Palm Springs for families

Evan Kingsley wrote on 9/24/2023. Last updated: 6/20/2024

If you're planning a family trip and want a destination that's sun-soaked, energetic, and brimming with adventure, then Palm Springs, tucked away in the desert landscapes of California, is your must-go oasis. Known for its richly diverse attractions, it offers a unique blend of nature, history, art, and fun. From exploring the enigmatic wilderness at the Living Desert Zoo or taking an awe-inspiring ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, to stepping back in time at Ruddy’s General Store Museum or encouraging your children's curiosity at the Discovery Museum, you're in for an unforgettable journey. In this blog post, we're dishing up a fantastic array of family-friendly treasures that will make your trip to Palm Springs all the more memorable. So, buckle up as we whisk you through this magical destination and the ten sparkling jewels that make it a genuine family paradise.

  • Giraffes at sunset
    Giraffes gracefully roam the grounds of Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, basked in the warm glow of a setting sun.
    Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

    Get a sneak peek into the wild heart of the desert at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, tucked away in Palm Springs, USA. This enchanting oasis gives you a front-row seat to nature's spectacle, showcasing the marvellous menagerie of desert-dwelling creatures and succulent plants. Picture a wildlife spree under the sun, a botanical banquet that bloomed against all odds, a sprinkle of education, and a dollop of adventure. From majestic mountain lions to countless cacti and desert flora – all under the crystal-clear desert skies. This is Mother Nature's theatre, and every day is a different show! So, ready your binoculars, folks! Adventure awaits at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

  • Historical aircraft exhibit
    A view inside the Palm Springs Air Museum showcasing a diverse collection of historical aircraft on display.
    Palm Springs Air Museum

    Oh, you will absolutely love the Palm Springs Air Museum in sunny Palm Springs, United States of America! This incredible refuge for aviation enthusiasts is steeped in history and radiates an infectious zest for life that's hard to resist. Housing one of the world's largest collections of World War II aircraft, the museum is a veritable treasure trove guaranteed to thrill. The meticulously preserved planes tell stories of courage, innovation, and the indomitable human spirit. So slide on your aviator sunglasses, and get ready for a high-flying adventure; these gleaming wings from yesteryears will make your heart soar!

  • Aerial view of museum
    A sunlit aerial view of the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert, showcasing its unique architecture and surrounding desert landscape.
    Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

    Welcome to a world full of creativity, ingenuity, and exploration - the magical Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert in Palm Springs, USA. This enchanting museum is a wonderland that inspires the imaginations of children and adults alike. It's chock-full of fascinating exhibits - over 80 of them - all designed to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. From science to art, nature to technology, there's an exhibit to fascinate every little explorer. So, come, let's awaken your inner child and journey together through corridors of color, creativity, and discovery!

  • Tramway over mountains
    The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway gondola offers breathtaking views as it glides over rugged mountain terrain.
    Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

    Perched in the majesty of picturesque Coachella Valley, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is an enthralling sky-ride. A marvel of engineering, this rotating tramcar dangles high above a breathtaking medley of cliffs, trees, and wildlife as it whizzes you up to the frost-kissed peak of Mount San Jacinto. As the world's largest rotating aerial tramway, it's not just a travel destination - it's your personal skyward voyage; whisking you away from the balmy desert heat to a tranquil, mountainous sanctuary. Isn't it incredible the lengths we go to change our point of view?

  • Vintage general store
    A glimpse inside Ruddy's General Store Museum showcases a variety of vintage goods and historic interior design, taking visitors back in time to a classic American general store.
    Ruddy's General Store Museum

    Nestled in the vibrant heart of sunny Palm Springs, Ruddy's General Store Museum is a delightful peek into the past. It's not just a museum, it's a time machine whisking you straight back to a 1930s general store. Every nook and cranny teems with authentic period items, from golden age groceries to vintage household goods. A quick visit feels like a heartwarming nostalgia trip, giving you an enchanting glimpse into everyday life from nearly a century ago. Believe me, darlings, it's a charming little detour you wouldn't want to miss!

  • Palm Springs Art Museum entrance
    The entrance to the Palm Springs Art Museum, showcasing its modern architecture and landscaped garden.
    Palm Springs Art Museum

    Tucked away in the heart of Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Art Museum is a little haven of culture and creativity in the desert. Home to a sensational collection of modern and contemporary art, the museum opens up a world of inspiration and intrigue, just waiting to be discovered. With ever-changing exhibitions and engaging events, this illustrious institution offers a brilliant blend of the old and the new, becoming a must-visit spot for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

  • Colorful dinosaur statues
    Vibrant, larger-than-life dinosaur statues on display at the Cabazon Dinosaurs attraction in Palm Springs.
    Cabazon Dinosaurs

    Well, well, well, if you've ever fancied to traverse the annals of prehistory, the Cabazon Dinosaurs in Palm Springs are your express ticket to the Jurassic era! This iconic roadside attraction is a delightful blend of kitsch nostalgia and dinosaur-mania, home to two ginormous, spectacularly-realistic steel-and-concrete dinosaurs: Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex. Right in the heart of Palm Springs, California, these towering T-Rex and amiable Apatosaurus poke their heads above the desert shrubbery like playful remnants of yesteryears, eagerly beckoning travelers for some fun-filled, fossil-friendly frolics!

  • Botanical garden sign
    The entrance sign of Moorten Botanical Garden, surrounded by an array of vibrant cacti and desert plants.
    Moorten Botanical Garden

    Step into the enchanting world of Moorten Botanical Garden in sunny Palm Springs. This unique desert oasis is a treasure trove of over 3,000 varieties of desert plants artistically arranged by ecosystems from around the world. Brimming with exotic cacti, colorful succulents, and unusual desert flora, Moorten adds a dash of green to the golden California landscape. As an unexpected delight, there's even a "Cactarium" housing rare and unusual varieties. The garden's rich history, paired with its enchanting, otherworldly beauty, makes it an absolute must-visit for nature enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

  • Giraffes with mountains
    A serene group of giraffes grazing with a backdrop of mountainous terrain.
    Indian Wells Tennis Garden

    Warmly tucked into Palm Springs, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is not just a sports venue, it's a lover's paradise for tennis! Consider it a tennis Wonderland, if you will. This gem became the second largest tennis stadium in the world when it opened its doors in 2000. Now, just allow that to sink in for a moment. This isn't your everyday sports complex, folks. With cozy, sun-drenched seats, it's got room for a cool 16,100 spectators. Just imagine - the buzz, the palpable excitement, and witnessing up-close the powerful serves and tricky drop shots of global tennis stars. It's no surprise then, that it's the cherished home of the annual "BNP Paribas Open", one of the most prestigious tennis events outside of the four Grand Slams. Now, grab your sun hat and I'll meet you at the court!

  • Rancho Mirage shopping center
    An aerial view of The River at Rancho Mirage shopping center, showcasing its distinctive water features and surrounding palm trees with the San Jacinto Mountains in the background.
    The River at Rancho Mirage

    Nestled in the heart of the sun-drenched oasis of Palm Springs, The River at Rancho Mirage tantalizes visitors with its sensational blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Like a bejeweled mirage rising from the desert sands, this diverse outdoor mall shimmers with a sparkling stream, enchanting water features, and an enticing selection of stores. With its clutch of top-notch eateries serving mouthwatering cuisine from around the world, it's the ultimate gastronome's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned shopper on a retail quest, a foodie aiming to quench your culinary cravings, or a culture vulture hunting the latest blockbuster, The River promises delights at every turn.


Evan Kingsley

Evan Kingsley

Hey, I’m Evan! Even though I’ve been bitten by a piranha, left stranded in the Sahara when my camel ditched me, and even spent a night in a Bhutanese jail over a supposedly stolen fruit (I swear I didn’t take it!), I still love traveling so much I don’t think I’ll ever stop. With over 130 countries under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for the next wild adventure… hopefully with fewer bites, camel betrayals, and misunderstandings over fruit!

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