Best Family-Friendly Things To Do in Palm Springs

A Complete Travel Guide

Palm Springs isn’t just a playground for design lovers and poolside loungers; it’s also an unexpectedly excellent destination for families. With a mix of outdoor adventure, interactive museums, creative experiences, and classic desert fun, Palm Springs offers activities that appeal to kids, teens, parents, and grandparents alike.

From aerial tram rides and Native American cultural sites to water adventures, hands-on art, and family-friendly events, this guide brings together the best family activities in Palm Springs to help you plan a well-rounded trip.

Why Palm Springs Is Great for Families

Palm Springs stands out as a family destination because it offers:

Outdoor experiences for all ages
Compact neighborhoods and short drive times
Warm, dry weather (especially appealing in winter and spring)
A mix of educational, cultural, and playful attractions
Weekly and seasonal events that are stroller- and kid-friendly

It’s equally enjoyable for families with young children, teens, and grandparents—a rare combination.

Family walking downtown Palm Springs

Outdoor Adventures & Nature Experiences

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

One of Palm Springs’ most iconic attractions, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks families from the desert floor up to the cool alpine climate of Mount San Jacinto. The rotating tram cars offer sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, and the mountain station offers easy hiking trails, nature walks, and seasonal snow play. Discounted tickets for kids 10 and under.

Good to know:

Best for: ages 5+
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Tip: Bring layers — temperatures can be 30–40 degrees cooler at the top

👉 Outdoor Adventure Awaits You on a Red Jeep Tour

👉 Best Outdoor Activities in Palm Springs

Kids at Palm Springs Aerial Tram car

Indian Canyons

Owned and preserved by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Indian Canyons offers family-friendly hiking trails through palm oases, flowing streams, and dramatic canyon scenery. The short, flat trails make this a great introduction to desert nature for kids.

Good to know:

Best for: all ages, but not with strollers
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Tip: Go early in warmer months and bring water

👉 Andreas Canyon Hike: Complete Guide to the Lush Oasis in Indian Canyons

👉 Explore the Rich Heritage of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Indians

Moorten Botanical Garden

Moorten Botanical Garden's charming, compact cactus garden feels like a living classroom. Families can explore desert plants from around the world, learn about cacti and succulents, and enjoy a calm, shaded stroll that’s manageable even for younger kids.

Good to know:

Best for: all ages
Time needed: 45–60 minutes
Tip: Pair with a nearby lunch stop in South Palm Springs, like Kings Highway or Sancho's.

Parks, Playgrounds & Outdoor Spaces

Palm Springs has a strong park system ideal for downtime between activities.

Popular options include:

Ruth Hardy Park (playground, picnic area, tennis, mountain views)
Downtown Park (near dining, attractions, Forever Marilyn statue)
Demuth Park ( basketball court, slides, swings, picnic area)

demuth park palm springs

Active Fun & High-Energy Experiences

Palm Springs Surf Club

A brand-new addition to the family scene, Palm Springs Surf Club brings wave-based fun to the desert. With surf sessions, a lazy river, splash areas, and food options, it’s a high-energy stop that appeals to older kids, teens, and adventurous adults.

Good to know:

Best for: stronger swimmers and teens
Time needed: At least half a day for the lazy river
Tip: Book surf sessions in advance during peak season

Palm Springs Escape Rooms

Escape rooms offer indoor fun that’s perfect for hot afternoons or evening entertainment. Palm Springs Escape Room features multiple themed rooms designed to challenge families to solve puzzles together — teamwork encouraged.

Good to know:

Best for: ages 8+
Time needed: 60–90 minutes
Tip: Ask about family-friendly difficulty levels

👉 The Ultimate Palm Springs Summer Fun Guide

Palm Springs Air & Art Museum

Palm Springs Air Museum

A favorite with kids, teens, and aviation buffs, the Palm Springs Air Museum showcases vintage aircraft and hands-on exhibits. Kids 12 and under are free with paid adult admission.

