14 Family-Friendly Activities To Do in Indian Wells

Indian Wells, California, is famous for hosting the Indian Wells Masters Tennis Tournament each year. Known as one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments globally, fans come from all over to watch top-ranked players compete. But there’s much more to Indian Wells than just its famous tennis tournament.

Check out these 15 family-friendly activities in Indian Wells and make your next vacation one that the whole family will enjoy! This may also be a good chance to check out luxurious homes and what Indian Wells real estate offers.

The Palm Springs Desert Museum is a terrific place to take families of all ages. This museum focuses on both California’s natural history and its vibrant contemporary cultural scene, making it perfect for both older kids interested in science and nature and younger kids who are just looking for a fun outing.

There’s something here for everyone! Check out live animal exhibits, temporary art installations, an outdoor amphitheater, hands-on activities, and more. So if you’re staying in Indian Wells, definitely make a day trip out of exploring the desert museum.

If you’re looking for a new family activity, hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy nature with your children. Chino Canyon is a family-friendly hiking trail located just outside Palm Springs. This 2.2-mile loop hike is short and easy, but it packs a big punch in natural beauty and education about native plants.

The highlight of Chino Canyon is its overlook with 360-degree views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Don’t forget your camera!

The hiking trails at Chino Canyon are dog-friendly, so if you need a break from kids or want to go on an adult-only adventure, leave them at home! Make sure to bring plenty of water for everyone and make sure that everyone wears proper shoes — flip flops are NOT allowed.

There are plenty of activities for kids at Riverside County Regional Park. Set up a picnic, then head over to one of two beaches for swimming, surfing, or paddle boarding — or if it’s a cool day, hit up one of four skating rinks!

You can also go for a ride on some of the 30 miles of bike trails or hike along 13 miles of trails that lead to scenic desert vistas. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to have a fun and memorable day with your family.

Eagle Mountain Aquatics Center is perfect for families. You and your family can enjoy a day of swimming and water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding. There’s no age limit, so little ones are welcome to join their parents on a jet ski ride or a spin around Lake Esther on one of several paddle boats.

The Center offers youth swim lessons, but you might find it more entertaining just to watch your kids explore all that their facility has to offer.

Kidspace Children's Museum is an interactive museum with tons of fun exhibits, live entertainment, and educational programs. There is also a cafe on-site that serves pizza, drinks, and desserts. There is also ample parking at Kidspace, so it won't be a problem if you're bringing snacks.

It's a great place to get out of the house and have some family-friendly fun! It'll provide hours of entertainment — it did for us! We didn't even want to leave when our time was up. I highly recommend checking out Kidspace to see what kind of fun things they have going on during your stay here in Indian Wells.

Smoke Tree Village has many family-friendly dining and entertainment options. You can watch a movie at Harkins Theaters or have some delicious food at California Pizza Kitchen. Also, a visit to Lucky Strike Lanes is always fun! Whatever your taste in entertainment is, Smoke Tree Village has got you covered!

Located at 432 S. Indian Canyon Dr., The Range Steakhouse is an excellent family-friendly option for dinner. This bistro has an extensive wine list and serves up juicy steaks with attentive service to boot. It’s easy to catch something going on here, too, as they regularly host events like trivia nights, live music, and more!

Plus, it’s not just your standard steakhouse menu — there are plenty of vegetarian options if your family includes kids who don’t eat meat. (And yes, even kids will be satisfied with their selection of ice cream sundae options.) With craft beer on tap and signature cocktails, there’s something here for everyone!

The Living Desert, a 200-acre zoo and botanical garden, is home to hundreds of animals, some endangered. There are also plenty of gardens for kids to explore and educational activities. It’s a fun place for kids of all ages (and adults!) to learn about desert plants and animals.

Remember, you can always take your snacks and water to any attraction, including zoos. Pack light lunches that are easy to eat while walking around — many attractions even have picnic areas or will allow you to bring your food if requested. Take advantage of these family-friendly features when planning outings with little ones!

For those of you traveling to Indian Wells with your significant other, having a glass of wine is an ideal way to unwind after a long day. Located on Adams St., The Wine Cask offers great-tasting wines and delicious snacks, such as cheese plates, crackers, and fresh baguettes.

Walking around Indian Wells luxury homes to admire them while enjoying wine tasting is a fun family activity here. You can also schedule a horseback ride or golfing excursion during your visit.

 

Take your kids to play on and tour around Indian Wells Golf Resort. There’s a large putting green, driving range, and even mini-golf for your family to enjoy. Plus, you can grab lunch or dinner at their award-winning restaurant after you get done with your fun activities.

Make sure to book your tee time as far ahead of time as possible because it gets jam-packed on weekends!

Desert Adventures Eco-Tours is a tour service that explores and exposes guests to Southern California’s natural gems. Tours focus on Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, Big Bear Lake, and Big Bear City.

A full moon hike, where you can explore without power or flashlights by starlight, is among their many offerings. In addition, a camera tripod will be available for those who want to capture some of nature’s magic on film.

The best way to spend time with your family is at an indoor facility. You can find indoor play centers that offer plenty of fun for kids and parents alike.

Whether you’re looking for a fun place to let off some steam while your kids are on school break or want to kill some time before seeing a show at The Fox Theater, Civic Center Park provides one-of-a-kind activities that appeal to young and old alike.

Open seven days a week, there is always something fun happening here! You can also ask around about the most luxurious South Palm Desert homes when you visit the Civic Center.

There’s a trail in Palm Springs (near Indian Wells) called the Eisenhower Walk of Honor, which honors President Dwight D. Eisenhower for his legacy and commitment to preserving national parks.

You can take children on nature walks on some trails, too. This is a great way to educate your kids about history while having fun! If you have older kids interested in politics, see if they'd like to ask questions at one of Ike's presidential libraries — we have them in Abilene and Independence!

If you’re looking for something different to do with your family, consider going on a balloon flight. You can pick from various activities and packages that range from a leisurely scenic ride to one that provides more adventure and excitement. Just bring plenty of sunscreen and have fun!

Children will love riding over these magnificent surroundings and watching as every detail becomes clear from above. The feeling of floating and gliding over a place you’ve only ever been able to see from below is unlike anything else. You’ll enjoy it so much that you’ll want to go back time and time again.

Many flights take place during sunset, so you’ll get great views of Indio Valley during their best time of day. A hot air balloon flight can be a family adventure like no other.

If you and your family are moving to Indian Wells or simply ready to upgrade to a bigger home, contact Team Armstrong, the top realtor in Indian Wells, to begin your search today! They specialize in helping clients find the perfect Indian Wells homes for sale to meet their needs and preferences.