Family Guide To Rancho Mirage
Ready to hit the road with your family? Located only two hours from Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley, Rancho Mirage is a resort haven 200 miles east of L.A, so you will be pool side in no time! The desert climate is desirable in the winter with warm days and cool nights, however, this area is perfect anytime of year. Rancho Mirage neighbors popular Palm Springs and Palm Dessert and offers family attractions and lodging options for any budget. With plenty of activities to do and places to stay, Rancho Mirage is perfect retreat for you and your family.
Five Guys
71-700 California 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 346-8100
www.fiveguys.com
Visit the world renowned Five Guys for the "Best $5 Burger A Man Can Eat". All burgers are fresh, cooked well done and customers can choose as many toppings for their burger for free. In addition, kids can choose hot dogs as a choice and vegetarians can order a veggie sandwich or grilled cheese. And, a burger would never be complete without french fries. Order from two styles of fries which are cooked in peanut oil. While you're waiting for your meal, crack open a few peanuts and help yourself to one of the many sodas from their touch-screen Coke machine. Catch a flick at the nearby Century movie theater to round out your evening.
Old Spaghetti Factory
71743 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 341-5600
www.osf.com
If you're looking for a simple, yet tasty, Italian fare, then Old Spaghetti Factory is the spot for you! The waitstaff is attentive and ready to serve hot loafs of sourdough breads to your table while you wait for your delicious meal. Mom and dads will appreciate the value prices as well. All Kids meals are only $5.69 which include an entree, applesauce or salad, drink and dessert. Sign up for Wally's kids club and your kids will receive a free meal on their birthday. The atmosphere is nice and what kid wouldn't want to sit in a trolley for dinner?
Acqua Pazza
71-800 Hwy 111 A167
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 862-9800
www.acquapazzabistro.com
Acqua Pazza is an award winning bistro restaurant known for great food and service offering an extensive menu including pizza, burgers, seafood, and more. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Acqua Pazza offers 3 course feasts including vegetarian choices as well as gluten free menus. For those who like their drinks, happy hour is every day from 11 until closing. Acqua Pazza California Bistro recently became a winner of the "Best of the valley" awards in 2013!
Sunnylands Center & Gardens
37977 Bop Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 202-2200
www.sunnylands.org
Spend the afternoon exploring the grounds of Sunnylands, the former Annenberg Estate and you will be in awe of the beautiful grounds. If you plan ahead, book one of the house or landscape hours or take a leisurely walk along the paths of the Sunnylands Center & Gardens. The sites and sounds of the desert will be a delightful memory! On select Sundays, a thematic family-day program is available for all ages as well. Sunnylands offers walks, lectures, hands-on activities, as well as educational opportunities.
Big Wheel Bike Tours
P.O. Box 4185
Palm Desert, CA 92261
(760) 779-1837
www.bwbtours.com
With mountain and road bikes as well as comfort and kids bikes available, Big Wheel Bike Tours offers some of the most exciting ways to experience Rancho Mirage. Bike rentals include helmets, snacks, water and the company will even pick you up at your hotel to get your day stated. In addition to bicycling through the area, you can also take one of their open air jeep tours or go on a hike with this outdoor adventure company. Jeep tours are a great way to explore the rugged terrain within Joshua Tree National Park as well which is a short drive from Rancho Mirage. This tour is best suited for children 6 and over.
The Living Desert
47900 Portola Ave
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 346-5694
www.livingdesert.org
If you are interested in feeding a giraffe or riding on a camel, then the Living Desert is a must see. Kids can oogle over animals from North America and Africa while parents appreciate the botanical gardens. A petting zoo and Gecko's Playzone are also offered and are the perfect activities for the little ones. Visit the Living Desert early in the day as it gets extremely hot here in the summer months and don't forget your sunscreen or to wear comfortable shoes. Get ready to explore the area's only zoo and see some of Africa's most exotic animals!
Children's Museum Of The Desert
71-701 Gerald Ford Drive,
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 321-0602
www.cdmod.org
At Children's Museum Of The Desert, children are highly encouraged to explore, imagine and create and families get a hands-on experience in the exhibits. With 'Science Rules' and 'Let's Get Physical' as some of the best exhibits at the museum surely to get kids excited, your kids will get interactive and learning about electricity or exert some energy while they are rock climbing or pulling pulleys. Who knew learning education could be this fun!
Xceleration Indoor Kart Racing
35780 Date Palm Drive
Cathedral City, CA 92234
(760) 770-0808
www.xikracing.com
Have fun behind the wheel of a state-of-the-art race car showing off your competitive side as you race to speeds of up to 50mph at Xceleration Indoor Kart Racing! This go kart center offers the ultimate indoor fun and is great for children that are a little older. Aside from racing electric go-karts around indoor Formula-1-style tracks designed by professional racers, Xcereration also offers a video arcade as well as concessions. There is a height requirement of 4'10" for drivers so make sure to see if you make the cut before you head down. Also, check online for some great specials.
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
41000 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 568-2727
www.rancholaspalmas.com
Whether you are looking to relax or to play, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is the perfect getaway for families. The beautiful Spanish-styled resort offers 444 comfortable guest rooms as well as spacious suites in the heart of Rancho Mirage. Open the French doors to your patio or balcony, and relish in the spectacular views of the lake, pool or golf fairways. And, after a day out in the sun, get a restful night's sleep on comfortable beds, snuggling under soft, white comforters.
The highlight for families is the Splashtopia water park where you can spend the day splashing under fountains, sliding down your choice of two water slides or unwinding along the lazy river. Parents will love the cliff-side jacuzzi where they can unwind with a beverage and the fact that a life guard is always on duty to make sure that kids are safe. Golf is always offered for both adults and children children under 16 years old play for half the price. Another great feature of the resort is a full spa where moms can be pampered all day long while kids play at the water park.
Aside from the activities, the resort offers a wide variety of great food choices as well. Order a burger poolside or experience Omni Rancho Las Palmas resort's signature restaurant bluEmber for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And, while parents will crave the scrumptious entrees, kids can choose from 1 of 8 menu items from the children's menu which includes favorites such as Peanut Butter & Jelly, Mac & Cheese, Crispy Chicken Tenders and more.
