Did you know that the United States is home to some of the most diverse and accessible outdoor adventures in the world, from deserts to mountains, forests, and beaches? One of the most family-friendly outdoor playgrounds is the iconic Joshua Tree National Park, a vast landscape that’s roughly the size of Rhode Island.
Since we welcomed our second child, we’ve made it a tradition to gift our boys experiences for their birthdays. Both love the great outdoors, so we asked our eldest, just before his 5th birthday, “What do you want to do?” His answer: "I want to see cactuses and the northern lights." One photo he pointed to was from Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). So, we set out to make his dream a reality (with stargazing as a great substitute for the northern lights).
Why Joshua Tree?
Joshua Tree National Park is a magical place, perfect for families seeking adventure. With stunning rock formations, a variety of cacti, and star-studded skies, it’s a place where nature and fun come together. Plus, the park offers plenty of kid-friendly activities like short hikes, rock climbing, and stargazing.
Here’s our ultimate guide to making your trip to Joshua Tree with kids memorable and stress-free, along with an itinerary sample that’s easily adaptable to your family’s pace.
Day 1: Arrival in San Diego and Journey to Joshua Tree
Fly into San Diego International Airport - We arrived early in the morning, which gave us plenty of time to explore the San Diego vincinity before heading to the desert. If you need something to do when departing San Diego, Balboa Park offers many things to do as as a great way to stretch your legs and get out some energy before flying out as the drive to/from Joshua Tree is roughly 3 hours.
Car Rental Tip - We rented a hybrid Jeep Wrangler (4WD). You’ll want a vehicle with 4WD to explore JTNP, and the Jeep allowed us to enjoy open-top drives on cooler desert nights. Plus, it was easy on the gas and environment.
Pit Stops Along the Way:
La Jolla: Brunch at the historic Brockton Villa, followed by a walk to La Jolla Cove to see the seals and sea lions up close!
Torrey Pines State Park: Just north of La Jolla, this park offers incredible coastal views and short, family-friendly trails.
Where to Stay: We booked a stay at the Desert Moon Hangar, a moon-themed Airbnb that’s both kid and pet-friendly. It’s a rural, off-the-grid experience with a fenced backyard, pool, hot tub, and plenty of outdoor games. The space sleep pods with full-size mattresses were a hit with our birthday boy. These pods are great for kids who have trouble sleeping, those with sensory processing difficulty and autism! The added bonus, it’s easily accessbile with one step to enter and bedrooms / bathrooms all on the main floor. Both bathrooms have showers. Note, this rental do enot have a washer / dryer, however, there is a laundry mat about 5 minutes away right downtown Joshua Tree.
Day 2-4: Exploring Joshua Tree National Park
Be sure to stop over at the Visitors Center whether at the West Entrance on Park Blvd or 29 Palm Entrance on Freedom Way and 29 Palms Hwy to pick up a map, look up some history and get some additional tips and advice especially updates on the weather and other important things that may affect your day.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 2 (Morning):
Start with easy hikes like Hidden Valley or Barker Dam. Keep hikes under 2 miles to avoid over-exerting little ones.
Day 2 (Afternoon):
Tour the park by Jeep to escape the midday heat. Drive the Geology Tour (there is an option to turn around before getting onto the rocky section that is one way, no cell service in the park if you get a flat tire) or take a dirt road like Big Horn Pass / Queen Valley.
Day 2 (Evening):
Stargaze at Hidden Valley or drive to Keys View for a stunning sunset. Bring blankets, binoculars and/or a telescope. At Keys View, there are options to view from an accessible concrete pathway or venture over the rails to chill on a rock.
Day 3 (Morning):
Hike Cap Rock or explore Skull Rock—a great spot for kids who love to climb!
Day 3 (Afternoon):
Head back to your Airbnb for lunch, a swim, or a nap to cool down. If the weather allows, venture into Palm Springs for some exploring. Note, most stores and restaurants are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays so check what is opened before you go.
Day 3 (Evening):
End the day with a night of stargazing. Remember to pack headlamps with red lights to protect your night vision! Tail gate or bring chairs and blankets to make it more relaxing. Drive back to the Airbnb with the top down.
Day 4 (Final Day):
Check out and stop by a few of the local shops or restaurants downtown Joshua Tree on your way out to pick up souvenirs, gifts, or simply window shop some of the fun and quirky goodies at The Station, Queen Art (the crochet museum!), Coyote Corner. Pick up a little bite and coffee / drinks a the Roadrunner Grab+Go attached to the JTNP Visitor’s Center for the drive back to San Diego.
Pro Tips for Hiking with Kids in the Desert
Hydrate! Bring plenty of water and electrolytes for the whole family.
Pack Smart: Sunscreen, large brim hats, sunglasses, and SPF clothing are essential.
Footwear Matters: Wear lightweight hiking boots with good grip and higher socks to protect ankles from rocks and cacti especially when wearing shorts.
First Aid: Carry tweezers and bandages for cactus needles and scrapes.
Munchies: Kids (and us adults) get a little hangry especially when working a sweat and between meals, pack snacks (including salty ones) to keep in the car and in those backpacks.
Stargazing essentials: binoculars or telescope, headlamps with red lights, blankets, long sleeves / pants, and chairs or tail gate for a more relaxing view.
Trails We Loved
Cap Rock (0.5 mile easy)
Hidden Valley (1 mile, easy)
Barker Dam (1.3 miles, easy)
Skull Rock (1.7 miles, moderate with rock climbing fun)
Hall of Horrors (0.6 miles, easy)
*Note: Trail mileages are approximate. Plan for 1-2 hours per trail to explore and pace yourself with the exception of Skull Rock taking longer for more exploring and playtime.
What We Missed (and will go back for later):
The road to Cottonwood.
Arch Rock
Split Rock
Cholla Cactus Garden
4WD Adventures:
Geology Tour (18 miles of a change of scenery deep in the valley, drive at your own risk, we drove 7 miles and turned around before getting to the rocky section that is one way, roads on map are clearly marked pavement, dirt, and gravel where 4WD is required)
Big Horn Pass and Queen Valley (beautiful views from a dirt road that does not require 4WD).
For the Foodie!
Kitchen in the Desert: located in 29 Palms, chef owned and operated, incredible food, drinks, and 100% desert vibes!
What Our Kid Loved Most:
Seeing all the cacti
Stargazing
Rock climbing
This trip was a birthday adventure we’ll always remember, and we hope it inspires you to create unforgettable memories with your own family!
Resources for Planning:
Enjoy your trip to one of America’s best natural playgrounds!
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