2–3 Day Itinerary for Joshua Tree With Kids (For Families)

Ever since I saw pictures of Joshua tree’s unique vegetation for the first time, I’ve wanted to visit. However, it was never the right time because the idea would come to me in the middle of summer. So this time, after a group camping trip with some other families fell through, I took the opportunity to go in the Spring.

One of those families went in January, so I was able to piggy back off of their itinerary and spend most of my time researching the best value hotels.

Best time of year to go to Joshua Tree

Since it’s the desert, peak seasons are Spring and Fall, when it is not deathly hot (100+ F) or frigidly cold (below freezing at night).

• Spring (March–May)
  • Daytime temperatures: 70s–80s°F
  • Nighttime temperatures: 40s–50s°F
  • Possible wildflowers after rainy winters
  • Spring break and April can be busy
• Fall (October–November)
  • Daytime temperatures: 70s–80s°F
  • Nighttime temperatures: 40s–50s°F
  • Fewer crowds than spring
  • Great season for stargazing (annual Night Sky Festival is end of October)

Where to Stay in Joshua Tree With Kids

For families, the best place to stay is near the North Entrance in Twentynine Palms or Yucca Valley (20-30 mins drive to North Entrance).

Why families should stay near the North Entrance:

• Shorter entrance lines than the West Entrance
• Close to top kid-friendly attractions like Skull Rock, Arch Rock, and Heart Rock
• Easier early-morning park access with kids

Pro tip for family travel to Joshua Tree:

• Book a rental with a hot tub for nighttime stargazing
• Choose a pool if visiting in spring or warmer months to cool off after hikes

Know Before You Go: Joshua Tree With Kids

Important things to know:

• Most trails are listed as 30-60 minutes but take up to 2 hours with kids because they will want to climb every boulder 🙂
• Two trails per day is the ideal pace for families with young kids
• Bring more water than expected, even in cooler months
• Hats, sunscreen, and snacks are essential
• Download maps before you go because cell phone reception might be weak out there
• Pick up a Junior Ranger Program booklet at the visitor center on your first day

Day 1: Best Easy Joshua Tree Hikes for Families

Discovery Trail

Ideal first hike in Joshua Tree National Park. This loop connects the Skull Rock and Split Rock Loop trails via the Face Rock Trail. This mellow hike takes you through boulder piles and desert washes.

What to expect:

• Distance: Short and flat loop (0.7 miles)
• Time with kids: 1.5–2 hours
• Educational signs designed for children
• Safe rock formations for climbing

Hidden Valley Trail

If you only have the chance for one short hike at Joshua Tree National Park, Hidden Valley is a great choice. It is located just off of Park Boulevard.

What to expect:

• Distance: 1 mile, mostly flat. No major drop-offs, making it low stress for parents
• Time with kids: 1.5–2 hours. Partially shaded
• Educational signs designed for children
• Feels more like a playground than a hike with endless boulders to climb and explore

Evening Stargazing

Why stargazing is a must in Joshua Tree:

• One of the darkest night skies in Southern California
• Easy activity once kids are in bed
• Even better from a hot tub

Day 2: Iconic Joshua Tree Attractions for Kids

Arch Rock and Heart Rock

One of the best family hikes in Joshua Tree. Big payoff for minimal walking.

What to expect:

• Distance: 2.9 Miles for the entire loop with 220 ft elevation, but the distance just between Arch Rock and Heart Rock is less than 0.5 miles and flat.
• Time with kids: 1.5–2 hours
• Arch Rock is fun to walk under
• Heart Rock adds a scavenger-hunt feel

Barker Dam Trail

Short walk with high payoff with varied scenery

What to expect:

• Distance: 1.1 Miles with minimal elevation
• Time with kids: 45 min–1.5 hours. Minimal shade
• Opportunity to see water in spring, which means more vegetation and wildlife
• Petroglyphs add a learning element

Sunset at Keys View

Why it’s great for families:

• Short walk from the parking lot (Keys View Parking Lot)
• There is a restroom at the parking lot
• Perfect low-energy evening activity

Day 3: More Family-Friendly Things to Do in Joshua Tree

Cholla Cactus Garden

Really cool and unique vegetation and landscape. Keep kids on the boardwalk—cholla cactus spines stick easily! Check the official national park website beforehand as it is closed for repairs until late Spring 2026.

What to expect:

• Distance: 0.2 Miles, 9 ft elevation. Flat boardwalk loop
• Time needed: 1-2 hours. Short and easy walk
• Unique scenery kids won’t see elsewhere
• The cactus garden covers a large area, and the closure only affects the specific, small, raised boardwalk section. You can park safely on the shoulder of Pinto Basin Road and walk in to take photos.

Other Great Joshua Tree Activities for Families

If you want to add or swap activities, these are excellent options:

• Cap Rock Nature Trail for a short, educational walk
• Junior Ranger Program at the visitor center
• Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum (outside the park, best for older kids)
  • This is located conveniently between Yucca Valley and TwentyNine Palms, so you can do this instead of the park on the last day.
• Cabazon Dinosaurs (1 hr east of Twentynine Palms) – Walk through a park full of giant dinosaur replicas. You can do it on your way out of J tree.

So there you have it, a 2 or 3 day Joshua tree for kids itinerary that hits up all of the best spots in the national park. If you have more time in Southern California, consider driving down to Legoland, but not after making sure you grab the best deal!