TOP 8 things to do in Palm Springs with kids

If you’re looking for a sunny and fun destination for your next family vacation, you might want to consider Palm Springs, California. It is a family-friendly destination with plenty of things to do that will keep both parents and children entertained. This desert oasis has something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions, from swimming pools to museums. Scroll down to find new places and plan a great family vacation.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

What is it?
The Living Desert is a unique zoo and botanical garden in Palm Desert, California. It is an ideal destination for families with children as it offers a fun and educational experience. The zoo features more than 500 animals representing over 150 species from various regions, including Africa and North America, and the botanical garden that showcases desert plants from around the world.

Why should you go?
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about desert wildlife and flora in their natural habitat. You can explore the Africa Trail and see animals such as cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes in spacious habitats. Or follow the North America Trail and explore the continent's diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and bobcats. You can also enjoy many interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and lorikeets, as well as camel rides – this will make your trip to the zoo truly unforgettable.

Don't forget to check out the botanical garden with over 1,400 species of desert plants, including cacti, succulents, and other native vegetation. Additionally, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is committed to conservation and education, with numerous programs focused on preserving endangered species and their habitats.

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

What is it?
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a popular tourist attraction that takes visitors on a breathtaking ride up the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the pristine wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park. The tramway offers stunning views of the Coachella Valley and surrounding mountains.

Why should you go?
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world's largest rotating tram car, providing visitors with an unforgettable 10-minute journey to the top of the mountain. At the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views, hiking trails, and two restaurants offering fine dining and casual fare. The temperature at the top of the mountain is often 30 degrees cooler than in Palm Springs, making it a perfect escape from the desert heat. The tramway is also an engineering marvel, with its cables being some of the longest in the world. It's a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Palm Springs.

Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

What is it?
The Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert is a hands-on learning center that offers interactive exhibits and programs for kids of all ages. The museum covers various topics, from science and art to music and culture.

Why should you go?
There are plenty of reasons why you should visit the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert. For starters, the museum boasts over 80 interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational, making it an ideal destination for families with children. The exhibits cover a range of topics, including science, technology, art, and culture. Kids can learn about physics by playing with a giant Newton's Cradle, create their own works of art in the art studio, or explore a replica of a desert tortoise burrow.

Additionally, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and workshops, including summer camps and homeschool classes, that are tailored to meet the needs and interests of children of all ages. You can also visit some special events throughout the year, such as their popular Halloween Spooktacular and Winter Wonderland celebrations.

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More fun things to do with kids

Palm Springs Air Museum

What is it?
The Palm Springs Air Museum is a non-profit educational institution that exhibits, preserves, and honors the role of aircraft in the history of the United States. The museum features a collection of flyable and static aircraft, artifacts, artwork, and library sources that highlight the significant contribution of aviation to the nation's development.

Why should you go?
Get a chance to witness the evolution of aviation technology and learn about the stories of the brave men and women who flew them. The museum's collection includes World War II and Korean War-era aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang and B-17 Flying Fortress, among others. You can also experience the thrill of flying in vintage aircraft on select days of the year.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is also home to the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, which pays tribute to the first African American pilots who served in World War II. Additionally, the museum hosts special events and educational programs for visitors of all ages – this experience may inspire your kid to become an aviation enthusiast, who knows?

Boomers Palm Springs

What is it?
Boomers Palm Springs is a national amusement center that offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy miniature golf, go-karts, and bumper boats, while adults can indulge in arcade games and batting cages.

Why should you go?
Boomers Palm Springs is a great place to spend quality time with your family or friends. The attractions are well-maintained, and there are plenty of options to keep everyone entertained for hours. You can try a quarter-mile-long go-kart track or play classic arcade games like skee-ball and air hockey. The park also features two 18-hole mini-golf courses with different themes and obstacles, including dinosaur-themed and Western-themed courses. With plenty of food options and party packages, Boomers Palm Springs is ideal for birthdays and other events.

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Indian Canyons

What is it?
Indian Canyons is a group of scenic canyons that belong to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. It's a great destination for families with kids as it offers a range of fun and educational activities.

Why should you go?
Explore the many trails that wind through the canyons, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscapes. Indian Canyons is also home to one of the largest palm oases created by humans, with over 3,000 palm trees, making it an incredibly unique and beautiful destination.

Kids can learn about the region's rich Native American history by visiting the Tahquitz Visitor Center, which has exhibits, artifacts, and a film about the Cahuilla culture. They can also take a ranger-led tour of the ancient cultural sites in Palm Canyon or Andreas Canyon, two of the Indian Canyons. The canyons also offer a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding.

Palm Springs Skate Park

What is it?
Palm Springs Skate Park is a skateboarding paradise for skaters of all levels, with such features as bowls, ramps, rails, and more. The park also has a stunning design that blends with the natural scenery of Palm Springs.

Why should you go?
If you're in Palm Springs with kids, you should definitely check out Palm Springs Skate Park. It's a fun and safe place for kids to learn and improve their skateboarding skills, as well as to make new friends who share their passion. The park has different areas for different skill levels, so everyone can find their own challenge and enjoyment. Plus, the park is close to other attractions in Palm Springs, such as restaurants and shopping centers, so you can easily plan a full day of family fun.

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Escape Rooms Palm Springs

What is it?
Escape Rooms Palm Springs is a family-friendly attraction that offers immersive, puzzle-solving experiences for kids and adults. Each one of the seven rooms is uniquely designed with its own storyline and challenges that require teamwork and critical thinking to solve. The games are suitable for kids ages eight and up, making this place an excellent choice for family outings or birthday parties.

Why should you go?
Escape Rooms Palm Springs offers a fun and engaging way for kids to learn problem-solving skills and improve their communication and teamwork abilities. Plus, it provides a safe and interactive environment for families to spend quality time together.

You should go to Escape Rooms Palm Springs if you're looking for a fun and challenging experience that will test your problem-solving abilities. Each room has its own unique theme and puzzles, including a Zombie Lab room and a Bank Heist room. With 60 minutes on the clock, you'll need to work together with your team to solve the clues and escape before time runs out.

@escaperoompalmsprings

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