Palm Springs with Kids: Adventure in the Desert!

Last Updated on February 20, 2026 by Tori Pines

Palm Springs is one of those magical places where desert charm, sunshine, and outdoor fun collide, and when you bring kids along, it really becomes a playground in the desert. On our Southern California road trip, Palm Springs was our first full stop, and it set the tone for the rest of the trip. We relaxed, played, explored, and made memories, and you can do the same with your crew.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan a trip to Palm Springs with kids. You’ll find tips on where to stay, what to do, how to pace yourselves, what to pack, and more. Let’s go!

Why Trust Me?

Because I’ve actually done it! I took my toddler on a vacation to Palm Springs from across the country and learned the hard way, the things to, and not to do during your trip. I’ll share my honest tips on how to have fun with kids in Palm Springs!

Why Visit Palm Springs with Kids

There are a million reasons, but here are the ones that convinced me:

• Pool time is plentiful. Palm Springs is known for its sunshine and resort culture. After a long stretch of driving or being cooped up, the first thing I did was pick a hotel with a great pool so the kids (and adults) could unwind and splash. In my Southern California road-trip plan, the first afternoon was all about relaxing by the pool.
• Balance of chill + adventure. Palm Springs gives you easy mornings and relaxed afternoons, but also offers attractions that kids (and adults) will remember, like aerial trams, desert zoos, and fun strolls downtown. In my itinerary, I scheduled a mix: pool, downtown walk, zoo, tram ride.
• Part of an incredible long road trip. We used Palm Springs as a launching pad for Joshua Tree and then headed toward San Diego. It breaks up the trip nicely so travel days aren’t brutal. Side note: San Diego with kids is also amazing!!
• Kid-friendly attractions. There are experiences in Palm Springs that feel special, feeding giraffes, soaring above the desert in a tram, dessert stops that delight little ones. In our trip, we did just that: visited The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, fed giraffes, rode the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and ended with a sugar hit at Great Shakes.
  

If I were doing it again with kids, I’d lean into those things, pools + unique desert attractions + enough downtime to recharge.

Best Time to Visit Palm Springs with Kids (Based on our experience)

The best time to visit Palm Springs with kids is hands down late fall through early spring (roughly November through April). (We visited Palm Springs in the winter.) This is when the weather is warm but comfortable, making it actually enjoyable to be outside for pool time, hikes, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and wandering around downtown without melting. Daytime temps usually sit in the 70s and 80s, which is perfect for little ones who don’t do well in extreme heat. We were there last February and it was perfect. Some days were still plenty warm enough for the pool, but the evenings were brisk and perfect for a light jacket.

Summer (June through September) is brutally hot—like 110°+ hot—and while hotels slash prices and pools are everywhere, it’s really only doable if you plan to stay inside or in the water most of the day. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend summer with kids unless you’re okay with very limited outdoor activities and lots of midday downtime.

If you’re looking for that sweet spot, March and April are fantastic thanks to gorgeous weather, though prices will be higher and crowds heavier. For fewer people and better deals, I love Palm Springs as a destination to go for Christmas with kids in November and early December, still warm, still sunny, and way more relaxed. And it’s a great time to visit other places in southern California, like San Diego in the winter.

Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids Map

Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids

Here’s a menu of kid-approved activities from my own itinerary that are perfect for families. This is easily doable in just a few days!

1. Relax at the Pool

We started our Palm Springs days by letting our toddler unwind at the pool after a drive and hotel check-in. It’s a simple but essential reset. Especially with little ones, downtime is just as critical as adventure. Plan as much pool time as you’d like into your Palm Springs. And be sure to pick a hotel with a great pool like the one at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa.

2. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

This was one of my favorite surprises in Palm Springs. In our itinerary, we dedicated a morning to The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens. It’s easily my favorite zoo I’ve been to, and as the mom of a toddler, I’ve been to a lot. We paid extra to feed the giraffes. That experience was pure magic and absolutely worth it.

Kids love getting close to animals, and slower zoo days let you pause and soak up the details rather than rush. Bring snacks, plan breaks, and choose exhibits your kids will really get excited about.

3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

This is a must-do in Palm Springs, for both adults and kids. On our Palm Springs trip, I called it a non-negotiable stop.

The tramway climbs 2.5 miles up to Mt. San Jacinto State Park, and the ride rotates so everyone gets a view. Once you reach the top, you can do short hikes, enjoy the cooler air, and take in panorama views. Buy your ticket in advance to avoid waiting in ticket lines when you arrive. I’m sure your kids hate waiting in lines as much as mine do.

Pro tip: Dress in layers. It’s desert at bottom, alpine at top. Allow buffer time in case clouds or weather delay your view — we had to wait for clouds to part during our visit.

4. Dessert at Great Shakes

After our tram excursion and back to town, we made a stop at Great Shakes downtown for dessert. These shakes are piled high with fun toppings and are a perfect “treat” to end a long day. Kids (and adults) love that kind of over-the-top dessert.

