Family Trip to Palm Springs | Dinosaurs, Hikes and Pool time
Endless desert family-friendly attractions and laid back atmosphere make Palm Spring a perfect destination spot!
Palm Spring for Spring Break.
Think amazing weather and endless family-friendly attractions. No matter the season, you can always count on Palm Springs for flawless weather and lots of fun in the California sun.
Palm Springs is only a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, with an average of 350 days of sunshine each year and is the ultimate vacation spot for numerous family activities and fun in the sun.
We had two extra passengers along, Grandma and my niece. So making sure we had accommodations for 7 and vehicle that fit seven were first on our list.
Our Accommodations: We wanted to rent a house with a pool, that way we can cook meals if needed and we have a bit more space. We jumped on Airbnb and found a perfect home with three bedrooms. There were enough beds and bathrooms for everyone. It was about $285 US/night, so right in our budget.
When planning we decided we would also like to check out Universal Studios since Harry Potter World was not open on our last trip to Los Angeles.
In the Air: We headed to the Airport in Calgary, AB Canada, we flew in and out of LA. From the LAX we drove straight to Palm Springs.
We know where we are staying to let's cover where to Play and Eat!
Let's unpack and Play
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Cost: Adults $24.95, Children $14.95, Children under 3 are free We would recommend arriving when the park opens, and it is still cooler temperatures outside)
For an additional cost, The kids will also love seeing and riding the camels and feeding the Giraffes!
More than 450 animals call the Living Desert Zoo home, from Africa to North America. You can experience animal encounters, petting Kraal, hiking trails, and when you need to beat the heat, check out the air-conditioned conservation or discovery centre.
Plan to spend a half-day here.
There are many food options available for purchase.
Tahquitz Canyon
There is a fee to enter the hiking trails, adults $12.50, kids $6.00, 6 and under free, which you pay for at the ranger station (visit Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians counter at the Palm Springs Visitor Center located in the old Albert Frey gas station when you first enter town). Don't forget your water! They won't let you hike without it.
A well travelled hiking trail and can be strenuous. It is 1.8 miles round trip. The elevation is 350 feet. Wear proper hiking shoes or runners. (I did it in flip flops so it can be down, but I don't recommend it)
Home to a 60-foot waterfall, remarkable views of Palm Springs, rock art, endless native wildlife and plants, makes this a family adventure worth exploring. Plant for a minimum of 2.5 hours to complete this trail.
Just off Highway 10, you will find the Cabazon Dinosaurs. Cost: Adults $13.00, Kids $11.00, Seniors $10. Kids 2 and under are free.
Known as one of Palm Springs most iconic roadside attractions is the Cabin Dinosaurs. You might remember these dinosaurs from Pee-Wee Big Adventure or The Wizard. You will experience over 50 lifelike dinosaurs and exhibits, for an additional cost you can pan for fossils and experience a dinosaur dig for a prize. This gift shop is a must. Don't forget to climb into the mouth of T-Rex.
Plan to spend about an hour here. If you don't want to pay admission just stopping for a photo with the parking lot dinosaur and a trip to the gift shop are more than worth it!
Sadly the Palm Desert Aquatic Center was closed for renovations, so we didn't get to check it out!
Fill your Suitcase ~ Shopping
Outlets
If you are visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs, 5 minutes down the highway are the Cabazon Outlets, featuring 49 outlet stores and home to the most extensive collection of luxury outlets in California. We had two trips to this location and quick one with kids, which they hate shopping so lasted about 30 minutes and a 3 hour trip with my mother in law and niece, which was terrific. I would scoop out their website before shopping to get some extra amazing coupons and deals. Also, stop at customer service and pick up the savings card to save some additional money as well.
Street Markets
Village Fest: Runs every Thursday evening from 6-10pm. VillageFest takes place in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive. VillageFest offers an array of shopping, eating, art and more! It is a perfect place to get that souvenir.
Every Saturday and Sunday morning, head to the College of the Desert parking for the desert's largest street fair. Hundreds of vendors set up m at this street fair. You'll find everything from baked goods and local produce to art, sculptures, clothing, and jewelry. Spend a morning wandering this fabulous Street Fair, and you'll be sure to fill up your Suitcase...
Storefronts
Palm Canyon Drive. Located downtown is home to many arts, boutique clothing stores and all things modern. Spend a day searching for antique at the various thrift stores and antique shops, or that perfect souvenirs or grab a coffee and window shop all along Palm Canyon Drive, don't worry kids there are unique kids toy and books stores too!
The River: Whether you want to window shop under the desert sun, buy a new piece of art for your living room or browse the latest desert fashions, The River in Rancho Mirage is the premier lifestyle shopping destination for you. Some of The River's retailers include Bath & Body Works, Forever 21 and MAC cosmetics. While you check out the upscale shops of this shopping center, you'll soon relax by the sight and sound of the waterfront that surrounds the shops.
Rodeo Drive meets Coachella Valley in El Paseo. The high-end district of El Paseo has high-end retailers and restaurants; it's easy to spend a day window-shopping.
Let's Eat…Travelling kids are always hungry kids!
There are so many dining options in Palm Springs. Here are a few options that we checked out and we will raise them out of 5 Suitcases. 5 Suitcases being the best rating.
Fisherman Market and Grill provides a "Cost Saving, Self-Ordering" system to add value to our restaurants. I would call this a quick-service restaurant. They had a great kids menu. It is a bit confusing at first when you order, but they were great at walking us through the menu. We had a patio seat, which was good for the kids would play. The food was good, and I would give this a 3.5 Suitcase rating.
Our favourite family eatery in Palm Springs was the Lulu California Bistro. Mid-century modern design and stylish artwork, LULU has a modern vibe that embodies the spirit of Palm Springs. LULU is a busy local spot to dine, and reservations are highly recommended. Great menu, portion sizes and kids menu prices made this dining location a 5 suitcase rating.
We also did take out one night of Mexican. Local Charlie's Mexican Grill. Helpful and friendly staff, fresh and hot food, and extra guac was impressive for a take out dining in Palm Springs. The price was right, and the portion sizes were sharable.
It was a great week and we are now packing up to finish up our vacation in LA checking out Huntington Beach and Universal Studios. Stay tuned for the details on our next blog.
Have you travelled to Palm Springs? Any travel trips or trick you want to share? We would love to hear from you!
From our Suitcase to yours, Happy Travels!
