With children staying home, Greater Palm Springs offers easy, expert-curated tips to keep kids engaged and learning. From virtual recess to online education, discover family-friendly resources that promote fun, creativity, and wellbeing. Join daily storytimes and more—lighting up smiles across the desert oasis.

While our attractions are temporarily closed, experience Greater Palm Springs virtually through trusted partners.

Keep Calm and Learn On

Learning Resources for Kids

Virtual learning made simple! Desert Sands Unified School District and Palm Springs Unified School District provide comprehensive online resources for Pre-K through high school. These itineraries cover education, mindfulness, read-alouds, creativity, physical activity, and parental remote learning guides—ensuring fun for all.

Books and More

Greater Palm Springs libraries offer free digital access. La Quinta Public Library provides online databases; Rancho Mirage Library features games, audiobooks, videos, magazines, and newspapers; and Palm Springs Public Library issues free 90-day digital cards. Dive into reading from home!

Gather Around for Storytime

Daily Storytime with Councilwoman Grace Garner

Unwind with captivating tales! Every day at 2 p.m., Councilwoman Grace Garner reads children's books like Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith and The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds on Facebook Live. Videos are archived on her Facebook page for anytime access.

Nightly Storytime

United Way of the Desert hosts live bedtime stories at 7:30 p.m. on their Facebook page. Inspire young imaginations and spark creativity right from home.

Live Your Best at Home

Online Recess

Physical activity is key for kids. Fit in 42 offers free 30-minute online recess classes weekdays at 10:15 a.m., with fun themes like superhero dress-up or pajamas. My Gym Palm Desert provides live streaming sessions (through March 30; enrollment or membership required; first session free).

Dance/Exercise Videos

The Family YMCA of the Desert shares family yoga, youth sports, barre, and more. Kelsey Martinez Zumba Fitness hosts virtual Zumba and Zumbini on her Facebook page. La Quinta Wellness Center offers at-home training; Desert Recreation District provides 75+ videos on fitness, education, crafts, and virtual museums. Dejitaru Karate Dojo in Bermuda Dunes runs online sessions for ages 3+ ($50/month in April; Mon/Wed/Fri).

Virtual Field Trips from Home

Zoo School by The Living Desert

Acclaimed as a top U.S. zoo, The Living Desert delivers interactive Zoo School via @thelivingdesert on Instagram. Enjoy stories, highlights, quizzes on animals and plants, and adorable photos for family fun.

La Quinta Museum

Explore the Salton Sea Stories exhibit via free videos on their Facebook page.

Adventure On

Desert Sands Unified School District offers free virtual field trips to museums, aquariums, and more (Mon-Fri through end of April).

Extracurricular Activities

Arts & Crafts

Get creative with La Quinta Creation Station's tutorials like DIY magic wands on their Facebook page. Join Creations with Cece's free online painting classes (March 27-29) via Facebook.

Sewing

TrishTacSew Sewing Classes in Palm Desert offers free tutorials for kids/adults, starting with a bunny gnome magnet (pre-cut kits available).

Music Class

The Music School Palm Springs provides online private lessons for all ages.

Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

Activities and crafts in English/Spanish on their Facebook and Instagram.

Our Amazing Desert - The Diversity of Life!

Friends of the Desert Mountains webinar on May 6 explores local nature.

S.C.R.A.P Gallery

Cathedral City's eco-museum's Home FREE program repurposes waste for weekly projects, teaching sustainability.

To-Go Options

Jadabugs Kids Boutique: Curbside "boredom buster bags." Simply Sweet Desserts: $15 Cookie Kits in Cathedral City.

Contests

#BeCause Student Poster Contest by S.C.R.A.P. Gallery (email karen@scrapgallery.org). 2020 Virtual Student Arts Competition by Riverside County Office of Education (6 weeks).