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Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

Discover eye-to-eye encounters with giraffes and exhilarating rides on a rotating tram up a steep mountain—Greater Palm Springs offers endless adventures for families of all ages.

Choose from museums and bike rides, thrilling jeep tours and water slides, or unique glow-in-the-dark golf. The challenge? Fitting it all into one trip.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

For stunning views and cooler temps, ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 8,516 feet to Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Expect 30-40°F cooler at the summit—pack jackets.

The world's largest rotating tramcar ascends 2.5 miles through Chino Canyon in 10 minutes, revealing vistas to the Salton Sea on clear days.

At Mountain Station, enjoy restaurants, a cocktail lounge, observation decks, a natural history museum, and 50+ miles of hiking trails. Opt for self-guided hikes or free ranger-led tours. Note: A $12-14 million remodel of the station began in early August.

Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

Embark on family jeep adventures with Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours, exploring from one end of the oasis to the other.

The signature San Andreas Fault Tour winds through four-wheel paths to the earthquake fault, with canyon exploration and geological insights. Other options include Indian Canyons, Joshua Tree, and Mecca Hills/Painted Canyon, plus stargazing and sunset tours.

Indian Canyons

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

The Indian Canyons, sacred homeland of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, boast breathtaking scenery in Greater Palm Springs.

Palm, Andreas, and Murray Canyons feature waterfalls, streams, diverse flora and fauna amid rocky landscapes. Explore 60+ miles of trails independently or with ranger-led hikes. The Trading Post provides maps, refreshments, and souvenirs.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

Meet giraffes up close at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, with hands-on animal encounters.

Discover the Hoover Discovery Center, model train exhibit, endangered species carousel, and animal hospital.

Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

At the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert in Rancho Mirage, innovative architecture matches the 80+ hands-on exhibits.

Kids build race cars, play instruments, explore anatomy, and meet tortoises Smiley and Abigail. Programs include Young Scientists, Little Chefs, Play Power, and Creative Tots.

Desert Willow FootGolf

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

Try FootGolf—soccer meets golf—at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, ideal for families.

Kick soccer balls into 21-inch cups on the Mountain View course using golf carts. Games last ~2 hours; book 'kick times' same-day. Note: Course closes Sept. 23-Oct. 25 for overseeding.

Big Wheel Tours

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

Since 1998, Big Wheel Tours in Palm Springs and Palm Desert delivers customizable hiking, biking, and jeep adventures across the oasis.

Expert guides provide commentary, snacks, and hydration. Highlights: Earthquake Canyon Express Bike Tour, Joshua Tree National Park Jeep Tour, and Indian Canyon Bike and Hike.

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

Iconic windmills welcome you to Greater Palm Springs. Palm Springs Windmill Tours offers family-friendly insights into wind energy.

This 2-hour tour covers renewables, close-up turbine views, and ends with a date shake at Windmill Cafe.

Splashtopia

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

Cool off at Splashtopia at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage.

Features: lazy river, massive slides, splash zone, sandy beach, and cliffside jacuzzi. Summer: resort guests only; otherwise, day passes available.

Indian Wells Golf Resort Glow Golf

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

Golf after dark at Indian Wells Golf Resort with "Shots in the Night": glowing balls, lasers, and interactive targets on the driving range and putting green.

Enjoy food, cocktails, music, and fire pits. Opens mid-October.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Family Adventures in Greater Palm Springs: Thrilling Activities for All Ages

Step back in time at the Palm Springs Air Museum, featuring WWII, Korean, and Vietnam aircraft with interactive exhibits and climb-ins.

Thrill-seekers: Warbird Rides in planes like the P-51D Mustang.

Your Greater Palm Springs family adventure continues—check out these more family-friendly activities for non-stop fun!

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