Southern California family guide
Things to Do in Palm Desert with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Palm Desert on the map
📍 Where Palm Desert is
Palm Desert sits in Southern California. Nearest major airport: Palm Springs Intl (~13 mi / 20 km). It's roughly 110 mi (177 km) from Downtown LA and 83 mi (133 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 Palm Desert
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
A 1,200-acre desert zoo and botanical garden where you can walk giraffes right up to a feeding platform and ride the endangered-species carousel. In cooler months come at opening (8am) so the animals are active and you beat the heat, and don't skip the model-train garden near the entrance. Summer hours end early, so plan a morning visit June–September.
Adults $39.95, kids 3–17 $29.95, under 3 free (buy online)
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
A 70-acre green heart of the city with a playground, skate park, dog park, amphitheater, rose garden and a lagoon with a waterfall to circle on the walking paths. Shaded picnic pavilions and public art are scattered throughout, so pack a lunch and let the kids roam. It's also home to free First Weekend and holiday events, so check the city calendar.
Free
Freedom Park
A sprawling 44-acre park in north Palm Desert with a modern playground, ball fields, a skate park, basketball, pickleball and wide multi-use fields. There's plenty of room and picnic pavilions for a big family gathering or birthday. Bring shade and water, as the open turf gets hot in the afternoon.
Free
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains Visitor Center
About four miles up Highway 74 from the 111 junction, this small free visitor center has kid-friendly exhibits on desert wildlife and geology, and staff who'll point you to easy trails. The gentle 2-mile Randall Henderson Loop starts right out back and is a great first desert hike for families. Go early and carry water — the trails are fully exposed.
Free
The Gardens on El Paseo
The open-air anchor of the El Paseo shopping district, with fountains, courtyards and shaded seating that make it an easy free wander even if you're not shopping. Kids like the fountains and the seasonal decor, and there are casual dining spots for a break. Come in the evening in summer when it cools and the courtyards light up.
Free to strollSeasonal & outdoors near Palm Desert
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Palm Desert.
More SoCal family guides
Palm Desert family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Palm Desert with kids?
Family favorites in and around Palm Desert include The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Desert Civic Center Park, Freedom Park and Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains Visitor Center, and more. Our guide lists 5 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Are there free things to do in Palm Desert?
Yes — free family spots near Palm Desert include Palm Desert Civic Center Park, Freedom Park, Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains Visitor Center and The Gardens on El Paseo. Use the "free only" filter in the finder above to see them all.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Where to stay in Palm Desert
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Palm Desert on one map — then book on your favorite site.