Palm Springs – a Fun Destination with kids to relax or explore!

We are lucky in Southern California to have many popular vacation destinations right at our finger tips within an hour or so drive – and Palm Springs is one of them! This is a popular place for couples or retirees, but it’s also a fun spot to visit with kids! You can read here about the fun of going from desert to snow country at Mount San Jacinto via the Palm Springs aerial tram.  There is tons to explore no matter what season on this excursion!  Palm Springs is also local to the Living Desert, a really fun zoo about animals in the local area, and a Children’s Discovery Museum.     Of course, Palm Springs has many great restaurants and a fun downtown area that is famous for adults and couples – we have enjoyed several great dinners there, as well as great authentic Tiki Bars.

Of course, one of the highlights of the desert area is simply to lounge by the pool, and play golf!  My family definitely enjoyed the golf – and when  they’re older, my kids might too – but the pools and simply hanging out with cousins were an awesome experience here for my kiddos.  Our hotel, Residence Inn Palm Desert, didn’t disappoint with a spacious studio room, full kitchen, pull out sofa, and a complimentary hot breakfast.  It also had a great covered balcony and spacious pool, that got plenty of good use!  I would definitely recommend this hotel (which is also pet friendly) for families!    They treat their Marriott Rewards customers well with welcome gifts and follow up calls, and have always provided great service.

Deluxe Studio at Residence Inn

Scoping out the balcony and pool

Marriott Rewards gifts!

Super nice pool with hammocks and other amenities!

We spent most of our time at the Mission Hills complex, which a relative owns a unit in.  The kids loved the pools, but especially loved fishing in the ponds/lakes in front of the condo on the golf course!  This fishing is strictly catch and release of bass, there’s no consumption here  (carp can also be spotted), but great entertainment and safe/easy for kids and educational as well!

Rancho Mirage – Poolside with a Golf Course view! 🙂 

Exploring the lake! 

Fishing and exploring is a family affair!

He caught and released 11 bass! 

Whether you want to chill poolside, explore deserts, or hike the mountains, Palm Springs and the surrounding areas are a great spot for a family trip when visiting Southern California! Contact me to plan your stay! 🙂