Palm Desert stands out as a premier weekend escape, a sentiment shared by many. Recognized among the best cities in California, Palm Springs is conveniently accessible from Southern California, offering a plethora of engaging activities. While the allure of poolside relaxation is undeniable, the area also boasts attractions like Pioneertown, delightful downtown brunches, and scenic hiking trails.
This curated list of the best Palm Springs resorts, family edition, is designed to pinpoint accommodations that perfectly align with your family’s desires for a Palm Springs vacation.
Previously, I’ve highlighted the best hotel pools in Palm Springs, a testament to my appreciation for exceptional pool experiences. Many of those hotels are featured again here, but this guide expands to showcase resorts offering a comprehensive suite of family-friendly amenities and organized programs.
Palm Springs presents an impressive array of family-oriented resorts, ideally suited for children. Here are some top-tier selections:
Top Palm Springs Resorts for Memorable Family Vacations
1. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Splashtopia water park with slides and lazy river at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, a highlight for families visiting Palm Springs
- Family Resort Highlights: Splashtopia, the resort’s on-site water park, is a major draw for families. My children are always thrilled by its lazy river, exhilarating water slides, and a dedicated sandy beach area, ensuring fun for kids of all ages. The resort also excels in family entertainment with a kids’ club offering structured activities, poolside movie nights under the stars, and a variety of family-oriented dining venues.
- Family Perks: Families can enjoy the comfort of spacious suites, while adults have access to golf courses, tennis facilities, and a rejuvenating spa.
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2. Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa – A Premier Palm Springs Family Resort
Family enjoying the pool and slide at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, a top Palm Springs family resort
- Family Resort Highlights: The expansive pool complex is a central highlight, featuring a family pool, a serene adults-only pool, and an engaging splash pad for younger children. The Desert Pipe water slide and lazy river are popular attractions for kids and adults alike. The Camp Hyatt program provides expertly supervised activities, ensuring children are entertained. For added comfort, family cabanas are available for reservation at the family pool area.
- Family Perks: The resort offers family suites to accommodate larger groups. It masterfully balances amenities for both families and adults, including championship golf courses and a luxury spa.
- Bonus: While typically a splurge, savvy travelers can leverage rewards programs. I once booked a weekend here using Chase Sapphire points, securing two complimentary nights. To replicate this, consider opening a Chase Sapphire card to accrue bonus points, then transfer them to a free Hyatt account. This resort, often priced between 15,000 to 25,000 points per night, can be significantly offset by the initial bonus points.
Click to access the lowest prices at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells on Expedia
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3. The Westin Desert Willow Villas
Exterior view of The Westin Desert Willow Villas, a highly-rated Palm Springs family vacation resort
Kids club playroom at The Westin Desert Willow Villas, showcasing family-friendly amenities at this Palm Springs resort
- Family Resort Highlights: The Westin Desert Willow Villas boasts a diverse aquatic experience with multiple pools and water slides, a splash pad tailored for toddlers, and a tranquil pool for adult relaxation. A dedicated kids’ area and a program of organized family activities, including arts and crafts, engaging scavenger hunts, poolside bingo, and evening movie screenings, keep families entertained. Outdoor games such as ping-pong, shuffleboard, and bocce ball, along with basketball and tennis courts, provide a wide array of recreational options on the premises.
- Family Perks: The resort offers spacious one- and two-bedroom villa accommodations, ideal for families or larger groups. Each villa is equipped with a full kitchen, dining area, living room with a sofa bed, and a private balcony or patio. Added conveniences include an in-villa washer and dryer, and the resort is also pet-friendly.
Click to access the lowest prices at the Westin Desert Villas on Expedia
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4. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa – An Elegant Palm Springs Resort for Families
- Family Resort Highlights: This resort offers numerous pools, including a large family pool, and the unique experience of paddle boat rentals on its scenic lagoon. A highlight for children is the on-site aviary, home to vibrant flamingos and parrots. Additional family entertainment includes an arcade and a mini-golf course.
