Headed to Palm Springs with your family? With the lovely desert weather, ample opportunity to relax, and plenty of good eats, there’s no place better to kick-back with loved ones, but if you’re looking for an adventure or two, we’ve got you covered! Check out our AWESOME list of…
6 Adventures for Families in Palm Springs
Photo Credit: Charity Quick
1/ The Living Desert Zoo | Gardens (47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert)
Rated one of the top 10 zoos in America, the Living Desert Zoo is a must-see for families in Palm Springs! Just a short half-hour drive away, this attraction strikes an extraordinary balance between preservation, education, and plain-old fun! The Living Desert Zoo actually seeks to preserve a small portion of the Colorado Desert which visitors will appreciate in the form of cacti and native flora throughout the expansive grounds. Other highlights for families will include feeding the giraffes, having a camel ride, viewing a mini-locomotive display, and, of course, animal, animals, animals! Addax, African Tortoises, Badgers, Leopards, Cattle, Oryx, Wild Dogs, Pythons, Jaguars, Giraffes, Sheep, whimsical Peccary, Cheetahs, and others far too numerous to mention call the Living Desert Home.
Insider tip: Consider taking a shuttle around the grounds! They are relatively inexpensive, move you around the more quickly, keep the sun off your head, and are staffed by guides who are eager to share their knowledge.
2/ Wet and Wild Waterpark (1500 S Gene Autry Trail)
Get ready for a wild ride! If you’re looking to cool off with the fam in the desert, there’s no place better than Wet and Wild! With 18 rides, slides, and raft tracks, there will never be a dull moment. Indulge yourself on a refreshing Italian shaved ice on this 21-acre 1950’s-themed oasis which also offers a 4-story interactive water playhouse, cabana rentals, tasty eats, and a wave pool. Open Mid-March thru Mid-October.
3/ Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Imagine riding over 2 and a half miles up, up, up the towering cliffs of Chino Canyon in the comfort and luxury of the world’s largest rotating tram car! The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides breath-taking views of this destination in Mt. San Jacinto State Park and is your one and only ticket to the Mountain Station where you will find spectacular observation decks, world-class interpretive programming, the opportunity to dine with a view at 8500 feet, and over 50 miles of hiking trails. Families can choose from a wide range of activities including guided nature walks, camping, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and so much more!
Insider Tip: Check the weather on the mountain before heading out for your day on the tram and dress appropriately!
4/ Take a Hike
There’s no better way to appreciate the natural beauty of California than on your own two feet! The Andreas Canyon Trail at Indian Canyons is manageable for most families at a quick two miles across historic Agua Caliente Band lands, or try the slightly more challenging Murray Canyon trail which takes your further into Indian Canyons to the Seven Sisters Waterfall! If your family decides to check out the Aerial Tramway, no doubt, you’ll be able to find the perfect hike for your family. There are a variety of hiking opportunities on the 54 miles of trail ranging from leisurely walks to extreme challenges. And don’t forget the Palm Springs Museum Trail! You won’t even have to leave Palm Springs to access this 2-mile hike which starts behind the Palm Springs Art Museum parking lot and ends in a satisfying view of the city and valley.
5/ Visit a Museum
Palm Springs has a variety of museums and galleries that are set to both impress and educate visitors to the desert. The Agua Caliente Cultural Museum explores the historical inhabitants of the region, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and their journey of survival over the past 3000 years. The Palm Springs Art Museum, located in downtown Palm Springs, never fails to stun visitors with their impressive permanent collection which includes glass art and ever-changing exhibitions from international artists. History buffs will love the Palm Springs Air Museum which houses the world’s largest collections of flyable WWII Airplanes or the Palm Springs Historical Society Museums & Tours comprised of some the oldest structures still standing in Palm Springs, the McCallum Adobe and Miss Cornelia White’s “Little House.” Other museums include Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, and the nearby Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage.
6/ Boomers Family Entertainment Center/Miniature Golf (67-700 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City)
Make your Palm Springs holiday acres of fun at Boomers! With a mini-golf course, redemption games, bumper boats, climbing wall, and the expansive game room which includes state-of-the-art virtual reality gaming, your family will never want to go home! Conveniently located in nearby Cathedral City, Boomers is your ticket to hours of holiday fun!
Wishing you and yours plenty of relaxation and more than a healthy dose of adventures on your stay in Palm Springs!
