Home / Guides / Outdoor season
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.
- Butler Abrams TrailHiking trail in Rancho Mirage.
- Cabazon DinosaursKid-friendlyThe giant dinosaurs off the I-10, about 20 minutes past Palm Springs. Seeing them outside is free; the dinosaur walk and museum cost extra.
Cabot's Pueblo MuseumHand-built Hopi-style pueblo with guided tours and a hilltop viewpoint.- Cahuilla Hills ParkA shady park with picnic tables near the hillside trails.
- Cahuilla ParkPark in Indio.
- Caliente Springs ResortHot springs in Desert Hot Springs.
- Casita at Mi Kasa Hot SpringsHot springs in Desert Hot Springs.
- Cathedral Canyon Country ClubGolf course in Cathedral City.
- Cathedral Canyon Golf ClubGolf course in Cathedral City.
- Cathedral Canyon Tennis ClubKid-friendlySports league in Cathedral City.
- Cathedral Canyon TrailheadHiking trail in Cathedral City.
- Cathedral City Cove Hiking TrailsHiking trail in Cathedral City.
- Cathedral City Soccer ParkPark in Cathedral City.
- Century ParkPark with basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, barbecues and shade.
- Cesar Chavez Memorial ParkPark in Coachella.
- Chuckwalla TrailPark in Rancho Mirage.
- Citrus PlazaPublic plaza in Indio.
- City of Cathedral City Parks & RecreationPark in Cathedral City.
- Civic Center CampusPark in La Quinta.
- Civic Center ParkPark in Palm Desert.
- Civic Center Skate ParkSkate park in Palm Desert Civic Center Park.
- Classic ClubGolf course in Palm Desert.
- Coachella Tot LotA small play area made for young children.
- Coachella Valley History MuseumKid-friendlyHistoric adobe campus with date-farming history and the Date Museum.
- Coachella Valley PreservePark in Palm Springs.
Coachella Valley Preserve (Thousand Palms Oasis)Kid-friendlyFan-palm oasis with boardwalk trails and a rustic visitor center.- Coachella Veterans Memorial ParkPark in Coachella.
- College Golf CenterGolf course in Palm Desert.
- Cove Oasis TrailheadHiking trail in La Quinta.
- Crystal Springs Ranch WestEquestrian facility in Thermal.
Show moreShowing 60 of 268
More guides
Hot daysFreeSpring breakIndoor daysToddlersGrandparentsTeensEating out with kidsShopping with kidsDoctors for kidsKids haircuts