Palm Springs, California, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a kid-friendly vacation, but we had an amazing time there with our family (kids aged 9 and 13). If you’re curious about what to do with kids in Palm Springs, this is a rundown of our favorite activities, where we stayed, what we ate, and more. Plus, we brought along our 9-pound chihuahua, so you’ll also get tips for dog-friendly spots!
Why Choose Palm Springs for a Family Vacation?
We picked Palm Springs for several reasons. First, our kids had never been to California, and we wanted to show them a different side of the state—without the hustle and bustle of bigger cities like LA or San Francisco. The desert landscape was a fun contrast to what they were used to, and we liked that Palm Springs was just a short drive away from Sherry’s mom’s place in California. Plus, it was a perfect destination for warm weather in mid-March during spring break, so that sealed the deal!
We considered other desert destinations like Sedona or Flagstaff, Arizona, but Palm Springs was more convenient and budget-friendly for us, especially with flights from our small Florida airport.
Best Time to Visit Palm Springs
Palm Springs is ideal to visit in winter or early spring (November to April). This is when the weather is at its best—daytime highs in the 70s and 80s. During the summer, temperatures regularly soar above 100°F, and some locals even call it “miserable,” with highs reaching up to 120°F. That said, we visited in mid-March and enjoyed perfect weather with highs around 75-80°F, and it wasn’t crowded at all!
The main downside to visiting during peak season is higher prices and a bit more foot traffic, but we found ways to save. We booked an affordable Airbnb, which saved us some money compared to pricier hotels. We’ll share those tips below!
How We Got to Palm Springs?
We flew into Palm Springs Airport (PSP), which is super convenient, easy to navigate, and just a 10-minute drive from downtown. We loved that much of the airport is outdoors, making it feel more relaxed and open. For longer, cheaper flights, some people fly into LAX in Los Angeles or LAS in Las Vegas, and then drive to Palm Springs (about 2-3 hours from LA or 4 hours from Vegas). Renting a car is definitely the way to go, as it gives you more flexibility and lets you explore the area at your own pace.
Where We Stayed in Palm Springs
On past trips to Palm Springs, Sherry and I stayed at the colorful, iconic Saguaro Hotel, but when we travel with the kids and our dog, we prefer Airbnb or VRBO. This time, we rented a beautiful home just north of downtown. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip! The house had stunning views, large windows, and a pool with a hot tub. We even canceled a few sightseeing plans to spend more time relaxing by the pool. The property felt modern, spacious, and super clean.
A quick tip: We splurged a bit, paying around $450 a night for 3 nights, but we saved by using credit card points to offset some of the travel costs. Also, booking on weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) between other bookings often gives you a better rate.
Quick Tip: The Airbnb we stayed at could easily cost around $1,200 per night at peak times, but we got a good deal because they were filling in a few gaps between bookings. If you’re flexible with your dates, look for weekday nights between two booked weekends to find discounted rates.
What We Did With Kids in Palm Springs?
We didn’t do the usual touristy stuff—between lounging by the pool and visiting with Sherry’s mom, we kept things pretty chill. But the few activities we did fit in were a lot of fun and super memorable.
Cool Off in a Pool
As I mentioned earlier, the pool was an unexpected highlight of our trip! Even though we have a pool and hot tub at home, the features at our Airbnb were just too good to resist. The kids loved the basketball hoop, and the raised spa offered a stunning view of the mountains. With afternoons hovering around 80°F, everyone felt the desert heat and couldn’t resist jumping in. So, if you’re heading to Palm Springs, definitely look for a place with a great pool—trust me, you’ll end up spending way more time there than you might expect!
Hang Out in Downtown Palm Springs
The main shopping and dining area in Palm Springs is along South Palm Canyon Drive, and it’s the perfect place for an evening stroll. You can pick up souvenirs, grab a bite, and explore quirky boutiques. We ate all of our dinners here (though we kept breakfasts and lunches at our Airbnb) and wish we’d had more time to check out all the nearby shops. There’s everything from big national chains to cute little local stores. The best part? Downtown parking is free and easy to find, which made our evenings even more enjoyable. We’ll definitely be back next time!
