Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Palm Springs

Those looking for an adventure with the whole family will be glad to know there are numerous things to do in Palm Springs. The warm desert community hosts family attractions like wildlife adventures, Native American heritage education, and even the exhibition of an airplane artifact collection. Here's a listing of things to do in Palm Springs for kids and adults alike:

Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Operating with a mission to conserve the Colorado Desert landscape and the animals that live there, the Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers interactive exhibits, including giraffe feedings, animal shows and rides—this is a great place for family to enjoy a day packed with fun and education. The Junior Zoo Keepers program is an exciting way for children to learn about the wonders of zoo life from a zoo keeper’s perspective. Then, at Zoo Camp, children learn about plants, animals and the environment by working together in projects and games. For older children, the Starry Safari overnight adventure is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors under the nighttime skies. Adult programs include lecture series and workshops on topics including gardening and environmental conservation. The Living Desert Zoo and Botanical Gardens is daily from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. during the summer and from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. fall through spring.

Malki Museum

Founded in 1965, the Malki Museum is home to a collection of Native American art work, pottery, baskets and tapestries. The Malki Museum is located on the Morongo Indian Reservation and operates with a mission to promote awareness and preservation of the Southern California Native American cultures. That mission is carried out through art exhibits, community festivals and seasonal gatherings, bringing patrons together with traditional foods, entertainment and hands-on crafts. Each year, the Malki Museum hosts several community events, including the annual fall gathering at the end of October. Visitors can enjoy cooking and art demonstrations, lectures and food tastings. Some of the demonstrations include bird-calling, basket weaving, pottery-making and flint-knapping. The Malki Museum is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Home to an expansive collection of World War II aircraft and other memorabilia, the Palm Springs Air Museum offers educational programs, flight demonstrations and tours. The aircraft collection at the Palm Springs Air Museum includes a F4F Wildcat, F4 Phantom, F-18 Hornet, F6F Hellcat, A4 Skyhawk and about two dozen other flyable crafts, many of which are flown for visitors to enjoy. The Palm Springs Air Museum offers special tours for youth and educational groups that include a hands-on lesson in the science of flight with flight simulators. These tours can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more at least two weeks in advance. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Palm Springs family attractions California kids