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If you’re looking for a fun family getaway that’s not too close but not too far away, Palm Springs is worth a look. My family just took a road trip to Palm Springs and loved the extreme change of scenery and playing hours in the pool.
Our family’s favorites in Palm Springs
We’ve been to Palm Springs many times over the years, be it for Winter Break, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and yes, even Summer (though I’d recommend skipping summer unless you like 118F temps and your car melting).
There are tons of stunning mid-century modern vacation rentals with pools available, as well as many boutique hotels. We always choose to rent a home (Via Jacques is one of our favorites for its big pool) so we don’t have to eat out for every meal. This enables us to eat cheaply and casually (in our bathing suits half the time!)
We usually spend most of our days playing in the pool and relaxing in the air-conditioned house, but there is plenty to do in Palm Springs.
More kid-friendly tourism around Palm Springs
- Joshua Tree: otherworldly, lots of rocks to climb, watch out for cactus, an incredible National Park! We love Joshua Tree’s alien desertscape and Lorax-like trees. It’s only an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, so it’s certainly worth the drive if the heat is not too much for you. More about Joshua Tree >
- Palm Springs Aerial Tranway:Â You’ll need to bring warmer clothes if you choose to do this (expensive) activity. It can be 30 degrees cooler up there, with snow in the winter. It’s also not always in operation, so check their website before going>
- Cabazon Dinosaurs: outdoors and went on a weekday evening after dinner to beat crowds and heat. Website >
- Indian Canyons: outdoor natural palm oasis, nature’s playground! Best in Spring when there are waterfalls. Website >
- Date Shakes:Â There are plenty of places to choose from that make this Palm Springs original drink, but we love this one the best>
- Sunrise Hike: To beat the heat, convince your kids to wake up for a short sunrise hike with the promise of donuts after.
- Palm Desert Aquatic Center: We always take a day to visit this fabulous public pool, with diving boards, inflatable obstacle courses, splash zone, water slides and more. They even have movies in the summer. More info>
- The Living Desert Zoo | Gardens:Â If you have animal-loving kiddos, this is a great option. There’s giraffe feeding and a splash pad; plus there’s a model train track and carousel. More info>
More Palm Springs Activities >>
Rental vacation houses in Palm Springs
Palm Springs may be the town that you’ve heard of, but there are other adjacent destinations with the exact same vibe along Hwy 111. These are our affiliate links to the towns to search on VRBO for rental houses. Look for important amenities like decent wifi and a big swimming pool in the backyard!
{510} Family Favorite Hotel Resorts in the Palm Springs Area
- Omni Rancho Las Palmas (Rancho Mirage)
- Marriott Shadow Ridge (Condo complex with full kitchen and bedrooms in the units) or Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas (similar)
- Please don’t make me cook — just show me something pretty that’s walkable to downtown Palm Springs: The Saguaro; The Ace; or kid-free? Stay here: Korakia
My Tips to Pack for a Road Trip
Our goal for the 8-hour road trip was to limit pit stops. We were able to only stop twice for gas and a break at Bravo Farms, which is a favorite for the cute old-timey playground and clean bathrooms. To do this, here’s what we packed:
- Plenty of snacks, meals, and water so we wouldn’t need to stop (though we tried to limit water to cut down on pit-stops!)
- A portable potty for the little kids
- Entertainment devices with headphones
- Road Bingo and Audio Books to quell the boredom (Try audible now for a free audiobook)
- Lots of sunscreen, lotion, and lip balm to prepare for the desert
Overall we always have a terrific, memorable week-long vacation in Palm Springs.
