Travel

10 Best Spots for Families in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is famous for its stunning landscape and year-round sunshine. Located at the base of the Mount San Jacinto Mountains, it has always been a favorite with Hollywood celebrities. A real family getaway and families will simply love being in Palm Springs. It is just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles and Mexico. It is a different world filled with cacti, desert rocks as well as swimming pools and sunsets. Also there is plenty to and explore here with your kids.

There are Palm Springs homes for rent, resorts and newer hotels that cater to families of all sizes. There are well-equipped rooms with all the amenities and family-friendly dining options. Palm Springs is just the perfect get-away for the whole family to enjoy a rejuvenating break. Whether you are here for some days or a whole week, you will never run out of things to do with kids. One can enjoy jeep tours, explore the art museums or have fun times in the water parks.

The Living Desert The zoo and botanical

This attraction is spread over more than a thousand acres. You are likely to come across a wide selection of desert foliage and a variety of cacti and palm trees. The living desert boasts of a plethora of animals from North America and Africa such as lizards, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, birds, tortoises and cheetahs. Families can join educational workshops and enjoy tram rides and demos throughout the day.

The Indian Canyon Trails Hike

Takes you through the Indian Canyon Trails that offer you spectacular vistas as you trek through the mountains. Don’t miss the chance to meet big horned sheep! Don’t forget to take water and pay the fee to enter the hiking trails. Follow the easy trails if with toddlers and your kids will love wandering by the waterfalls.

Palm Springs Air Museum

The Air Museum based at Palm Springs is a non-profit educational institution. It boasts of the largest collections of flyable WWII airplanes in the world. Along with that, it showcases related artifacts, artwork, and library sources related to American history. Get to see vintage cars and Warbirds. Test your flight skills on simulators in the library. Get educated by real veterans who act as docents and are forever ready to interact with the guests.  We love Air Museums, so this would be top of our list!

World’s Biggest Dinosaur Museum

It is time to step back in time and enter the world of dinosaurs. The Biggest Dinosaur Museum in the world is located in Palm Springs. You kids will be thrilled to look at the giant robotic dinosaurs, and they are actually more kitschy than terrifying. Just watch your little ones climb in and out of the mouth of T-Rex, a huge model or ride the animatronic Brontosaurus. You can join the fun by searching for a prize through the sand at the Dino Dig.

Red Jeep tour

If you are looking for a real adventure for your family, then take the Red Jeep tour in the San Andreas Fault. As you drive through the desert, you not only enjoy the fabulous views and scenery, but also learn about the geology, earthquakes, and the vast landscape. Get to know more about Cahuilla Indians and how the landscape was formed with the collision of the North American and Pacific tectonic plates.

Splashtopia

Splashtopia is the only resort to have its lazy river and a water park with water slides. Located at the Omni Rancho, your kids are sure going to love the whole experience. One can spend the whole day here at the water park that boasts of two 100-foot water slides, a water-play area with fountains and a Jacuzzi. There is even a small beach for young children.

Aerial Tramway

It is indeed a special experience to get on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tram will take you to the top of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains at about 8000 feet high. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the Coachella Valley as you rotate in the car. You can return in the tram or hike back. There are gift shops, restaurants, and photo kiosk plus other amenities. Take shots of the panoramic views from the top.

palm springs Aerial Tramway

Wet & Wild

Another popular water park is Wet & Wild, which lies near the airport. It is a very large water park that offers 13 water slides and 20 water rides. Other attractions include lazy river tube ride, a big wave pool, and a kids’ activity area. You can get a locker and shop for souvenirs apart from enjoying water fun!

Children’s Discovery Museum

You can always head towards the creative museum when it’s too hot to stay outside. There are ever-changing exhibits at the Children’s Discovery Museum plus loads of activities and play spaces for children of all age groups. There are activities lined out for babies as well as teens.

Where to eat

For great dining options Palm Springs offer lots of options for all and at Sherman’s Deli locations, one can enjoy big breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Smoke Tree BBQ & Grill is best known for roasted meat and is the perfect place to enjoy beer and BBQ. Mac n Cheese is stellar for those who are not meat-eaters. Try Tyler’s Burger stand if looking for a simple burger and tasty fries. For brunch, one can stop at Cheeky’s and Thirsty Moms & Pops. Elmer’s in Palm Springs is famous for providing a fantastic breakfast and fluffy pancakes with hot and strong coffee. Check out the patio at La Casuelas for dining options.