Southern California family guide
Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids
Curated by Simir Shah
Reviewed & updated August 2026 · we check listings regularly, but hours and prices change — confirm before you go.
Palm Springs on the map
📍 Where Palm Springs is
Palm Springs sits in Southern California. Nearest major airport: Palm Springs Intl (~2 mi / 3 km). It's roughly 98 mi (158 km) from Downtown LA and 83 mi (134 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 Springs
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The world's largest rotating tramcars carry you from the desert floor to Mountain Station at 8,516 feet in about ten minutes, where it runs 30–40°F cooler than town. Bring a jacket even in summer, and go in the morning to beat the heat and crowds. The tram closes for annual maintenance early September into early October.
Adults $36.95, kids 3–10 $20.95
Palm Springs Air Museum
One of the largest collections of flyable WWII, Korea and Vietnam-era warbirds, with many aircraft you can walk right up to and volunteer veterans happy to share stories. Kids under 12 get in free, and much of the collection sits in air-conditioned hangars for a cool afternoon. Check the schedule for occasional flight demonstrations.
Adults $24; kids under 12 free
Indian Canyons
Managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, these palm-lined canyons offer shaded, family-friendly hikes — Palm Canyon's easy trails wind past the world's largest California fan palm oasis and a seasonal creek. Go early and carry plenty of water; summer temps soar. In peak summer it's only open Fri–Sun, last vehicle in at 4pm.
Adults $12, kids $6, seniors/military $7
Moorten Botanical Garden
A charming, family-run 1938 garden packed with more than 3,000 desert plants along a short, stroller-friendly loop, including a greenhouse 'Cactarium' kids love. It's small, cheap and quick — an easy add-on to a morning downtown before the heat peaks. Summer hours are limited to weekend mornings, so plan around them.
Adults $7, kids 5–12 $3, under 5 freeFestivals & annual events in Palm Springs
What Palm Springs is known for — the events locals plan the year around.
Palm Springs Pride
A three-day downtown street festival and Sunday parade run by a local nonprofit, with a 5K run and walk on the Saturday. One of the larger annual gatherings in downtown Palm Springs.
See site for admission
Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade
An illuminated night parade down Palm Canyon Drive with lighted floats, marching bands and performing groups. Started in the early 1990s.
Free to watch
Seasonal & outdoors near Palm Springs
The closest splash pads, patches, lights and more — distances from Palm Springs.
More SoCal family guides
Palm Springs family FAQ
What are the best things to do in Palm Springs with kids?
Family favorites in and around Palm Springs include Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Palm Springs Air Museum, Indian Canyons and Moorten Botanical Garden. Our guide lists 4 spots, sorted by distance from you with hours, prices and tips.
Listings are curated and may change — confirm hours and details before you go.
Book Palm Springs tours & tickets
Bookable via Viator · we may earn a commission (no extra cost to you)Bookable experiences, skip-the-line tickets, and tours in Palm Springs — reserved through Viator.
Free cancellationJoshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour
Free cancellationProfessional Stargazing Tour in Joshua Tree
Free cancellationPalm Springs Aerial Tramway Admission Ticket
Free cancellationExplore Palm Springs Celebrity Homes in Style
Free cancellationJoshua Tree National Park Private Sightseeing Adventure Tour
Free cancellationDrag Brunch at the Hyatt Palm Springs
More experiences via GetYourGuide · we may earn a commission (no extra cost to you)
Where to stay in Palm Springs
Hotels & rentals via Stay22 · we may earn a commissionCompare hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals near Palm Springs on one map — then book on your favorite site.