Too hot to play outside? Where to take the kids

When the afternoon hits 105, the playground is off the table. Here's where to go when you need to get out of the house and stay cool.

Burn off energy, indoors

• Get Air Trampoline ParkKid-friendlyIndoor play in Palm Desert$$Wall-to-wall trampolines, ninja course, foam pits and dodgeball.Trampoline birthday party packages. You may bring cake and cupcakes; other food is ordered through the park.Indoors with AC
• Berger Foundation IceplexKid-friendlyClasses & tutoring in Palm Desert$$Public skating, skating lessons, camps and youth hockey.Skating party packages for 11 kids with skates and gloves; higher tiers add a lesson, pizza and a party host. From $197.Indoors with AC, Classes and camps
• Desert Rocks Indoor Climbing GymKid-friendlyClasses & tutoring in Desert Hot Springs$$Indoor climbing walls for all ages with classes for young climbers.Indoors with AC, Classes and camps
• Boomers! Cathedral CityKid-friendlyIndoor play in Cathedral City$$Go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, batting cages and arcade.Birthday parties in furnished party rooms, with three package options that can add attractions. You can bring your own cake and decorations.Indoors with AC, Outdoors

Ice skating in the desert in July is a family favorite for a reason. Bring socks and a light jacket.

For little ones

Hands-on play made for young kids, all indoors.

• Children's Discovery Museum of the DesertKid-friendlyFamily favoriteIndoor play in Rancho Mirage$$Hands-on museum for young kids: building, art and pretend play; birthday parties.Birthday parties are allowed with an advance reservation and approval. Call the museum to set one up.Indoors with AC, Good for toddlers, Educational
• Kids ClubhouseKid-friendlyIndoor play in La Quinta$Indoor playground with soft-play zones, slides, ball pits and a pretend 'mini town'; party rooms.Indoors with AC, Good for toddlers

Cool and curious

Real planes up close, and a quiet hour with books.

• Palm Springs Air MuseumKid-friendlyFamily favoriteMuseums in Palm Springs$$WWII and Cold War aircraft in air-conditioned hangars; flight simulators and cockpit sit-ins for kids.Indoors with AC, Educational
• Palm Desert LibraryKid-friendlyLibraries in Palm DesertFreeLibrary shared with College of the Desert; kids' programs.Indoors with AC, Free

Get in the water

• Palm Desert Aquatic CenterKid-friendlyClasses & tutoring in Palm Desert$Public pool with recreation swim, slides and swim lessons.All or part of the pool facility can be rented for birthday parties. Call for rental rates.Pools and water play, Outdoors, Classes and camps
• Palm Springs Swim CenterKid-friendlyClasses & tutoring in Palm Springs$50-meter public pool at Sunrise Park with swim lessons and open swim.Rents the pool for private pool parties. Apply at least 60 days ahead through the city.Pools and water play, Outdoors, Classes and camps

Hot day tips

• Do outdoor things before 10 in the morning.
• Check car seats and buckles before buckling in. They get hot fast.
• Bring more water than you think you need, even for a short trip.
• Plan indoor time for the middle of the day.

See every place in our Hot days guide.