Quieter resort with kids

Hi! My family will be in Palm Springs over Spring Break (late March/early April) and are looking for a resort to stay at.

Are there any that are family friendly but won't be extremely crowded during that time? I'm trying to avoid having to get to the pool at the crack of dawn to get a pool chair, or being in pools that are extremely crowded with balls whizzing past your head.

Ideally we'd like to have at least some of the resort amenities such as onsite restaurant, tennis/pickleball courts, nice pool(s), etc. Our kids will be ages 8 and 12, and things they've enjoyed in the past are movies at the pool, waterslides and/or lazy rivers, kid club activities such as crafts and scavenger hunts, etc.

I realize a place that has at least some of these resort amenities AND isn't crowded during spring break times quite possibly doesn't exist, but wanted to see if there are any suggestions. Our budget is flexible.

Thanks in advance!

Finding a quieter, family-friendly resort in Palm Springs during Spring Break is a bit of a challenge, as this is a peak travel time for families and the city is generally busy. However, there are some options that tend to be less crowded or more spread out, which can help you avoid the typical pool chaos.

Here are some recommendations to consider:

  • The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa: Located in Rancho Mirage, this resort has multiple pools including a family-friendly pool, a lazy river, and a kids’ program. The property is large, so even at busy times, it can feel less crowded. There are also tennis and pickleball courts, and an onsite restaurant.
  • JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: Also in Palm Desert, this resort has a large pool complex with slides and a lazy river, kid-friendly activities, and expansive grounds that help disperse crowds. Onsite dining and recreational amenities like tennis courts are available. Booking a room in a quieter wing or garden view can help avoid the busiest areas.
  • Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa: Famous for its water park area, this resort is very kid-oriented with slides, a lazy river, and family activities. It can be busy, but the resort layout allows for quieter sections, especially if you book a villa or room farther from the main pool area.

If absolute quiet is a priority, consider staying slightly outside the main resort hubs, such as in Palm Desert or Rancho Mirage, and taking advantage of resorts that offer private villa-style accommodations or multiple pool areas. Booking a villa or suite with a small private pool can also help your family have a more peaceful experience.

Other tips to reduce crowds:

  • Book early-morning or late-afternoon pool times to avoid peak periods.
  • Check if the resort offers adult-only or quieter pools separate from the main family pools.
  • Ask about on-site activities scheduled during peak pool hours to plan around them.

While no resort will be completely empty during Spring Break, choosing larger resorts with multiple pool areas, kid programs, and villas will provide a more manageable and enjoyable experience for your family.


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