Inland Empire family guide
Things to Do in Cathedral City with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Cathedral City on the map
📍 Where Cathedral City is
Cathedral City sits in Inland Empire, Southern California. Nearest major airport: Palm Springs Intl (~5 mi / 9 km). It's roughly 104 mi (167 km) from Downtown LA and 85 mi (137 km) from San Diego — SoCal traffic can make a drive take far longer than the distance suggests, so plan around it.
Visiting? See SoCal at a glance, getting around and which airport.
Things to do in Cathedral City
Big League Dreams Sports Park
This city-run sports park has ballfields built as scaled replicas of famous stadiums like Fenway and Wrigley, plus a stadium club with food. Kids love watching or playing tournaments here on weekends. Come early or for an evening game to dodge the midday desert heat, since much of the seating is uncovered.
Varies
Boomers! Palm Springs
A classic family fun center with go-karts, two mini-golf courses, bumper boats, laser tag and a big arcade, with free parking. The bumper boats are a lifesaver on a hot afternoon since you'll get pleasantly soaked. Bring a hat and water; evening visits are the most comfortable.
Varies
Mary Pickford Theatre
This landmark cinema in the downtown arts district shows first-run films with recliner seating, house-made ice cream and hand-crafted pizza. Tuesdays are the bargain day with most movies around $6.95. A perfect midday escape when triple-digit desert temps make an air-conditioned theater the smartest plan.
Varies (Tue ~$6.95)
Panorama Park
At 7.5 acres this is Cathedral City's largest park, with a spray pool, playground, sports courts, picnic areas and a dog park. The splash pad is a free way to cool the kids off in warm months. Aim for morning shade under the trees before the desert sun climbs and the play equipment heats up.
Free
Ocotillo Park
This award-winning park packs in a splash pad, an all-ages playground with a separate tot lot, a skate park, sports fields, shade structures and free Wi-Fi. Shaded ramadas and the splash pad make it one of the more heat-friendly parks in town, with restrooms and free parking for an easy family morning.
Free
Cathedral City Community Amphitheater & Park
The heart of the downtown arts district, this open-air amphitheater and festival lawn hosts free community concerts and events beside the Fountain of Life. Kids enjoy running on the Commons lawn and the fountain plaza on cooler evenings — sunset shows are the sweet spot as the desert cools fast.
FreeFestivals & annual events in Cathedral City
What Cathedral City is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Cathedral City Halloween Spooktacular (10th annual)
A free city Halloween party in front of City Hall with kids' trick-or-treating, a costume contest, bicycle giveaways and candy vendors. Tip: wear the costume, since the contest and treat-or-treat run in the same three-hour window.
Free
Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival
A three-day city festival built around dawn balloon launches and an evening balloon glow, with carnival rides, a classic car show, vendors and live entertainment.
Friday free; Saturday from ~$12; kids 8 and under free with a ticketed adult
Local restaurants in Cathedral City
Don & Sweet Sue's Cafe
Diner at 68955 Ramon Road, Cathedral City, serving hamburgers, omelets, pancakes, salads and wraps in generous portions. Has patio seating.
Seasonal & outdoors near Cathedral City
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Cathedral City.
More Inland Empire family guides
Cathedral City family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Cathedral City with kids?
Family favorites in and around Cathedral City include Big League Dreams Sports Park, Boomers! Palm Springs, Mary Pickford Theatre and Panorama Park, and more. Our guide lists 6 spots, each with a price note and practical tips where we have them.
Are there free things to do in Cathedral City?
Yes — free family spots near Cathedral City include Panorama Park, Ocotillo Park and Cathedral City Community Amphitheater & Park. Our free things to do page lists more across Southern California.
Where can families eat in Cathedral City?
Local, family-friendly spots in Cathedral City include Don & Sweet Sue's Cafe — independent, SoCal-only eateries, never national chains.
What does the YourSoCal Cathedral City guide cover?
Our Cathedral City family guide includes 6 things to do and 1 local eats — with independent, non-chain eats and shops.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Cathedral City
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Cathedral City on one map — then book on your favorite site.