OT - Palm Springs with a 6 year old in winter

[kozachka]

We are currently in San Diego area and are trying to decide where to go next as we make our way back North to the Bay Area. DH has suggested we stay in Palm Springs for a few days since we've never been. We could take day trips to Joshua Tree park, gold town and hang out at hot springs. I've done some reading on the area and am not sure it is the best time of the year to visit, or that it would be that exciting. We do not golf and it seem to be too chilly to hang out by the pool. What do you think?

DS has just turned six and could care less for anything other than fishing. He is even willing to forgo Legoland to fish some more, while I am ready to tear my hair out if I so much as hear any reference to fishing. We've been on the road since Monday and so far everything revolved around fishing. I am really looking forward to outlet shopping while DH and DS hit Legoland tomorrow. I've been to Legoland several times before when DS was little and we lived in the area. Plus DH was gone out of the country for over 3 weeks so he owes me some 'me' time. All I need to make tomorrow perfect is to get a mani-pedi, which I have not had since mid-August. So I like the part that involves hot springs, and maybe even a spa treatment for me. Girl can dream :loveeyes:

[TwinFoxes]

It's been a long time since I've been, and it was pre-kids, but I would think there would be enough to do for a few days. The tram up to the mountain summit is really cool, and there are hiking trails up there. It's cold though, so check the weather before deciding to go hiking (and also check to make sure the tram runs during winter, I think it does, but not 100 percent sure.) There's also a children's Discover Museum in nearby Rancho Mirage (did not go.) As for weather, it will probably be in mid-high 60s. Some people swim at that temp. Lastly, there's always Joshua Tree like you said.

I'm not sure, but the week between Christmas and NY's may be a party time. Don't know how you would check that...I guess if the hotels are all booked. Have fun, the outlets there were nice.

[kozachka]

The weather in Palm Springs is going to be between 43 at night and 71 during the warmest part of the day over the next few days. It is not exactly warm for hanging by the pool as far as I am concerned. It was 39-60F here yesterday and none of us had any desire to jump into a pool or even hot tub.

DH is not into hiking or cold weather. Plus we've done tram in Zurich in summer, which was very nice.

[bubbaray]

There is the Living Desert Park, has a cool train exhibit and a butterfly exhibit: http://www.livingdesert.org/

Indian Canyon is very cool: http://www.palmsprings.com/points/canyon/

There is The River complex that has restaurants and movie theatres and B&N (and a Starbucks).

El Paseo shopping district is very cool: http://www.palmsprings.com/elpaseo/index.html

Personally, I thought the outlets about 1hr outside of PS were a waste of time.

[kozachka]

Melissa, thank you for suggestions. I am going to Carlsbad outlets to pick up a few things. Not the greatest but will do.

[TwinFoxes]

Sorry, just trying to help. Have fun!

[Tondi G]

At 71 degrees you can swim, if the pool is heated. It won't be warm but if your kiddo really wants to swim it is do-able. If you wanted to consider the Morongo hotel and casino they have a lazy river and cool pool area apparently! Morongo also has a bowling alley too!

There used to be an ice skating rink at the mall, we used to go when we visited in the summer.

you could do the aerial tram thing http://www.pstramway.com/

would your DS have any interest in planes? http://www.palmspringsairmuseum.org/

there is a children's Museum http://www.cdmod.org/

http://www.palm-desert.org/visiting-palm-desert/insider-tips-and-specials/top-10-places-for-palm-desert-family-fun

[kozachka]

'We' desided to skip Palm Springs and go to Sutter City instead of Calico for gold town and instead go fishing in Sacramento Delta. We'll stop over for a night or two in Bay Area. DS wants to do another day in Legoland, and DH and DS are out fishing on a party boat while I am running errands/moving hotels. I am all shopped out from 1.5 days at Carlsbad outlets. Got some good deals on things that we needed and couple gifts but nothing spectacular.

It sounded that most of the things offered in Palm Springs we can either do in SF Bay Area without paying for a hotel, we have done already or we don't like doing. Thank you for your help ladies, it was most useful as always!