9 Kid-Friendly Palm Springs Activities

Childhood memories tend to last a long time, and Palm Springs offers plenty of fun experiences to suit every child’s interests.

Despite being a desert, there are many family activities in Palm Springs for any taste or preference. It offers world-class outdoor experiences and some unique and fun indoor activities.

No matter what your kids enjoy, they’ll find plenty of reasons to love their time in here. Check out the list of the best Palm Springs kid-friendly activities to do while you’re there.

• Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Image Credits: @cardenaspdf

1 Tramway Rd

Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs, CA 92262-1828

760-325-1391 - Click here for map

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an absolute no-brainer, considering its profound effect on adult and young minds alike. You start off in the desert and climb 8,000 feet to the San Jacinto Mountains in 15 minutes by tram.

Like all great journeys, what you experience during your time on the tram is what really matters. The views on the way up are mesmerizing as the landscape stretches into the distance.

Once you reach the top there are further opportunities for adventure lovers, such as hiking, if your kids enjoy that sort of thing. There’s some wildlife, which is always a treat for kids.

If you get hungry along the way don’t worry, there are eating options, including a cafe which serves reasonably good food. Keep in mind that there’s a parking fee of $8 as well as a fee for the tickets themselves - $16.95 for kids and $25.95 for adults.

• Children’s Discovery Museum

71701 Gerald Ford Dr

Rancho Mirage

Greater Palm Springs, CA 92270-1934

760-321-0602 - Click here for map

What are some exciting things to do with toddlers in Palm Springs? Visit the Children’s Discovery Museum. This museum features fun yet educational indoor activities that kids of any age will enjoy.

There’s a special class for little children (young scientists class), handled by a teacher who is excellent at working with them. There’s a garden to explore with bugs, crafts to make, and more.

You and your children will definitely enjoy spending time here.

Pro tip: If you have the receipt, you can leave and come back the same day.

Please note that while the museum has tables outdoors, they do not serve food. But we’d say that bringing your own lunch just adds to the sense of fun!

• Coachella Valley Preserve

29200 Thousand Palms Canyon Road

Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs, CA

760-343-1234 - Click here for map

Are your kids fans of fantasy worlds? Then, the Coachella Valley Preserve is the spot for your next family outing. It’s a beautiful oasis in the desert and has some of the most gigantic palms you’ll ever see.

The experience truly is otherworldly, as this area is still pretty much secluded, and it’s easy to imagine it being a traveler’s sanctuary in the olden days. The staff here is super-friendly and knowledgeable and will explain the history of the oasis as well as some of the available hiking routes around it.

There are picnic tables, benches and clean composting bathrooms, so that you can spend a good part of your day here. What’s more, there are no ticket fees to worry about, but you can make a small donation. However, keep in mind that it’s still in a desert, so bring plenty of water and sunblock.

• Cabazon Dinosaurs

50800 Seminole Dr

Cabazon

CA 92230-2304

951-922-8700 - Click here for map

Dinosaurs are every child’s fantasy, so why not let your kids to get close to the giant lizards? Cabazon Dinosaurs is a popular attraction has an impressive lineup of dinosaur statues including a Brontosaurus and a T-Rex.

What’s great about this place is that it’s not just another cheesy money-grab attraction. The staff here is very friendly and they are eager to take care of every guest. The tour ($13 for adults and $11 for kids) has been very well-designed and features well-maintained props.

The dinosaurs have been positioned in a way that allows you to shoot from multiple angles for dramatic and Instagrammable photos. After you’ve completed the tour, there’s also a dinosaur-themed gift shop, which can be problematic as the potential for spending money is nearly endless.

• Indian Canyons

Image Credits: @iamef50mm

38500 S Palm Canyon Dr

Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs

CA 92264-9332

760-323-6018 - Click here for map

The Indian Canyons are another star attraction that has to be experienced. There’s no entry fee, and hiking trails suit all fitness levels, making it the perfect place for a family with young children.

