From being a secret getaway for celebrities, Palm Spring has grown quite into a spot. With its fair share of swimming pools, sunsets, and kid-friendly places, this historic desert place is just a two-hour long drive from LA and is a delight for family trips. Between the luxurious Palm Springs vacation homes and family friendly hotels all over the town, this modern vacation spot really has turned itself into a paradise. Here are some of the activities which you can enjoy with your family here which make Palm Springs the perfect place to visit with your family.
1) The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Who doesn’t like riding camels and seeing one? Especially with kids on your side, this place can also be the highlight for your entire trip. This zoo cum botanical garden has been focusing on the North American wildlife where they have exhibits which you can tour. Kids love seeing animals and that is something that they do out their own intrigue. Get around with tours where you and your kids can learn more about the animals. Or you can just straightway feed giraffes or take a ride inside the endangered animal carousel. Try to arrive at this place a bit early for you can catch a lot for animals who prefer to lounge outside when the sun is up. If it gets a bit too hot for your kids, head to the Discovery centre since it is fully air-conditioned. If you are visiting this place during the time of Halloween, then don’t forget to attend the Howl-O-Ween celebration that provides you and your kids a nice family retreat.
2) Children’s Discovery Museum
It can get very hot during the day, so it is advisable that you try and take indoor visits to places during daytime for it can be quite draining for your kids. This creative museum is filled with informative exhibits that have immense educative value for your kids. The exhibits change periodically and have places for children to play and socialize. Every Wednesday, the museum holds a special event for STEM which can be quite intriguing for kids. Obviously, there is a nominal admission fee and its timing is also very kid-friendly. This museum also arranged special creative classes for children as well.
3) Joshua Tree National Park
This place gives off a strong Dr Seuss vibe where twisty tree and blobby boulders are in plenty. If you are looking for a day trip, then it is advisable that you join a tour group for safety and convenience. If you are with the kids, the easiest way to hike, then head towards the southernmost entrance which is near the Cottonwood Visitor Center. The hike loops up to 25 miles. Don’t forget to pack a few essentials for this hike such as snacks, water, sunblock, and hats. Be sure to have a conversation with a ranger before you decide to go for this trip since they’d know what’s best for the hike if you have kids.
4) Indian Canyons
If driving to Joshua Tree is something you’d want to avoid, then settle for a hike in the centre of palm springs. This trail is 60 miles long which includes a steady hike through the mountains. The trail can be easy to extremely challenging for both kids and adults. But the hike is worth the effort for it holds some majestic sight where if you are lucky enough then you can see animals such as big-horned sheep and even a waterfall perhaps. This hike would require you to pay a fee which can be done at the nearest ranger station. Visit the one located near the old Albert Frey gas station. If you are unsure of yourself for a long trip, then arrangements can be made for a ranger-led hike, which to some is safe and convenient. Apart from carrying the usual essentials, it is still advisable to carry your own water since they won’t allow you otherwise.
5) Palm Springs Air Museum
This is paradise for aviator junkies and for anyone who is fascinated by aeroplanes. Kids love aeroplanes and this museum has plenty so this is quite an obvious choice for parents to visit. Walk around the exhibits shown that include WWII bomber aircraft. To know more, look for volunteers who can fill you in with anything related to aeroplanes where some of them are actual war veterans from WWII. If you are more on the adventurous side then booking a flight in one of these historic planes can be a thrilling experience for the family.
6) Cabazon Dinosaur Museum
Kids love dinosaur and this roadside museum is quite an obvious choice. You can’t miss this roadside attraction as it falls on the way to Palm Springs. It is advisable that you reserve for a stop here before heading back to LA. This place is the biggest dinosaur museum in the world where you can find gigantic robotic dinosaurs with a fee. This place has climbable dinosaurs’ model where kids can easily climb up. Kids can also ride an animated Brontosaurus or search for hidden treasures at Dino Dig.
7) Food at Elmer’s
This place has some of the best breakfast foods. Drop by before you start on the trip. The kid favorite Cub Cake is delicious and their German pancake is to die for. If you are heading out early then this place is ideal for a quick breakfast.
8) Wet n Wild
Ideal for kids above 6 years, this place surely lives up to its hype. The thrill never ends with lots of water activities like the lap pool, splash playground, and water rides. You can also enjoy the simulated wave surfing or slip through the giant slide. There are apparently dive in movies which should be an interesting activity for your family, especially kids.
This is a comprehensive list of things that you can look out for but there are of course other activities which you will find as you travel along the way. The palm springs might be a desert but it is damn fun one too. From peculiar places to delicious cuisine, this place is the paradise for a family vacation. So be sure to drop in for a taste of paradise.
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