Pack Up the Babies and Grab the Old Ladies . . . Family Vacationing in Palm Springs!

Chores, activities, school, and work. Kids, grandparents, and siblings. Even when living in the same city, good family time can be in short supply, as families juggle the general triumph and turmoil of everyday life.

How many times have you said, “I need a vacation!”? For many families, the answer is a paradox: go on vacation with MORE family, and have a more relaxing time! Multi-generational vacationing has become very popular among today’s families, for very practical reasons. There is time to relax and spend time with family you don’t see on a regular basis. Memories are made as you break your routine and try new things together, forging bonds that will have positive, long-lasting results.

And, maybe the best of all, parents might be able to sneak off for a meal, an activity, or a whole day, and enjoy a little vacation time themselves!

Where to Go? Palm Springs!

Palm Springs, California has all the right pieces for a successful, multi-generational family vacation. It is easily accessible from many cities in Canada, often with a direct flight, and has the special attraction of being south, and consistently warm, a condition often longed for by Canadians too many months of the year. It’s also a great launching off point for day trips, especially if certain people in your party feel a vacation to California isn’t complete without a trip to see Mickey, it’s possible it just make a day of it. The Visit Palm Springs app is a free app to help you stay and play, and make the most of your vacation. And while you’re there, if anyone wants to split off from the main group for the day, Palm Springs has a free trolley service called the Buzz. The Buzz operates from Thursday to Sunday, making it easy and very affordable to get around downtown and uptown.

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream?

Accommodations often present a challenge while travelling; people need sleep – and some more than others. Adults want to sit up after kids go to bed and no one wants to wake up every time someone rolls over. Add to that the need for a little space (or maybe a lot of space) and the logistics of sharing bathrooms, and you’ll quickly want to reconsider a hotel room. Vacation rentals, coming in nearly every size, are the perfect way to accommodate a larger group. Often with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a full kitchen (Coffee maker! Dishwasher!), and sometimes more than one living area, vacation rentals offer room for everybody to spread out in their own space and relax in their way. Vacation Palm Springs rentals has 483 properties, so you’re sure to find one to fit your family grouping. Many come with a pool, making a perfect, relaxing gathering spot for everyone.

Alternatives to Spending All Day by the Pool

Away from the bustle of other California cities (I’m looking at you, L.A.), Palm Springs is a relaxing destination that still offers an array of activities for everyone in your multi-generational family. You can always read by the pool or play a game with your kids, but if you need to get out, there is lots to do! And with your vacation rental as a home base, everyone can head out to do what they like and then share their adventures that evening while relaxing by the pool. Visit the Wet and Wild Waterpark or Boomers Palm Springs, with a go-kart track and mini-golf course. And, of course, there are lots of full-size golf courses, too, and outlet shopping for the shoppers in your family!

The Palm Springs Zoo and Living Desert

People of all ages enjoy zoos and the Palm Springs Zoo and Living Desert not only provides a fun experience seeing the animals and learning about conservation, but it also showcases the startling beauty of the desert landscape. Both kids and adults will be amazed at the variety of unique cacti. A Discovery Centre for kids offers hands-on fun, and the animal hospital is a fascinating place to visit, too. Of course, don’t forget the animals! Booking a zoo tour ahead of time is a great way for little or tired legs to see as much as possible.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tramcar and is one of only three rotating tramcars in the world. (The other two are in Switzerland and South Africa.) It ascends the stunning cliffs of Chino Canyon, taking approximately 10 minutes to lift you up to an elevation of 8,516 feet and the Mt. San Jacinto State Park. During your journey, the tram cars slowly rotate, offering breathtaking views of the valley floor below. When you reach the Mountain Station, you can enjoy two restaurants, a natural history museum, two documentary theatres, observation decks, and a gift shop. There are also more than 50 miles of hiking trails. While the average winter temperature in the valley in 80º Fahrenheit (around 26º Celsius), you might even discover snow in the mountains during the winter!

Palm Springs Air Museum

Another popular family attraction is the Palm Springs Air Museum. This museum is a living history museum dedicated to featuring the aircraft that fought for America in World War II, and the Korea and Vietnam Wars. Most of the aircraft are in flyable condition and for an experience, you’ll never forget, you can even book a ride in one of the flying warplanes! Many of the guides are veterans who can speak first-hand about flying the aircraft displayed. In addition, the Museum features temporary and permanent exhibits and artefacts that will enhance your visit.

Everybody Needs to Eat

Impressive, delicious, and trendy restaurants abound in Palm Springs. Whether you want to grab a quick bite on your way out or gather together for a family celebration, you have a wide variety of options. It’s fun to watch guacamole get made right in front of you at Rio Azul – it doesn’t get much fresher than that! Put on your vacation finest and visit the Tropicale Restaurant; with its retro tropical decor and beautiful patio dining, it will make you wish you were always on vacation. Or take the kids for a relaxed lunch to Watercress Vietnamese Bistro for a bowl of delicious noodles and veggies.

So, What Are You Waiting For?

Now that fall and winter are upon us, can you think of a better time to plan a warm vacation? Discover why Palm Springs has been Hollywood’s playground since the 1920s and why Canadians flock there every year. Grab your kids, call your parents, and text your sister. Plan a multi-generational vacation! (You can even call your in-laws – the vacation rental homes are really that big.) Take a break from the hassle of every day and make some memories with your family.