Planning Your Trip to Palm Springs with Kids: Tips for a Smooth Family Vacation

Get ready for sun-soaked days, mountain adventures, and endless fun for the whole family in Palm Springs, California. The city is located in the Coachella Valley, about 107 miles east of Los Angeles and 123 miles northeast of San Diego.

Palm Springs is the perfect destination for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind in a picturesque desert oasis. From relaxing by the pool to exploring the unique architecture and vibrant art scene, this desert paradise offers something for everyone to enjoy.

In this article, we’ll provide a brief guide to a Palm Springs family vacation by including family-friendly things to do, places to eat, and places to stay that are welcoming to all ages.

Planning Your Trip to Palm Springs with Kids

Photo: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

Ready to plan your next family vacation to Palm Springs? Here are some family travel planning tips:

• Decide on travel dates that work best for everyone. Consider school schedules, work commitments, and other activities that may conflict with your travel plans. The winter months (December to April) are the busiest season for tourists looking to escape from colder climates.
• Research places to stay that will suit your family well. Whether you choose a hotel, rental home, or resort, make sure it has amenities that cater to families, such as a pool, kids’ activities, and spacious rooms.
• Plan your itinerary, considering the attractions and activities your family will enjoy. Whether it’s hiking in the surrounding mountains, visiting museums, or simply relaxing by the pool, make sure there’s something for everyone to look forward to.
• Be sure to pack appropriately for your trip. This may include sunscreen, hats, comfortable walking shoes, and other essentials for a fun and relaxed family vacation.
• Remember baby gear! If you’re bringing a little one, baby essentials like a stroller, high chair, and crib may be necessary. Instead of packing your items, consider renting baby gear in Palm Springs.

Planning ahead of time will help your trip run smoothly for everyone!

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Palm Springs

Are you wondering what is there to do with kids in Palm Springs? Below are some of the most popular attractions to check out while visiting the area.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Photo: palmspringslife.com

If you’re thrilled to see some stunning views, book a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway—the largest rotating tram car in the world! Kids of all ages will be in awe of the breathtaking views as the tram ascends 8,516 feet to the top of Mount San Jacinto. Riding the world’s largest rotating tramcar will surely be a highlight of your Palm Springs family vacation. Once at the top, families can enjoy hiking trails, a natural history museum, and even snow play during the winter months.

Be sure to pack layers, as the temperature can be significantly cooler at the top of the mountain. Arrive early to avoid long lines, and don’t forget your camera to capture the memories of this unforgettable family adventure. Children under the age of 3 are free!

• Admission: $30.95 (adults), $18.95 (children ages 3-10), $28.95 (seniors ages 65+)

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

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Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a fantastic place to take your kids for a fun and educational day out. The zoo is home to various animals worldwide, including giraffes, cheetahs, and meerkats. Your kids will love seeing these fascinating creatures up close and learning about their natural habitats.

One of the highlights of a visit to Living Desert is feeding the giraffes. Your kids will be thrilled to get close to these gentle giants and hand-feed them lettuce leaves. The zoo also offers guided tours and animal encounters, where kids can learn more about the animals and their conservation efforts. Children under the age of 3 are also free here!

• Admission: $39.95 (adults), $29.95 (children ages 3-17)

Palm Springs Air Museum

Photo: palmspringslife.com

Visiting the Palm Springs Air Museum with kids is a great way to educate and entertain them simultaneously. The museum features a vast collection of aircraft from various periods of history, allowing children to learn about the evolution of aviation firsthand. Kids can explore the different planes on display, ask questions to the knowledgeable staff, and even participate in interactive exhibits and activities.

The museum also offers special events and programs for children, such as aviation-themed scavenger hunts and educational workshops. These are fun and educational experiences for kids of all ages, making it a must-visit destination for Palm Springs families.

• Admission: $23 (adults), $21 (teenagers, seniors, veteran/retired military), free (active duty & family, kids ages 12 & under with a paid adult)

Palm Desert Aquatic Center

Photo: visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

Visiting Palm Desert Aquatic Center with kids is a fun-filled adventure for the whole family. The center offers a variety of pools and water play areas perfect for children of all ages. Kids can splash around in the shallow pool, ride down water slides, or play in the water playground. The snack bar offers a variety of refreshments and snacks to keep everyone fueled for a day of fun in the water.