5. Walk Around Downtown Palm Springs

Downtown is walkable, vibrant, and full of yummy food and cool shops. Be sure to check out the giant Marilyn Monroe statue in downtown for the perfect photo op!

For families, downtown walks are great for letting kids burn off energy between larger activities. Look for ice cream shops, street art, or quirky boutiques to keep it interesting.

6. San Andreas Fault Open-Air Jeep Tour

For families with older kids, you might love this San Andreas Fault tour! Hop into an open-air Jeep and head out on a guided 4WD adventure through a stunning active earthquake zone along the San Andreas Fault. This exclusive tour takes you onto private land at Metate Ranch and can be booked as either a private or shared ride.

You’ll explore dramatic canyons, towering granite walls, and a hidden desert oasis while learning about the powerful forces that shaped this rugged landscape. Along the way, discover the plants and wildlife that thrive here and hear how the Cahuilla Indians used desert resources for food, medicine, shelter, and tools. It’s a truly unforgettable way to experience the wild side of the Coachella Valley, but is only suitable for children 5 and up.

7. See the Dinosaurs!

Yes, it’s true, there’s dinosaurs in Palm Springs! As you drive into town, you can’t miss these huge structures. The Cabazon Dinosaurs are located right off interstate 10 and make for a fun stop as your vacation is just beginning.

Especially for those visiting Palm Springs with kids, this is a must-see spot. I recommend at least swinging by for a quick photo opp, but if you want to explore them even further, pay $15 per adult or $13 per child age 3-12 to visit their dinosaur walk featuring a dino dig and fossil/gemstone panning.

Looking into a travel credit card? I swear by the Southwest Credit Card for earning free flights around the US and the ability to earn the companion pass where you can take anyone on a flight with you for FREE!

What to Pack for Palm Springs with Kids

Packing smart is essential when traveling with kids, especially in a place like Palm Springs with big temperature swings and outdoor activities. Based on what we did and what we warned about, here’s how I’d pack:

Baby Carrier

First thing’s first, if you’ll have a baby or small toddler along for the ride then I can’t recommend enough that you invest in a great baby carrier. I used a lower quality, hand-me-down carrier for our trip to Palm Springs with kids and regretted it, so I have since upgraded to the Mabē Monarch carrier and I could not be happier. I even use it for my older toddler during hikes on my back! This carrier is so comfortable for both baby and mom, and allows you to be on the go during your trip to Palm Springs with Kids. With the Mabē carrier I can wear her for hours and I don’t feel like I’m carrying anything, it’s the most comfortable carrier! Baby wearing is the best option for being able to do everything you want to during your trip!

Use my link for the Mabē Monarch carrier to get 10% off your purchase!

Toddler Carrier

For toddlers who are older, walk most of the time but want to be carried here and there, I swear by the Tushbaby. This is such a great way to carry your toddler off and on throughout the day without killing your shoulders and arm. Pop them up on the seat on your hip and set them down when they’re ready to run around on their own. Plus there’s tons of storage space in the Tushbaby, so you can throw all of your diaper bag essentials in there for one less thing to carry when you’re on the go!

Travel Stroller

If you’re traveling to Palm Springs with small children, a stroller is also probably a must for your packing list. We bring some sort of stroller on every trip we take. If you want the stroller to be super small and lightweight, then the Pockit+ is for you. It’s by far the most compact travel stroller on the market. If you don’t care about it folding up tiny, and maybe want something that has more storage and can lay back for naps (my top priorities), then I recommend the Mompush!

Toddler Airplane Bed

Yet another must-have item for small children is the toddler airplane bed. If you have a long flight to get to Palm Springs like we did, then you’ll be so glad you brought one. After take off, blow this bed up with just a few pumps (pump included!!) and your kiddo can rest (and hopefully sleep like mine did!) the whole flight. It made the long flight so much less stressful and enjoyable!

Car Seat and Bag

Since you’ll definitely need a car to visit Palm Springs, then you’ll probably want to bring a car seat along with you. You could rent one from the car rental company, but I personally don’t like relying on what they offer if I don’t have to. For infants, I cannot recommend the Doona car seat/stroller enough. It is so incredibly convenient for traveling and adds so much less stress to travel days. You can bring this on the plane if you have a seat for your baby, but I recommend getting this padded bag for it in case you have to gate check it. I have this padded bag and it works great! I also love this diaper bag that hooks onto the Doona for extra space to pack.

For my older daughter we use this travel Graco car seat. It’s light, only 15 pounds, without being super thin like some travel car seats. This is the travel bag we use for her seat when checking it at the airport. I also recommend using this strap for lugging it around the airport so it can attach to the suitcase!

First Aid Kit

I have learned the hard way how important it is to travel with a small first aid kit when traveling with kids! A few things I recommend you include are children’s pain reliever, band-aids, children’s benadryl, children’s cough medicine, small thermometer and vitamins all in a cute little bag. This is also a great starter kit, but doesn’t include everything I recommend you bring.

