What We Did With Kids In Palm Springs

We didn’t pack every day with excursions—the trip balanced relaxing pool time, family meals, and a handful of memorable outings. The activities we did choose were fun for kids and adults alike, and everyone left saying they’d love to return.

Cool off in a pool

The pool was the unexpected highlight. Even with a pool at home, the combination of desert sun, a raised spa with mountain views, and pool toys kept everyone happily occupied. If you want a relaxed family vacation, prioritize lodging with a good pool.

Stroll downtown Palm Springs

South Palm Canyon Drive is the main shopping and dining strip—easy to walk, with boutiques, tourist shops, and plenty of restaurants. We enjoyed dinners downtown and simple breakfasts and lunches at our rental. Parking downtown was convenient, which made evening outings easy with kids.

Cabazon Dinosaurs

A short drive away, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are a kitschy, fun roadside stop perfect for photos and exploring. You can view the large dinosaur sculptures from the parking area for free, or pay a small fee to enter exhibits and climb inside the larger models.

Joshua Tree National Park

About an hour from Palm Springs, Joshua Tree offers surreal rock formations and iconic desert plants. Because dogs are limited on trails, we did a scenic driving tour with short roadside stops and a picnic. Entering through the north entrance near Twentynine Palms helped us avoid long lines and saved time. Bring plenty of water and snacks—shade and services are limited inside the park.

Explore unique neighborhoods

The city’s mid-century neighborhoods are fun to drive through and admire. If you have more time, consider a walking or biking tour to learn about Palm Springs’ architectural history.

Eat memorable meals

We enjoyed several standout meals. One dinner felt special and family-friendly, tacos made for an easy first night, and a casual to-go lunch by the pool was unforgettable. Make reservations when you can—popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekend evenings.