Outdoor fun
With 350 days of sunshine a year, and a dry, desert atmosphere, a trip to Palm Springs demands some outdoor time, and there are many spectacular hikes to be enjoyed. Children will love exploring some of the easier trails, with rock crevices to climb, and tiny reptiles scuttling around. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
A great way to get the mountain views without the difficult climb, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers spectacular panoramic views of the Chino Canyon. The moving floor gives you 360 degree views during your ride up more than 2,500 meters above sea level, and at the top you will see features such as the Salton Sea in the distance before dining at the restaurant or going on a guided nature walk.
1 Tram Way, Palm Springs CA 92262. Murray Canyon Trail
There are several hiking trails part of the San Bernardino National Forest, and the fairly easy Murray Canyon Trail is 4 miles in total, which is manageable for most family groups. The route takes you past bubbling springs, through rocky terrain, and underneath huge palm trees, with a shaded picnic area along the way where you can enjoy a drink and get out of the sun.
38520 S Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CA 92264.
Water parks
What better way to cool off in the scorching weather than in one of the local water parks? Kids are bound to love splashing amid the glittering jets and walloping waves, while grown-ups can chill out in the sparkling waters. Wet 'n' Wild Palm Springs
Wet 'n' Wild has a fun selection of rides and watery attractions to help the whole family refreshed and happy in the California sunshine. This colorful realm of adventure has winding flumes, a long lazy river, and a towering “family funhouse” with hoses and jets that's great fun to explore.
1500 South Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs CA 92264.
Celebrity trails
Palm Springs has been a mountain retreat for Hollywood's greatest stars since the 1930s, and celebrity-obsessed teens will enjoy learning about the big stars who have stayed here. From movie star homes to famous graves, there are many sights for those who want to learn about the city's glitzy side. Palm Springs Walk of Stars
If the Hollywood Walk of Fame is too crowded for a family day out, then a trip to the Palm Springs Walk of Stars gives you the same effect on a smaller scale. Look out for the names of classic and modern celebs – it makes for a fun stroll and photo opportunity for families.
E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CA 92264.
Family dining
The laid back nature of Palm Springs means that most restaurants are casual and family friendly. From burger joints to delis, noodle bars to Mexican eateries, there are plenty of choices to keep the entire clan happy. Ruby's Diner
A kitsch diner experience, this restaurant is at the heart of the downtown area, with a patio area for outdoor dining. On the menu are classics from omelets to hot cakes, with generous burgers and thick milkshakes for the rest of the day. The kids’ menu offers a decent selection of meal deals, and they'll love the mini-sized milkshakes with a cherry on top.
155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CA 92262.
Dickie O'Neal's Irish Pub
This themed restaurant serves hearty American-Irish style food, with a cozy, relaxed atmosphere and a reliably warm welcome. Kids will love the wide selection of generous sandwiches, burgers, brick oven pizzas, and decadent homemade cheesecakes – even the fussiest eater will want to gorge on it all.
2155 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs CA 92262.
