Visiting Prescott with children is an journey into Arizona’s previous. Designated the capital by President Abraham Lincoln again when Arizona was nonetheless only a territory, town embraces its Wild West historical past. Should you’re picturing a desert panorama with a lot of prickly saguaro cactus, dusty tumbleweeds, and record-breaking warmth, nonetheless, assume once more. Households from right now’s state capital, Phoenix, flock to Prescott for a dose of greenery, to flee the summer time swelter, or to play in winter snow. Right here’s a have a look at 20 enjoyable issues to do in Prescott with kids of all ages.

This web site typically receives compensation, hosted journey, or merchandise associated to weblog posts. This text might embody affiliate hyperlinks at no further price to shoppers. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn cash from qualifying purchases.

1. Courthouse Sq.

Prescott’s charming Courthouse Sq. looks like one thing out of a traditional film or TV present. Assume Hill Valley from Again to the Future or Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Present. With its grassy garden and mature elm bushes, it’s a favourite gathering place for locals and guests alike. Deliver a Frisbee or ball for some playtime with the youngsters, or just stroll the grounds.

The centerpiece is the spectacular Yavapai County Courthouse, which celebrated its a hundredth birthday in 2016 and continues to listen to instances right now. Be sure you take a look at Prescott’s colourful historic timeline, imprinted in cement in entrance of the courthouse.

Surrounding the sq., you’ll discover a number of outlets promoting southwestern artwork, clothes, and conventional souvenirs. Many of those buildings have been superbly restored, contributing to town’s wealthy architectural historical past. The truth is, over 800 constructions in Prescott are listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.

2. Whiskey Row

Prescott was as soon as a rough-and-tumble city on the western frontier. The city’s crimson mild district and saloons stretched alongside what’s referred to as Whiskey Row. After a hearth in 1900, most of the buildings had been rebuilt and now home vigorous saloons, eating places, and boutiques. As we speak, you possibly can nonetheless order whiskey drinks right here, however the environment is family-friendly. This historic downtown district runs north and south on Montezuma St. between Gurley and Goodwin St. throughout from the courthouse.

3. The Palace Restaurant & Saloon

Step again in time at The Palace Restaurant & Saloon, a Prescott icon situated within the coronary heart of downtown. Initially opened in 1877, it’s the oldest frontier saloon in Arizona. Children will love pushing by means of the old school swinging doorways and absorbing the classic Western decor. Count on hearty cowboy fare like steaks, ribs, and burgers, plus a kids’s menu for little buckaroos.

This institution burned down in Prescott’s notorious fireplace of 1900, together with the remainder of Whiskey Row. In accordance with native legend, the townspeople grabbed their drinks and the ornately carved Brunswick Bar so they might proceed ingesting throughout the road as they watched the flames devour the buildings. As we speak, the restored saloon presents a enjoyable and flavorful style of the Previous West for the entire household. And, adults aged 21+ can nonetheless stomach as much as the unique Brunswick Bar.

4. Deal with Heart on Courthouse Sq.

Situated on Whiskey Row in Prescott Metropolis, the Deal with Heart appeals to all ages. Pop in to peruse colourful candies and scoop up handmade ice cream cones. Ask without spending a dime samples of their signature flavored popcorns, together with garlic, cinnamon, prickly pear, and jalapeño cheddar. You possibly can even purchase a scorpion-filled lollipop as a wierd memento of your time in Prescott with children.

5. Sharlot Corridor Museum

Named for Prescott pioneer Sharlot M. Corridor, this open-air museum is a compound of historic buildings situated a brief stroll from Courthouse Sq..

At Sharlot Corridor Museum, you possibly can stroll by means of the outdated Governor’s Mansion. This log cabin was inbuilt 1864 for Arizona’s first territorial governor, earlier than Arizona grew to become a U.S. state. It’s referred to as a “mansion” largely in distinction to the tents and shanty homes that surrounded it on the time. Corridor moved into the home in 1927 and opened it as a museum the next yr.

Additionally on-site is Fremont Home, constructed simply 13 years later for Arizona’s fifth territorial governor. It’s a critical improve from the unique, with Victorian touches and curious finds like horsehair-covered chairs and artwork produced from human hair (sure, actually).

