Plenty of sunshine, plentiful pools, hiking trails, and attractions like the Desert Zoo and Gardens, not to mention the relaxed pace and laid-back atmosphere, make Palm Springs a family favorite, especially those in the South california local people.
approximately 107 miles east Los AngelesPalm Springs sits on the western edge of the Coachella Valley in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains. The indigenous Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have called this area home for thousands of years (the 48,000-square-foot Agua Caliente Heritage Museum opens in 2023 ). Beginning in the early 20th century, Palm Springs and surrounding towns gradually developed into a resort for Hollywood's rich and famous including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Gene Autry. Resort to enjoy solitude and entertainment.
Today, the greater Palm Springs area (including nearby Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, La Quinta, and Indian Wells) is famous for many reasons, from its mid-century modern architecture and golf courses to the BNP Paribas Tennis Open and Close to Joshua Tree National Park.
Top Ideas for Things to Do with Kids in Palm Springs
Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teenagers, the Palm Springs area makes it easy to do whatever your heart desires.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Ride a rotating gondola through the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the 8,516-foot-tall peak of Mount San Jacinto State Park for breathtaking panoramic views. The top of the mountain, known as “Mountain Station,” is home to two restaurants, an observation deck, a museum, a gift shop and miles of hiking trails. In the winter, the mountaintops are often covered with snow—kids love the experience of leaving the heat of the Coachella Valley and arriving in frigid temperatures in just a few minutes. Bring layers!
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Feed and brush rhinos, observe baby kangaroos clinging to their mothers, and see big cats (and dogs!) like cheetahs, mountain lions, and Mexican wolves. Palm Desert's “Desert of Life” occupies 1,200 acres, 80 acres of which are developed as a zoo and gardens, home to approximately 150 species from desert regions in Africa, Australia and the Americas. The zoo is also recognized for its numerous conservation projects and partnerships.
date! date! date!
The greater Palm Springs area is home to dozens of date farms. Learn all about ornamental palms and dates at The Packhouse at Aziz Farms in nearby Hot Springs, where second-generation farmer and former chef Mark Tadros grows vegetables and dates , and private tours are available upon request. My family pulled crunchy carrots and sweet rainbow chard, savored heirloom herbs fresh off the plant, and munched on juicy Medjool dates. You can also try date milkshakes, a popular local delicacy, at various locations around town.
joshua tree national park
The north and south entrances to Joshua Tree National Park are about an hour's drive from Palm Springs. Despite the ambition, many families choose to take a day trip to the park, climbing among granite boulders and hiking among the eponymous trees, whose spiky leaves twist in every direction. The most popular trails (for good reason) are the mile-long Hidden Valley Loop and the 1.7-mile Skull Rock Hike, both of which are easy for kids.
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Palm Springs Aviation Museum
Kids and airplanes are a perfect match, and the Palm Springs Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest collections of World War II aircraft in the United States. For the older crowd, the museum also features exhibits on the role of aviation in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and other wars, displaying rare aircraft with knowledgeable docents sharing details about their history and design .
desert stargazing
The desert has very little light pollution, making it a great place for stargazing and contemplating the universe. There are two International Dark Sky Parks, Joshua Tree and Borrego Springs (located within Anza Borrego State Park), less than an hour's drive from Palm Springs. Local guides offer stargazing tours at both locations; a Ciao Bambino travel consultant can arrange this experience for you as part of your activity Comprehensive vacation planning service.
Where to Stay in Palm Springs
13 acres of lush gardens and fruit trees, Parker Palm Springs remains this The property has been a place to stay in the desert for nearly two decades, ever since renowned designer Jonathan Adler redesigned the property with plenty of whimsy and color. Think mid-century modern, but also cheeky and fun, like the seven-foot-tall bronze banana sculpture on the lawn. The 144 guest rooms are decorated with extensive artwork, Moroccan textiles, swing chairs and Swedish dala lamps. You can choose one of the villas, which is perfectly configured for a family, with a little extra room to move around and an outdoor seating area surrounded by hedges.
While this historic building is not necessarily synonymous with family, we saw several children and parents during our stay with our daughter and son. From swimming to petanque to clay tennis courts, there's plenty to keep the kids active. Don’t overlook the value of enjoying some downtime with the kids by the sun-drenched pool – given today’s busy schedule of activities and schoolwork, kids will love splashing around in the water and playing with cannonballs.
Lemon trees throughout the hotel mean the kids can refresh themselves with plenty of mint lemonade. (A bar called the Lemonade Stand is located near the outdoor venue and specializes in a variety of lemon-based drinks.) As for dining, Norma's features bright orange, cheery yellow and turquoise tones both indoors and out, from breakfast to dinner Seamless transition. Lunch to dinner. The menu emphasizes freshness and comfort bites such as Belgian waffles, huevos rancheros, chopped Cobb salad, burgers and tacos.
The Parker Hotel's design, rooms and grounds are truly distinctive, but it's the impeccable service that wins in the end, ensuring that even the youngest jet-setters feel truly welcome.
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Photos courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs unless otherwise noted.
Editor's note: This article is accurate at the time of publication. We recommend checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information provided, or for any actions taken as a result of the information provided.
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