Exploring Joshua Tree with Kids
Joshua Tree is such a fun place to visit with kids. It’s a wonderland of Dr. Seuss-ical trees that look even wackier than anything a preschooler could’ve dreamed up. Plus it’s full of round boulders that are just begging to be climbed by little feet. Aside from the otherworldly nature, there are a lot of fun cultural things happening here as well. It may be a small town (well towns actually—as there are several towns in the high desert region that make up the JT area), but there’s a lot going on here. The vibe is a mix of desert weirdness and big city coolness (seeping in from our neighbors to the east in LA). Be sure to take some time to check out funky art exhibits, browse the shops, and enjoy the amazing restaurants while you’re in town.
Since both of our homes for rent in Joshua Tree (the House and the Casita) have two bedrooms, we often have families come stay with us. These guests ask, “Do you have any recommendations for kid-friendly activities in Joshua Tree?” JT is a super kid friendly place, so we always enjoy sharing our suggestions. Now that we have a baby of our own, we figured it was time for us to share our guide to a perfect kid-friendly Joshua Tree trip!
One-Day Itinerary
Wake up early to beat the crowds into Joshua Tree National Park! (If you’re visiting during peak season weekends, you may want to enter the park from the 29 Palms Entrance to avoid a wait.) Pack sun hats, closed toe shoes, and lots of water for the whole family. Pack your own picnic, or stop to grab some breakfast and snacks to go on the way. In Joshua Tree, we’d recommend DEZ Fine Foods & Provisions for grab and go. Our absolute favorite breakfast/lunch in the high desert is Luna Sourdough Bakery, but it is located in Yucca Valley so may be a bit of a drive from the park entrances depending on where you are staying.
When you enter Joshua Tree National Park, ask the ranger for a Junior Ranger booklet for each kid in your group. This program is a super engaging way for kiddos to explore the park. It’s filled with age appropriate activities, and if they can complete a certain number they can stop by the ranger station on the way out and get deputized as Junior Rangers, complete with a cute little pin for their backpack.
For hikes in Joshua Tree with kids, we love Barker Dam Trail. It’s an easy trail that covers a lot of different terrain. Another scenic, short family friendly hike we recommend is Ryan Ranch (this one is even doable with strollers). After your hike, stop to do some bouldering and have a picnic before leaving the park.
After you go home and get cleaned up from your morning adventures, head out to Pioneertown (about half an hour drive from Joshua Tree) for the afternoon. Pioneertown is a former Western movie set. Nowadays, you can walk down the carless main street and explore the shops. Depending on the day and time you go, there may be goats to pet, chickens to feed, and a Wild West Show to watch. There’s two fun restaurants in Pioneertown, Pappy and Harriet’s and Red Dog Saloon. Both are super kid friendly, but we especially love the laid back feel (and the tacos) at Red Dog.
Second Day Itinerary
If your crew feels up for another hike, try 49 Palms Oasis. Although technically in Joshua Tree National Park, this trailhead has its own separate entrance and parking area. This 3 mile round trip trail is a bit more challenging, making it more appropriate for kids who are small enough to be carried or big enough to be confident hikers. It’s an up hill climb (with switchbacks) to reach your destination, but the oasis you’ll discover at the end will more than make up for the effort.
If you’re ready for a break from hiking, spend the morning exploring Noah Purifoy’s Joshua Tree Outdoor Museum. It’s an outdoor immersive art exhibit made of discarded materials. Each sculpture feels like a memory or moment from Noah’s life presented in the desert landscape for us all to re-experience—it’s a surreal scene.
Spend the afternoon checking out the local shops! The Station is a cute JT shop with a play area full of vintage children’s rides. (Stop and get tea at Brewja Elixir and visit the Crochet Museum while in Joshua Tree). Then head down the hill to browse Wine and Rock Shop and The End in Yucca Valley for kid’s stuff and vintage. If you are up for a little more driving, continue down to Cactus Mart in Morongo Valley to ogle their amazing cactus greenhouses, and pot your own little cactus to take home!
Once you’ve finished browsing, head back to Yucca Valley for dinner at the Tiny Pony. This spot has delicious food, a fun atmosphere (think lots of vintage velvet Persian cat art), and a photo booth where you can get a strip of family photos!
