These Activities Prove Joshua Tree Isn’t Just for Hikers

Joshua Tree is a wild, sun-soaked sandbox that practically begs you to pull over, get out, and poke around. The best part is that you can have all the fun here even if you’re with family. In fact, there are some amazing kid-friendly hikes, climbable boulders, and a night sky that puts bedtime negotiations to the test.

Let’s learn more about the activities in this region.

Hike the Barker Dam Loop

Don’t let the short distance fool you. Barker Dam was once used to collect water for cattle (yes, in the desert), and still holds a shallow pool during wetter months. You’ll pass twisty Joshua trees, a 100-year-old water tank, and ancient petroglyphs hiding in plain sight. There’s just enough scrambling to keep little legs entertained. Bonus points for the nearby restroom and shaded morning light.

Climb, Scramble, or Wander Around Skull Rock

This skull-shaped granite boulder wasn’t carved or shaped. It just weathered into looking like a giant cartoon face. Kids love climbing over its “eyeballs,” while parents can trail behind snapping photos or wandering the 1.7-mile loop that starts just across the street. The terrain is varied but manageable, and its popularity means you’re rarely far from other visitors.

See Arch Rock Near White Tank

If your kids think arches only belong in castles or pizza crusts, wait until they see this one. Arch Rock can be reached via a short, mostly flat trail starting from White Tank Campground. The natural arch itself is a popular photo stop, but the surrounding boulders offer endless climbing and exploring. For families camping nearby, it’s also a fun pre-breakfast hike when the air is still cool.

Bike Backroads in Queen Valley

No one loves biking near cars, especially not with kids in tow. That’s why Queen Valley’s network of dusty backroads is such a win. It’s got wide-open paths and barely any vehicle traffic, so confident riders can zigzag through Joshua tree forests and stop at old ruins like Wonderland Ranch.

Join a Ranger Program or Junior Ranger Quest

Kids can take part in three different Junior Ranger tracks, including general ecology, night sky learning, and paleontology. Booklets are free and available at visitor centers. Completed ones earn badges or patches, and some ranger stations also offer short talks, animal programs, or Q&As throughout the week.

Stargaze in Hidden Valley or Beyond

Ever seen a sky so full of stars it actually makes you dizzy? Joshua Tree is one of the best places in Southern California to see the night sky thanks to its minimal light pollution. Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, and Ryan Mountain are top stargazing areas. For a guided option, the Twentynine Palms Astronomy Club hosts telescope sessions and astrophotography classes nearby.

Visit the Cholla Cactus Garden at Sunrise

Here’s a wild fact: cholla cacti are sometimes called “jumping cactus,” not because they actually leap (don’t worry), but because their spiny segments cling to anything that gets too close. But don’t let that scare you off. The real draw here is the morning light. At sunrise, the entire garden seems to glow gold, giving the spiny plants a halo effect that’s pure desert magic.

Take the Keys Ranch Historic Tour

Keys Ranch is essentially the remains of a family homestead from the early 1900s, complete with a schoolhouse, workshop, and stories that sound too tough to be true. A ranger leads the 90-minute walking tour. Tours only run from October to May, and they book up quickly, so snag a spot ahead of time if this kind of time travel sounds like your thing.

Camp Near the Boulders at Jumbo Rocks

Campsites at Jumbo Rocks are surrounded by climbable granite formations far from major roads. Families can explore nearby trails or simply let kids play around the rocks near camp. At night, the lack of light pollution makes it one of the easiest spots for casual stargazing.

Stop by the Visitor Center for Maps and Advice

Don’t skip the visitor center. Not only is it where you can grab Junior Ranger booklets and real-time tips from park staff, but it also has surprisingly cool educational displays (yes, even for kids with short attention spans). There are also gift shop items if you forgot sunscreen or snacks.

Browse Desert Art at the Noah Purifoy Museum

What happens when an artist builds giant sculptures out of toilets, TVs, and scrap wood in the middle of the desert? You get the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum, a sprawling, open-air art installation that kids can explore. It’s an open-air experience, so visit in the morning when it’s cooler.

Watch a Movie at Smith’s Ranch Drive-In

Just outside the park in Twentynine Palms, this mid-century drive-in shows current films at night for a flat fee per car. Bring blankets and snacks for a low-key way to end the day. The drive-in has been running since 1956 and still serves classic movie theater food.

Walk to the Keys View Overlook

You might not expect a stroller-friendly, paved path to lead to one of the best views in the park, but here it is: Keys View, a quarter-mile stroll that ends in a jaw-dropping panorama of the Coachella Valley, San Andreas Fault, and, on a really clear day, even Mexico. It’s windy up here, so hang onto your hat, but make sure to visit.

Wander the Wooden Streets of Pioneertown

Pioneertown is an easy stop for families looking to take a break. Pop into the general store for root beer or browse the shops for handmade oddities. It started as a 1940s movie set and is now a walkable Western throwback.

Try Boulder Hopping in Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley is one giant invitation to climb, leap, balance, and explore. The one-mile loop winds through boulder piles and shady spots, but the real magic is off the beaten path, where kids can safely test out their climbing instincts on the smooth, low rock formations. It’s shaded in parts, fun at any pace, and a favorite among families for good reason.