What We Did With Kids In Palm Springs

We didn’t cram our itinerary full of attractions; instead, we balanced downtime at the house with a handful of standout excursions. Here are the activities we enjoyed and those we’re saving for next time.

Cool off in a pool

The pool was unexpectedly the highlight. With desert afternoons in the 70s and 80s, the kids loved features like a basketball hoop and the raised spa with mountain views. If you want a restful family trip, prioritize accommodations with a nice pool.

Hang out in Downtown Palm Springs

South Palm Canyon Drive is the main shopping and dining strip—an easy area to stroll, pick up souvenirs, and enjoy dinner or dessert. We dined downtown most nights and enjoyed the variety of shops, from boutiques to kitschy tourist stores. Parking downtown is plentiful and free, which makes evening outings simple.

Check out the Cabazon Dinosaurs

About a 20-minute drive from Palm Springs, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are a classic roadside attraction. It’s a fun photo stop, and for a small admission fee you can explore exhibits and even climb inside the largest dinosaur structures. It’s playful, kitschy family entertainment.

Visit Joshua Tree National Park

About an hour away, Joshua Tree delivers dramatic desert landscapes and unique rock formations. Because pets are restricted on many trails, we did a scenic driving tour with short stops. Entering through the North Entrance at Twentynine Palms helped us avoid long lines and gave us a quieter route through the park. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and allow time for short walks and rock scrambling at scenic pullouts like Live Oak Picnic Area.

Explore the funky neighborhoods

Palm Springs is known for its mid-century neighborhoods and iconic architecture. We enjoyed evening drive-throughs to take in the houses and colorful mobile home parks; guided walking or biking tours are a great option if you have more time.

Eat something yummy

Dining in Palm Springs is varied and excellent. Our favorite dinner was at Birba, a restaurant that felt both special and family-friendly. We also enjoyed tacos at El Patron and a memorable poke burger from Haus of Poke that we ate by the pool. If you plan a weekend trip, book popular restaurants a few days in advance.