With affordable admission prices and plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, the Palm Desert Aquatic Center is a popular destination for families looking to beat the heat and have a blast in the water. Below is non-resident pricing.

• Admission: $9.00 (adult ages 13-59), $7.00 (youth/senior ages 6-12 & 60+), $5.75 (ages 2-5)

Dining Options for Families in Palm Springs

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Family-friendly restaurants can be found around the city, offering menus that appeal to adults and children. Palm Springs has something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for casual dining or a more upscale experience. Many restaurants feature outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying the warm California weather with your loved ones. For families with picky eaters, there are plenty of options like pizzerias, burger joints, and even ice cream shops that are sure to please even the most discerning taste buds. Here are some restaurant ideas:

• Elmer’s. This homestyle restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their kid’s meal options for breakfast include fun entrees like Bigfoot Breakfast, Cub Cake, and Mt. Waffle. They also serve classics like banana slices, grilled cheeses, and cheeseburgers.
• Blaze Pizza. Located near the Palm Springs Art Museum, this restaurant allows visitors to customize their pizzas before they’re thrown into a high-temperature oven. Kids love choosing their pizza toppings!
• Ruby’s Diner. Do you love the old-school diner feel? Bring your kids to this fun restaurant for breakfast, burgers, milkshakes, and fries.
• Fisherman’s Market & Grill. This restaurant serves seafood (if you couldn’t guess), so kids can try fish tacos, shrimp, and more.

When you’re finished with your meal, visit one of the many dessert places, including Carmela Ice Cream and Brandini Toffee.

Family-Friendly Places to Stay in Palm Springs

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Several options exist for finding family-friendly places to stay in Palm Springs. Hotels and family resorts in Palm Springs often cater to families by offering amenities such as pools, kids’ clubs, and on-site dining options. Additionally, many hotels in Palm Springs are located near family-friendly attractions like theme parks and outdoor recreation areas. Families can also opt to stay in vacation rentals or condos, which offer more space and privacy than traditional hotel rooms. Here are some places to check out:

• JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
• Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
• The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa
• Hilton Palm Springs
• Palm Mountain Resort & Spa

No matter where you choose to stay in Palm Springs, you’ll find plenty of options for families looking to make the most of their time in this sunny destination.

FAQs: Palm Springs Family Vacation

What are the best family-friendly resorts in Palm Springs?

When planning a family vacation to Palm Springs, consider staying at renowned resorts like Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort, or La Quinta Resort. These resorts offer water slides, outdoor activities, and kids’ clubs for a memorable family getaway.

Which resort in the Palm Springs area is ideal for families with kids?

For families with children, the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort is a fantastic choice. This resort features family-friendly amenities such as water slides, kids’ activities, and spacious vacation rentals for families of all sizes.

What activities can families enjoy during their Palm Springs family vacation?

During a Palm Springs family vacation, families can explore Palm Canyon, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, visit the Palm Springs Air Museum, and discover the diverse flora and fauna at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Kids will also love spending time at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.

How can families make the most of their trip to Palm Springs?

Plan to maximize your Palm Springs family vacation by checking out the area’s ten best things to do. Take advantage of a visit to Joshua Tree National Park, Downtown Palm Springs, and the various water parks kids will love.

What are some family-friendly outdoor activities near Palm Springs?

Families have many activities, from hiking in the palm oasis of Coachella Valley to enjoying water sports at resorts near Palm Springs. Kids of all ages will find something exciting to do in and around Palm Springs.

Conclusion

After reviewing our guide to Palm Springs and exploring things to do with kids, it’s safe to say that a Palm Springs family vacation is a must! Palm Springs has something for everyone, whether your kids enjoy outdoor adventures, museums, or simply relaxing by the pool.

The vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm weather make Palm Springs an ideal destination for families looking to bond and have a great time together. So pack your bags, book your accommodations, and prepare for the family vacation of a lifetime!