The area is very clean overall, and the friendly workers are happy to answer any questions. The hike to Palm Canyon and Andreas Canyon is especially suitable for children under 5 as it’s mostly flat.

The surroundings are stunningly beautiful and peaceful, and upon reaching Andreas Canyon there’s a pleasurably cool river to dip your feet in.

• Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs

1500 S Gene Autry Trl

Palm Springs

Greater Palm Springs

CA 92264-3505

780-327-0499 - Click here for map

Said to be the ‘coolest place in the desert’, Wet ‘n’ Wild Palm Springs has over 21 acres of water attractions for all ages. If you’re looking to beat the heat, Wet ‘n’ Wild will definitely help you.

When you go to this water park, you’ll find that it’s not too crowded, which is great as it gives you more room in the water.

As far as water park attractions go, it’s got a lot. There’s a wave pool, a lazy river, a boogie board wave machine, fairly scary slides and a kids-only water playground. They also have adult beverages, so while your kids are playing in the water, you can grab some drinks to relax.

Remember to bring sandals or water shoes as it’s quite easy to burn your feet on the sun-scorched concrete! Prices for tickets vary; however, start from $29.99 for kids and $33.99 for adults. If you plan on going to this one of the best playgrounds in Palm Springs regularly, you can purchase season passes for $59.99 per person.

• Joshua Tree National Park

74485 National Park Drive

Palm Springs

Twentynine Palms

CA 92277-3597

760 367-5500 - Click here for map

Wonder of the wilderness, Joshua Tree National Park has a rich diversity of plants and animals. Home to world-famous rock formations and funky Joshua trees, it is open to the public 24/7.

With a variety of activities and sights to experience, the park attracts over three million visitors per year. Plan your visit during the moderate fall or spring wildflower season to avoid the harsh sun.

When you go to this beautiful desert be sure to prepare yourself with some basics such as carrying your own food and water.

There is no public Wi-Fi or cell reception, but you are safe to drive in and out of the desert at any time of the day. This desert safari is one of the best Palm Springs activities for kids to enjoy and explore the wildlife in their natural habitation. 

Remember to give wildlife their space and never feed them. It goes without saying that you must not trash the home of the wildlife creatures and keep your voice level in check. If you plan on going here, you can buy a pass (not for children under 15 years of age) for about $15, $25, or $30, depending on the mode of transportation you choose.

• Tahquitz Canyon

901 E (East) Tahquitz Canyon

Way Ste B101

Palm Springs

CA 92262-6757

760-323-6018 - Click here for map

One of the most beautiful and culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation, Tahquitz Canyon is a must-visit kid-friendly place in Palm Springs.

Home to a spectacular seasonal 60-foot waterfall, ancient irrigation systems, rock formations, native plants, and wildlife, this Canyon offers an experience of a 2-mile loop trail.

It is considered moderately challenging, yet you’ll encounter other people exploring this visually remarkable trail. The hike goes in a loop and is very well marked, which makes it easy to know the path to complete the trail.

The passes to enter the canyon usually cost about $15 for adults and $7 for children from 6-12 years of age. You may purchase tickets or annual passes at the Agua Caliente Visitor’s Counter at the Palm Springs Visitor Center, 2901 N.

• Escape Room

2500 N. Palm Canyon

Dr., Suite B3, 

Palm Springs, CA 92262

760-779-8888 - Click here for map

Awarded as the “Champions of Hospitality,” Escape Room is one of the best family things to do in Palm Springs. It is the largest family-friendly escape room game in entire Southern California.

Enjoy the Espace Room multiple-player games like Titanic, Vampire's Lair, Bank Heist, A Traitor Among Us, and Merlin's Magic School with your friends and family. All these games charge $39 per person of 18 or older for each of these games.

Regardless of your age or fitness level, you’ll be challenged while having lots of fun in our escape room games!

Wrapping Up

As you can see from our roundup of kid friendly activities, Palm Springs has a lot to offer. Have fun experiences with the cool things to do in Palm Springs with family!