Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The clearest Palm Springs splurge. It changes the climate, scenery, and pace in ten minutes, so give it a real block instead of squeezing it between pool plans.
North Palm Springs and Tramway · Half day
Family travel guide
Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids
Palm Springs is strongest as a three-day desert reset with one early canyon or tram day, one midcentury-and-museum day, and enough pool or patio time to keep your visit from becoming a hot-weather checklist. Each choice includes a pace, weather, or access cue for planning with children.
Palm Springs Art Museum
A downtown art stop that earns the middle of a hot day and pairs naturally with Palm Canyon Drive rather than another cross-valley errand.
Downtown and Uptown · 2 to 3 hours
Architecture and Design Center
A compact architecture-and-design stop in a restored midcentury bank building. It is the more fitting choice for travelers who came for the city’s design language, not a broad museum survey.
Downtown and Uptown · 2 to 3 hours
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
A focused, locally grounded museum beside downtown that puts Cahuilla culture into your visit before the architecture and cocktail loop take over.
Downtown and Uptown · 2 to 3 hours
Tahquitz Canyon
A short canyon walk to a seasonal waterfall and a much more specific desert outing than driving around looking for a view. Check current trail conditions before committing.
South Palm Springs and Indian Canyons · 2 to 3 hours
Indian Canyons
Palm and Andreas canyons are the serious nature counterweight to downtown. Start early, bring water, and do not treat summer midday as a test of character.
South Palm Springs and Indian Canyons · Half day
Moorten Botanical Garden
A small, old-school cactus garden that is more charming than grand. It works as a low-effort south-end stop, not as the day’s main event.
South Palm Springs and Indian Canyons · 2 to 3 hours
Air Museum at PSP
A hangar-scale museum with enough substance for aviation fans and families, plus air-conditioned relief when desert weather is doing too much.
East Palm Springs and Airport · 2 to 3 hours
Palm Springs Visitor Center
Albert Frey’s former Tramway Gas Station is a quick architecture stop with maps and handy orientation. Pair it with the tram, not a separate drive.
North Palm Springs and Tramway · 2 to 3 hours
Palm Canyon Drive and VillageFest
Palm Springs’ most natural evening walk, especially on Thursday when VillageFest closes Palm Canyon Drive to traffic. Check the current schedule and road closure before you go.
Downtown and Uptown · 2 to 3 hours
Sunnylands Center and Gardens
A free, quiet garden and architecture outing in nearby Rancho Mirage. It is the right add-on for a slower design-minded day, not a substitute for downtown Palm Springs.
East Palm Springs and Airport · 2 to 3 hours
Palm Springs Surf Club
A controlled water-and-pool day for groups who want a break from museums and hiking. Reserve ahead and verify operating hours and attractions for your date.
East Palm Springs and Airport · Half day
Cabot's Pueblo Museum
A focused history experience that adds real local context without repeating the destination's existing landmarks. Build it into the day when this is the part of Palm Springs visitors would otherwise miss.
Downtown and Uptown
Confirm current details with Official Palm Springs Aerial Tramway information before departure.
Travel conditions, access, and reservations can change. Check official sources close to departure.