Households also can discover a rose backyard, Yavapai-Prescott tribal artifacts, a duplicate of an old-time schoolhouse, and different historic buildings. My husband’s favourite was the Transportation Constructing, which showcases buggies, wagons, and classic automobiles from a bygone period.

Scavenger hunts can be found for youths, with a small prize within the Museum Retailer upon completion. This positively saved my kids engaged and entertained throughout our go to.

6. Highlands Heart for Pure Historical past

Take time to understand Prescott’s pure habitats throughout your loved ones trip. The world boasts over 450 mountain climbing trails, two of which start on the Highlands Heart for Pure Historical past. Stretch-Pebble Loop is a brief, partaking stroll that’s enjoyable for younger kids. In the meantime, the 1.5-mile Highlands Path presents sweeping views of the valley and is a success with older children.

When my son was 9, he wasn’t often a lot of a hiker—however throughout our nature stroll right here, he saved saying issues like, “I like it right here. I really feel actually blissful.” That warmed this hike-loving mama’s coronary heart.

James Household Discovery Gardens

Admission to the Highland Heart’s trails is free, or you possibly can pay a couple of {dollars} per particular person to discover the James Household Discovery Gardens. (Youngsters underneath age 5 are free.) All ages can take pleasure in demonstration gardens, interactive studying stations, climbing areas, a forest play space, and guided walks.

7. Watson Lake

I extremely advocate planning a day journey to Watson Lake Park throughout your go to to Prescott with kids. The huge granite dells and boulders across the lake give it an otherworldly really feel. Lease kayaks or canoes from Prescott Outside and paddle your manner round this stunning physique of water.

Choose to remain on shore? You’ll discover some straightforward mountain climbing trails right here, too. Pack your personal lunch to eat in one of many picnic areas beside this small lake.

Birders ought to preserve their eyes peeled for waterfowl and shorebirds at Watson Lake. You may even spot bald eagles and nice herons.

Watson Lake is a no-wake lake, making it a superb place to drop a line and catch some fish. The lake is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. Simply you’ll want to deliver an Arizona fishing license in the event you plan to fish.

8. Lynx Lake

Should you’d relatively paddle on a lake surrounded by tall pine bushes and inexperienced galore, then head to Lynx Lake Recreation Heart. You possibly can hire canoes, pedal boats, and kayaks on web site.

For an off-the-cuff lunch with a wonderful view, seize one of many picnic tables at Lynx Lake Cafe. The menu options typical American burgers, salads, and sandwiches. You may also order German fare, like bratwurst or pork schnitzel, with conventional German potato salad. End with a slice of apple strudel or German chocolate cake for dessert.

9. Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

Count on to see largely desert animals on the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. The compact structure makes this non-profit zoo straightforward to discover inside a few hours or so.

Search for coyotes, javelinas, mountain lions, and bobcats. There are a couple of unique animals that hail from additional away, too, like a Bengal tiger and a troupe of wallabies. My household even obtained an opportunity to the touch some constrictor snakes throughout our go to to the Reptile Home. 

Your entire household will love the bear feeding presentation. Zookeepers place meals like apples, avocados, fish, and pineapples all through the enclosure. The black bears enjoyment of discovering and devouring the hidden snacks.

10. In The Recreation Prescott Valley

After exploring nature and studying about Prescott’s historical past, deal with kids to a visit to the Within the Recreation Prescott Valley. You possibly can play by means of a Wild West-themed miniature golf course, rack up tickets within the arcade, and dive into laser tag battles at this play heart. Youthful kids love climbing by means of the play maze and bouncing on the Frog Hopper journey, whereas older children can check their expertise on the rock-climbing wall or strive mini bowling. For a bit further thrill, there’s even axe-throwing in a secure, supervised setting.

There’s additionally a restaurant that serves wings, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and extra. Mother and pop may additionally recognize wine, beer, and cocktails served onsite.

