Our youngest years are also our most impressionable. While specific memories of riding bikes with friends or going to Disney World for the first time may not stay with us forever, the impact those moments had on our childhood last a lifetime.

When you think of Palm Springs and the surrounding area, you may think of tourist attractions such as resorts and theme parks and a likely consistent influx of visitors. However, Palm Springs and the surrounding area have plenty to offer to families looking for a little fun and entertainment in a safe and welcoming environment. There’s something for all ages, from toddler to teen and beyond, making it the perfect place to settle down for the long-run.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Are your kids open to trying something new? Or maybe they’re stuck in the picky eating phase of life? Regardless, there are plenty of Palm Springs restaurants that will work with your family’s preferences and are self-described “family experiences” inviting everyone from your toddler to your grandmother to come along for a family meal.

Who knew you could get a New York City experience all the way out in California? Manhattan in the Desert, 2018 winner of the Diners’ Choice Award on OpenTable, provides you with choices from mile-high sandwiches to eggs and waffles.

There’s something for the entire family at Tyler’s Burgers, a low-cost local eatery with simplicity in mind. Who doesn’t love the idea of a juicy burgers with fries and a shake? There’s even something for your family’s vegetarian in the mix.

Get Out in Nature

If you’re the parent of a little adventurer, your child will love exploring the great outdoors with you at San Bernardino National Forest. Located just under one hour outside of Palm Springs, San Bernardino is known for its wide selection of hiking trails (at varying difficulty levels) in the warmer months and even offers snowshoeing and skiing in the winter.

Join a Gym

Your kids will agree - it IS fun to stay at the YMCA. With a family membership, parents can enjoy a variety of health and wellness amenities and take advantage of discounted summer camp, daycare and child watch programming at once. The entire family will have access to the pool, community events and much more.

Cool Down at the Pool

Living in the desert means your family will need plenty of opportunities to cool off. What better way to get cool than with a pool membership? You’ll quickly find that memberships around town are worth their prices, especially due to the fact that they stay open longer for high Palm Springs temperatures.

Wet ‘n’ Wild encompasses 16 acres of good fashioned family fun. Relax in the sunset river or make a splash in Kahuna’s Beach House, a 4-story family fun house with every water contraption imaginable.

At Omni Rancho Las Palmas your family will have access to Splashtopia. Surrounded by a lay river, two 100-foot waterslides and tons of sunshine, this pool opens up its memberships year-round.

Head to the Beach

Beach vacations will become much easier for the entire family to enjoy as Newport Beach, Dana Point, Carlsbad and Oceanside are all about a two-hour drive or less away from Palm Springs. If you’re from other parts of the country that don’t experience year-round heat, you’ll be delighted that your beach trips can be extended to the spring or fall. For young families, the off-season will be particularly more appealing due to smaller crowds and, allowing more accessibility to the beach and restaurants.

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If you’ve already started a family, or you’re in the early stages of the planning process, don’t cross Palm Springs off your list. This accepting, open-minded and fun-filled community will provide your family with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow together. So come by for a visit and see for yourself what makes this area the perfect place for your family settle down. Still looking for a place to call home? We’d be happy to help!