Top Family-Friendly Attractions and Activities for Kids in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs offers a wealth of attractions beyond its renowned golf courses, resorts, and spas. While it's a haven for adults, the area is packed with family-oriented spots perfect for kids of all ages, whether they're into sports, art, animals, or music.
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
Ranked in the top 1% of U.S. attractions by TripAdvisor, the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens has championed desert conservation for over 50 years. Explore cheetahs, zebras, bobcats, and more, plus self-guided trails showcasing desert flora and giraffe feeding experiences. Admission: $20 adults, $10 for ages 3-12, free for under 3.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Cap off winter with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world's largest rotating tramway, offering stunning views of San Jacinto Mountains and Chino Canyon—especially with potential January snow. The 10-minute ride leads to restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, theaters, a gift shop, and 50+ miles of hiking trails. Tickets: $25.95 adults, $16.95 ages 3-10. Buy online or at Valley Station.
Palm Springs Art Museum
Highlighting local and international artistry, the Palm Springs Art Museum delights kids with the vibrant Favorite Things glass installation (on view through March 31). Free for under 18, $14 adults.
VillageFest
Experience family-friendly nightlife at VillageFest, Palm Springs' Thursday street fair (6-10 p.m., October-May). Enjoy local arts, crafts, food, live entertainment, and pet-friendly vibes (leashed pets welcome).
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
In Rancho Mirage, the Children’s Discovery Museum sparks creativity with hands-on exhibits. Highlights include Toddlertown, MarkerSpace, Brain Buster Road, and science activities like race car building. Admission: $9.95, or $5 after 5 p.m. on the third Wednesday monthly. Exhibits rotate seasonally for fresh visits.
Fantasy Springs Lanes
At Indio’s Fantasy Springs Casino, Fantasy Springs Lanes is a top family bowling spot with 24 high-tech lanes, laser bowling ($10/hour with glowing effects), an arcade (open daily from 10 a.m.), and snacks like pizza.
Palm Springs Air Museum
Get up close with history at the Palm Springs Air Museum, featuring 59 flyable WWII and Korean/Vietnam-era planes across four hangars—named among CNN Travel's top 14 aviation museums worldwide. Enjoy the Buddy Rogers Theater, research library, education center, and junior pilot flight simulators. Admission: $17.50 adults, $15.50 ages 13-17, $10.50 ages 6-12, free under 6.
Big League Dreams Sports Park
In Cathedral City, Big League Dreams Sports Park offers batting cages (slow pitch/baseball, rentable by 15/30/60 minutes; free bats/helmets), a 20,000 sq ft pavilion for parties/soccer/hockey, and a playground near the Stadium Club Restaurant.
Greater Palm Springs brims with kid-approved fun! For more outdoor ideas, check our blog: 6 Family-Friendly Hikes in Greater Palm Springs.
