Finding time in a busy schedule to enjoy a well-deserved getaway with the family is always worth your while. Heading to Palm Desert and Indio makes it that much better! Luckily, even if you’re traveling with a large family, you won’t have to break the bank to make the most of the fun. The following are just a few of the many family-friendly things to do in California to enjoy in Palm Desert and Indio that are cost-effective and endlessly exciting!

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Enjoy Time at College of the Desert Street Fair

When browsing one-of-a-kind goods and locating that unique find is something you and your family love to do, time at College of the Desert Street Fair promises to be an inspiring activity to add to your itinerary! This iconic event has been a part of the community for over 36 years and offers visitors a chance to enjoy strolling through an open-air market and looking at merchandise that’s ideal for all ages! Here, you can find everything from home goods and vintage apparel to toys, food, crafts, gourmet items, and beyond. There are even live musical performances to enhance the atmosphere and make time browsing that much more enjoyable. If you do happen to stumble upon something you’d like to purchase, you can feel great knowing proceeds go to funding and support for College of the Desert students. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great atmosphere to savor alongside those you love most. The street fair is open between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, October through May. Hours are adjusted to 8:00 am and noon June through September. For planning purposes, do note that the fair is closed in July and August.

Take a Drive on the Pine to Palms Scenic Byway

Palm Desert is known and loved for its stunning landscapes. Whether you’re an amateur photographer who can’t wait to snap the scenery in style, or you’re simply looking for a cost-friendly way to entertain the family while you’re here, taking a drive on the Pine to Palms Scenic Byway is always a good option. This is an event you can add to the itinerary year-round as well! The Pine to Palms Scenic Byway stretches across 67 miles of terrain and has a reputation for offering travelers some of the most coveted and perhaps unparalleled views of the desert landscape imaginable. Whether you make the entire trip or just travel a portion of the route, it’s an experience that’s sure to inspire.

Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum Sculpture Gardens in Palm Desert

Located at 72-567 Highway 111, the former Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert is a great option when you’re looking for something to enjoy with the family that’s cost-friendly, engaging, and educational. The museum itself no longer hosts exhibition halls, but the adjoining sculpture gardens remain open to the public for self-guided tours! The sculpture gardens sprawl across 4 acres of terrain and feature over 60 desert plans interwoven between 14 outdoor sculptures for guests to admire and enjoy. There’s no cost to appreciate the beauty found here and the gardens are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Enjoy the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival

When travel plans bring your family to Palm Desert in March and you’re looking for a great way to engage in a festival atmosphere, be sure to check out the Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival while you’re here. Typically hosted in early March, this day-long event doesn’t require anything in the way of admission costs to enjoy. It’s an inviting experience where participants can try out activities designed to help them connect to the land. It’s a celebration of wellness and the great outdoors which encourages guests to enjoy the food options, live music, raffles, and activities available throughout the day. It’s a family-friendly event that promises to be one worth returning to time and again.

Spend Time at Fantasy Lanes Bowling Center in Indio

There’s a ton of budget-friendly family fun to be enjoyed for those who set their sights on Fantasy Lanes Bowling Center the next time they’re in Indio. Located at 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, this inviting and vibrant bowling center is situated within the greater Hotel at Fantasy Springs and provides guests with access to 24 bowling lanes as well as an arcade and snack bar! Fantasy Lanes Bowling Center is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 am until 10:00 pm with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 12:30 am and 12:00 midnight respectively. If you’re looking to get in on some real family-focused fun, plan your stop for a Friday or Saturday night when you can enjoy laser bowling for just $12 an hour!

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Savor every second of your getaway to Palm Desert and Indio when you let the team at TRAVLR handle all the details of your luxurious accommodations while you’re here. Get in touch today to learn more about our exciting property options and how we can help you start planning your next trip!