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Best outdoor days, October to April
The desert is at its best in the cool months. Trails, parks, gardens and canyons for the whole family.
- Mornings can be chilly and afternoons warm. Dress in layers.
- Wildflowers usually peak from late February to March after a wet winter.
- Trails get busy on weekends. Go early.
268 places
- Joshua Tree National ParkKid-friendlyFamily favoriteBoulder scrambling, Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden; Junior Ranger program for kids.
Palm Springs Aerial TramwayKid-friendlyFamily favoriteWorld's largest rotating tram car up to Mt. San Jacinto; trails and snow play at the top, often 30–40° cooler.- The Living Desert Zoo & GardensKid-friendlyFamily favoriteDesert zoo and botanical garden with giraffe feeding, rhinos, carousel and a kids' play area.
- 40 by 30 ChampionsKid-friendlySports league in Palm Desert.
- 7 Lakes Country ClubGolf course in Palm Springs.
- Agua Caliente ParkPark in Cathedral City.
- Andalusia Country ClubGolf course in La Quinta.
- Andreas Canyon TrailheadHiking trail in Palm Springs.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkKid-friendlyGiant metal sculptures of dinosaurs and animals, spring wildflowers and an easy palm oasis hike. Start at the visitor center for maps and ranger walks.
- Araby TrailheadHiking trail in Palm Springs.
- Arroyo ParkPark in Desert Hot Springs.
- Arroyos Desert PrincessGolf course in Cathedral City.
- Art Smith TrailheadHiking trail in Palm Desert.
- Avondale Golf ClubGolf course in Palm Desert.
- AYSO Region 588Kid-friendlySports league in Desert Hot Springs.
- Bagdouma ParkA 46-acre park with a community pool, tennis courts, sports fields and picnic areas.
- Baristo ParkPark in Palm Springs.
- Bautista's Family Organic DatesFarm in Mecca.
- Bear Creek Nature TrailheadHiking trail in La Quinta.
- Bear Creek Oasis TrailHiking trail in La Quinta.
- Big Horn Overlook Hiking TrailPark in Rancho Mirage.
- Big League Dreams Sports ParkKid-friendlyMini replicas of famous ballparks; youth leagues, tournaments and batting cages.
Big Morongo Canyon PreserveKid-friendlyShaded boardwalk through a desert marsh; famous for birdwatching.- Bighorn Golf ClubGolf course in Palm Desert.
- BIKE Palm Springs Rentals & ToursBike rental in Palm Springs.
- Bike Palm Springs Rentals On Tahquitz Canyon WayBike rental in Palm Springs.
- Blixseth Mountain ParkDesert landscaping and walking paths with mountain views.
- Boomers! Cathedral CityKid-friendlyGo-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, batting cages and arcade.
- Browns Town ParkPark in Desert Hot Springs.
- Bump N Grind Hiking TrailHiking trail in Palm Desert.
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