Thinking about hitting up Palm Springs with the kids? It’s an adventure worth taking, but I have a few heads-ups to make your trip as smooth as possible. As a mom of two little humans, I’ve got some insights that might just save your sanity when planning a family vacation to this sunny spot.
First off, Palm Springs is gorgeous, with its chill vibe, midcentury modern architecture and scenic beauty (think mountains + palm trees, yes please), but here’s the kicker: Getting around, especially when traveling with kids, can be a bit of a hassle. Even though we stayed only a 5-minute walk from downtown, it was often too far to go without the stroller (even for the bigger kids) and busy roads surrounded us. We found a 5-minute walk would turn into a 20-minute walk, with the jumping in and out of the stroller, exploring, stopping to smell the flowers, etc.
And for the bigger destinations — gear up for some drive time. No matter where you are staying — Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City — you will end up driving upwards of 30–60 minutes between kid-friendly attractions. We learned quickly that car naps were inevitable (read: short naps were inevitable) and just had to embrace a change in routine.
We stayed with the grandparents in a gated condo, just a hop and a skip from downtown. This place was our little oasis, complete with three swimming pools and hot tubs (important note: only one pool was heated over winter so make sure you confirm yours will be heated if travelling before March/April!). And let me tell you, those pools were the MVPs of our trip. The girls were in water heaven, splashing around every single day. The improvement in swimming and confidence was wild — after 10 days we had a formerly-very-hesitant 4-year-old jumping in, swimming, diving and splashing around like a natural-born waterbaby! The swimming pool is like having a magic key to instant child happiness.
Getting Around and Keeping Kids Happy
Palm Springs might have you driving more than you’d expect. Those cool attractions? They’re spread out. But fear not! A little car prep goes a long way. Snacks? Check. Activities? Double-check. I packed our car with coloring packs, stickers (reusable puffy ones for the windows), dreamdoh jars and, of course, snacks galore from Target and Trader Joe’s.
Must-Do Activities (Worth the Drive)
Zoo Adventures: The zoo is a must for anyone travelling with kids, it was a highlight of our trip for everyone. Feeding giraffes? Yes, please! Watching your kids’ eyes light up as they feed these gentle giants is priceless.
Joshua Tree Light Hiking – We discovered a couple of kid-friendly hikes that were just right for little legs. Friendly Hills Hike is a hidden gem just outside Joshua Tree National Park — no entrance fee, stroller-friendly, and only a short drive from Palm Springs. It’s perfect if you want a scenic walk without committing to a full day trip.
If your family is up for something a bit more adventurous, the girls loved the Discovery Trail — a fun path created for kids, by kids. It’s filled with places to climb, explore, and take in the desert beauty. Just keep in mind, it’s a longer drive from Palm Springs and requires a park pass ($30 USD for a day). The extra distance is worth it for the unique experience, but plan ahead with snacks, water, and sun protection.
Friendly Hills Hike
Evening Farmers Market – A Thursday night stroll along Palm Canyon Drive for the evening farmers market was one of the adults-only highlights of our Palm Springs trip. The market bursts with energy — local food, artisan crafts, and that signature downtown vibe. It’s easily walkable from most downtown accommodations, and the mix of delicious aromas and live music makes it hard to leave.
We had grandpa watch the kids, giving us a rare night to enjoy uninterrupted eating and drinking — and let me tell you, the tamales were chef’s kiss. Thinking about bringing kids? Just be aware it’s busy and crowded, but we spotted plenty of little ones happily exploring and even dancing to the live tunes.
Local Playground Runs – For the kids, we carved out time to visit Demuth Park and Ruth Hardy Park, both conveniently located in our neighborhood. Demuth Park stood out for its beautiful setting — a mountainscape framed by palm trees — making it a picture-perfect spot for outdoor play.
As we explored Palm Springs, we passed several other playgrounds, so wherever you’re staying, you won’t have to travel far to find a great spot for the kids to run, climb, and burn off energy.
Family-Friendly Food & Dining in Palm Springs
Townie Bagels – A Breakfast Favourite
If you’re in Palm Springs, Townie Bagels is a must for starting your morning right. Their fresh bagels, tasty spreads, and excellent coffee make it a total breakfast win. Pro tip: get there early to beat the morning rush — locals and tourists alike line up for this popular spot.
Koffi – Coffee for Parents, Smoothies for Kids
Koffi is a must for coffee-loving parents and smoothie-loving kids. Their honey vanilla cappuccino is a standout — sweet, smooth, and comforting. We loved the Palm Canyon location for its spacious courtyard. The girls could run around while we enjoyed our coffee in peace. It quickly became part of our daily routine. Everyone left happy. Bonus — Ruth Hardy Park is just a 10-minute walk away if the kids still have energy to burn.
Cooking at the Condo – Easy, Affordable, and Fun
While we enjoyed trying local cafés, most meals happened at our condo. With two little ones, eating in was more convenient and budget-friendly. Trader Joe’s was only 10 minutes away, which made shopping easy. We stocked up on favourites like Orange Chicken, Cauliflower Fried Rice, and Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons. All were quick, tasty, and kid-approved. If you plan to cook, stop at Costco and Trader Joe’s right after you arrive. It makes the rest of the week stress-free.
Palm Springs offers the perfect mix of casual dining and self-catering options. It’s easy to keep the whole family well-fed and happy during your trip.