
Explore beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, educational exhibits, and seasonal family programs—all with free admission.
🎮 11. Dave & Buster's (Rancho Mirage)
Enjoy dinner and over 100 arcade games all in one place. It's the perfect destination for older kids, teens, and family celebrations.
📚 12. Palm Springs Public Library Story Time
Join free story time sessions, craft activities, and children's programs that encourage reading, imagination, and learning.
🎳 13. Fantasy Lanes Bowling Center (Indio)
A fun indoor activity for families featuring bowling, arcade games, food, and birthday party packages.
🎬 14. Mary Pickford Theatre (Cathedral City)
Catch the latest family movies in comfortable theaters complete with popcorn, snacks, and air conditioning for those hot desert afternoons.
🛍️ 15. The River at Rancho Mirage
This outdoor shopping and entertainment center offers restaurants, a movie theater, seasonal events, and plenty of family-friendly dining options.
🚂 16. The Living Desert Model Train Exhibit
One of the zoo's hidden gems, the detailed model train exhibit fascinates children and adults alike.
🌺 17. VillageFest (Downtown Palm Springs)
Every Thursday evening, Palm Canyon Drive transforms into a lively street fair filled with food vendors, local artists, musicians, shopping, and family entertainment.
🏖️ 18. Omni Rancho Las Palmas – Splashtopia
Featuring a lazy river, water slides, splash playground, and family pools, Splashtopia is one of the Valley's premier water attractions.
🍨 19. Lappert's Ice Cream (Palm Desert)
Treat the family to homemade ice cream, milkshakes, waffle cones, and seasonal flavors after a fun-filled day exploring the Valley.
🥾 20. Tahquitz Canyon Nature Walk (Palm Springs)
Enjoy one of Palm Springs' most beautiful hikes featuring scenic desert landscapes, Native American history, and a stunning seasonal waterfall.
🌟 Tips for Family Adventures
✅ Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months.
✅ Don't forget sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes.
✅ Visit outdoor attractions in the morning or early evening for cooler temperatures.
✅ Pack snacks and extra clothes for younger children.
❤️ Need an Extra Hand?
Whether you're visiting Palm Springs for vacation, attending a wedding, planning a date night, or simply exploring the Coachella Valley with your family, StarKids Babysitting is here to help.
Our trusted sitters know the area's best parks, attractions, museums, restaurants, splash pads, and family-friendly destinations, creating memorable experiences for your children while you enjoy some well-deserved time for yourself.
✅ Background-checked
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✅ Experienced with infants through teens
✅ Hotel, Airbnb, vacation rental & in-home childcare
With 40+ trusted babysitters serving Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Indio, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, and the entire Coachella Valley, we're ready to help your family make the most of every adventure.