Eating out was a highlight of our Palm Springs trips with children. Downtown puts brunch spots, delis, pizza and dessert within a short walk of one another, while a hotel breakfast can make an early start easier. These are places we tried as a family; menus, hours and children's options can change, so check each restaurant before you go.
If you are also looking for a kid-friendly place to stay, then read our guide to the best family-friendly hotels in Palm Springs, in which you can also learn more about why the desert city is a perfect destination for any family.
Best kid-friendly breakfast and brunch for families in Palm Springs
Wilma & Frida’s
155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (also in Palm Desert)
The unassuming Wilma & Frida’s in the heart of downtown is the perfect place for a kid-friendly breakfast or brunch. Offering both indoor and outdoor dining and large tables and booths, there’s ample space for families.
The menu includes all the classic breakfast and brunch favorites, as well as house specialties such as our favorite, the California Benny. We also loved the option to create your own scrambled eggs and pick the sides we wanted.
The California Benny at Wilma & Frida’s
Build your own scramble at Wilma & Frida’s
Best of all is perhaps their celebrated Churro Waffle. It’s the perfect end to a family brunch at one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in the desert city.
Farm
6 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Brunch at Farm is an unforgettable experience. The restaurant has a wonderful rustic ambiance and indoor and outdoor seating, making it ideal for a relaxed family brunch with the kids.
We liked the courtyard setting as much as the food. FARM's current site says breakfast and lunch are walk-in only, while dinner takes reservations. If you have a strict nap schedule, go early and check the menu before promising a particular dish.
Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel
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888 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
When we stayed at the Renaissance, its breakfast made mornings with children easier. The hotel currently lists breakfast at Date as a paid option; ask about the current format, price and whether non-guests can dine before relying on it. Our Palm Springs family hotels guide has more on the property.
Check hotel rates if you are planning a stay.
Best kid-friendly lunch for families in Palm Springs
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery
401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Sherman’s Deli & Bakery is a Palm Springs institution; its own site dates its landmark status to 1963. The booths and broad deli menu make it an easy lunch with children.
Their menu includes deli classics like pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and potato pancakes, as well as baked goods like fresh bagels, pastries, and cakes, but they have a selection of salads, burgers, and other dishes, in case your kids are not deli fans. The quantities at the restaurant are ample and ideal for sharing, making it an excellent choice for families. With its superb cuisine, friendly service, and old-school vibe, Sherman’s Deli & Bakery is a must-visit restaurant and one of the best kid-friendly lunch spots for families in the area.
Bill’s Pizza
119 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Bill’s Pizza offers some of the best pizzas anywhere and is the best kid-friendly pizzeria in town. Bill, of Bill’s Pizza, has roamed the world to learn how to make the perfect pizza. And we think he may have succeeded.
The menu mixes familiar pizzas with more inventive combinations. Sharing a pie kept lunch easy for us; check the current menu for dietary options and prices, since both can change.
Best kid-friendly dinner for families in Palm Springs
Zin American Bistro
198 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Zin American Bistro is a superb restaurant with a cozy outdoor patio (with plenty of heaters, should it get cold). The restaurant’s attentive service and kid-friendliness make it one of the best kid-friendly dinner options in the area.
We ordered a burger and fries, and our children had chicken tenders on our visit. Zin's current menus vary by service and season, so confirm a simple dish your child will eat before reserving. The heated patio made this feel like a more grown-up dinner that still worked for us as a family.
With its fantastic food, relaxed atmosphere, and excellent service, Zin American Bistro is a perfect spot for families searching for something a little fancier but laid back and relaxed, which is why we think it’s one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in the desert city.
The scrumptious burger and fries at Zin
The chicken tenders kids’ option at Zin
Grand Central
160 La Plaza, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Grand Central worked for us when we wanted a laid-back dinner in La Plaza. We had a burger and a multi-course meal on our visit, while the children found familiar options. Menus can change, so check the current Grand Central site for dinner service and children's choices.
The burger at Grand Central
The first course of the tasting menu at Grand Central
The second course of the tasting menu at Grand Central
Lulu California Bistro
200 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Lulu’s is a popular Palm Springs restaurant with a lively environment, superb cuisine, and exceptional service. The restaurant boasts a modern and elegant design with a big patio, making it an excellent site for people-watching on the famous Palm Canyon Road – and perfect for families with children.
The menu is broad, with a variety of American and international meals, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. Lulu’s has something for everyone, from a classic burger to something more exotic like the ahi tuna poke bowl. It can get lively on weekends, but on weekdays, Lulu’s is one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in town.
Tac/Quila
415 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Tac/Quila is an excellent choice for families with children. The restaurant has a vibrant and colorful atmosphere, creating a fun and festive atmosphere that children will enjoy.
Its menu includes a range of excellent options for youngsters, such as their scrumptious chicken or beef tacos, cheesy quesadillas, and savory guacamole. They also have a variety of non-alcoholic drinks for kids, such as fresh fruit juices and sodas. The patio gave us room to settle in as a family; check the current menu for simple options if your children prefer familiar dishes. With its superb cuisine, vibrant decor, and family-friendly atmosphere, Tac/Quila is one of the best kid-friendly restaurants here and a perfect destination for families looking for a memorable dining experience.
Best kid-friendly desserts & treats for families in Palm Springs
Great Shakes
160 S Palm Canyon Dr A, Palm Springs, CA 92262
What better way to round off a visit to one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Palm Springs? A great shake. And that’s what Great Shakes offers in abundance. Just make sure you leave enough room. The shakes are mouthwatering but also filled to the brim with delicious goodies.
Our favorites are the Oreo flavors, but consider one of their fruity options if you’re in the mood for something less…dense. In fact, all the shakes at Great Shakes are great, so you can’t go wrong. The best offer is to share a 20oz, but you’ll have to agree on the flavor.
The countless shake flavors at Great Shakes
The Oreo caramel and Oreo mint shakes at Great Shakes
Brandini Toffee
132 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Brandini Toffee is a mouthwatering dessert option that should not be missed while visiting the area. The company’s specialty is handcrafted toffee, created with premium ingredients such as California almonds, butter, and sugar. Their basic toffee is covered in milk or dark chocolate, and they also have almond, pistachio, and peppermint toffee varieties. The Palm Springs shop is a convenient downtown stop. The company's factory and another shop are in Rancho Mirage, so check the factory's tour details if you want to see production.
Best parent-friendly coffee for families in Palm Springs
Koffi
Traveling with kids can be, well, exhausting. And you might need a little kick to keep up with your early-rising, enthusiastic children. Koffi offers some of the best coffee we have had (and we love coffee). There’s even something for the kids. Try the refreshing fruit smoothie with mango or strawberry, an excellent choice for kids and parents alike. Our years in Brooklyn taught us to judge coffee seriously, and Koffi ranks right up there with the best coffee shops we know.
The best coffee in town is Koffi coffee. Hard to say, but easy to drink.