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Family things to do in Day trips
6 places in Day trips: parks, playgrounds, museums, trails and indoor play. Each one fits our family checklist.
6 places
- Joshua Tree National ParkKid-friendlyFamily favoriteBoulder scrambling, Hidden Valley, Cholla Cactus Garden; Junior Ranger program for kids.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkKid-friendlyGiant metal sculptures of dinosaurs and animals, spring wildflowers and an easy palm oasis hike. Start at the visitor center for maps and ranger walks.
Big Morongo Canyon PreserveKid-friendlyShaded boardwalk through a desert marsh; famous for birdwatching.- Cabazon DinosaursKid-friendlyThe giant dinosaurs off the I-10, about 20 minutes past Palm Springs. Seeing them outside is free; the dinosaur walk and museum cost extra.
- Idyllwild Nature CenterKid-friendlyPine forest trails, a small museum with live animals, and snow play in winter, up the mountain from the valley. Adults $6, kids 2 to 12 $3.
- Riley's at Los Rios RanchoKid-friendlyApple orchard in Oak Glen, about an hour away: u-pick apples in fall, a cider press, a bakery and nature trails. Call ahead to check what's ripe.