Are you planning a family vacation to Palm Springs? Or want to find out about the fun things to do with kids in this desert paradise? With an average of 350 sunny days a year there are a ton of fun things to do in Palm Springs with kids and we have recommendations for what we think are the top acts.

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Before the fun starts, you need to decide how to get to Palm Springs. You can fly to Palm Springs International airport from 19 hubs around the USA and Canada including New York, Vancouver, LA, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, Atlanta and San Francisco.

Alternatively Palm Springs is just a two hour drive from LA or San Diego, and trains are also available with an Amtrak station beside the airport.

Once you have landed, getting around Palm Springs is quite simple. There is a family friendly, cheap and convenient Trolley service with designated stops for tourists. Most resorts have rental services and Uber services are readily available. The town can be explored on foot with good pedestrian access to all the main attractions.

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Staying in Palm Springs

Depending on your preference, there is accommodation choices to suit every budget. One of the best choices for a family is a vacation rental

The choice of homes in Palm Springs are wide with many offering swimming pools and other family-friendly amenities to make your stay safe, comfortable and a home away from home experience.

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Fun Things to Do in Palm Springs With Kids

#1. Visit the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

The living desert zoo has over 600 animals to see and a wide array of desert plants. While there, the kids can participate in supervised feeding of the giraffes.

There are also other interactive sessions like camel rides and butterfly exhibits, and you can visit the African biodiversity area. They run regular events and programs for families and kids to take part in, so be sure to check out what it on when you plan to visit.

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#2. Take a Jeep Tour

Have you ever wondered what the San Andreas fault looks like? Now is your chance to find out. There are dedicated jeep tours which will take your family through the desert to places like the San Andreas fault line or stargazing at night or to the Joshua Tree National Park.

If celebrity gossip is more your style, you can take a grand celebrity tour to see how the other half live! Adventure awaits whatever tour you decide on!

#3. Hike in The Tahquitz Canyon

The Tahquitz Canyon is a a magical place to visit in Palm Springs. There is a two-mile hiking trail through Cahuilla Indian land that is suitable for all ages and abilities. You will see amazing rock formations, native artefacts and, depending on the time of year, a 60-foot waterfall and pool to cool off in.

It will be hot, so be sure to pack all the necessaries like a sun hat, sunblock, water, and food for everyone.

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#4. Take the Aerial Tram

This has to be one of the most popular things to do in Palm Springs. It is the world’s largest rotating tram, and ascends 1.5 miles into the wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park.

At the top there is a visitor centre, viewing platform and natural history museum to enjoy. You can also dine at 8,500 ft and take in spectacular views of the desert below as you eat in one of the two restaurants.

If you visit during winter the kids can play in the snow or enjoy other activities such as skiing and snowshoeing. During summer months the family can enjoy camping trips and over 50 miles of trails.

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#5. Pay a Flying Visit to The Palm Springs Air Museum

If you or the kids are fans of aviation, then a visit the The Palm Springs Air Museum is a must. The museum has a large collection of World War 2 aircrafts and 50+ flyable and static planes in four hangars for kids of all ages to explore.

The museum is fully interactive with many of the planes open for you to climb aboard and explore. There is also an F-16 flight simulator, an aviation science centre and documentaries and films to expand your aviation history knowledge.

The museum offers flights too, which can be booked in advance.

#6. Experience Palm Springs on Horseback

Head to the Smoke Tree Stables in the heart of Palm Springs where you can saddle up and explore Palm Springs on horseback with your kids. The stables are clean, kid-friendly and have experts who can guide you on one of the 150 miles of riding trails.

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#7. Get Hands On at The Children’s Discovery Museum

The Palm Springs Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert has interactive panels and over 80 hands-on activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. It is good to visit when the sun is at its hottest, as many of the activities are indoors.

Be sure to allow plenty of time as the kids will have a fun learning about the world around them through the interactive exhibits.

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#8. Cabazon Dinosaur Museum

Get up close to dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes at the Cabazon Dinosaur Museum. If you pay to take the tour, you can even climb inside the mouth of a T-Rex and ride a brontosaurus!

Kids can also dig for dino treasure. There are great photo opportunities with two giant dinosaurs in the car park.

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Other Fun Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids

• Enjoy tasty treats at the Palm Springs certified farmer’s market with chef demonstrations and entertainment for all ages.
• Get your skates on at the Palm Springs Skatepark or the Desert Ice Castle
• Cool off and splash around at Splashtopia and Wet’n’Wild
• Dream big at Big League Dreams Sports Park with mini replicas of Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park and Wrigley Fields
• Jump as high as you can at the Get Air trampoline park
• Reach new heights and race to the top at
  the Desert Rocks indoor climbing wall or Boomers
• Play golf at one of the many courses in Palm Springs

Have you ideas for other fun things to do in Palm Springs with kids? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!