Bringing the whole family to the Coachella Valley? Good call. Behind the golf courses and spa resorts, this region is packed with activities that kids genuinely love — and that parents enjoy just as much. Here are the best family-friendly things to do during your stay.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens This is the anchor of any family trip to the valley. Located in Palm Desert, The Living Desert is a 1,800-acre zoo and botanical garden focused on the world's desert ecosystems. Kids can feed giraffes, watch African wild dogs, ride the endangered species carousel, and walk through an immersive Australian exhibit. The park is beautifully maintained and never feels crowded, even during peak season. Plan for a full morning — there is more here than you expect.
Cabazon Dinosaurs About 30 minutes west of La Quinta, the Cabazon Dinosaurs are hard to miss — literally. Two massive concrete dinosaurs stand beside the freeway, and the surrounding park features over 50 life-sized dinosaur sculptures you can walk among. Kids can dig for fossils in a sand pit, visit the museum inside the T-Rex, and browse the gift shop for dinosaur souvenirs. It is wonderfully quirky and a guaranteed hit with anyone under 12.
Indian Canyons For families with kids who enjoy hiking, Indian Canyons is a must. Just 20 minutes from La Quinta, these trails wind through stunning palm oases carved into the desert landscape. The Andreas Canyon trail is an easy, flat loop that follows a stream lined with California fan palms — it feels like a hidden world. Older kids will enjoy the moderate Murray Canyon trail. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians manages the canyons, and the visitor center offers excellent context about the area's indigenous history.
Shields Date Garden Operating since 1924, Shields Date Garden in Indio is one of those places that is uniquely Coachella Valley. Kids love the date shake — a thick, sweet milkshake made with locally grown Medjool dates. The garden offers self-guided tours through the date groves, and there is a short film about the romantic history of date farming that is oddly captivating. The on-site cafe serves sandwiches and salads if you want to make it a lunch stop.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway In about 10 minutes, the tramway takes you from the 100-degree desert floor to the cool, forested slopes of Mount San Jacinto at 8,516 feet. At the top, the temperature drops 30 to 40 degrees, and you can hike through pine forest, play in the snow during winter months, and eat at the mountaintop restaurant. The rotating tram car itself is half the fun — the slow 360-degree turn on the way up gives everyone a view.
Splash House and Pool Days For simpler days, many vacation rentals in La Quinta come with private pools — including every Desert Sol property. Pack pool noodles, water guns, and sunscreen, and let the kids have a full pool day. The desert heat makes the water feel perfect, and mountain views from the pool never get old. Some properties also feature hot tubs and outdoor fire pits for family movie nights under the stars.
Practical Tips for Family Visits Start outdoor activities early to avoid peak heat, especially between May and September. Bring more water than you think you need — the dry air dehydrates faster than you notice. Sunscreen and hats are non-negotiable. And pack layers for evening outings, because desert temperatures can drop 30 degrees after sunset.
