Exploring Palm Springs: A Kid-Friendly Guide

Palm Springs is a desert city located in Southern California, known for its beautiful scenery, warm climate, and outdoor activities. With plenty of kid-friendly attractions, it’s the perfect place to take a family vacation. From the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the Moorten Botanical Garden, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This guide will provide you with an overview of the best kid-friendly attractions in Palm Springs.

Stroll Through the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is an animal sanctuary and botanical garden that offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. The grounds are home to a variety of desert animals, including jaguars, bobcats, and mountain lions. There are also a variety of plants, cacti, and succulents that are native to the area. Visitors can explore the zoo and gardens on a self-guided tour or join a guided tour. The zoo also offers interactive programs for kids, such as animal encounters and wildlife presentations.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a great way to introduce kids to the local wildlife and teach them about the importance of conservation. There are also several restaurants and gift shops on site, so you can make a day of it and enjoy lunch or snacks after your tour.

This is one of the most popular attractions in Palm Springs, so be sure to plan ahead and purchase your tickets in advance.

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a fun way to take in the sights of the city from a different perspective. The tram takes visitors on a 10-minute ride up the side of the San Jacinto Mountains. At the top of the mountain, visitors can explore the hiking trails and take in the stunning views of the Coachella Valley. The tram is open year-round, so visitors can enjoy the experience no matter when they visit.

The ride is especially fun for kids, as they can experience the thrill of the ride and the spectacular views from the top of the mountain. There is also a snack bar and café at the top, so visitors can stop for a bite to eat or get a souvenir.

The tram runs frequently throughout the day, so visitors can plan their trip around it and make sure to get the most out of the experience.

Visit The Moorten Botanical Garden

The Moorten Botanical Garden is a charming oasis in the middle of the desert. This 3-acre garden is home to more than 3,000 species of cacti and other desert plants. Visitors can stroll through the garden and take in the sights of the unique plants. The garden also has a gift shop and café, so visitors can get a snack or pick up a souvenir.

This is a great spot for kids to explore and learn about the unique plants that can survive in the desert climate. There are also docent-led tours of the garden, so visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the plants and their importance.

The Moorten Botanical Garden is open year-round, so visitors can enjoy the experience no matter when they visit.

See the Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum is a great place to explore the city’s rich cultural history. The museum is home to an impressive collection of fine art, including works by renowned artists such as Picasso and Warhol. The museum also hosts special events and workshops for kids, so they can explore the art in a fun and interactive way.

The museum is open year-round, so visitors can plan their trip around it. There is also a café and gift shop on site, so visitors can take a break and pick up a souvenir.

Cool Off at Wet n’ Wild

Wet n’ Wild is a great way to cool off in the desert heat. This water park offers a variety of attractions, from water slides to wave pools. There is also a lazy river and a kid-friendly area with a variety of kiddie pools and slides. This is a great spot for families to spend the day and enjoy some fun in the sun.

The park is open year-round, so visitors can plan their trip around it. There is also a snack bar and gift shop on site, so visitors can get a snack or souvenir during their visit.

Take a Hike on the Indian Canyons Trail

The Indian Canyons Trail is a great way to explore the desert landscape. This 8-mile trail takes visitors through the canyons and into the desert. Along the way, visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the canyons and the desert landscape. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife, including lizards and birds.

The trail is open year-round, so visitors can plan their trip around it. Before heading out, be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sun protection.

Explore the Cabot’s Pueblo Museum

The Cabot’s Pueblo Museum is a unique spot to explore the history and culture of the area. This museum is located in a replica of a Hopi-style pueblo and offers a variety of exhibits and displays. Visitors can explore the history of the area and learn about the native people who have called this area home for centuries. The museum also has a gift shop and café, so visitors can get a snack or pick up a souvenir.

The museum is open year-round, so visitors can plan their trip around it. There are also docent-led tours available, so visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the area.

See the Palm Springs Air Museum

The Palm Springs Air Museum is a great way to explore the history of aviation. The museum is home to a variety of historic aircraft, including planes from World War II. Visitors can explore the planes and learn about the history of aviation. The museum also offers interactive programs for kids, such as flight simulators and virtual reality experiences.

The museum is open year-round, so visitors can plan their trip around it. There is also a café and gift shop on site, so visitors can get a snack or pick up a souvenir.

Visit Knott’s Soak City

Knott’s Soak City is a great way to cool off in the desert heat. This water park offers a variety of water slides and pools, perfect for families looking for a fun day in the sun. There is also a kid-friendly area with a variety of kiddie pools and slides. The park is open year-round, so visitors can plan their trip around it.

There is also a snack bar and gift shop on site, so visitors can get a snack or souvenir during their visit.

Take a Tour of the Palm Springs Follies

The Palm Springs Follies is a unique experience for visitors of all ages. This troupe of performers puts on a variety of shows, from musicals to comedy skits. The performers are all over the age of 60, so visitors can experience the unique talents of these individuals. The Follies also offers workshops and classes for kids, so they can learn about the history of performing arts.

The Follies is open year-round, so visitors can plan their trip around it. There is also a gift shop and café on site, so visitors can get a snack or pick up a souvenir.

Explore the Palm Springs Art District

The Palm Springs Art District is a great way to explore the city’s vibrant art scene. This area is home to a variety of galleries, shops, and restaurants, so visitors can explore the city’s culture. There are also a variety of interactive programs for kids, so they can explore the art in a fun and engaging way.

The art district is open year-round, so visitors can plan their trip around it. There are also a variety of restaurants and gift shops on site, so visitors can get a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir.

Visit the Sunnylands Center and Gardens

The Sunnylands Center and Gardens is a great spot to explore the beauty of the desert. This 200-acre estate is home to a variety of gardens, trails, and sculptures. Visitors can explore the grounds and take in the sights of the desert landscape. The center also offers interactive programs for kids, so they can learn about the local plants and animals.

The center is open year-round, so visitors can plan their trip around it. There is also a café and gift shop on site, so visitors can get a snack or pick up a souvenir.

Summary

Palm Springs is a great spot for a family vacation. With plenty of kid-friendly attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, there’s no shortage of things to do. This guide provides an overview of the best kid-friendly attractions in Palm Springs, so you can make the most of your trip.