Top Family Things to do in Palm Springs on Your Vacation
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Palm Springs may not be the first place families think of when planning a vacation. But after visiting with our four boys, I quickly realized how family-friendly it really is!
From unique outdoor adventures to easy attractions and great family resorts, Palm Springs turned out to be a surprisingly doable and worth-it destination for our family.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Palm Springs with kids.
Downtown Palm Springs (Public Art and Walk of Stars)
Downtown Palm Springs is an easy, low-stress outing with kids and perfect for fun photo stops.
You’ll find colorful murals, unique sculptures, and plenty to explore throughout the walkable downtown area.
Some highlights to look for:
- 1968 Chevy Malibu sculpture near the Palm Springs Art Museum
- Forever Marilyn statue on Museum Way
- PS I Love You sculpture
- Colorful Wings mural tucked near Stout Burger
Our boys especially loved posing with the Marilyn statue and hunting for different art pieces along the way.
As you walk around, you’ll also notice stars embedded on the sidewalk. This is the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, which includes more than 300 stars honoring celebrities and notable figures connected to the city.
Downtown Palm Spring Parking
Parking downtown is free, with a mix of street parking and parking lots available. This makes exploring downtown Palm Springs even easier for families.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
If you only do one attraction in Palm Springs, make it the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
You’ll ride the world’s largest rotating tramcar up 2.5 miles to the top of Mount San Jacinto State Park. The ride takes about 10 minutes each way, and the views are incredible the entire time.
If you want more details before you go, you can read my full Palm Springs Aerial Tramway guide with tips on tickets, timing, and what to expect.
At the top, you’ll find:
- Two restaurants (both a sit-down and grab-and-go)
- Observation decks
- Hiking trails
- Gift shop
- Bar
- Restrooms and plenty of seating
Fun Fact: The top elevation is over 8,500 feet, so temperatures are often 20-30 degrees cooler than the desert floor.
What We Loved: Our tram driver played the best sing-a-long songs on the way up and down. Think Sweet Caroline and Livin’ on a Prayer. It made the ride even more fun for everyone!
Plan to spend 1-3 hours total, depending on whether you eat, hike, or just explore.
Lower Palm Canyon Trail (Indian Canyons)
This was one of the most beautiful places we visited in the Palm Springs area.
The Lower Palm Canyon Trail follows Palm Canyon Creek and winds beneath towering palm trees.
It genuinely feels like you stepped into a different world, especially compared to the surrounding desert.
Kids will enjoy this hike too, especially because it feels more like an adventure than a traditional trail.
You can:
- Walk a short distance and turn back
- Continue farther depending on your family’s energy level
- Create a loop by taking the Victor Trail back
The hike begins and ends near the Trading Post, just past the Indian Canyons entrance.
Good to Know: There is a per-person entrance fee at the Indian Canyons tollgate before you reach the trailhead.
Mom-to-Mom note: The trail follows Palm Canyon Creek, and the kids will absolutely want to splash their feet in the water. Bring a towel and change of clothes just in case. There are also picnic tables under the palms, which makes this a great spot for a simple lunch or snack break.
Plan to spend anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on how far you hike and whether you stop to picnic or explore along the creek.
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is one of the best family-friendly attractions in the Palm Springs area and an easy place to spend half the day.
The setting is what makes this zoo feel extra special. The mountain backdrop, wide walkways, and desert landscaping make it feel more peaceful and enjoyable than many traditional zoos.
Some highlights our family loved:
- G-scale model train
- Carousel
- Wallaby walk-through
- Giraffe exhibit
- Mexican wolves
- Warthogs (the kids thought they were hilarious)
My favorite part was simply walking through the garden areas. The plants and landscaping are gorgeous, and a nice change of pace between animal exhibits.
Plan to spend about 3-4 hours here if you want to explore at a relaxed pace.
Joshua Tree National Park (Easy Day Trip from Palm Springs)
Joshua Tree National Park is about a 50-minute drive from Palm Springs, and it’s absolutely worth adding to your itinerary if you have time.
What makes Joshua Tree National Park especially great for families is how flexible it can be. With a little planning, you can see a lot without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Why families love it:
- Plenty of short, easy hiking trails
- Unique rock formations kids love climbing on
- Stunning desert scenery and scenic viewpoints
- You can experience the park in a half day or comfortably fill a full day.
If you want help choosing trails and stops, my Joshua Tree National Park guide walks you through the best family-friendly hikes and scenic spots.
Palm Springs Air Museum
The Palm Springs Air Museum is a great stop for families, especially on your departure day if you have time to fill before a flight.
It’s located just a few minutes from the airport, which makes it a convenient, low-stress option.
Why it works well for families:
- Kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult
- Several hangars filled with real military aircraft
- Small play area for kids
- Snack shop on-site
We enjoyed being able to walk right up to many of the aircraft and learn about their role in U.S. history. It feels educational without feeling boring, which is a win with kids.
Plan to spend about 1-2 hours here, depending on your family’s interest level.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Resorts in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a great destination for families who want a resort-style stay, especially if pool time is high on your priority list.
We stayed at the Marriott Desert Springs Villas II in Palm Desert, and it was perfect for our family.
What we loved about this resort:
- Seven pools across the property
- Spacious villa-style accommodations
- A recreation building with activities for kids
- Gorgeous views and grounds
We swam every single day, sometimes multiple times a day.
If your kids love pool time as much as mine do, staying at a resort like this can make the entire trip feel more enjoyable and even relaxing.
If you are considering this property, you can read my full review of Marriott Desert Springs Villas II to see what worked well for our family.
Is Palm Springs Worth It for Families?
Yes, it is absolutely worth it for families.
Palm Springs offers a rare mix of easy outdoor adventure, kid-friendly attractions, and relaxing resort stays.
It’s a destination that actually feels doable for real families.
If you’re looking for a trip that balances exploring and downtime, Palm Springs is one to keep on your list.
Ready to Plan Your Palm Springs Trip?
To make planning easier, here are a few helpful resources:
- Plan your trip with my Palm Springs Itinerary
- Looking for another California destination? Start with my San Diego Travel Guide
- Grab my free travel itinerary planner below to organize your trip details and daily plans all in one place.
May you LOVE your adventure. KW
