Photo: Bas Schilders
Photo: Jonathan Reed
Photo: Paul Teman
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
★4.8(1,236 reviews)$$Community Center
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 6 and up. School-age children and teens will appreciate the historical significance, art collections, and self-guided garden exploration. Younger children may enjoy the outdoor space but might find the indoor museum portions less engaging. The wide, paved paths make it manageable for families with strollers.🧡 Saved by 31 families
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.
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