37 Best Activities in Joshua Tree with Toddlers
Choosing Joshua Tree for a family vacation is a great choice, even with little ones! If you are wanting to plan a fun desert vacation for the family, including your toddlers, pay close attention to this list of the best activities to do in Joshua Tree with toddlers.
I have packed in 37 of the best activities for toddlers in Joshua Tree including hikes, stargazing spots, and some yummy places to stop along the way.
When we were thinking about places to take my son, Connor who was 9 months old at the time, a trip to the high desert wasn’t the first thing on my list. However, we had never been so we decided to pack up baby Connor and go for it!
For those who haven’t been to Joshua Tree, CA, it is a must for the avid hiker and nature lover. Joshua Tree National Park. Now, we are not what you would call a hiking outdoorsy family by any stretch, but decided to go somewhere other than our usual, Palm Springs. Who doesn’t love a gorgeous desert sunset, relaxing in a cowboy bathtub, and cooking in an airbnb that isn’t your own?
Where is Joshua Tree National Park?
You will find Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, straddling the eastern edge of the Mojave Desert and the western edge of the Colorado Desert. The park is massive at approximately 800,000 acres, and it's situated about 140 miles east of Los Angeles and 175 miles northeast of San Diego.
This unique desert sanctuary is known for its striking landscapes and is rightfully named for their incredible Joshua trees. You will also find otherworldly rock formations, and a diverse array of desert flora and fauna.
The park's central location within Southern California makes it easily accessible for both day trips and extended vacations, which is likely why you are thinking about vacationing with your toddler in Joshua Tree National Forest. It generally attracts nature enthusiasts, hikers, rock climbers, and stargazers from all over.
Its distinctive blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities, along with its relatively close proximity to major metropolitan areas, makes Joshua Tree National Park a popular and convenient destination for visitors seeking a desert adventure.
Why Does Joshua Tree National Park Make a Good Family Vacation Spot?
Joshua Tree National Park makes for a great place for a fabulous family vacation spot for several reasons.
First, its unique desert landscape with iconic Joshua trees, fascinating rock formations, and starry night skies provides a natural playground for children to explore.
Second, the park offers a range of family-friendly activities, from easy nature walks and short hikes to engaging ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities tailored for kids.
Third, it's a place where families can bond through outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting, and rock climbing while also providing educational opportunities for children to learn about the desert environment and geology.
Finally, the tranquil setting allows for quality time away from the hustle and bustle, making it an ideal destination for a serene and memorable family getaway.
What to Know About Joshua Tree National Park?
Vacationing in Joshua Tree with toddlers can make for an awesome experience, but you should keep a few things in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some things to know before planning your trip:
Weather: Joshua Tree can have extreme temperatures. Summers can be scorching, and winters can be quite cold. Check the weather forecast before your trip and plan accordingly. Avoid the hottest parts of the day during summer.
Hydration: Dehydration is a real concern in the desert. Make sure to bring plenty of water for both yourself and your toddlers. Pack more water than you think you'll need, especially if you plan to hike.
Sun Protection: Bring sunblock, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to protect your toddlers from the strong desert sun. Consider lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for added sun protection.
Sturdy Footwear: Wear appropriate footwear for the desert terrain. Closed-toe shoes are a good choice for kids, as there are often rocks and uneven ground.
Trail Selection: Choose hiking trails that are suitable for toddlers. Short, easy loops with interesting features, like the Barker Dam Nature Trail or Hidden Valley, are good options.
Wildlife Safety: Teach your toddlers about wildlife safety. There are rattlesnakes in the park, so be cautious and make sure your kids know not to approach any snakes or other wildlife.
Bathroom Facilities: Know the location of restrooms within the park. Toddlers may need frequent bathroom breaks, and some areas have limited facilities.
Pack Snacks and Meals: Bring a variety of snacks and meals that your toddlers enjoy. The park may not have many dining options, so it's a good idea to have food readily available.
First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications for your children.
Stay Together: Keep your toddlers close at all times, especially near cliffs, rocky areas, and near water features. The terrain in Joshua Tree can be challenging for little ones to navigate.
Camping Considerations: If you plan to camp, ensure your campsite is child-friendly. Watch for potential hazards like campfires, hot cookware, and tent stakes.
Junior Ranger Program: Take advantage of the park's Junior Ranger program. It's a great way for kids to learn about the park and engage in fun activities.
Cell Service: Cell phone reception can be spotty in some areas of the park. Be prepared for limited or no connectivity.
Reservations: If you plan to camp in the park or stay in a nearby town, make reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Leave No Trace: Teach your toddlers about the importance of leaving no trace. Encourage them to respect the natural environment by not littering or disturbing wildlife.
Emergency Plan: Have a plan in case of emergencies, including knowing the location of the nearest medical facilities and how to contact park rangers.
By being well-prepared and focusing on safety and comfort, your family can have a fantastic time exploring Joshua Tree National Park with your toddlers. It's a unique and beautiful destination that can be a great adventure for all ages.
