Best Outdoor Activities in Palm Springs for Families

Fresh-Air Adventures, Nature, and Tours for All Ages

Palm Springs is one of Southern California’s best destinations for outdoor family adventures. Surrounded by mountains, canyons, desert gardens, and wide-open skies, the city offers experiences that help kids burn energy, spark curiosity, and connect with nature—all while parents enjoy the scenery and sunshine.

From Jeep tours and rotating tram cars to palm-filled canyons and botanical gardens, these outdoor activities highlight a different side of Palm Springs family travel. This guide focuses on open-air experiences, tours, and nature-based attractions that work for a wide range of ages and interests.

Outdoor Family Tour in Palm Springs

Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours

Few experiences introduce families to the desert landscape like an open-air Jeep tour. Desert Adventures offers guided excursions to the San Andreas Fault, Indian Canyons, and Painted Canyon in the Mecca Hills Wilderness Area. Knowledgeable guides bring geology, wildlife, and local history to life, making the tour both educational and exciting.

Climate-controlled tours to Joshua Tree National Park are also available, offering a comfortable way to explore iconic desert scenery.
Good to know: Minimum age is five years.

👉 Joshua Tree Day Trip from Palm Springs

red jeep tour

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

The Palm Springs Windmill Tours provide rare behind-the-fence access to a working wind farm. Families can explore interactive exhibits, historical displays, and observation points that explain how wind and solar energy power the Coachella Valley.

Kids love seeing the massive turbines up close, while parents appreciate the educational focus and photo-worthy views.

👉 Palm Springs Windmill Tours

windmills in palm springs

Nature & Scenic Attractions for Families

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

One of Palm Springs’ most iconic experiences, the Aerial Tramway transports visitors more than 8,500 feet up the cliffs of Chino Canyon in rotating tram cars. The ten-minute ride delivers sweeping valley views and instant relief from desert heat.

At the top, families can explore Mount San Jacinto State Park with easy nature walks, picnic areas, and cooler alpine air, making it a great year-round outdoor escape.

👉 The Ultimate Guide to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | Get Tickets

Indian Canyons & Tahquitz Canyon

Managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Indian Canyons and nearby Tahquitz Canyon offer some of the most accessible family hiking in the region.

Indian Canyons feature palm oases, flowing streams, and mostly flat trails suitable for beginners.
Tahquitz Canyon combines cultural history with a dramatic 60-foot waterfall hike that feels adventurous without being overwhelming.

From October through June, ranger-led programs and interpretive hikes add an educational layer that families appreciate.

👉 Guide to the Tahquitz Canyon Visitor Center

Tahquitz Canyon Waterfall

Moorten Botanical Garden & Cactarium

This historic family-owned garden showcases more than 3,000 varieties of desert plants arranged by geographic region. Kids enjoy wandering through cactus gardens and discovering unusual plant shapes, while parents love the calm, shaded setting.

The garden’s Mediterranean-style “Cactus Castle” adds a charming Old Palm Springs feel to the visit.

Family at Moorten Botanical Garden

Outdoor Museums & Educational Stops

Palm Springs Air Museum

Set on expansive outdoor grounds near the airport, the Palm Springs Air Museum blends aviation history with hands-on experiences. Kids can climb inside vintage aircraft, try flight simulators, and see WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War planes up close.

The outdoor layout allows families to explore at their own pace without feeling confined indoors.

Kids 12 and under are free with paid adult admission. Get Tickets

Palm Springs Air Museum interior

McCallum Adobe Museum & Ruddy’s General Store

Located downtown as part of the Palm Springs Historical Society, these historic sites offer a walkable, outdoor-friendly way to explore Palm Springs history.

McCallum Adobe Museum highlights early settlement and desert life.
Ruddy’s General Store Museum recreates a mid-century general store filled with authentic memorabilia.

Together, they create a short, educational stop that fits easily into a day of sightseeing.

Exterior of Rudy's General Store as part of the Palm Springs Historical Society

Active Outdoor Fun for Kids

Smoke Tree Stables

Horseback riding at Smoke Tree Stables introduces families to desert trails in a peaceful, memorable way. Guided rides range from one hour to full-day adventures through scenic terrain near Indian Canyons.
Age requirement: Children 7 and older.

Palm Springs Skate Park

One of the top skate parks in Southern California, this expansive facility includes bowls, street sections, and a replica of the famous Nude Bowl. Managed programs, lessons, and camps make it approachable for beginners and experienced skaters alike.

Boomers! Palm Springs

For families seeking high-energy outdoor entertainment, Boomers! delivers go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, and climbing attractions—perfect for an afternoon break from sightseeing.

Easy Outdoor Family Time in Downtown Palm Springs

Strolling Downtown Palm Springs

Some of the best family moments in Palm Springs happen at an easy pace. Downtown Palm Springs is compact, walkable, and filled with visual interest that keeps kids engaged without feeling like an “activity.”

Families can stroll Palm Canyon Drive and nearby side streets to spot colorful murals, public art, midcentury architecture, and, of course, Palm Springs downtown park. Enjoy some sweet treats, casual cafés, and souvenir stops, which make it easy to turn a simple walk into a relaxed afternoon outing.

This is an especially good option for:

Arrival or departure days
Cooler mornings or evenings
Families with strollers or mixed age groups

Family walking downtown Palm Springs

FAQ: Planning Outdoor Family Activities in Palm Springs

What is the best time of year for outdoor family activities in Palm Springs?
October through April offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor exploration. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing canyon streams, while winter delivers mild daytime temperatures.

Are outdoor activities safe for kids in the desert?
Yes, with proper planning. Bring water, wear sun protection, and plan activities earlier in the day during warmer months. Many attractions, like the Aerial Tramway and windmill tours, offer cooler or shaded environments.

Are there outdoor activities suitable for young children?
Absolutely. The Aerial Tramway, Moorten Botanical Garden, windmill tours, and Indian Canyons’ flat trails work well for younger kids.

Do families need reservations for outdoor tours?
Jeep tours, windmill tours, and the Aerial Tramway are best booked in advance, especially during peak season and holidays. You do not need a reservation for the Palm Springs Air Museum.