5 Things to Do in Joshua Tree with Kids

So the husband and I were coming up on 8 YEARS of marriage (GASP!) but with a 9 mos old, COVID, Monkey Pox and a 1st grader, taking a real vacation (without the kids) wasn't realistic #wompwomp so we decided to stay local and take a family trip to JOSHUA TREE!

We drove the 2 1/2 hour ride the Thursday before Labor Day and arrived at the GORGEOUS VILLA SUNEOS right before midnight.

The house was gorgeous and not far from stores. There was a starbucks, walmart, dollar tree, Sallys Beauty, Jack In the Box, Burger King, and more within a 20 min drive....which is CLUTCH when you are traveling with kids.

I was impressed to say the least.

I also LOVED seeing this Black Lives Matter sign along the main road <3

Our first full day there was Friday. When we woke up in the morning we were greeted by the VERY friendly neighborhood dog, Sasha - which the owners had pre-warned us was really friendly and wouldn't bother you if you left him alone (which we did).

I pre-arranged our family photographer to come up because I could tell from the pictures on the airbnb website, I was going to LOVE the vibe and aesthetic of the house.

Outside of a quick run to Starbucks and Juice It Up! (which was about 15 mins away), we stayed in most of the day preparing for the shoot (which turned our AMAZING!)

By Saturday, we were READY to explore! We got an early start so that we could get out and make our way to Joshua Tree National Park!

I made of list of all the exhibits and attractions I wanted to see while we were at the park so that we could be efficient! and with temperatures above 100 degrees, efficiency was KEY.

We paid the 30$ entrance fee (they only accepts Cards, NO Cash), grabbed our park map and got going.

First up was taking a picture of an ACTUAL Joshua Tree which the park is named after.

You can find these all over the city/town, so you don't have to take a picture AT the park...you'll run into man during your stay.

Then we drove to the first stop on my list, QUAIL SPRINGS.

Once you're in the park, you IMMEDIATELY notice how Insane the rocks are. They are massive and have the most interesting shapes. It's hypnotizing to look at. We took a few flicks

Then we drove some more. I LOVED how every stop had a bathroom! Exploring with 2 kids (6yrs and 9 mos), you never know when a restroom will be needed, so I was extra grateful for these.

Next on my list was Hidden Valley and the JUMBO ROCKS, which held true to its name.

And then the incredible SKULL ROCK! which, listen. if you are going to go all the way out to Joshua Tree you HAVE to stop at Skull Rock!

The great thing about Skull Rock, unlike some of the other exhibits, is that its right Off the street! You can pull your car to the side of the road, grab a pic, get back in and carry on through the park! It was the best and it was just FUN to see a rock shaped like a skull.

We tried to hit Arch Rock...but like I said, it was over 100 degrees and with 2 little ones, I couldn't risk venturing so far off the beating path to grab the pic, But if you can, you absolutely should! the pictures I've seen of it are great!

Last on my list was the INSANE Cholla Cactus Garden...I mean come on, have you EVER seen a CACTUS GARDEN! It lived UP to the hype!

Overall, we spent about 3 hours in the park (including the stops we made + pics + driving out) and it was worth every penny!

We drove back to the airbnb - I packed groceries with us for the trip because I didn't see any restaurants I wanted to eat at when I was researching for our trip (I recommend doing the same!)...so I made some dinner (baked chicken legs, cabbage and rice...and wine because, come on), we did some s'mores

at the fire pit and headed to bed!

Overall, I would DEFINITELY recommend a weekend stay in Joshua Tree...not longer than that though because honestly. Truly, theres not a TON to do but a day or 2 is perfect to explore and do something different AND I could recommend Villa Suenos more! its clean, aesthetic and the owners were very responsive!

So here are my things to do:

• get a great Airbnb (Villa Suenos is perfect even for a family)

• Have a day planned for Joshua Tree National Park and hit:

  • Qual Spring Picnic Area

  • Boyscouts Trail

  • Intersection Rock

  • Skull Rock

  • Arch Rock

  • Cholla Cactus Garden

• Bring food to cook at Airbnb

• On your way out, take some pics at the windmills!

• If you have enough time, go shopping at Cabazon Outlets

Byeeeeee