Looking for the best things to do in Joshua Tree with kids?
From its stunning rock formations and the Joshua trees it is named for to the family-friendly activities in and around the park, visiting Joshua Tree National Park is a true adventure!
The very first time I visited Joshua Tree National Park, my son was just a little guy and we camped for three nights, exploring the park and all the fun and unique things to do in Joshua Tree National Park. Over the years, we’ve been back many times and there is always something new and amazing to explore.
In this article, we’ll reveal the best hikes, tours, and scenic spots for families to enjoy, as well as fun things to do outside the park in Joshua Tree town and the surrounding areas. Here are 16 truly amazing things to do in Joshua Tree with kids – both in and outside the park – along with tips and information to make the most of your visit to Joshua Tree National Park.
Family-Friendly Things To Do In Joshua Tree National Park
Here are the best spots to check out inside the park if you are visiting Joshua Tree with kids.
1. Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails
Are you even visiting a National Park if you don’t go hiking?
Joshua Tree offers a variety of trails that are perfect for little legs and curious minds. By choosing kid-friendly hikes, you can ensure the whole family has an enjoyable experience on the trail.
One great spot for a short hike with young children is the Hidden Valley Nature Trail. This easy, half-mile loop trail takes you through a picturesque valley enclosed by towering rock formations. Along the way, you’ll see unique rock formations, desert plants, and possibly even some wildlife!
Another great option is the Barker Dam Nature Trail, which offers a slightly longer adventure at 1.3 miles. Barker Dam trail is an easy loop that takes you around a small reservoir and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. Keep an eye out for wildlife here too, as this area is known for attracting bighorn sheep.
Some other easy hikes and nature walks include Arch Rock Trail, Indian Cove, Discovery Trail, Hidden Valley Trail, and the Skull Rock Nature Trail.
If you have older kids, the most popular hikes on moderate trails include Lost Horse Mine, Keys View, High View, Ryan Mountain Trail, and Split Rock Loop.
As you explore the trails, it’s important to stay on the designated paths. Keep an eye on your kids and make sure they stay close by to avoid any unnecessary risks.
Whichever trail you choose, remember to bring lots of water and sunscreen. If you are visiting during the summer months, start early in the day before it gets too hot.
You can find a list of all the Joshua Tree hiking trails and more safety tips on the National Park Service website.
2. Stop by the Visitor Center
This may sound like the obvious place to start, but it always surprises me how many people drive right past the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center and straight to the park entrance.
A stop at the Visitor Center is the best way to get acquainted with the park. It is part museum, part information center and part gift shop. You will often find park rangers at the visitors center as well, answering questions and providing recommendations on where to go and things to do in Joshua Tree.
There are visitor centers located at each of the various Joshua Tree National Park entrances, but the biggest one – and my personal favorite – is in downtown Joshua Tree near the western entrance (also known as the main entrance) to the park.
3. Cholla Cactus Garden
One of the best spots to visit in Joshua Tree with kids is the Cholla Cactus Garden. It is located toward the south end of the park right off Pinto Basin Road, closest to the Cottonwood entrance.
Cholla Cactus Garden is on the must-see list. It is home to some of the most beautiful cacti in the park, and it is a great place to take photos. There is a quarter-mile cactus garden trail that lets you walk through the garden and explore Joshua Tree fauna safely – making this one of the best things to do in Joshua Tree with kids!
But beware. Even though there is a boardwalk keep your littles close. The cacti – deceptively called Teddy Bear Cactus – have sharp needles and really hurt if they come in contact.
4. Visit Heart Rock Joshua Tree
You’ll have to hike to get there, but if you want to absolute perfect backdrop for a great family photo, Heart Rock in Joshua Tree National Park is the place to be!
As the name suggests, Heart Rock is a giant (10 feet tall!) rock naturally and perfectly shaped like a heart. It stands in a boulder field near the equally stunning Arch Rock, and you can visit them both on a fairly easy hike of just under two miles.
Be sure to leave plenty of time for fun scrambling over rocks and taking photos. This is one of the most unique, fun, and best things to do in Joshua Tree with kids!
5. Check Out Skull Rock
For a fun photo opp and a natural wonder that will awe the kids, stop by Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park. This unique rock formation literally looks like a giant skull, with two sunken eyes and a spot where the nose would go – just like on a real skull! No wonder it was one of the most popular spots to visit in Joshua Tree with kids.