Joshua Tree Vacation Rental Options
There are two routes to go when deciding on where to stay in Joshua Tree. You can opt for camping in Joshua tree or you can find an AirBnb nearby. We chose the latter!
When we were thinking about places to take my son, Connor who was 9 months old at the time, a trip to the high desert wasn’t the first thing on my list. However, we had never been so we decided to pack up baby Connor and go for it!
For those who haven’t been to Joshua Tree, CA, it is a must for the avid hiker and nature lover. Joshua Tree National Park. Now, we are not what you would call a hiking outdoorsy family by any stretch, but decided to go somewhere other than our usual, Palm Springs. Who doesn’t love a gorgeous desert sunset, relaxing in a cowboy bathtub, and cooking in an airbnb that isn’t your own?
During my research, I found this beautifully renovated home on AirBnb and it really felt like you were transported somewhere in between Morocco or the Mediterranean. My favorite part of the home is the master which has an open bathroom and single standing tub that overlooks the backyard. How dreamy is this view?
The kitchen is simply beautiful, and I loved cooking here. Why does food taste better from a kitchen that isn’t your own?
I loved that Connor had his own room (guest room) where we set up his travel crib (highly recommend this one) and he slept oh so well. Ample room to crawl around, watch me cook, and just all around have a new change of scenery. He was a very happy boy.
If you would like to camp in Joshua Tree, here are some of the best campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park:
Jumbo Rocks Campground
White Tank Campground
Black Rock Campground
37 Best Activities in Joshua Tree with Toddlers
Below you will find the activity ideas for a trip to Joshua Tree with toddlers broken into two parts: hikes and then non-hikes. Whichever options you choose for your vacation will make for the best time as a family!
Joshua Tree Kid-Friendly Hikes
Toddlers need easy hikes. Here are 8 of the easiest hikes in Joshua Tree that are kid-friendly!
Barker Dam Trail: This easy 1.1-mile loop trail takes you to a historic water storage area, and it's a great spot for wildlife and bird watching. Kids will enjoy the chance to see petroglyphs and possibly even some water in the dam.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail: A classic family-friendly trail, the 1-mile loop is known for its unique rock formations and sheltered valley. Kids can have fun exploring the rocks and playing hide-and-seek in this natural playground.
Skull Rock Nature Trail: The short loop trail around Skull Rock is less than half a mile and offers an up-close view of this famous rock formation. Kids will love seeing the rock that looks like a skull.
Cap Rock: A short 0.4-mile loop trail takes you to Cap Rock, where you can explore unique rock formations. It's a great spot for a little rock climbing and scrambling.
Cholla Cactus Garden: This flat, quarter-mile loop trail takes you through a dense concentration of Cholla cacti. It's a unique experience for kids to see the desert landscape up close.
Arch Rock: A short 0.3-mile hike (0.6-mile round trip) takes you to the famous Arch Rock. Kids can crawl through the arch and explore the surrounding rock formations.
Cottonwood Spring Oasis: The Cottonwood Spring area features easy trails and a spring with water, which can be especially interesting for kids in a desert environment. You can choose various loops depending on your preferred distance.
Oasis of Mara Nature Trail: Located in Joshua Tree's southern section near the Oasis Visitor Center, this short trail (0.5 miles) introduces kids to the park's unique flora and history.
Hiking Activities for Kids
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a simple scavenger hunt list with items to find along the trail, such as pinecones, different types of leaves, or rocks of various shapes and colors.
Storytelling Walk: Encourage your kids to make up stories or ask them to describe what they see on the trail. This can spark their creativity and imagination.
Bird Watching: Bring binoculars and a bird identification guide to spot and identify different bird species along the trail.
Animal Tracking: Look for animal tracks in the dirt or sand and discuss what kind of animals might have left them.
Leaf and Flower Pressing: Collect leaves and flowers, and later press them in a simple leaf press or a heavy book to create nature-inspired art.
Trail Art: Use rocks, sticks, and other natural materials to create art along the trail. This can include making rock sculptures or arranging sticks in patterns.
Photography: Let kids bring a camera or a smartphone to take pictures of interesting things they encounter. They can create their own nature photo album afterward.
Rock Stacking: Encourage kids to stack rocks into balanced formations, which can be both fun and creative.
Counting and Measuring: Practice counting by counting steps, or measure how tall trees are by hugging them or using a string.
Scavenger Hunt Bingo: Create bingo cards with pictures of things they might find on the trail. As they spot items, they can mark them off.
Nature Journal: Bring a notebook for kids to draw or write about their hiking adventures. It's a great way to document their experiences and observations.
Geocaching: If you're in an area with geocaches, try geocaching with your kids. It's like a real-life treasure hunt.
Sound Safari: Listen for different sounds in nature, such as birdsong, rustling leaves, or flowing water. Encourage kids to identify and describe the sounds they hear.
Outdoor Picnic: Plan a picnic stop along the trail. Let kids help pack a backpack with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
Leaf Rubbings: Collect leaves and make leaf rubbings using crayons and paper to reveal the intricate details of the leaves.
