Time to start loading up on sunscreen, summer has arrived! Summer vacation is fast approaching, and for more than 30 million American families with kids in the house, the time is now to start planning how your family will spend the summer. When the school year starts up again and the kids’ head back to class and their friends are asking what they did over the summer, make sure they have an answer to remember for a lifetime.

When temperatures soar, spend some quality time with your kids, soak up some summer rays, sit back, and enjoy the fun. If you think the best way to take advantage of the summer months is spending them poolside, then you need to discover Greater Palm Springs. With hundreds of hotel pools listed and rated on TripAdvisor, and an assortment of water parks and attractions, the Greater Palm Springs area offers a selection of ways to slide, ride and splash your way into summer.

Looking for some excitement, adrenalin or a lazy pool ride? Then Knott’s Soak City in Palm Springs has what you’re after. With rides ranging from 1 to 5 on the “Thrill Scale” you are sure to find something at your level. A favorite among all water park fans is the Kauna’s Beach House. The 4-story interactive Family Funhouse comes fully equipped with water slides, hose jets, water curtains, a 1,000-gallon dropping bucket and more. In addition, Knott’s offers a diverse selection of slides, kid’s pint-sized slides and pools, a relaxing lazy river, cabanas, a wide food selection and even a fitness club so you can get your work out on and into a beach-ready bod.
Where: 1500 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs CA
Cost: $25 - $35 for day pass depending on age and time of purchase.


Maybe you are looking for water fun without leaving your hotel? There’s a new park on the block, and that’s Splashtopia at Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage. Rancho Las Palmas Resort is highly respected for its luxury and has been called “The Most Beautiful Place on Earth.” In addition to its wide selection of spa offerings, the resort has established a family friendly waterpark. With two adult-only pools for relaxation, the real draw for kids is Splashtopia – an all-new water park that takes up two acres and is filled with a Jacuzzi, water slides, sandy beach, and a lazy river all along the border. Let the kids roam around playing in sprinklers and fountains in the water-play zones and enjoy the water park located right outside your hotel door!
Where: 41-000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA
Cost: Must be a guest of Rancho Las Palmas Resort to gain access.

But instead perhaps you are in the mood for a more relaxed pool day. In that case, the Palm Desert Aquatic Center is right up your alley. The nearly eight-acre center offers programs, classes and general admission access and is a favorite among tourists and residents alike. Pack up the family and head out to enjoy a selection of pools, slides, diving boards, lounges and shaded areas. There’s no doubt that you’ll take a seat, relax and soak up some Greater Palm Springs sun.
Where: 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert
Cost: $6 Adults, $4.50 children age 6 – 12 & seniors age 60+, $3.75 children age 2 – 5.


No matter how you hope to spend your summer in the water, Greater Palm Springs has the selection to keep you soaked. Pack up the sunscreen and head out to enjoy water parks, resorts and to sit poolside! Convinced you need a trip to Palm Springs? Check out their Summer Deals page for vacation specials and entertainment discounts.