- Family Perks: Family rooms are available, and while children are engaged in resort activities, parents can indulge in the spa or enjoy a round of golf.
Click to access the lowest prices at the JW Marriott Desert Springs on Expedia
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5. La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
One of the many pools at La Quinta Resort & Club, a historic Palm Springs family resort
- Family Resort Highlights: Renowned for its historic charm, La Quinta Resort & Club boasts an impressive 41 pools, including dedicated family pools equipped with cabanas and splash zones for children. The resort’s Kids Camp provides a range of supervised, enjoyable activities, from creative crafts to engaging games.
- Family Perks: Accommodation options include spacious casitas and villas, and the resort is pet-friendly. Its location offers proximity to excellent hiking trails, and guests can enjoy a variety of on-site restaurants and bars.
- Bonus: Guests can potentially enjoy a complimentary stay by leveraging Hilton rewards. Signing up for the Hilton American Express card (with no annual fee) can yield free night rewards, making stays at this distinguished resort more accessible.
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6. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage pool area, offering luxury and family-friendly amenities in Palm Springs
- Family Resort Highlights: The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage combines luxury with family-friendly amenities. The Ritz Kids program offers enriching activities centered around nature, arts, and adventure. The family pool features cabanas and a shallow area ideal for younger children. The resort’s location is also convenient for exploring nearby hiking trails.
- Family Perks: Guests can choose spacious suites, and the kids’ club provides both indoor and outdoor play areas, enhanced by eco-friendly, desert-themed programs. Some rooms offer the added luxury of a private patio with a fire pit or a balcony with a fireplace.
Click to access the lowest prices at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage on Expedia
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7. Tommy Bahama Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa
Family pool area at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, a relaxing Palm Springs family resort
- Family Resort Highlights: Tommy Bahama Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa offers a relaxed family atmosphere with a dedicated family pool. Seasonal family programming includes outdoor movie nights, games, and craft sessions. On-site bocce ball courts and citrus fruit picking from the resort’s trees add unique recreational options.
- Family Perks: The resort’s proximity to local attractions like the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, family-friendly dining options, and comfortable suites cater to families of all sizes. Pet-friendly accommodations are also available.
Click to access the lowest prices at the Miramonte Indian Wells on Expedia
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8. Marriott Shadow Ridge – The Enclaves
Family enjoying the pool with waterslide at Marriott Shadow Ridge – The Enclaves, a fun Palm Springs resort for families
- Family Resort Highlights: Marriott Shadow Ridge – The Enclaves features an array of water attractions, including splash pads, multiple pools, a waterslide, and a zero-entry pool. The zero-entry pool is enhanced with a large screen displaying sports during the day and movies at night. Poolside food and drink services are conveniently available. Family-friendly games like mini-golf, bocce ball, and volleyball are also offered on-site.
- Family Perks: Accommodation options include one- and two-bedroom villas with separate living and dining areas. The resort also organizes activities specifically for children.
Read my full review of the Marriott Shadow Ridge resort here.
Click to find deals at the Marriott Shadowridge Enclaves on Expedia
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9. The Westin Rancho Mirage
Pool and waterslide at The Westin Rancho Mirage, highlighting family-friendly amenities at this Palm Springs resort
- Family Resort Highlights: The Westin Rancho Mirage boasts multiple pools, including a large family-friendly pool with a waterslide and the Serenity Pool for adults. A substantial kids’ splash area with multiple water slides is a key attraction. The on-site Kids Club offers supervised crafts, games, and activities, complemented by a bowling alley and arcade. Additional family entertainment includes movie nights, volleyball and bocce ball courts, and walking trails.
- Family Perks: The resort offers spacious rooms and suites, all featuring Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath for enhanced comfort.
Click to access the lowest prices at the Westin Rancho Mirage on Expedia
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Each of these resorts provides unique and engaging activities for children while ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience for every family member amidst the beautiful Palm Springs setting. Choosing any of these ensures a memorable family vacation. For packing tips, consider this weekend trip packing list.
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