The Childrens Discovery Museum of the Desert, at 71701 Gerald Ford Drive in Rancho Mirage, is the Coachella Valley's dedicated hands-on museum for young children, and it is the best indoor option in the valley when the afternoon heat makes the pool, the zoo or a hike unappealing. The museum reopened its buildings in May 2024, its first full reopening since the closures that began in March 2020, and added around 40 new exhibits built by an exhibit design studio. The main building is designed for children up to about age eight and organizes its exhibits around six themes: imagine, express, move, experiment, explore and dream. A second building keeps favorites such as the pizza restaurant, now with foods from around the world and books in Mandarin, Spanish and English, along with a farmers market in the former grocery store and a pretend veterinary clinic. A third building was planned to serve middle and high school children with resources such as three-dimensional printing, sewing and life-skills classes, and the museum has also described a yoga lawn for wellness activities. The museum describes itself as most enjoyed by children up to eight years old.
Think of it as a morning or afternoon of structured play rather than a destination in itself. The exhibits are designed for children to touch, build and role-play: running a restaurant kitchen, shopping at a market, tending to a stuffed patient. Adults are not spectators here; the museum requires that adults stay with their children, and the most successful visits are the ones where parents join in.
Children under about four tend to love the pretend-play areas most, while older children in the five to eight range gravitate toward the building and experiment stations. Children older than eight may find it too young, so it suits families with small children best.
Practical details are worth checking before you go. The museum was open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sundays, with general admission of $19.95 per person for ages one and over, free entry for members, a discounted military rate and a $5 per person Museums for All rate for families with a current EBT card and matching ID.
The museum is cashless and takes only credit and debit cards. Strollers, food and drinks are not allowed inside, so plan snack breaks outside and leave the stroller in the car. Camps, classes, birthday parties and school field trips are run separately and may require advance registration or extra fees. Prices and hours change, so confirm on the museum's website, and call 760-321-0602 with any questions.
In terms of planning, pair it with other family-friendly stops in the valley: the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in nearby Palm Desert handles the outdoor animal side of a family day, while the Palm Springs Air Museum suits older children interested in aircraft. In the hottest months, when midday outdoor activities are tough, this is an easy way to give small children an energetic couple of hours in air conditioning. In the busy season from January to April, arrive near opening and expect school groups on weekday mornings.
What to expect
The experience
An indoor, hands-on children's museum with themed exhibit areas, role-play spaces and programs, aimed mainly at children up to eight.
Best time
Weekday mornings outside school-group peaks, and any hot afternoon from late spring to early autumn.
How long
Two to three hours for most families.
Tips
Check current hours and prices, bring a card because the museum is cashless, and leave strollers, food and drinks outside.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children between one and eight who need an indoor, air-conditioned morning.
- Families
- Designed for them; adults must stay with their children and are encouraged to play.
- Couples
- Not a fit unless you are traveling with children.
- Pair with
- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or the Palm Springs Air Museum.
- Time needed
- A morning or an afternoon.
Good questions
What ages is the museum for?+
Children from age one are admitted, and the museum says it is most enjoyed by children up to eight years old.
What are the hours and prices?+
At the time of writing: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sundays, with general admission at $19.95 per person. Confirm on the museum website because details change.
Can I bring food or a stroller?+
No. Strollers, food and beverages are not permitted inside, and the museum is cashless.
Is there a discount?+
Members enter free, there is a military rate, and Museums for All offers a $5 per person rate for up to four guests with a current EBT card and matching ID.
Where is it?+
At 71701 Gerald Ford Drive in Rancho Mirage, in the central Coachella Valley.