11. Prescott Frontier Days

Prescott is the proud house of the World’s Oldest Rodeo. This Wild West competitors and its surrounding festivities happen annually over Independence Day weekend in the course of the widespread Prescott Frontier Days. One of many highlights is the Rodeo Parade, which marches by means of downtown Prescott round Courthouse Plaza with over 100 entries, colourful floats, and Western aptitude.

Since 1888, cowboys and cowgirls have been entertaining crowds with steer wrestling, bareback using, tie-down roping, ladies’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc using, group roping, ladies’s barrel racing, and bull using.

12. Arizona’s Christmas Metropolis

Prescott has proclaimed itself “Arizona’s Christmas Metropolis.” Town is a holly jolly place to rejoice the winter holidays.

The Vacation Lights Parade kicks off the Christmas season on the Saturday following Thanksgiving annually. Marching individuals and pets, plus glowing floats, wind their manner by means of Prescott. The parade concludes when Santa’s float arrives on the Courthouse for the annual tree lighting.

Sharlot Corridor Museum additionally hosts a Frontier Christmas Open Home with sizzling cider and selfmade cookies served beside a roaring fireplace. There’s additionally the World’s Largest Gingerbread Village, the place you possibly can view 100+ gingerbread homes.

Native outlets and eating places be a part of the merriment with twinkling shows, seasonal treats, and prolonged hours. From carolers on the sq. to horse-drawn carriage rides, Arizona’s Christmas Metropolis lives as much as its festive nickname.

13. Horseback Using

Don your cowboy boots and hit the paths on horseback to take in the pure fantastic thing about the Prescott space. Mosey by means of Ponderosa pines whereas taking in views of the San Francisco Peaks within the distance. Path rides with Yavapai Path Adventures can be found for riders of all talent ranges, ages 5+.

14. Museum of Indigenous Individuals

Previously generally known as the Smoki Museum, the Museum of Indigenous Individuals provides guests perception into the historical past and tradition of Arizona’s Native Individuals. View everlasting displays of paintings, pottery, instruments, baskets, and different indigenous artifacts.

Instructional lectures, artwork reveals, and native dance displays are additionally held onsite. A small store sells paintings and jewellery made by native peoples.

15. Prescott Festivals

Prescott prides itself on plentiful festivals and particular occasions held all year long. In the course of the summer time months, Courthouse Sq. bustles with dwell music live shows on weekends. Farmer’s markets function recent produce, handmade items, and ready meals on Saturdays in summer time, too. Additionally, search for arts & craft reveals held all year long. See Prescott’s calendar of occasions for dates and to study further happenings.

16. Mortimer Farms

Though technically not in Prescott, Mortimer Farms makes an entertaining pitstop in your approach to or from Phoenix. It’s situated in Dewey, about half-hour from Prescott.

The farm options a formidable nation retailer. Store to your fill of fruit jams, pickled veggies, selfmade sandwiches, baked items, and colourful recent produce.

12 months-round, younger kids will get a kick out of Farm Park for a small entrance payment. This play space features a petting zoo, tractor tire playground, and different unplugged play.

Search for seasonal occasions on the farm, too. Beginning in July every summer time, Mortimer’s presents you-pick strawberries. In October, their Pumpkin Competition options an enormous pumpkin patch plus a 15-acre corn maze. There are additionally particular choices for Easter and Christmas.

17. The Puzzle Store & Puzzle Rides Prescott

Households can hop aboard a golf cart and resolve themed puzzles whereas exploring downtown Prescott with Puzzle Rides. It’s an interactive approach to study native historical past and landmarks whereas working collectively as a group. Earlier than or after your journey, cease into The Puzzle Store to browse mind teasers, video games, and distinctive presents that reach the enjoyable past the tour. Ebook your Wild West Heist Puzzle Recreation with Viator earlier than your Prescott household trip.

18. Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium

Situated at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical College, the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium presents immersive reveals that deliver house, science, and astronomy to life. It’s an incredible indoor possibility for curious children and teenagers, with rotating applications that discover all the pieces from constellations to black holes. The dome theater makes studying really feel like an journey.

19. Goldwater Lake

Tucked into the pines just some miles south of downtown Prescott, