Palm Springs draws families in with warm desert sunshine, wide-open skies, and a laid-back pace that works well with kids in tow. The city packs a lot into a small footprint, so you can fill a day with outdoor adventures, hands-on attractions, and easy indoor stops without spending hours in the car. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or passing through on a longer California trip, there are plenty of things to do in Palm Springs with kids that keep every age entertained. This guide walks through the best of them, from spring hikes to rainy-day backups, and where Boomers fits into the mix.
Is Palm Springs a Good Place to Visit with Kids?
Palm Springs is a great place to visit with kids. The weather stays sunny for most of the year, the attractions are spread across a compact, walkable area, and many of the best experiences are outdoors and low-cost. Families find a comfortable mix here: nature and hiking for active kids, museums and interactive spots for curious ones, and pools, arcades, and ice cream for everyone in between. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures, though summer visitors can plan around the heat with morning outings and afternoon indoor stops. The short drives between attractions make it easy to pack several activities into one day without wearing kids out.
The Best Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids
The best family days in Palm Springs mix outdoor fun, local attractions, and a few indoor options for when the sun gets strong. Here are the top things to do with kids, grouped by the kind of day you are planning.
Seasonal Outdoor Adventures and Nature Activities in the Spring
Spring is one of the best times to explore Palm Springs with kids, when wildflowers appear across the desert and temperatures stay mild enough for easy hikes. The paved trails and boardwalks make it simple for little legs to keep up, and there is plenty to spot along the way. A few outdoor ideas that work well for families:
Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up into the San Jacinto Mountains, where the air is cooler and easy nature trails wind through the pines at the top.
Walk the shaded boardwalk trails at the Coachella Valley Preserve, where a natural palm oasis makes an easy, kid-friendly hike.
Visit The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in nearby Palm Desert to see giraffes, meerkats, and other animals along accessible walking paths.
Bring water, hats, and sunscreen for any outdoor stop, and aim for morning hours when the desert is at its coolest.
Local Attractions and Kid-Friendly Experiences
Palm Springs has a strong lineup of attractions that parents and kids can enjoy together. The Palm Springs Air Museum lets kids climb aboard and explore historic aircraft up close, with plenty of room to roam. The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in nearby Rancho Mirage offers hands-on exhibits built for younger visitors, from building stations to interactive play. Families who like the outdoors can spend an afternoon at a local park with playgrounds and open green space, giving kids room to run between the bigger attractions. These spots pair history, learning, and play in a way that keeps different ages engaged at the same time.
Indoor Entertainment and Budget-Friendly Options
When the afternoon heat rolls in or the budget is tight, Palm Springs still has plenty to offer. Arcades and family entertainment centers give kids a break from the sun with games, prizes, and air conditioning. Free and low-cost options are easy to find too: many families enjoy strolling the downtown area, browsing the weekly VillageFest street fair on Thursday evenings, or cooling off at a hotel or community pool. Ice cream shops and casual eateries downtown make for an easy, affordable treat between activities. These indoor and budget-friendly stops are perfect for balancing out a day of outdoor adventure.
Add Boomers to Your Palm Springs Family Trip
No family trip to Palm Springs is complete without a stop at Boomers. With go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, and rides, Boomers brings together all-ages entertainment in one high-energy spot. It is an easy addition to any itinerary, whether you are looking for an afternoon out of the heat or a fun way to cap off a day of desert adventures. Plan your visit to Boomers and give the whole family a day of games, rides, and lasting memories.
