Known for hosting one of the most popular music festivals in the USA, the Coachella Valley is a popular destination, but it is so much more than just a music festival location. The arid rift valley area in the Colorado Desert of Southern California is a playground for vacationers of all types. Whether you’re a nature lover, an art or history buff, or an entertainment seeker, you’ll find all that and more here. Go for swims in the natural hot springs, ride high in the sky on an aerial tramway, visit spectacular nature preserves, browse museums, and eat delicious food. The possibilities for a fun and unforgettable vacation in The Coachella Valley are endless.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Coachella Valley, keep reading to learn about some of our top tips for fun ideas for families visiting this area for the best Southern California vacation imaginable.
Fun ideas for nature lovers
The Coachella Valley area is known for getting around 350 sunny days per year, making it the perfect place to spend some time outdoors during all seasons. Between the canyons, hot springs, nature preserves, parks, gardens, and desert areas, there are endless ways to enjoy a vacation spent exploring the outdoor wonders of Coachella Valley.
The topography of Coachella Valley and the surrounding areas is unique and beautiful, offering a special experience you can’t find anywhere else in the USA. The lunar-like landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park is a must-visit for all travelers visiting Coachella Valley. The Dr. Seuss-like trees, tranquil desert scenery, cacti, and other unique vegetation are best explored via the various hiking trails throughout the park. Although, for even better access to the park’s landscapes, you can drive through the park with your vehicle and stop off at various points of interest along the way. The park spans for an enormous 800,000 acres, and only two main roads run through the park.
For a relaxing and scenic nature walk, go to Hidden Valley Nature Trail, which is perfect for families with young children or anyone who seeks a short hike. The one-mile loop boasts plenty of the iconic Joshua Tree trees and rock formations, as well as breathtaking desert scenery. This is one of the most popular and top-rated hiking trails in the park, and the nearby Hidden Valley Picnic Area is also an incredibly scenic area to enjoy a picnic and a stroll. Barker Dam Nature Trail is another spectacular hiking option. The 1.3-mile loop trail follows along a stunning dam with beautiful rocky scenery. A walk around the popular Skull Rock is another must-do, and a great activity for families with kids. Here you can spot imaginative skull shapes and images in the enormous boulders.
Aside from hiking, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy a Joshua Tree National Park Visit. Go to Keys View lookout point for spectacular sweeping views. Go to Keys Ranch, a former homestead and ranch from the early 1900s, for a walking tour. Visit a real-life oasis at Cottonwood Spring Oasis. Go for a horseback trail riding tour, which is one of the best ways to explore around the park. Enjoy a night-walk within the park grounds where you can admire the incredibly starry skies. Arrange a 4x4 tour with Desert Adventures Tours and Events for some adrenaline-pumping fun, or go for a hot-air balloon ride to admire the beauty of the park from a birds-eye-view.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Coachella Valley, particularly outdoor activities, be sure not to miss out on the opportunity to explore Joshua Tree National Park!
Music and art lovers rejoice
Perhaps the most trendy and well-known festival in the world: The Coachella Music and Arts Festival is hosted annually in Coachella Valley and welcomes over 3 million visitors each year. Many of the world’s best artists perform here, and dozens of displays of vibrant art exhibits can be seen all around the park. It also happens to be one of the best places to discover up-and-coming artists, as many of the world’s most renowned artists started off their careers here. The festival is also well-known for its mouthwatering and mind-blowingly good food. If you’re a music lover or a festival fanatic, attending Coachella Music Festival is a bucket-list event! As far as cool things to do in the Coachella Valley goes, Coachella Music Festival makes it to the top of the list.
Another must-visit for art and music lovers in the Coachella Valley is Desert X, which is a contemporary art exhibition held annually. There’s not a better way to celebrate arts and culture in Southern California than at this one-of-a-kind exhibition which blends art, nature, and humanity into one spectacular package. The beauty of the desert environment is used to create a collection of visual masterpieces and a series of art exhibits to life. Each year, the art festival boasts a different theme and different artists come together to display their works, which portray meaningful stories and messages.
Calling all the fun lovers
If you’ll be visiting Coachella Valley with your family or as a group of friends, look no further than Boomers Palm Springs for a day of hearty entertainment. From go karts, to mini golf, to bumper boats, a rock climb wall, and more, Boomers Palm Springs offers a variety of activities, with a little something to appeal to all types of visitors.
Come spend an active day under the sun trying all the attractions. The family entertainment center is best known for its state-of-the-art arcade, which is home to over 100 video games. From classic games to modern games, kids and adults can challenge each other and win tickets, which can be traded in for prizes at the end. For a wholesome family activity, check out the two 18-hole miniature golf courses at Boomers Palm Springs. Both of the golf courses boast different themes and obstacles, offering a fun challenge all ages can enjoy.
Older kids and teenagers will love racing around the go kart tracks! The hi-octane go karts are designed for safety, offering a dose of adrenaline-pumping fun that parents can feel good about. Younger kids can enjoy some fun competition in the bumper boats, where they can be the captain of their very own mini boat. Each bumper boat comes with a soaker, so you can soak your opponents while you bump into them!
Push the limits of your own strength on the 32-foot-high Rock Wall as you aim to reach the summit! Climb as high as you can, but whatever you do, don’t look down. Climbers must be at least 45 pounds to enjoy the Rock Wall. Work on your aim and your swing in the batting cages. Helmets and bats are provided, and you can choose between our slow pitch softball machines or a fast pitch baseball machine!
Do you have a birthday coming up? There’s not a better place to celebrate a birthday alongside all your friends and family than at Boomers Palm Springs. We offer a variety of birthday packages, which include an exclusive birthday party room, kids meals, beverages, tableware, setup, and cleanup. Some birthday party packages even offer hours of unlimited rides and mini golf. Browse the options to find the best one for your kid’s special day.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Coachella Valley with kids, check out the events schedule at Boomers Palm Springs for fun year-round festivities and celebrations. In the fall months, you can join for a spook-tacular Happy Hauntings event, where the park transform into a Halloween-themed adventure land. In the springtime, visit the park for an Easter Eggstravaganza. The fun never ends at Boomers Palm Springs!
Between all the fun, games, and action at Boomers Palm Springs, you’ll be sure to work up an appetite at some point during your visit. Boomers Café offers the perfect place to refuel. Find an extensive menu filled with your favorite foods such as cheese or pepperoni pizzas, pure beef hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken tenders, pretzels, nachos, ice cream, and also healthy food options. There’s not a better opportunity to enjoy your favorite foods during your park visit.
We offer a variety of tickets and pricing options for visitors to choose from. Opt for an All Day Unlimited Rides & Mini Golf pass for unlimited fun. Or, come for a half-day with the 4-Hour Unlimited Rides & Mini Golf. Two-hour passes, as well as single tickets, are also available.
A day at Boomers Palm Springs offers the perfect way to bond alongside your friends and family while creating lifelong memories in a fun and positive setting. What are you waiting for? Start planning your next Boomers Palm Springs visit today!
