{"id":31574,"date":"2023-05-14T09:27:13","date_gmt":"2023-05-14T07:27:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.mindfultravelbysara.com\/?p=31574"},"modified":"2024-01-03T12:55:38","modified_gmt":"2024-01-03T10:55:38","slug":"joshua-tree-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.mindfultravelbysara.com\/en\/joshua-tree-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Epic Things to do in Joshua Tree with Kids in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Joshua Tree with kids, you’ve come to the right place!<\/strong><\/h4>

In this blog post, I’ll share some of the best family friendly activities in Joshua Tree<\/strong>, from easy hikes and stargazing to wildlife spotting and cool things to do with your little ones. <\/p>

So, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Joshua Tree with kids<\/strong> and having an unforgettable family adventure!<\/p>

\"Cholla<\/figure>

Joshua Tree National Park, located in Southern California, as part of the Colorado desert and Mojave desert, is a unique natural destination with fun things to do for parents and kids of all ages<\/strong>. <\/p>

Filled with unique rock formations, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, there’s no shortage of things to do in Joshua Tree for kids. <\/p>

If you want to explore all that this amazing destination has to offer with your children and your furry best friend, Emily, a travel and dog lover, who runs Pets Around The World<\/strong><\/a>, will show you some of her favorite things to do in Joshua Tree National Park with your family!<\/p>

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I recently visited Joshua Tree National Park with kids<\/strong> for a multi-generational family trip. <\/p>

There were so many great things to do in Joshua Tree<\/strong><\/a> that everyone from the grandparents in their late 60’s all the way down to the 6 month old baby had a fabulous time. <\/p>

We also brought our two terrier dogs with us<\/strong>. There are limits on what dogs can do in the park, so if you are planning on including your fur family, you will want to take a look at this suggested one-day itinerary to enjoy Joshua Tree with dogs<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>

Our friend joined us with her three-year-old. What she loved most during our trip to Joshua Tree was watching her daughter realize what she was capable of<\/strong>. <\/p>

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The unique landscape had her daughter trying new things, climbing, jumping and learning to balance her weight. <\/p>

When the preschooler was successful, she felt so proud of the rock she just climbed, and the rest of the family cheered her on. <\/p>

There is no shortage of epic adventures for families visiting this extraordinary park<\/strong>. <\/p>

Joshua Tree with Kids: Things To Do and Children Activities<\/strong><\/h2>

Joshua Tree National Park has so many incredible vistas, hikes, rock formations and other scenery that will literally make your jaw drop. <\/p>

This list provides 10 amazing things to do with your kids<\/strong>. Pick the ones that work the best for your family and the age and interest of your kids. <\/p>

1. Become a Joshua Tree Junior Ranger<\/strong><\/h3>

The Junior Ranger Program<\/strong><\/a> at Joshua Tree National Park is an engaging and interactive experience designed to ignite your child’s curiosity and love for the great outdoors. <\/p>

These activity booklets are usually available at the park’s visitor centers, such as the Joshua Tree Visitor Center. <\/p>

\"Joshua<\/figure>

Simply ask a park ranger or staff member at one of these locations for a Junior Ranger booklet.<\/strong> <\/p>

After completing the Joshua Tree activities, return the booklet to a visitor center, where a park ranger will review it, administer the Junior Ranger pledge, and present your child with a Junior Ranger badge or certificate.<\/p>

2. Hike a trail 4 Kids By Kids – Discovery Trail<\/strong><\/h3>

The park ranger told me this is the best Joshua Tree kid friendly hike<\/strong>, so we took his advice and loved it. <\/p>

Elementary students from a nearby school collaborated with park rangers to design the .68 mile Discovery Trail. <\/p>

The student suggestions make the trail very hands-on and interactive. The following year, highschool students worked with park rangers to actually build the trail. <\/p>

Discovery Trail is one of the best Joshua Tree trails<\/strong><\/a> for kids. It’s a really fun way to explore the desert landscape <\/strong>as long as you aren’t trying to bring a stroller, but for everyone who is sturdy on their feet, this will be a highlight of your trip. <\/p>

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The boulders have more gradual slopes making it easier for the little ones to clamber on even if they haven’t perfected their balance skills yet. <\/p>

There are also bigger boulders if your kids are older and want more of a challenge.  The trail is full of nooks, crannies and caves to explore<\/strong>.<\/p>

The best views from Skull Rock<\/strong><\/a> can actually be found on this trail if you turn around when you get to the top of the first hill.<\/p>

3. Clamber through some rock caves <\/strong><\/h3>

There are many Joshua Tree hikes with kids<\/strong> that your family would enjoy. <\/p>

Barker Dam<\/strong> is one of the best Joshua Tree hikes<\/strong><\/a> to try. The trail is a little over a mile. <\/p>

