Plants and Wildlife
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens consists of 1,200 acres and 450 animals. The combination botanical garden and zoo contains a model train exhibit, hiking trails, tram rides, animal themed shows and a play area for children. The Living Desert allows for up close study of plant and animal life.The Living Desert harbors animals from both Africa and the Americas in its collection. Many species in the collection are endangered or threatened in the wild. The Living Desert is a great way to impress upon children and adults the vast amount of wildlife and plant life existing in our world and the need to preserve it.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
47-900 Portola Ave.
Palm Desert/Indian Wells
(760) 346-5694
Desert Exploration
The Desert Adventures Jeep Eco Tours begins by getting in the Desert Adventures' signature red Jeep and heading off into the wild yonder to explore the San Andreas Fault. The San Andreas Fault tour not only lets you explore the desert, but stops at the Epicent Earthquake Education Center. This particular tour is great for children, as they learn about the desert environment and the San Andreas Fault. The tour company also offers the Nightwatch Jeep Eco tour that shows off the constellations and the desert at night.
Desert Adventures Jeep Eco Tours
74-794 Lennon Place, Suite A
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(888) 440-5337
Recreation for Kids
The Boomers Family Entertainment complex offers a large dose of fun for the younger generation. It features three 18-hole miniature golf courses to start off the day. When that becomes repetitious, they can take a turn at the batting cages, go-karts, bumper boats and laser tag.
Boomers Family Entertainment
67-700 E. Palm Canyon Drive
Cathedral City, CA 92234
(760)-321-9893
Desert Discovery for Kids
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert is an interactive museum featuring 50 hands-on exhibits. It promotes scientific principles and understanding through interaction. This museum is just another great way, Palm Springs, educates tourists on the dynamics of the desert and local environment.
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert
71-701 Gerald Ford Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA
(760) 321-0602
Bikers and Hikers
For low-cost fun, bring your bike and ride through the miles of well-maintained trails. Maps are available at the Leisure Center. For hikers, a 1.5 mile trail heads up into higher elevations and meets up with a couple of other trails, which leads both back down and further up. According to Hiking in Palm Springs website, "To reach this trail, go to the corner of the Desert Museum's north parking lot. The Museum Trail rises above the city of Palm Springs, and offers spectacular views of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley." The trail may be short, but it is invigorating uphill hike to picnic tables, where lunch should be your first priority. At that point, hikers can connect with North Lykken trail, follow it down to Ramon Road and then walk Ramon Road to the trailhead. Experienced hikers may also take the Sky Line Trail further up the mountains to the Palm Springs Tramway. It takes a good, long, and hard seven hours to reach the top of the Sky Line Trail.
Leisure Center
401 S. Pavilion Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 323-8272
Villagefest
Villagefest happens every Thursday evening on Palm Canyon Drive. It is a street fair with musicians, food and craft vendors. There is also a farmers market that occurs at the same time as Villagefest. Admission is free.