Teema Towel

I bring my Teema Towel everywhere with me and highly recommend you get some for your family as well! They’re super soft, dry quickly and pack down super small! They’re the perfect towel for traveling. Why do you need a towel for visiting Palm Springs with kids? Because not only can you use it at the pool, but you can use it as a blanket for plane rides, or up on the mountain after riding the aerial tramway. You can use it as a picnic blanket for casual lunches around your resort. You can use it to cover the stroller for shade at the zoo. Literally every day on your trip you will find a reason you need this Teema Towel, it’s my best travel companion, and has been for 5 years now.

Sunscreen

Of course you’ll need a bottle of travel sunscreen to bring along to Palm Springs! I like this brand since the ingredients are clean, and it’s 3oz so it can go in your carryon!

Toiletries

You’ll know to pack toiletries, but a few things you might not think to include are travel sized diaper rash cream, hair ties, hand sanitizer, nail clippers or baby nail file!

Pool Float

Depending on the age of your kids, you might want to bring a baby pool float, or floaties for toddlers/younger kids!

Stain Spray

With kiddos you’re bound to have messes and I hate ruining clothes while on vacation just because I can’t wash them right away. I highly recommend you bring a travel sized bottle of Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Spray since it is by far the best stain remover I have ever used. This one is small and perfect to take to Palm Springs with kids!

New Toy

One of my biggest tips for flying with small kids is to bring them a brand new toy to play with. Toys are so much more interesting and exciting when they’ve never played with them before. Pick something out that they can’t have until the flight. I personally love these sticker books for toddlers!

Snackle Box

Toys are great, but by far the biggest thing that keeps my toddler’s attention are snacks. Especially when she has a bunch to choose from, and many are things she doesn’t get at home. This snackle box is my #1 thing I bring on flights with my toddler. Fill it with things like mini m&ms, goldfish, cookies, granola, etc. and it will keep them so entertained!

Water Bottle

If space is tight, I love this Hydaway waterbottle for traveling!! Open it up when you need water, and when it’s empty you can close it up and throw it in your bag. They even have a family bundle with 2 large bottles and 2 small bottles, perfect for the whole family!

Power Bank

I cannot go on a vacation without my power bank. As you are out exploring, you’ll want to take tons of photos, use your phone for directions, or maybe even for digital tickets at each place you visit. So you’ll need power for your phone. I swear by the Fuelrod since it’s so small, includes all the charging cords you’ll need, charges quickly and you can swap them out at more than 500 kiosks across the country.

Where to Stay in Palm Springs with Kids

Choosing the right home base matters, especially when you’re with kids who need rest, downtime, and easy access to everything you want to do.

From our trip, here’s what I prioritized and what I’d choose again:

Pool-Focused Hotels / Resorts

We intentionally picked a hotel with a strong pool so we could unwind. If your hotel has a good pool, splash zone for kids, shaded lounge areas, and maybe a hot tub, you’ll get more out of slower mornings or lazy afternoons.

Proximity to Downtown

Staying close enough to downtown means your after-dinner walks, dessert runs, or evening strolls become less of a mission and more of a fun wind-down. We chose a hotel outside of the city, and looking back it would have been nice to be closer to downtown, especially if that’s a priority for you.

Easy Access to Tram & Attractions

Because two of the major draws are the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and the Zoo, I’d try to find lodging that is right between them, as they are on opposite sides of town.

Quiet Zones for Rest

Kids need downtime. Choose hotels that aren’t right next to freeway noise or overly loud nightlife. Somewhere restful so that when your crew crashes, the next day starts fresh.

My favorite hotels in the area

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa – Technically in the town next to Palm Springs, the Omi is where we stayed during our trip and we absolutely loved it here. The rooms are huge and stunning, the property views are gorgeous and the pool is huge and has a lazy river. It really doesn’t get any better.

Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel – I love all Renaissance properties, and this one is beautiful, and right in the center of the city!

Drift Palm Springs – A gorgeous property with an amazing location right in downtown!

Tips for Visiting Palm Springs with Kids

From what we learned on our trip, here are strategy tips to make the experience smoother, more fun, and kid-friendly.

1. Schedule rest after travel – We drove in, then let the first afternoon be low-key (pool). That sets a rhythm: activity + downtime.
   
2. Use flexible meals – When time is tight or kids are tired, have fallback options (fast casual, drive-through, etc.).
   
3. Bring layers & gear for shifting temperatures
   The desert sun can be intense, but mornings, evenings, and mountain tops can be cool.
4. Pack Smart – You don’t need to be traveling with a ton of stuff, but the right things to bring are important!
   
5. Avoid overbooking – More is not always better, leave breathing room to wander, nap, or just hang by the pool.
   
6. Book tram & zoo tickets in advance – Especially in peak season, you’ll want to reduce wait times.
   
7. End days with something fun but low pressure – Dessert stops, evening strolls, or pool dips are great wind-downs.