Top Family Things to do in Palm Springs on Your Vacation
Did you know that Palm Springs is ACTUALLY a family friendly vacation spot?
For one, there are numerous unique and exciting things to do in Palm Springs with your family which I will share with you below.
Even more, Palm Springs has so many great resorts that are perfect for kids, too!
So, the next time you decide to pass on Palm Springs for your family vacation, you should think again.
The Palm Springs area is a fantastic vacation destination for families.
Find out some of my favorite family things to do in Palm Springs below.
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Top Family-Friendly Things to do in Palm Springs
Downtown Palm Springs Sculptures and Walk of Stars
Take your family downtown Palm Springs for some fun photo opportunities.
Downtown has a number of great sculptures, murals, and even the Walk of Stars to check out!
See the 1968 Chevy Malibu hanging with its hood in a pool of water. It is located near the Palm Springs Art Museum.
You also can’t miss the humongous “Forever Marilyn” statue of Marilyn Monroe. It is incredible!
Our boys had a blast taking pictures with this statue.
Forever Marilyn Statue Location
The Forever Marilyn statue of Marilyn Monroe is located on Museum Way which runs right into the Palm Springs Art Museum.
Additionally, make sure to check out the wings mural and PS (Palm Springs) I Love You sculpture.
Wings Mural and PS I LOVE You Sculpture Location
If you keep walking down Museum Way in the opposite direction of the Marilyn Monroe statue and the Art Museum and cross Belardo Road, turn down the brick/stone walkway at Stout Burger and you will find these photo opportunities.
As you are walking around downtown, you may notice some stars at your feet.
This is the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. There are 329 of them in all!
There is definitely so much to see downtown Palm Springs with your family and many opportunities to take some memorable photos.
Downtown Palm Springs Parking
Parking in downtown Palm Springs is free! There is a mix of street parking as well as free parking lots available too.
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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
One of our favorite attractions in Palm Springs is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
This attraction is a definite MUST DO!
DISCOVER THE PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY: Everything You Need to Know for Visiting the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
You will get the opportunity to ride in the world’s largest rotating tramcar.
This tramcar travels two and a half miles each way to Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
The ride takes about 10 minutes each way and the views are out of this world.
Fun Fact
At the top of the mountain, you will be at an elevation of 8,516 feet.
For added enjoyment during your ride, the tramcar driver cranks up some fantastic sing-along tunes inviting everyone to join in on the fun!
So, bring your singing voice because you might just find yourself belting out Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer or Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline as you are cruising up and down the mountain.
At the top of the mountain, there are two restaurants–one is sit-down and one is grab-n-go.
There is also a bar, tons of hiking, a gift shop, observation decks, and more.
Expert Recommendation
I highly recommend enjoying lunch or dinner at Mountain Station which is where you arrive on your ride up the mountain. The views are gorgeous and food is great too!
You will likely spend anywhere from 1-3 hours enjoying the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway especially if you have a meal and do some hiking or other activity.
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Looking for more tips, inspiration, and real-life stories from families like yours? Our Facebook group is the perfect place to connect, share, and learn together. Whether you’re dreaming up your next family vacation, planning your next family adventure, or getting ready to go on a trip, you’ll find a supportive community ready to help.
➡️Click here to join now and get connected! Join our Facebook Group!
Lower Palm Canyon Trail
Another must do activity for anyone visiting the Palm Springs area is to hike along Palm Canyon Creek and below the enormous palm trees.
This hike is so amazing, and you will feel like you have traveled to a whole different world. The area is so lush and spectacular.
These palm trees are MASSIVE and walking underneath them is a magical experience.
The kids will love this hike too!
You can go as far as you want and then turn around when you are ready or make your hike a loop by taking the Victor Trail back.
The hike begins and ends at the Trading Post.
You will have to pay a per person fee at the Indian Canyons tollgate and then proceed towards the Trading Post to begin your hike.
Expert Tip
The hike is along Palm Canyon Creek so expect the kids to want to dip their toes or wade in the creek. We saw others doing this. You may want to bring a change of clothes and towel.
Also, there are picnic tables under the palm trees so if you want to bring a lunch or snack to have in this magical Palm Springs oasis.
Depending on how long you want to hike or if you want to have a picnic and play in the creek, you will likely spend anywhere from an hour (if you hike only a short distance) to 3 hours here.
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is another one of the top family things to do in Palm Springs.
There is SO much to do and see here!
I think this zoo is extra special because it has the gorgeous natural backdrop of the mountains surrounding it.
The kids LOVED the G-Scale Model Train and riding the Carousel.
My favorite thing was walking through all of the garden areas and seeing the gorgeous plants.
We also enjoyed being up and close to the wallabies, seeing the majestic giraffes, watching the grand Mexican wolves, and even giggling at the unique looking warthogs.
Your family will definitely enjoy a half day at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
Joshua Tree National Park
While Joshua Tree National Park isn’t right in Palm Springs, it is definitely worth the 50 minute drive to visit this amazing national park.
We loved Joshua Tree because it has numerous hiking trails that are perfect for families.
Additionally, this is a national park that if you do your research and efficiently plan your visit, you can see this park in as little as a half day or for sure a whole day.
Click on my link below to see my Joshua Tree National Park guide which includes the best hikes and scenic stops for families with kids.
DISCOVER JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK: Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
Palm Springs Air Museum
Another fantastic Palm Springs attraction for families is the Palm Springs Air Museum.
This is a great attraction to visit on your last day in Palm Springs especially if you have a flight departing later in the day and you need to be out of your resort or vacation rental.
The Palm Springs Air Museum is super close to the airport, too!
Kids 12 and under are free at this museum with a paying adult admission so that is also a plus.
This museum has 3-4 hangars of aircraft to view plus a snack shop and a small kids area to play in.
It is super cool to be able to get up close to this amazing military aircraft that played such a major role in U.S. history.
Palm Springs has GREAT Family Resorts too!
In addition to these great Palm Springs attractions for families, the area also has many fantastic family friendly resorts.
We stayed at the Marriott Desert Springs Villas in Palm Desert, and it was PERFECT for our family.
CHECK IT OUT: Marriott Desert Springs Villas Resort for Families
This resort has 7 pools, and we swam every single day.
It even has a special recreation building for the kids with activities inside and out!
The next time you are looking to visit a new place, keep Palm Springs on your list for a family friendly vacation destination.
You will not regret it!
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May you LOVE your adventure. KW