Things To Do With Kids In Palm Springs California

Palm Springs provides the backdrop to many a ’60s Hollywood movie – and don’t mention Coachella. But it’s not all spring breaks and pool parties. It’s also an unlikely family-friendly destination, packed with cultural treasures and kid-approved adventures. Culture Trip’s local insiders share their tips.

1. Palm Springs Air Museum

Museum

One of the best aviation museums in the world, the Palm Springs Air Museum allows visitors to climb inside the exhibits (aircraft), talk to pilots (some are veterans who used to fly the planes) and even enjoy biplane rides. The museum’s library also has a massive volume of first-person aviation accounts from World War II. Plus, in summer, children up to age 12 enter for free (kids five and under get in free year-round). Recommended by local insider Jennifer Weil

2. Brandini Toffee Factory Tour

Building

In 2006, in an attempt to earn money for a school trip to Italy, two teenagers handcrafted a batch of gourmet almond toffee, which they sold to raise money – and then kept on selling. Today, Brandini Toffee is a thriving family-run business, and its factory in Rancho Mirage offers visitors an all-comprehensive tour for just $5. The toffee samples – particularly the almond bites – are melt-in-your-mouth good. Recommended by local insider Jennifer Weil

3. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Amusement Park

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway tramcar arriving at the lower station, Palm Springs, California, United States.

It’s the world’s largest rotating tramcar and takes visitors 8,000ft (2,438m) high over the cliffs of Chino Canyon and into Mount San Jacinto State Park. Picturesque views of the rocky, pine-dotted valley below make for some picture-perfect opportunities, and at the top, visitors are met with two restaurants, hiking trails, a theater and a gift shop. It’s a top attraction, so make sure you buy tickets in advance or go early in the morning to beat the crowds. Recommended by local insider Jennifer Weil

5. Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tours

Natural Feature

The best way to see Coachella Valley and the Palm Springs desert is by taking to it on wheels. These famous red Jeeps are open-backed, allowing passengers to soak up the sights and listen to local tour guides as they swoop through the area, explaining its past. Recommended by local insider Lauren Malestic

6. Smoke Tree Stables

Natural Feature

Riding a horse through the desert? You can’t get more cowboy than that. Smoke Tree Stables gives riders of all ages the chance to take in the Palm Springs scenery on the saddle. Smoke Tree also offers several packages that include picnics, barbecues and fun events. Recommended by local insider Lauren Malestic

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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