Skull Rock is easily reached along the main road through Joshua Tree, and many people do just pull over, snap a few pics, and get back in the car to move on. But there is a short and easy nature trail loop that starts from the same spot, and it is the perfect hike to take with kids.
6. Take a Guided Tour
I get it. Sometimes you just want to sit back and let somebody else show you around, especially when you have kids in tow. Taking a tour is a great way to hit all the must-see favorite places in the park.
Here are three family-friendly, highly-rated tour options to get the most out of your time in Joshua Tree with kids.
Family Rock Climbing Trips in Joshua Tree National Park – An affordable, private rock climbing adventure just for your family with an experienced guide picking the best spot based on your kids’ ages (right down to toddlers)! Your guide provides safety training and equipment, and takes you away from the crowds on Joshua Tree’s backcountry climbing routes Limited to just your family, so you’ll get a personalized climbing experience.
Joshua Tree National Park Scenic Tour – Join a small group and visit the most iconic locations in the park. Learn about the forces of the San Andreas Fault that jolt the landscape and hear stories of the Native Americans who lived in the area. Ride in an SUV, Hummer, or a comfortable van on this half-day tour suitable for all ages.
Another fun and easy way to get the most out of visiting Joshua Tree with kids is download a self-guided Joshua Tree driving tour and listen to some great narration as you explore the desert landscape. This tour helps you navigate the national park and catch all the highlights!
7. Star Gazing
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best spots for star gazing in California. It is designated an official International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). There is very little light pollution, which means it offers incredible stargazing opportunities. You may even see shooting stars!
If star gazing sounds appealing, consider planning your visit around a new moon phase to fully take advantage of the park’s dark skies and witness the breathtaking beauty of the night sky with your children.
Best Things to Do Near Joshua Tree with Kids
While there are lots of fun things to do in Joshua Tree with kids, there’s even more beyond the borders of the park! Be sure to leave time on your itinerary to visit some of these great local attractions in close proximity to Joshua Tree National Park.
8. Oasis of Mara
The Oasis of Mara is located about 5-10 minutes outside the park, behind the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms. This is a great little spot that will give you a solid taste of Joshua Tree that does not require an entrance fee to the park.
But regardless, the Oasis of Mara should be on your list of things to do in Joshua Tree with kids. It has a half-mile paved trail that loops around trees and the oasis. It is said to be one of the best places to observe wildlife, especially birds.
The trail is an easy walk, and you can even push a stroller. The Oasis of Mara is pet-friendly, too! In fact, it is one of the only places you can bring your dog for a nature walk.
9. Take a Trip to Pioneertown
Located just a short drive from Joshua Tree, Pioneertown offers a unique experience for the whole family.
Once a Hollywood movie set, this quirky Wild West town is filled with charming buildings, fascinating history, and even a mock shootout. Kids will love exploring the streets and feeling like they’ve stepped back in time. Be sure to grab an ice cream cone before heading back to the park.
10. Check Out the Joshua Tree Music Festival
If your family loves music, don’t miss the opportunity to attend the Joshua Tree Music Festival. Held twice a year in Maya and October, this family-friendly event brings together musicians from various genres. The festival takes place at the Joshua Tree Lake Campground.
Along with the live performances, there are also kid-friendly activities, such as arts and crafts, yoga, and interactive storytelling sessions. It’s a wonderful way to expose your children to different types of music and immerse them in the vibrant atmosphere of Joshua Tree.
11. Noah Purifoy’s Desert Art Museum
The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum is an outdoor museum comprised of old appliances and household items designed into sculptures. If it sounds quirky that’s because it is! But you have to see it to appreciate it. You can pick up a brochure at the entrance and take a self-guided tour. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Joshua Tree.
The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum is located in the town of Joshua Tree and is open daily from sunrise to sundown. Admission is totally free, though donations are accepted.
12. Hi-Desert Nature Museum
Located in Yucca Valley near the park’s West Entrance, the Hi-Desert Nature Museum is a family-friendly, interactive museum showcasing the geology, zoology, paleontology, archaeology, entomology (bugs!), and history of the Mojave Desert and Morongo Basin. There are nearly 4,000 items on display.
