Thinking of a family vacation in Palm Springs, CA? Prepare to step into a sun-soaked playground where both kids and parents can unwind, explore, and make lasting memories together. This desert oasis is filled with family-friendly attractions, from thrilling water parks and interactive museums to scenic hikes and outdoor adventures that spark curiosity and joy.
At APEK Rentals we have created the ultimate guide to visit Palm Springs as a family.
Table of Contents
- Top Family Friendly Activities
- Hear What One Of Our Guests Has To Say
- Where to Stay in Palm Springs with Apek Rentals
- Tips for Planning Your Family Trip
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top Family Friendly Activities
1. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens stands out as one of the best family attractions in the Palm Springs area. This amazing place combines a zoo with botanical gardens, giving kids the chance to see over 500 animals up close.
What makes this place special is that kids can actually walk inside some animal areas. The Australian Adventures section lets families stroll alongside wallabies while kookaburras sing above! Your children will love feeding giraffes and meeting rhinos through special encounter programs.
Rating: 4.7/5 stars with over 10,000 reviews
Price Level: Moderate admission fees
Location: 47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Contact: +1760-346-5694
Hours: Monday & Wednesday-Sunday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
A great place to stay is our Luxury Condo Retreat in Palm Desert, located in an exclusive country club community about 10 minutes from the zoo.
Learn more about Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
2. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway takes families on an amazing ride up Mt. San Jacinto. This rotating tram car gives 360-degree views as you climb over 8,500 feet above the desert floor.
Kids love the excitement of the rotating car, but it’s not scary at all. At the top, temperatures are 30-40 degrees cooler, which feels great on hot desert days. In winter, families can even play in snow at the Mountain Station!
Rating: 4.8/5 stars with over 15,000 reviews
Price Level: $28.95 for adults, $16.95 for kids 3-12
Location: 1 Tramway Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Contact: +1888-515-8726
Hours: Monday & Wednesday-Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Learn more about Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
3. Cabazon Dinosaurs
The Cabazon Dinosaurs are giant roadside attractions that kids absolutely love! These huge dinosaur sculptures include a 65-foot-tall T-Rex and a 150-foot Apatosaurus that kids can climb inside.
This kitschy tourist attraction lets families take amazing photos and explore dinosaur models along walking trails. Kids can climb stairs into the T-Rex’s mouth and visit the gift shop inside the Apatosaurus belly. The dinosaurs get new paint jobs throughout the year, making each visit unique!
Rating: 4.5/5 stars with nearly 10,000 reviews
Price Level: Moderate admission for full experience, free photos from parking lot
Location: 50770 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
Contact: +1909-272-8164
Hours: Monday & Wednesday-Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Make it a quick day trip from Luxurious Palm Springs Getaway with Pool, about 30 minutes away
Learn more about Cabazon Dinosaurs
4. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park offers families a chance to explore otherworldly desert landscapes just an hour from Palm Springs. Kids love scrambling on the unique rock formations and seeing the twisted Joshua Trees.
Many hikes in the park are perfect for families, with short trails that lead to amazing rock formations. The Live Oak Picnic Area is especially popular with families because kids can safely climb on rocks while parents relax.
Rating: 4.8/5 stars with over 21,000 reviews
Price Level: National Park entrance fees apply
Location: California (enter through North Entrance for shorter wait times)
Contact: +1760-367-5500
Hours: Open 24 hours, visitor centers vary
Make sure to check out our properties located in the Joshua Tree area for your best convenience.
Learn more about Joshua Tree National Park
5. Indian Canyons
Indian Canyons provides families with beautiful hiking trails right outside Palm Springs. The Andreas Canyon trail is perfect for families – it’s only 1.2 miles with minimal elevation changes.
Kids love discovering palm oases in the desert and learning about Native American history from the rangers. The canyons offer a cooler escape from desert heat and stunning views of desert landscapes with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars with over 1,000 reviews
Price Level: $12 per adult, $6 per child ages 6-12
Location: 38520 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264
Contact: +1760-323-6018
Hours: Monday & Wednesday-Sunday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
Learn more about Indian Canyons
Hear What One Of Our Guests Has To Say
That’s how one of our guests described their stay, and we couldn’t agree more.
“Our 3-year-old absolutely loved visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs. Watching her light up among the giant dinos was magical, a true core memory for our little dino fan! As parents, that’s exactly what vacations are about.”
This is one of thousands of testimonials we have heard from families that have visited Palm Springs lately.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs with Apek Rentals
Whether your family prefers a modern villa close to downtown or a peaceful desert retreat with stunning mountain views, we offer a wide selection of properties in Palm Springs where elegance and relaxation come together to create lasting memories.
Tips for Planning Your Family Trip
We have welcomed countless families over the years, that is why we’re confident we can offer you the best advice and recommendations to make your upcoming trip to Palm Springs an exceptional experience from start to finish.
- Getting Around: Rent a car at Palm Springs Airport (PSP) for easy access to all attractions. The airport is only 10 minutes from most of our properties, making arrival and departure simple for families with kids.
- Packing Essentials: Bring swimwear and sun protection for pool time, layers for temperature changes (especially if visiting the Aerial Tramway), and comfortable hiking shoes for trail adventures.
- Money-Saving Tips: Look for mid-week stays and shoulder season dates. Many attractions offer family packages, and several activities like downtown walks and some hiking trails are completely free.
- Dog-Friendly Options: Many of our properties welcome pets, and several attractions mentioned are dog-friendly, including downtown walks and some hiking areas.
- Best Times to Visit: Plan your family vacation in Palm Springs between January and March, when temperatures are a comfortable 48–65°F, or visit in October or November, when they range from the mid-50s to mid-60s°F. This is peak season, but APEK Rentals helps families find great deals by booking weekdays between busy weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Palm Springs a good place to visit with kids?
Absolutely! Palm Springs offers amazing family activities like the Living Desert Zoo, Aerial Tramway, and Cabazon Dinosaurs. The desert landscape provides unique educational opportunities, while resort pools and family-friendly restaurants make it perfect for all ages.
What is the best month to go to Palm Springs with kids?
The best time for a family vacation in Palm Springs, CA, is between November and April when temperatures stay in the comfortable 70s and 80s. March and April are especially great because you might catch wildflowers blooming and perfect pool weather. Avoid summer months when temperatures can reach over 100°F, making outdoor activities uncomfortable for children.
How many days do you need in Palm Springs with kids?
Plan at least 3-4 days for a family vacation in Palm Springs, CA, to enjoy the top attractions without rushing. This gives you time for the Aerial Tramway, Living Desert Zoo, a Joshua Tree day trip, pool time at your APEK Rentals property, and exploring downtown.
Are Palm Springs vacation rentals better than hotels for families?
Vacation rentals are definitely better for families! When you stay at a vacation rental, they usually offer private pools, full kitchens for preparing kids’ meals, separate bedrooms for better sleep, and space to spread out. Check out our guide on why vacation rentals beat hotels for families.nd typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