Check Out the Cabazon Dinosaurs
If you’re into quirky roadside attractions, don’t miss the Cabazon Dinosaurs, about 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs. We swung by one evening to beat the heat and had a blast. It’s mostly a photo op, but you can also go inside the largest dinosaurs (which feel like a twisted lighthouse, but with giant teeth) and check out an exhibit filled with dinosaur models and facts. It was a fun stop for some wacky family photos, and we even got to visit during the Valentine’s Day decor, which was a nice touch. You can get all the good shots from the parking lot for free, but we paid to explore the dinosaurs up close and were happy we did.
Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Another gem about Palm Springs is its proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, which is only about an hour away. Since dogs are restricted on most trails, we opted for a driving tour with a few roadside stops. It took about four hours, including a lunch stop in the town of Joshua Tree, and it was totally worth it! The landscape felt otherworldly, like we were on another planet. The kids are still talking about how cool it was, and we are too!
We entered through the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms, which was far less crowded than the popular West Entrance. There was no line when we got in, but when we left, the West Entrance had a line of about 60 cars. Definitely worth the extra 15-minute drive!
Pro tip: Bring snacks and lots of water—it’s hot and dry even by 11 a.m.! We skipped the more intense hikes but still felt satisfied after seeing the park by car, with fun stops to explore along the way. Our favorite spot was the Live Oak Picnic Area—it was quiet, and the kids had a blast climbing the rocks.
On our way out, we stopped at The Rock Shop in Joshua Tree, where Sherry and the kids picked out some beautiful crystals to take home.
Explore the Funky Neighborhoods
We could have easily spent a whole day exploring Palm Springs’ mid-century neighborhoods. Instead, we opted for a couple of post-dinner drives to check them out. Our favorite was the Sahara Mobile Home Park behind the Ace Hotel, a super colorful and funky area. If you’ve got an afternoon free, walking or biking tours around these neighborhoods would be a fun way to dive deeper into the unique architecture and design.
Eat Something Yummy
The food scene in Palm Springs is incredible! We barely scratched the surface, but a few standout meals are worth mentioning. Our absolute favorite was dinner at Birba, a stylish spot that’s perfect for both adults and kids (and even pets!). We made sure to book a reservation a couple of days in advance to avoid the wait, and I highly recommend you do the same.
For something more casual, we grabbed tacos at El Patron on our first night, and they were perfect after a long day. And I can’t stop thinking about the poke burger I had from Haus of Poke. I picked up a to-go order and ate it poolside, and it was chef’s kiss.
What We Want to Do Next Time?
I know this list isn’t exhaustive, but here are a few activities we’re looking forward to trying next time:
- Palm Springs Aerial Tram: This rotating tram offers stunning views as you ascend Mt. San Jacinto. We’ve heard the change in scenery and temperature alone is worth the ride!
- Tahquitz Canyon Trail: Friends recommended this family-friendly hike that leads to a beautiful waterfall right in the heart of Palm Springs.
- Palm Springs Art Museum: The kids love art museums, and this one is right downtown—perfect for when we want a cultural break.
- The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens: About 30 minutes from downtown, this zoo is dedicated to desert wildlife and gardens.
- Windmill Tour: We were fascinated by the giant windmills outside of town and can’t wait to take a closer look with a guided tour.
- Red Jeep Off-Road Tour: These off-road adventures would be an unforgettable way to explore the desert terrain and have some fun.
- VillageFest on Thursday Nights: A street festival with food, art, and music every Thursday night. We missed it this time, but we’re definitely planning to check it out next time!
- Breakfast at Cheeky’s: This place came highly recommended by two of our friends, so we’re making it a priority next time.
Things to Do With Kids in Palm Springs: A Quick Summary
Here’s a quick bullet-point list of everything we covered, so you can have it all in one place:
- Hang out in Downtown Palm Springs
- Check out the Cabazon Dinosaurs
- Visit Joshua Tree National Park
- Stop at The Rock Shop in Joshua Tree
- Explore the Sahara Mobile Home Park
- Eat at Birba, El Patron, Haus of Poke, and Cheeky’s
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tram
- Hike the Tahquitz Canyon Trail
- Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
- See the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
- Tour a Wind Farm
- Off-road in a Red Jeep Tour
- Enjoy VillageFest on Thursday nights
- Relax by the pool at your hotel or Airbnb