The museum also features a Kids Corner with a pioneer cabin and an old schoolhouse and Mini Zoo where kids can check out several species of native snakes, lizards, arachnids and insects while learning about their biology.
The Hi-Desert Nature Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free!
13. Old Schoolhouse Museum
Housed in the oldest public building in the Morongo Basin, the Old Schoolhouse Museum in Twentynine Palms is run by the Twentynine Palms Historical Society. The museum allows visitors to experience a 1920s-era small town schoolroom and view artifacts and exhibits detailing the history of Twentynine Palms and the surrounding area.
The museum is only open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 4 pm, but we were lucky enough to hit it during its limited hours and check out the exhibits. It is a small museum and was a quick visit, but totally worthwhile.
The Old Schoolhouse Museum is located about ten minutes away from Joshua Tree National Park’s North Entrance in Twentynine Palms.
14. Palm Springs
Although camping is amazing and there are numerous hotels near Joshua Tree National Park, many people choose to visit Joshua Tree on a day trip and stay in nearby Palm Springs. (Check out these family-friendly Palm Springs resorts with water slides!)
Whether you are staying in Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, or somewhere else altogether, be sure to spend some time exploring Palm Springs. The park’s southern entrance is located under an hour away from Palm Springs.
Some fun things to do in Palm Springs with kids include the Palm Springs Air Museum, the Cabazon Dinosaurs, and the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert.
But perhaps the most popular attraction in Palm Springs is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
This world-famous attraction takes you up the side of a mountain on a tram. Once you reach the top, there are hiking trails, picnic areas, and even snow during the winter months. The tram ride itself is an unforgettable experience that your kids will surely remember for years to come.
15. Discover the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Located about 45 minutes from Joshua Tree’s Cottonwood Springs entrance in Palm Desert, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens provides an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
Children can observe a diverse range of animals, from majestic big cats to adorable meerkats. The gardens are equally impressive, showcasing various desert plants and providing a chance to learn about the unique ecosystem of the region. With interactive exhibits, wildlife presentations, and even camel rides, this destination is sure to be a hit with your little explorers.
16. Smiths Ranch Drive-In Movie Theater
See a first-run movie at this old-fashioned drive-in movie theater in Twentynine Palms! This is a really fun thing to do near Joshua Tree with kids at night.
The theater is open year-round Thursday through Sunday nights. Tickets are $10 per person (cash only) and kids four and under are free. There is a concession stand for drinks and snacks – including popcorn, ice cream, milkshakes, nachos, candy and more. Find out what’s playing at drivein29.com.
Joshua Tree Map
The National Park Service offers a variety of maps you can download prior to your visit to Joshua Tree. The main map of the park is below; you can also visit the National Park Service website to check out maps of the various campgrounds, equestrian maps, backcountry roads, and topographical maps of the various regions within the park.
Where To Stay Near Joshua Tree with Kids
Camping is truly the best way to experience Joshua Tree National Park if you are planning to visit over multiple days, and there are a variety of sites to choose from. (Keep in mind however reservations can be hard to come by if you are visiting during peak season.) There are also no shortage of vacation rentals and Airbnb properties in the area.
If you prefer to stay at a hotel, there are plenty of options close to Joshua Tree. Because let’s be honest – sometime you need a comfy bed, housekeeping services, and a nice pool to enjoy at the end of a busy day! Here are our top picks for where to stay if you are visiting Joshua Tree with kids.
📍 Top Pick #1 – Marriott Fairfield Inn
Highly-rated Marriott brand hotel with free breakfast and a pool, located close to Joshua Tree.
📍 Top Pick #2 – Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Clean and comfortable hotel with a covered pool and free breakfast located in Twentynine Palms.
📍 Top Pick #3 – Twentynine Palms Inn
Unique and historic hotel near the Oasis of Mara, located at the north entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tee FAQs
Here is some more helpful information and answers to some of the most common questions about visiting Joshua Tree with kids!
What is the closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park?
The closest airport to Joshua Tree National Park is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which is located about 40 miles away.
You can also fly into Ontario International Airport (ONT) or Los Angeles (LAX), which are both larger than Palm Springs and often have flights with much lower fares. Of course, if you are flying to Southern California, you’ll probably have other destinations on your list to explore so where you arrive will depend on what else you want to see.