It would work best for kids who are able to walk the entire length of the journey themselves. <\/p>

Don’t let the distance fool you into thinking you can finish the trail in 15 to 30 minutes. There’s so much to do and explore<\/strong> that you can easily take you an hour or maybe even three if your kids are having a great time.<\/p>

\"Child<\/figure>

There are various rocks to scramble most of the way along the trail. Some rocks and boulders create cool caves to explore<\/strong>. <\/p>

There’s some great views of Joshua Tree from the dam<\/strong>. The dam might have water in the spring, but since the area is mostly a desert, it doesn’t rain much. <\/p>

Don’t be surprised if the water is low. That’s okay, the point of going is not only about seeing the water. There’s so many other exciting opportunities along the way. <\/p>

4. Face off with Skull Rock <\/strong><\/h3>

Skull Rock<\/strong><\/a> nature trail<\/strong> has an amazing rock formation that anyone of any age can pull over and appreciate. <\/p>

For groups that include people who are not able to climb such as babies or grandparents, they can still really enjoy this natural wonder. <\/p>

This area doesn’t have much of a trail except just a little walking path<\/strong> that goes parallel to the road. <\/p>

\"View<\/figure>

Aside from the incredible views, this area is perfect for older kids<\/strong> especially ones approaching or in their teen years. <\/p>

The formations are large and steep making a fantastic natural playground<\/strong>. <\/p>

Even though it’s a challenge, kids won’t need specialized climbing skills to enjoy it. The area was filled with rock scramblers having a blast. <\/p>

5. Eat a picnic lunch together<\/strong><\/h3>

There are a number of picnic areas available<\/strong> to stop and eat lunch together as a family.  <\/p>

As a reminder, there are no services, restaurants, convenience stores etc. in the park. You need to bring food and cold water for the entire day <\/strong>with you before leaving town.  <\/p>

\"Cap<\/figure>

Take advantage of the circumstances to eat a picnic lunch together in the shadow of one of the stunning rock formations. There are many options available, but Hidden Valley and Cap Rock are two good choices<\/strong>. <\/p>

6. Take fabulous Joshua Tree family photos<\/strong><\/h3>

You could take an incredible family photo in 100 different spots at Joshua Tree National Park. <\/p>

One of the most photographed spots at Joshua Tree National Park<\/strong> is the iconic Arch Roc<\/a><\/strong>k<\/strong><\/a>. This natural granite arch provides a stunning backdrop for photographs and is one of the favorite places among visitors. <\/p>

\"Arch<\/figure>

Arch Rock trail is one of the <\/strong>easier hikes in Joshua Tree National Park<\/strong><\/a> since you walk along a short 0.5-mile round trip trail. <\/p>

The picturesque formation, surrounded by unique giant boulders and Joshua trees, creates a captivating scene that perfectly captures the beauty and essence of the park. <\/p>

7. Avoid getting poked by a cactus<\/strong><\/h3>

Cholla Cactus Garden<\/strong><\/a> is one of those places where you feel like you might have left planet earth and gone to visit some other world.  <\/p>

This short easy walking trail<\/strong> loops around a dense natural garden of cholla cacti<\/a><\/strong>, also known as teddy bear cholla<\/em>, which are fascinating to observe up close. <\/p>

Kids will be captivated by the cacti’s fuzzy appearance<\/strong> and intricate patterns, making the garden feel like a magical desert wonderland<\/strong>.<\/p>

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Note<\/strong>: These cacti can easily poke children if they get too close or if they are running around without paying attention. <\/p>

Many children from babies to teens enjoyed these incredible plants during our visit without getting hurt. It would be a good idea to consider the personality and age of your children before deciding if it is a good choice for you. <\/p>

8. Get rock climbing lessons<\/strong><\/h3>

Rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park<\/strong><\/a> is an incredibly popular activity, drawing climbers from around the world to experience the park’s unique granite formations.<\/p>

There are thousands of climbing routes and bouldering opportunities. Joshua Tree has something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned climbers.<\/p>

Unless climbing is something your family participates in on a regular basis, it will be a good idea to hire a guide to take some lessons<\/strong>. <\/p>

⭐ If you want to learn climbing, this <\/strong>4-hour beginner-friendly rock climbing tour<\/strong><\/a>, complete with first-hand guidance, support, and all necessary equipment is perfect for you. With a small group size, you’ll have a personalized experience as you discover the park’s natural wonders.<\/strong><\/p>

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Several local guiding companies offer climbing courses and guided trips in the park. <\/p>

These professional guides can help you develop your techniques, learn about safety practices, and introduce you to some of the best climbing spots in Joshua Tree<\/strong>.<\/p>

I asked for recommendations from the folks at Nomad Ventures, a Climbing Store in Joshua Tree. They provided three recommendations:<\/p>