Why it works for families:

Interactive displays and Ron Auen Theatre
Open hangars and up-close aircraft viewing
Frequent special events and fly-ins
A chance to see the Walt Disney aircraft

👉 Inside Walt Disney's Plane: See The Exhibit at the Palm Springs Air Museum

Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum offers family-friendly cultural exploration in a welcoming, accessible setting. Children 17 and under are free. It's also free on Thursday evenings from 5 - 8 pm during VillageFest (times may vary seasonally).

Highlights for families include:

Rotating exhibitions that appeal to all ages
Sculpture gardens and outdoor spaces
Family days, workshops, and hands-on programming
Architecture and design elements that spark curiosity

It’s a great option for balancing outdoor adventure with indoor learning, especially during warmer afternoons.

👉 Palm Springs Art Walking Tour: Museums, Galleries & Public Art Downtown

Family at the Palm Springs Art Museum

Family-Friendly Events in Palm Springs

VillageFest (Every Thursday Evening)

VillageFest is a must-do for families visiting Palm Springs. Held every Thursday night in downtown Palm Springs, this lively street fair transforms Palm Canyon Drive into a pedestrian-only celebration.

What families can expect:

Food vendors and treats kids love
Local artisans and crafts
Live music and street performers
Easy strolling with strollers or scooters

It’s a low-stress, high-reward evening activity and a favorite with both locals and visitors.

VillageFest

Seasonal & Annual Events

Throughout the year, Palm Springs hosts events that appeal to families, including:

Holiday parades and festivals
Outdoor movie nights
Spring and summer cultural events
Family-friendly art and music festivals

Checking the events calendar before your trip can help you plan around kid-focused programming.

🍴 Where to Eat with Kids in Palm Springs

Palm Springs makes family dining surprisingly easy, thanks to its mix of relaxed restaurants, outdoor patios, and fun, treat‑forward stops that keep kids happy and adults well‑fed.

Kid‑Approved Restaurants

From casual cafés to colorful diners, Palm Springs has no shortage of spots where kids can wiggle, explore, and enjoy a great meal. Many local restaurants offer thoughtful children’s menus, flexible portions, and breezy patios perfect for families.

👉 Best Kid’s Menus in Palm Springs

Sweet Treat Stops

No family outing is complete without something sugary and fun. Palm Springs is packed with ice cream shops, bakeries, and dessert bars that turn a simple snack into a memory.

👉 Take Your Family for some Sweet Treats

Ben & Jerry's Ice cream

Tips for Stress‑Free Family Dining

Choose restaurants with an outdoor patio for extra space and a relaxed vibe.
Look for spots near parks, museums, or downtown strolls to pair meals with easy activities.
Visit earlier in the evening when restaurants are quieter and service is quicker.

Sample Family Itineraries

2-Day Family Getaway

Day 1

Morning: Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Afternoon: Lunch downtown + park time
Evening: VillageFest (Thursday)

Day 2

Morning: Indian Canyons hike
Afternoon: Palm Springs Air Museum (or Art Museum)

Long Weekend with Kids

Outdoor adventure (tramway or canyons)
One cultural attraction (museum)
Surf Club
Plenty of pool and downtime

Start Planning Your Family Trip to Palm Springs

Explore by interest, mix outdoor adventure with arts and culture, and leave room for spontaneous fun. Palm Springs is at its best when families slow down, explore together, and make memories along the way.

👉 Explore more:

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Palm Springs with Kids

Is Palm Springs a good destination for families?

Yes. Palm Springs offers outdoor adventures, educational attractions, family-friendly events, and easy navigation, making it ideal for family travel.

What is the best time of year to visit Palm Springs with kids?

Fall, winter, and spring are especially popular due to mild temperatures. Winter is ideal for families escaping colder climates, while spring break is a peak season.

Are there free family activities in Palm Springs?

Yes. Parks, VillageFest, scenic walks, and many seasonal events are free or low-cost.

Is Palm Springs walkable for families?

Downtown Palm Springs is very walkable, especially for dining, events, and shopping. Other attractions are a short drive away.

Is Palm Springs better for younger kids or teens?

Both. Younger kids enjoy parks, museums, and nature, while teens appreciate bike rides, architecture tours, events, and outdoor adventures.