By: Vered DeLeeuw, Parenting Products columnist
On 12/31/05
The City of Palm Springs is located in the Colorado Desert, approximately 107 miles east of Los Angeles. Rising behind the downtown is the impressive Mt. San Jacinto, elevation 10,831 feet.
| "If childcare services are important to you, don’t forget to confirm, when making a reservation, that they are indeed offered by the hotel during your planned stay" |
Palm Springs is a year-round vacation destination. It offers a large array of activities, the best of which are simply relaxing, breathing the dry, clean desert air and taking in the beautiful views of mountains and palm trees.
Other options include shopping in Main Street or in the upscale El Paseo shopping center; golfing and tennis; hiking or biking; gaming in one of the area’s casinos; and enjoying the local abundance of mid-century modern architecture. The city’s Main Street, Palm Canyon Drive, offers plenty of antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs.
Weather in Palm Springs is sunny (about 350 days of sunshine per year), hot and dry. Average maximum temperatures during the winter (December through February) hover around 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter is a good time to visit Palm Springs: summers are characterized by scorching temperatures, with an average temperature of 102-106 degrees.
Things to do besides relaxing by the pool
The Living Desert Wildlife and Botanical Gardens, 47-900 Portola Avenue Palm Desert, CA 92260 Tel. 760-346-5694
“Like a zoo, only better” (http://www.palmsprings.com/points/desert.html), this unique desert experience provides an opportunity to explore American deserts and learn about their plants and wildlife in a setting that is educational as well as entertaining. Open daily 9am to 4pm.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway travels from the desert floor to 8,500 feet up Mt. San Jacinto. The views are incredible and the trip to the mountaintop is just 15 minutes long. Cost is $20.80 for adults and $13.80 for children 3-12. Be sure to dress in layers: the temperature difference between Palm Springs and the mountaintop is dramatic. For more details visit http://www.palmsprings.com/active/tramway.html.
Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert 71-701 Gerald Ford Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Telephone 760-321-0602 http://www.cdmod.org
The Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert has over fifty hands-on exhibits. The Museum serves children of all ages with particular interest for primary school age kids. There is also a toddler area with manipulative toys and blocks, and a story telling area. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 5PM, and on Sunday from Noon to 5PM. Admission price for ages 2 and up is $6.00
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a great place for exploring desert plants and animals. The park has twelve self-guiding nature trails. On clear days, consider driving all the way to the Key View trail (a quarter mile loop). The spectacular vista from Keys View extends beyond Salton Sea to Mexico and is well worth the longer drive. For additional information, visit http://www.nps.gov/jotr/visiting/visiting.html. Driving directions can be found at http://www.joshuatreechamber.org/driving.htm.
Boomers, 67-700 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 770-7522
Boomers is a theme park with lots of fun activities for the whole family. Activities include bumper boats, batting cages, game room, go-karts, miniature golf and a rock wall. The park is open year-round and offers a snack bar. For directions and hours of operation, visit http://www.boomersparks.com/park/palmsprings/directions.html
Dining
Elmer’s, 1030 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264 (760) 327-8419
A popular breakfast spot with locals and tourists alike, this restaurant serves large portions of classic diner fare in an unassuming atmosphere. The restaurant has a kids’ menu that includes activities and crayons. Don’t miss the fabulous German Pancakes.
Las Casuelas Terraza, 222 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA (760) 325-2794
Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, this authentic Mexican restaurant serves a wide selection of quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, tamales and much more. Desserts include Mexican Chocolate, Kahlua & Fudge Brownie and Strawberry Margarita Cheesecake. Although the restaurant does not advertise itself as kid-friendly, the casual, friendly atmosphere and the cheerful wait staff definitely welcome families.
Ruby’s Diner, 155 S Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 406-RUBY
This diner is part of a diner chain that serves large portions of classic comfort foods. The fifties-style décor includes red vinyl booths, Formica tables and soda fountains. There’s a kids menu and the service is friendly and efficient.
Las Casuelas Nuevas, 70-050 Hwy 111 Rancho Mirage, California (760)328-8844
Don’t miss the festive Sunday brunch at this restaurant. The experience includes outdoor dining in a beautiful patio, Mexican buffet, champagne and Mariachi live music from 11am to 1pm.
Lodging: childcare included
Rancho Las Palmas Marriot Resort & Spa, 41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage CA 92270 (760) 568-2727
Travelocity 3-star rating. The hotel has an outdoor children’s pool and offers Seasonal fee-based Children's Program- Kid's Camp - for ages 5-12.
Hilton Palm Springs Resort, 400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 320-6868; AAA ---3-diamond rating.
According to its website, the hotel offers babysitting services, children’s menu, cribs and high chairs.
Hyatt Grand Champions Resort & Spa, 44-600 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA (760) 341-1000; AAA 4-diamond rating.
The hotel offers Camp Hyatt with activities for children ages 3-12. Cost is $15 per child per hour. There is also a Kids Corner with a 60-foot spiral water slide, a child-size wading pool and a splash fountain.
Always find out in advance who will be watching your kids and make sure you are comfortable with the childcare situation. If childcare services are important to you, don’t forget to confirm, when making a reservation, that they are indeed offered by the hotel during your planned stay.
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