Regardless of which airport you choose, you’ll need to rent a car. There is no public transportation within the park and driving is the best way to reach the vicinity.
Is Joshua Tree good with kids?
What kid doesn’t love climbing on giant boulders? In fact, the first time we camped there, my son loved it so much he ate breakfast on a big rock next to our campsite every morning.
Joshua Tree National Park is very family-friendly. From the abundant rock formations to the array of easy hiking trails, not to mention the many activities, exhibits and how easy it is to get around, this is a great destination to experience with kids.
How many days is enough for Joshua Tree?
To see everything and experience all the various hiking trails and Joshua tree tours and activities, you’ll want to plan on at least three days.
However, of all the National Parks in the United States, Joshua Tree is one of the easiest ones to experience in a day if that is all the time you can spare. The park is highly accessible by car, and you can see all the most popular spots as well as leave time for a picnic, rock climbing, and hiking, if those are things your family would enjoy.
Does Joshua Tree Have a Junior Ranger Program?
Like many national parks, Joshua Tree offers kids an opportunity to join the National Park Service “family” through its Junior Ranger Program.
Simply pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at any of the park entrances or visitor centers, complete a series of activities, and receive an official Junior Ranger badge when you turn it in. Booklet activities include drawing, writing, observing wildlife and attending a ranger program. This is a fun way to keep kids engaged!
When is the best time to visit Joshua Tree?
The shoulder seasons of early fall and late spring are the best times to visit Joshua Tree, although of course the park is open year-round.
Summer temperatures can soar to well above 110 degrees, so best to avoid visiting from mid-June through mid-September if possible, especially if you are planning to do a lot of hiking. On the flip side, winter months can be quite cold!
We spent a few days there in June during our last trip to Joshua Tree, and while the days were definitely on the warm side, the evenings were just lovely. It was the perfect time to do a little star gazing!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Joshua Tree with kids, you are likely tied to the school calendar. Spring break is a lovely time to visit weather-wise, but plan on big crowds and make reservations early if you want to camp.
Can you reserve a campsite?
Yes, and I recommend you reserve your campsite as soon as possible!
If you are planning to camp at Joshua Tree, make a reservation as soon as you know the dates you want to visit! The majority of Joshua Tree’s 500 campsites are available by reservation. (There are three campsites that are first-come, first-served.) Reservations can be made the same day or up to 6 months in advance and can be booked on recreation.gov.
Reserving a site is highly recommended, especially if you plan to camp on a holiday, a weekend, or any day of the week in the spring when campsites are known to fill up.
What is so cool about Joshua Tree?
Imagine a place where there are big boulders begging to be climbed. Where rugged landscapes, quirky trees, and captivating wildlife become the backdrop for a family adventure in the Great Outdoors. These are just some of the things that make Joshua Tree National Park an awesome destination.
Though it is named after the famous Joshua trees that grow there, what makes Joshua Tree National Park so cool and unique is its diverse landscape. At almost 800,000 acres (that’s 1,250 square miles!) the terrain in the park ranges from rock formations to forest to desert. This variation makes it especially fun to explore.
Why are they called Joshua trees?
According to legend, early Mormon settlers thought the trees looked like the Biblical prophet Joshua with his hands raised to the sky, guiding travelers westward.
Joshua Tree is very safe at night, though of course take common sense precautions like you would anywhere.
The gates to the park stay open 24 hours a day, and there are always rangers patrolling the roads.
You do, however, want to be aware of wildlife at night, and stay in designated campsites and on the main roads to stay safe. Snakes, spiders, and scorpions are the biggest night crawlers you want to avoid. They are especially prevalent during the colder months.
Is there an entrance fee?
Admission to Joshua Tree National Park $30 per car, and is good for seven consecutive days. You can pay the fee at any of the three entrance gates, or purchase online in advance. Stop at Cap Rock on your scenic drive around Joshua Tree National Park.
Final Thoughts: Joshua Tree With Kids
Joshua Tree National Park is an amazing destination for families to enjoy. Its location makes it one of the best national parks near San Diego and Los Angeles, and really easily accessible from all across Southern California. From the unique rock formations to the ever-present Joshua trees to the diverse desert flora and fauna, every trail and scenic vista inside the park offers a chance for discovery and connection with nature.
So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottles, and get ready for an adventure that will create lasting memories for you and your family.
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