Palm Desert with Kids: Zoo, Parks, Swimming & WildLights

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The zoo at 47900 Portola Avenue combines desert animals, gardens and the model train exhibit. Use the Living Desert visitor guide for current listed tickets, seasonal hours and the official booking source.

Build the visit around a few chosen habitats and breaks. If the Oasis Splash Pad matters to the day, check its own operating information before packing for it. General zoo hours do not establish every attraction's schedule.

WildLights for a holiday evening

WildLights 2026 runs on selected nights November 24–December 30, from 6–9 p.m. It has separate admission from the daytime zoo visit. Even combined-ticket holders must leave by 5 p.m. and enter again at 6 p.m.

December 17 is restricted to ages 18 and over. Choose another operating night for children. If you plan both the zoo and the lights, leave room for a meal or hotel break between sessions rather than assuming continuous access.

Children's Discovery Museum: a Rancho Mirage outing

The Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert is at 71-701 Gerald Ford Drive, Rancho Mirage, rather than inside Palm Desert. The museum says its exhibits are most enjoyed by children up to 8 years old.

Its current homepage lists Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday closed. Check the latest notices and complete the online waiver before arrival. The museum requires adults to stay with their children and does not allow strollers inside, so plan the transfer and visit around your group.

Parks, swimming and splash play

Civic Center Park is a useful playground and picnic option. The City of Palm Desert parks page lists its playground and other facilities. Choose an outdoor visit around the actual conditions.

For swimming and splash play, use the Palm Desert Aquatic Center at 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive. The operator lists pools, water slides and a splash playground, with separate calendars for its programs. Check the recreational or water-park session you need and the current entry fee; facility opening hours alone do not mean every feature is operating.

Choosing an outdoor walk

Pick the route for your children's experience, the forecast and current access. A trail's popularity does not establish that it is suitable for every age or a particular start time.

Our hiking guide is a starting point for comparing valley walks. Keep a park or indoor outing available if the planned hike does not suit the day.

Where to stay and how to pace the trip

Hotels near The Living Desert compares Hotel Paseo's El Paseo setting with a larger JW Marriott Desert Springs resort stay. Neither recommendation assumes a walk to the zoo or an included zoo shuttle.

Compare the actual room layout, pool arrangements and complete stay total in the Palm Desert hotel guide. For a mixed valley trip, use Palm Springs with kids to choose the attractions first, then select a base around them.

Visitor information reviewed October 15, 2026 using the official zoo, museum, city parks and aquatic-center sources linked above.