Summer is here and it’s a hot one!! Coming up with uniquely “cool” ways to beat the heat with kids during the summer can leave some parents scratching their heads. But as parents with young kids ourselves, we’ve got you covered. First, make sure to stay at an Arrivls property for the amazing backyard pools to beat the summer heat without leaving the property. Then, when you’re ready to venture out (with plenty of water and sunscreen!), check out these 5 ways to beat the heat in the desert with kids!
Where To Stay

Peel Palms
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath kid-friendly and pet-friendly home in beautiful Palm Desert, California is the perfect place to escape from it all. You’ll find all of the comforts of home at Peel Palms making it a great place to relax for a month in the desert. This casually curated space has a private backyard with a pool, perfect for playing and relaxing. Enjoy multiple lounge spaces and a fire pit where you can enjoy the gorgeous mountain views.
Book Peel Palms today!
Check out all of the great Arrivls options in Indio, California.
And all of these amazing options in La Quinta, California.
5 Ways To Beat The Heat In The Desert With Kids
1. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
If you’re looking for a fun way to escape the heat and soak in some amazing views then the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is perfect for you. This is the world’s largest rotating tram car and as it travels over two-and-one-half miles along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon the car slowly rotates. You’ll be transported to the pristinely beautiful wilderness of the Mt. San Jacinto State Park.
The ride takes approximately 10 minutes. You won’t run out of things to enjoy with two restaurants, observation decks, a natural history museum, a gift shop, and around 50 miles of hiking trails. Thanks to the 8,000+ ft elevation it will be much cooler! You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
Cost – Adults: $25.95, Children (3-10): $17.95
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | 1 Tram Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 | (888) 515-8726

2. Palm Springs Air Museum
Another fun way to escape the desert heat is by taking the kids to the Palm Springs Air Museum. This living history museum is dedicated to educating the public about the role Air Power has played in preserving the American way of life. If your kids are into aircrafts they will love the exhibits featuring World War Two, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror planes.
How cool this: you can even have the experience of a lifetime by soaring over the Coachella Valley in one of the museum’s authentically restored WWII planes! That’s right, you can fly and experience a thrilling ride in some of the most iconic aircraft in military aviation history. Rides start at just $125 and you can book a flight here.
Palm Springs Air Museum | 745 North Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs, California 92262 | 760-778-6262
3. Splash Pads

Don’t let that scorching desert sun get you down this summer, take the kids to one of these fun splash pads! A few of Arrivls’ favorites include:
Adams Park
For guests staying at our La Quinta or Indio properties, head to Adams Park – a quiet, local park with a splash pad that’s perfect for cooling off in the summer. Not only that but there is a shaded playground and shaded fitness equipment – there are plenty of ways to stay busy in this fun park! Keep in mind there are no bathrooms on site. Bring water shoes for the kids as the ground is can be very hot.
Adams Park | Corner Of Blackhawk Way and Adams Street, La Quinta, CA 92253 | (760) 564-0096
Palm Desert Aquatic Center
The Palm Desert Aquatic Center has so many amazing ways to stay cool this summer. The Aquatic Center features three pools, multiple water slides, diving boards, and a variety of play features. The entire 8-acre park is designed to delight water lovers of all ages, making this a fantastic place to beat the summer heat. Be sure to check their website for open days/times as swim lessons in the summer months often change their public access schedule.
Palm Desert Aquatic Center | 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260| 760-565-7467
4. Cool Treats

Who doesn’t love a cool treat in summer? This fun way to beat the heat will also satisfy the entire family’s sweet tooth. Check out one or all of these places while staying at one of Arrivls desert properties in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio or La Quinta.
Hokulia Shave Ice – Palm Desert
Located in the Gardens on El Paseo shopping center, Hokulia Shave Ice brings authentic Hawaiian shave ice to California for the mainlanders to enjoy. They import their syrups made from 100% pure cane sugar straight from Hawaii and each shave ice is mixed of rich tropical flavors. Try amazing flavors like Boysenberry, Haupia, Melona, or Pineapple. Our son loves the Tiger’s Blood flavor which is a fruity mix of watermelon, strawberry and just a hint of coconut.
Hokulia Shave Ice | 75 515 El Paseo, Palm Desert CA 92260| (626) 786-1008
Lappert’s – Palm Desert or Palm Springs
Lappert’s has been offering delicious premium ice cream to Palm Springs since 1981. This local favorite has been voted the best ice cream in the desert in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. There are 260 distinctive, unique, rotating flavors (48 flavors a day) so make sure to try some of their more original concoctions, including Kauai Pie, Hawaiian Sea Salt Caramel, Kona Coffee, and Date Casablanca.
Lappert’s Palm Springs| 130 N Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA, 92262| (760) 325-1717
Nitrofusion – La Quinta
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s a little different, Nitrofusion in La Quinta is perfect for you. This organic liquid nitrogen ice cream is made with the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. Kids will love that the ice cream is frozen right in front of them with liquid nitrogen. Try a Nitro Pop or one of their amazing flavors such as Strawberry Cheesecake or Banana Lavender.
Nitrofusion| 78010 Main St. Suite 108, La Quinta, CA 92253 | 760-771-0700
5. Private Pool At Arrivls Vacation Rental
Looking for an amazing vacation rental in the desert? Arrivls has you covered, with many amazing options, all with incredible backyard spaces where you can lounge by the pool during the day and spend your evenings enjoying a BBQ. These family-friendly backyard spaces are a great way to beat the scorching desert heat. If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay check out these desert oasis with private pools:
Palm Springs/Palm Desert:

Indio:

La Quinta:
Villa Stork, Encantada, Boho(asis), Palo Verde, Highland Palms Hideaway, Desert Rose, The Alvarado, Casa De Cala, Carranza Cove, Casa Ultimo
Load up the kids and head to any of these fun options for beating the desert heat this summer! Whether you take a ride in an old aircraft or grab a sweet treat downtown, make sure to take advantage of the amazing pools at any of these fantastic Arrivls rentals!
