Family-Friendly Golf: Top Courses and Junior Programs in Greater Palm Springs
Golf thrives year-round in Greater Palm Springs, with over 120 courses offering endless options for casual play, tournaments, lessons, memberships, spectating, and junior programs. Visitors and locals alike can introduce kids to the game or enjoy family bonding on the fairways, with opportunities for every skill level.
Whether you're seeking beginner-friendly courses for children or structured family golf experiences, Greater Palm Springs delivers trusted, accessible choices to get everyone swinging.
Family-Friendly Golf Courses in Greater Palm Springs
Cimarron Golf Resort
Free golf for kids is hard to beat. At Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club and JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, children 15 and under play free after 3:00 p.m. year-round when accompanied by a paying adult. Both offer complimentary club rentals for juniors.
At Shadow Ridge, the renowned Marriott Golf Academy provides free lessons for kids 15 and under with a paying adult. At JW Marriott Desert Springs, families can enjoy the on-site 18-hole putting course.
Par-3 and shorter courses across the valley are ideal for introducing kids to golf or keeping family rounds fun and manageable.
The Lights at Indio, one of the nation's longest par-3 courses, offers flexible play as the only lit course for evening golf.
The North Course at Shadow Hills Golf Club in Indio challenges all ages with holes from 135 to 210 yards, featuring scenic water hazards.
For a scenic walk, try the walking-only Palm Royale Country Club in Palm Desert, a Ted Robinson design with water and bunkers throughout.
In Palm Springs, the Pebble Course at Cimarron Golf Resort offers a forgiving links-style layout as a prelude to its championship Boulder Course.
For a desert day trip, head to Hawk’s Landing Golf Club in Yucca Valley's cooler climate. Its 12-hole loop allows flexible 6-, 12-, or 18-hole rounds.
Family Golf Programs in Greater Palm Springs
Children tee off at SCGA Junior
The First Tee of the Coachella Valley in Palm Desert provides life-skills-focused golf programs, an on-site driving range, and a 9-hole par-3 course.
The PGA of America offers proven youth initiatives. Summer's PGA Jr. Camp at Mission Hills Country Club features three five-day sessions with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio for ages 7-13.
For team competition, join the PGA Jr. League at six local sites, including Desert Willow Golf Resort, emphasizing fun, inclusive play for boys and girls.
The SCGA Junior program supports young golfers with $1-$5 rates at partner facilities like Desert Falls CC, Indian Canyons Golf Resort, Shadow Mountain Golf Club, and SilverRock Resort.
Family Golf Play Dates
Keep it casual at the College Golf Center in Palm Desert, an SCGA Junior partner. Relaxed dress is welcome; small buckets cost $5, with night play until 10:00 p.m. (last balls at 9:00 p.m., Mon-Fri). Kid-focused instructors are available.
In Cathedral City, Boomers combines mini golf with go-karts, bumper boats, and arcade games for full-family fun.
For more, check out our page on golfing in Greater Palm Springs.
