Free things to do with kids around the valley

Some of the best outings with kids here don't cost a thing. Here are free places we love, from the library down the street to a palm oasis.

Start at the library

Every town has one, they're cool inside, and most have a kids' area and regular programs. Palm Springs has children's story times, and the Rancho Mirage library even has an observatory.

• Palm Springs Public LibraryKid-friendlyLibraries in Palm SpringsFreeCity library with children's story times.Indoors with AC, Free
• Rancho Mirage Public LibraryKid-friendlyLibraries in Rancho MirageFreeCity library with a children's area and observatory.Indoors with AC, Free
• Palm Desert LibraryKid-friendlyLibraries in Palm DesertFreeLibrary shared with College of the Desert; kids' programs.Indoors with AC, Free
• Coachella LibraryKid-friendlyLibraries in CoachellaFreeNewer library in downtown Coachella with kids' space.Indoors with AC, Free

Take a boardwalk walk

Walk through a real palm oasis, or a desert marsh full of birds, on boardwalks and easy trails. Go early in the day, bring water, and save these for the cooler months.

• Coachella Valley Preserve (Thousand Palms Oasis)Kid-friendlyHiking & trails in Thousand PalmsFreeFan-palm oasis with boardwalk trails and a rustic visitor center.Free, Outdoors
• Big Morongo Canyon PreserveKid-friendlyHiking & trails in Morongo ValleyFreeShaded boardwalk through a desert marsh; famous for birdwatching.Free, Outdoors, Stroller-friendly

Run off some energy

A big park with playgrounds and a skate park, right in the middle of the valley.

• Palm Desert Civic Center ParkKid-friendlyParks & playgrounds in Palm DesertFreeLarge park with playgrounds, skate park, aquatic center nearby and community events.Free, Outdoors

For curious kids

Live reptiles, a kids' discovery room and visits with rescued birds.

• Hi-Desert Nature MuseumKid-friendlyMuseums in Yucca ValleyFreeSmall natural-history museum with live reptiles and a kids' discovery room.Indoors with AC, Free, Educational
• Coachella Valley Wild Bird CenterKid-friendlyClasses & tutoring in IndioFreeWildlife rehab center with educational visits and bird encounters.Free, Outdoors, Educational

For older kids, in cool months

Painted Canyon has ladders and a colorful slot canyon. It's a real hike, so it's best for older kids, early in the day, from November to March.

• Painted Canyon & Ladder Canyon TrailHiking & trails in MeccaFreeColorful slot canyon with ladders; best for older kids in cool months.Free, Outdoors, Older kids and teens

Want more? See every free place, and check Events for free story times, festivals and family days this weekend.