Bug Hunt: Look for insects under rocks, in the grass, or on plants. Use a magnifying glass for a closer look.
Trail Marking: Allow kids to mark the trail with colorful ribbons or washable chalk to create a trail of their own.
Tree Identification: Teach kids to identify different tree species and discuss their unique characteristics.
Cloud Watching: Take a moment to lay down and watch the clouds, identifying different shapes and animals in the sky.
Hiking with a Theme: Choose a theme for the hike, such as colors, shapes, or animals. Kids can search for items related to that theme as they hike.
Things to do Besides Hike with Toddlers in Joshua Tree
If you are making it a day trip, a simple trip to the Joshua Tree visitor center will check off a lot of boxes, but if you’re there for an extended period of time, I really suggest the following non-hike activities in Joshua Tree.
Visit Pioneertown: About 20 minutes from Joshua Tree is Pioneertown, an old hollywood wild west film set that has been resuscitated into a fun destination for any cowboy big or small.
Visit the World Famous Crochet Museum: It is located inside the Art Queen art complex. It’s a funky little stop in Joshua Tree filled with crocheted super heroes, unicorns, and stuffies.
Old school drive in movies at Smith’s Ranch: Only $5 a head and you can pull in, park, and watch a movie with all the favorite movie snacks they sell at the concession stand.
Visit Barker Dam: Barker Dam is a less than 2 mile hike, perfect for kids. Large boulders encompass the trail with a wall of petroglyphs to see along the way. It’s also one of the best places to spot a bighorn sheep in Joshua Tree as they do actually live inside the park.
Stargaze: Stargazing, enough said. Connor actually is currently really into outer space and now that he’s older I think taking him to see the stars filling the desert sky would be something very fun for him. In the summer, the Milky Way is visible which makes Joshua Tree one of the best places on Earth to see the stars.
Hi-Desert Nature Museum: located in Yucca Valley is not only family friendly, but it has a designated kids corner with a pioneer cabin and Mini Zoo where kids can check out several species of native snakes, lizards, arachnids and insects. Connor loves a good bug exhibit, I’m sure yours will too.
Road Runner Grab + Go is the perfect stop to pick up sandwiches like their steak wraps or chicken po’ boys before going on a hike or picnic located at the Joshua Tree visitor center for convenience.
Hidden Valley is another great spot for kids as it’s a 1 mile loop and great for rock scrambling. Luckily there are picnic tables at this location, so definitely pack some food.
Crossroads Cafe is the ideal family friendly American style diner serving affordable classics with a twist. Even at 9 months, Connor was super happy gobbling down their pancakes and for us, their hot as hell tacos and country breakfast was incredibly satisfying.
Noah Purifoy Museum is a free and brilliant outdoor art museum that features installations made of everyday recycled items. While I think it would be most suited for ages 3+, it’s a memorable spot on the list.
Jelly Donut, ironically is a tasty Vietnamese restaurant in TwentyNine Palms serving pho and yes, jelly filled donuts. Connor loves both, noodles and donuts, so I’m sure your family would enjoy this as well!
Other things to do in Joshua Tree with Toddlers:
Scenic Drives: Drive through the park, stopping at various viewpoints and rock formations for photo opportunities.
Climb Rocks: Allow your toddlers to climb on the smaller rock formations; just be cautious of sharp edges.
Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic at one of the designated picnic areas, like Cottonwood Spring or Belle Campground.
Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as bighorn sheep and desert tortoises.
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a fun scavenger hunt with items like cacti, interesting rocks, or animal tracks.
Bird Watching: Bring binoculars and identify the various bird species in the park.
Junior Ranger Program: Participate in the Junior Ranger program, where kids can earn badges.
Geology Lessons: Teach your kids about the unique rock formations and geology of the park.
Desert Flora: Learn about desert plant life, including the iconic Joshua Tree, and show kids the importance of preserving it.
Star Maps: Bring a star map to help your toddlers identify constellations at night.
Bike Rides: Ride bikes on the paved roads in the park, like the one near the Cottonwood Visitor Center.
Ranger Talks: Attend ranger-led talks and programs tailored for kids.
Rock Art: Look for petroglyphs at places like Barker Dam or the Wonderland of Rocks.
Photography: Encourage your kids to take pictures and capture their memories of the park.
Visit Joshua Tree Music Festival: If your visit coincides, attend the Joshua Tree Music Festival, which is family-friendly.
Junior Desert Explorers: Consider booking a guided tour specifically designed for families with young children.
Sunset Viewing: Catch a beautiful desert sunset at one of the scenic viewpoints.
Responsible Camping: If you're camping, involve your toddlers in setting up the campsite, making it an adventure for the whole family.
There you have it. Some of the best things to do on a Joshua Tree family vacation with toddlers! Which of these Joshua Tree National Park activities with toddlers do you think you will add to your itinerary?
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As daunting as a trip to the desert may seem with a little one, it's something I recommend doing if you’re considering it! I know Connor wont remember, but it's a trip I will look back on fondly.