8 family-friendly things to do in Joshua Tree National Park

Keeping kids engaged and entertained at Joshua Tree National Park is often a matter of simple pleasures like camping in the desert, watching the heavens through a microscope, or scrambling between giant boulders at Skull Rock, Heart Rock, and other stony outcrops. Here are 10 things to do in Joshua Tree with kids.

1. Hit the best short hikes in Joshua Tree

Hiking is one of the easiest activities for families to dive into. Unless you’re going to hike at dusk or dawn, it’s advisable to avoid marching the kids through the park’s triple-digit summer heat. Be sure to sync the hike’s length and difficulty level with their age and trekking experience. 

Among the park’s kid-friendly short hikes are Cholla Cactus Garden, the Oasis of Mara, Keys View with its mile-high panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, the slot canyons of the Hall of Horrors, and the weird rock formations of the uber-popular Skull Rock Loop.

Barker Dam Trail is a good trail for young hikers. The looping trail is just over a mile long, and the terrain is fairly flat, with no more than 65 feet of elevation gain. Along the way are interpretive exhibits on the area’s human and natural history, and there’s even an ancient rock art gallery. The landscape is a mix of Joshua trees and giant boulders (a few of which you have to scramble over), and there’s a public restroom beside the parking lot.

2. Cycle the desert

As none of the park’s paved roads have dedicated bike lanes—and because motor traffic is often heavy on weekends and holidays—it’s best to cycle backroads. Queen Valley boasts more than 13 miles of dirt roads, many are flat and easy to navigate. 

By combining bike riding with short hikes, families can reach Barker Dam, the rusting above-ground remnants of Desert Queen Mine, the ruins of Wonderland Ranch, and the Wall Street gold mill. Bikes are not allowed on single-track trails in the park. 

(Everything to you need to know about Joshua Tree National Park)

3. Gaze at the heavens

Stargazing in Joshua Tree is out of this world because it’s a certified International Dark Sky Park. Four parking lots are designated stargazing spots: Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, Quail Springs, and Ryan Mountain. If you don’t have your own telescope, check the park calendar for ranger programs or visit Joshua Tree National Park during the Night Sky Festival in October.

4. Climb rocks or cruise off-road

Private concessionaires render other ways to discover Joshua Tree. Stone Adventures organizes customized family rock climbing sessions that last from four to eight hours. Kids who are one year old and up can fit into the provided climbing equipment, and they toss in a coloring book on Joshua Tree plants and animals.

Adventure Hummer uses open-top or enclosed SUVs on its four-hour offroad tours departing from the Yucca Valley Welcome Center.

(A complete guide to hiking in Joshua Tree National Park)

5. Don’t forget the dog 

If you’re thinking about bringing your dog, be aware that pets are not allowed on hiking trails, park buildings, or anywhere in the backcountry. They are only allowed within 100 feet of roads, parking areas, and campgrounds but must always remain on a leash.   

Service dogs are allowed anywhere that human visitors can go in the park. However, emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are not considered service animals.

(The best places to stay at Joshua Tree National Park.)

6. Explore Joshua Tree town 

Scattered across the Mojave along the northern edge of the national park are desert towns with numerous sleeping and eating options, and some of California’s strangest attractions. 

Located at the park entrance on Park Boulevard in Joshua Tree town, the official  Joshua Tree Visitor Center provides maps, brochures, and the latest info on the road and weather inside the park, as well as signing up for the park’s Junior Ranger program.

Across Park Boulevard, a tiny green building houses the World Famous Crochet Museum and hundreds of crocheted animals. The town’s offbeat retail offerings include the Joshua Tree Rock Shop and sci-fi-saturated Space Cowboy Books.  

7. Discover offbeat desert art locations

Just north of town is the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum. Made from discarded televisions, toilets, washing machines, tires, hubcaps, and other found items, the collection’s oddball sculptures (many with social justice messages) were created by Purifoy between 1989 and 2004 when he lived in Joshua Tree.

Among the area’s other eccentric art installations are the giant hands and face of the “Transmission” group by Daniel Popper.

Despite its Wild West facades, Pioneertown isn’t nearly as old as it looks, created in the 1940s as a backdrop for hundreds of Western movies and television shows. Although the town is still a working film set, Mane Street is open to the public and visitors are welcomed at Pioneertown Film Museum, the general store, the vintage bowling alley, and other attractions.

8. Visit Twentynine Palms at night

After dark, catch the latest flicks at the Smith’s Ranch Drive-In Movie Theater in Twentynine Palms. Opened in 1956, the drive-in serves classic movie fare like popcorn and hotdogs. And it’s just 10 bucks per person to get in.   

Another after-dark activity in Twentynine Palms is stargazing at Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center. The nonprofit facility hosts monthly night sky programs, occasional star parties, and events during the national park’s October Night Sky Festival. It’s just one of many family-friendly things to do outside of Joshua Tree.