Destination Palm Springs: Timeshares for the Family

The “golf capital of the world” is known for its more than 100 area courses, and it’s long been a popular desert location for “snowbird” retirees to spend their winters. But with the number of multi-bedroom timeshare resorts in the Palm Springs area, it’s also a great place for families to vacation, as well.
Besides simply enjoying the desert playground with kid-friendly hikes (check out Indian Canyons), gentle mountain-bike rides and off-road jeep tours, there are a number of attractions ideal for families spending a timeshare vacation in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Children are especially good at reminding us that getting there is half the fun. So, adventurers of all ages appreciate the scenic, 10-minute ride on the world’s largest rotating tram cars into pristine mountain wilderness at 8,500 feet. In the warm-weather months, air temperatures at the top are much cooler than the blazing desert, which can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more at summer’s peak. But at the top of the tramway, it’s perfectly comfortable for traipsing around the hiking trails or eating a picnic lunch. Winter brings cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Knott’s Soak City USA

This mammoth water park in Palm Springs is a family-oriented water playground with a giant wave pool, several twisting water slides, a lazy river and a section reserved just for small fries under 4 feet tall. Open daily mid-March through Labor Day.

Palm Springs Air Museum

Any child-young or old-with a fascination with planes, or World War II history buffs, will love this museum dedicated to combat aircraft used in WWII. Children just like checking out the historic planes, located outside and in hangars, some of which they can actually climb in. Flight demos are held on occasional Saturdays.

The Living Desert

In nearby Palm Desert, this 1,200-acre zoo showcases the animals and plants that make their home in the desert, including flora and fauna native to Africa and North America. At the Wildlife Hospital visitors can watch vets tend to animals. Preschoolers love the giant model train. Erected as part of a Christmastime Wildlights display, the network of tracks and trains was so popular, it’s now a permanent exhibit.

Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

On a rainy (rare) or really hot (common in the summer) day, an excursion to this indoor museum in the nearby town of Rancho Mirage can keep young children entertained for hours. Ideal for kids age two to 10, the more than 50 hands-on exhibits include science experiments, art projects, imaginary play, a book nook, rope maze and much more.

Learn more about family-friendly attractions at the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.

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