Sunnylands Center & Gardens
About
Sunnylands Center & Gardens offers families a unique opportunity to explore 15 acres of stunning desert gardens, impressive art installations, and a fascinating Presidential retreat. This peaceful oasis in the desert provides an educational and cultural experience where kids can learn about history, nature, and art while wandering through beautifully landscaped paths featuring fountains, sculptures, and diverse plant life from around the world.
Highlights
- ✓15 acres of desert botanical gardens featuring cacti, palms, and colorful flowering plants
- ✓Interactive art installations and sculptures throughout the grounds perfect for photo opportunities
- ✓Visitor Center with exhibits about Presidential history and the estate's role in world diplomacy
- ✓Peaceful fountains and water features that provide cooling relief and photo spots
- ✓Free admission to gardens makes it an affordable cultural outing for the whole family
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit early in the morning when it opens to beat the desert heat and enjoy the gardens at their most peaceful,bring sun hats and sunscreen year-round.
- 2.Download the free Sunnylands app before your visit for an interactive audio tour that makes the experience more engaging for older kids.
- 3.The gardens are completely free to explore (no reservations needed), while house tours require advance booking and have age restrictions.
- 4.Pack a water bottle for each family member,the desert climate is deceptively dry, and there's lots of walking through the gardens.
- 5.Look for the bird life! The gardens attract numerous species, making it fun for junior birdwatchers to spot hummingbirds, doves, and other desert birds.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Wednesday through Sunday mornings (8:30-10:30 AM) from November through April when temperatures are mild. Avoid summer months when desert heat can be intense for young children. The venue is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
What to Know
Admission to the gardens and Center is FREE, though house tours require tickets ($45 adults) and advance reservations. Ample free parking is available on-site. No food service is available, but you can bring water bottles; outside food is not permitted in the gardens.
Seasonal Notes
Best visited November through April when temperatures are comfortable (70s-80s°F). Summer months (June-September) can exceed 110°F, making extended outdoor exploration challenging with children. Spring brings peak blooming season with vibrant desert wildflowers.
Nearby Eats
The River at Rancho Mirage (5 minutes away) offers multiple family-friendly options including Flemings Prime Steakhouse with a kids menu, or head to Shame on the Moon (10 minutes) for casual American fare with outdoor seating and generous portions kids will enjoy.
More Activities Near Palm Springs
Moorten Botanical Garden
Moorten Botanical Garden offers families a fascinating journey through desert ecosystems with over 3,000 varieties of cacti and succulents spread across charming walking paths. Kids will be amazed by the towering saguaros, bizarre rock formations, and colorful desert blooms while learning about plants that thrive in extreme conditions. This compact garden provides an educational outdoor adventure that's manageable for little legs and interesting enough to captivate curious minds.
Corn Maze at Starvation Alley Farms
Starvation Alley Farms transforms into a fall wonderland perfect for families seeking authentic harvest-time adventures. Kids can navigate the twisting corn maze, pick their own pumpkins from the patch, and enjoy hands-on farm activities that bring the season to life. It's an ideal destination for creating those picture-perfect autumn memories with hayrides, farm animals, and plenty of space for kids to explore.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone Trampoline Park transforms bouncing into an action-packed adventure with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits for practicing flips, dodgeball courts, and challenging obstacle courses. This indoor facility is perfect for burning energy year-round, whether your kids need an outlet on a hot Palm Springs day or you're looking for active fun that keeps everyone moving and laughing.
Ruth Hardy Park
Ruth Hardy Park is a beloved Palm Springs oasis perfect for families seeking outdoor fun in a beautifully maintained setting. The park features well-equipped playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, and easy walking paths that wind through lush desert landscaping, making it ideal for everything from active play to relaxed family picnics. Its neighborhood charm and peaceful atmosphere provide a refreshing break from the busier tourist attractions in Palm Springs.