Spring break in the valley
A week of family days out: attractions, outdoor fun and treats, all from our family directory.
- Spring is the busiest season. Book tours and popular spots ahead.
- Mix one big outing with an easy park day so nobody burns out.
- Weekday mornings are the quietest time almost everywhere.
28 placesClear filters
- 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.
- AYSO Region 588Kid-friendlySports league in Desert Hot Springs.
- 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.- Boomers! Cathedral CityKid-friendlyGo-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, batting cages and arcade.
- Cathedral Canyon Tennis ClubKid-friendlySports league in Cathedral City.
- Coachella Valley History MuseumKid-friendlyHistoric adobe campus with date-farming history and the Date Museum.
Coachella Valley Preserve (Thousand Palms Oasis)Kid-friendlyFan-palm oasis with boardwalk trails and a rustic visitor center.- Elite Otters Swim TeamKid-friendlyAmateur sport team in Palm Springs.
- First Tee – Coachella ValleyKid-friendlyYouth golf and life-skills programs for beginners.
- Indian Canyons (Andreas & Palm Canyon)Kid-friendlyPalm oases on Agua Caliente land; Andreas Canyon is an easy ~1.2-mile family loop with a creek.
- La Quinta Resort & Club Pickleball CourtsKid-friendlySports league in La Quinta.
Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional ParkKid-friendlyLake with fishing, camping, a seasonal splash pad and trailheads.
Moorten Botanical GardenKid-friendlySmall family-run cactus garden with a 'cactarium'; quick, easy outing with kids.- Palm Desert Aquatic CenterKid-friendlyPublic pool with recreation swim, slides and swim lessons.
Palm Desert Civic Center ParkKid-friendlyLarge park with playgrounds, skate park, aquatic center nearby and community events.- Palm Desert Swim ClubKid-friendlyAmateur sport team in Palm Desert.
- Palm Springs Swim CenterKid-friendly50-meter public pool at Sunrise Park with swim lessons and open swim.
- Palm Valley Country ClubKid-friendlySports league in Palm Desert.
- Paradise PickleballKid-friendlySports league in Palm Desert.
- Pscc IndiansKid-friendlyFootball club in Palm Springs.
- Rancho Mirage Racquet ClubKid-friendlySports league in Rancho Mirage.
- Suncrest Country ClubKid-friendlySports league in Palm Desert.
- Sunrise Racquet ClubKid-friendlySports league in Palm Springs.
- Thunderbird Country ClubKid-friendlySports league in Palm Desert.
More guides
Hot daysFreeOutdoor seasonIndoor daysToddlersGrandparentsTeensEating out with kidsShopping with kidsDoctors for kidsKids haircuts