When the grandparents visit
Easygoing outings and good meals that work for every age, from little ones to great-grandma.
- Gardens, museums and scenic drives suit every pace.
- Look for places with seating, shade and short walks.
- Make lunch the main event: a long, slow family meal is the best part.
13 places
- Children's Discovery Museum of the DesertKid-friendlyFamily favoriteHands-on museum for young kids: building, art and pretend play; birthday parties.
- Joshua Tree National ParkKid-friendlyFamily favoriteBoulder scrambling, Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden; Junior Ranger program for kids.
- Palm Springs Air MuseumKid-friendlyFamily favoriteWWII and Cold War aircraft in air-conditioned hangars; flight simulators and cockpit sit-ins for kids.
- Shields Date GardenKid-friendlyFamily favoriteClassic date shakes, a family café and a garden walk.
- The Living Desert Zoo & GardensKid-friendlyFamily favoriteDesert zoo and botanical garden with giraffe feeding, rhinos, carousel and a kids' play area.
- Big Morongo Canyon PreserveKid-friendlyShaded boardwalk through a desert marsh; famous for birdwatching.
- Cabot's Pueblo MuseumHand-built Hopi-style pueblo with guided tours and a hilltop viewpoint.
- Coachella Valley History MuseumKid-friendlyHistoric adobe campus with date-farming history and the Date Museum.
- Coachella Valley Wild Bird CenterKid-friendlyWildlife rehab center with educational visits and bird encounters.
- Hi-Desert Nature MuseumKid-friendlySmall natural-history museum with live reptiles and a kids' discovery room.
- McCallum TheatreMain performing-arts venue; family shows and arts education outreach.
- Old Schoolhouse MuseumLocal history museum in a 1920s schoolhouse run by the historical society.
- Palm Springs Art MuseumLargest cultural institution in the valley; contemporary, Western and Native American art.
More guides
Hot daysFreeOutdoor seasonSpring breakIndoor daysToddlersTeensBirthday parties