Kid-Friendly Palm Springs
Kid-Friendly Palm Springs 
Sick of the rain? We are too, but remember, it’ll be over soon, and we’ll have our sunshine back. If you can’t wait that long for some good old-fashioned heat, Palm Springs makes a quick and easy family getaway. Shop around for flights – we found direct flights from SFO coming in at under $200 and round-trip from Seattle for $250. The time is right to head south to the desert. Palm Springs with Kids
WHERE TO STAY:
When you think of Palm Springs, you might think more of swinging Rat Pack nights than kids splashing and running around, but the bigger resorts in Palm Springs and the neighboring desert communities actually cater to families. (Rates are highly variable depending on occupancy and season; make sure to call for the best deals and packages—we’ve included a recently found Orbitz price for each resort listed.)
La Quinta Resort & Club, located just south of Indian Wells, is one of the biggest and most family-friendly around, with a children’s playground adjacent to the main pool, as well as cabanas and poolside food and beverage service. Adults will love the 41 pools and 53 hot spas, as well as the 5 resort golf courses designed by PGA biggies like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman. (Recent rate check: $259/night for a room with 2 queen beds.)
Desert Springs JW Marriott in Palm Desert is the kind of sprawling resort with gondolas that can take guests from the hotel lobby to rooms, restaurants, or the spa, and is huge with families. (Recent rate check: $259/night for a room with 2 double beds.)
Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage has Splashtopia—nearly 2 acres of water park located on the resort grounds, including a lazy river, water slides, and a sandy beach. (Recent rate check: $237/night for a room with 2 double beds.) TIP: For picky eaters, check out the River complex, just across from the resort. It’s full of familiar names like the Cheesecake Factory.
This is southern Cali, but if you want to minimize time in the car, stay close to downtown Palm Springs and try something a little hipper, the new ACE Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs is surprisingly kid-friendly, despite its modern bohemian edge. (Recent rate check: $229/night for a room with 2 double beds.)
If you prefer the amenities of home check out this kid-friendly “Villa Del Sol” vacation rental which is located in the popular Movie Colony neighborhood. At $325 a night, this fully enclosed property (let the kiddos run wild!) has it’s own pool and plenty of room for large families or groups traveling together.
GET OUT AND PLAY: 
Lure them out of the pool with the promise of killer views and cooler climes: a good midday break from the desert sun is a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which soars 2.5 miles above the desert floor into the San Jacinto mountains and the wilderness awaiting at the top. The tram even rotates, so no matter where you’re situated, you’ll enjoy stunning views before disembarking at the top for a hike. The one-mile nature walk along the Long Valley is accessible right from the tram station and is perfect for little legs not used to high altitudes. There are also a couple of decent dining options at the top with kid-friendly menus. TIP: Bring layers, it’s nearly 20 degrees cooler at the top, and there’s often snow in the winter months.
For an up-close look at some real desert critters, The Living Desert is like a zoo/botanical garden, laid out geographically. You and the fam can tour exhibits depicting the deserts of North America and Africa, and see the mountain lions, eagles, foxes, meerkats, and more that inhabit these areas. TIP: Arrive early, when it’s still cool out and you’re likely to catch more animals in action (they can be pretty lazy when the sun’s high in the sky) … except for nocturnal animals like the big cats, who tend to come out closer to sunset.
If you’ve got an aspiring pilot in your house, take them to the Palm Springs Air Musem to ogle the restored WWII-era planes. You can walk through a B17G “Flying Fortress” bomber, watch flight demos, and talk to the volunteer staff, many of whom are WWII vets. And kids under 5 are admitted free!
Of course, a trip to the desert isn’t complete without a trip to “the tree”: if you can squeeze in a drive to Joshua Tree National Park, the twisty tree shapes, cholla cactus forests, and blobby boulders can make an indelible impression on a kid. For a quick day trip, stick to exhibitions along the main roads, and the one-mile loop trail through Hidden Valley is a good introduction for little ones. TIP: Start your adventure at the West entrance then work your way along the road exiting the park at the South. The most scenic sections will be located close to the road at the beginning of the trip. On the way back to your hotel, stop at Shield’s Date Farm in Indio to cool off with one of their famous date shakes.
If you find yourself craving adventure closer to home, Indian Canyons is a fantastic alternative to Joshua Tree and is only a short distance from the center of town. Located on Agua Caliente tribal land, the abundance of undisturbed beauty and variety of kid-friendly hikes makes this a must-do family activity. California Fan Palms line the paved foot path (suitable for all-terrain strollers) which winds down into the canyon ending at a perfect picnic spot near the stream. Also be sure to stop for a visit at the Trading Post where you will find hiking maps, refreshments, local tribal goods, and some very interesting cultural lore. Admission is $8 and children under 6 are free.
Long known as the Hollywood Hideaway, Palm Springs has a unique tribute to the A-Listers with it’s own Walk Of The Stars. Granted, you might be hard pressed to find anyone the kids have heard of, but this theater house has a long-standing history in the community. Surrounded by an abundance of restaurants and shops, its location in the heart of downtown Palm Springs makes it an interesting stop along the way.
Downtown transforms itself on Thursday nights into Village Fest, a family-friendly and free year round event. You will find a wide array of entertainment and local vendors serving up everything from crafts to carrots. TIP: Keep a look out for the local organic honey producers, they have a fantastic beehive display and samples of their sweet treats.
Ruth Hardy Park and Playground also offers a great place to take a break with kids both big and small. Check out the two large play areas, one of which is designed for toddlers, as well the crowd-pleasing water-spouting turtles. While the kiddos play, relax in the shade at the picnic tables and BBQs which are available on a first come first serve basis.
Step back in time and check out the Worlds Biggest Dinosaur Museum, a unique road side attraction located along I-10 in Cabazon. Whether you believe in Creationism or Evolution the kids will be delighted with the impressive kitschy display of giant robotic dinosaurs. Climb into the mouth of a T-Rex, take a ride on the animatronic Brontosaurus, and then dig in the sand to find a special marked rock for a souvenir surprise. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids.
The thought of kids at the airport strikes fear into the hearts of most parents however, fear not in the land of the sun! Let’s them run off the wiggles at a sandy outdoor playground located inside of security so sitting still won’t be such a battle on the way home.
GET THEM TO EAT:
Big breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, both kosher and non (bacon, anyone?), can be found at both Sherman’s Deli locations. The hot corned beef is famous for a reason.
Keep it simple and keep them happy: the burgers at the popular Tyler’s Burger stand (149 S Indian Canyon Dr.) are the best in town, so be prepared to wait in line if you come at lunch rush. Grab a seat on the patio and enjoy watching the action of downtown PS mill by as you munch on your hefty burger and fries. TIP: Cash only, and it’s closed on Sundays.
Bacon lovers unite! Cheeky’s Brunch is sure to please with the one and only “bacon flight”. $4 will get you five flavors to sample sending you and the kids into sizzling, crispy heaven.
If you’re feeling festive and in the mood to dine al fresco, the patio at Las Casuelas in downtown Palm Springs is perfect for a special family dinner. Order up a combination platter, or one of the house specials like carnitas or Camarones Diablo, and stuff yourself at this family-run gem. TIP: They have sister restaurants in Palm Desert and La Quinta.
–Sarah Bossenbroek & Drea Lester
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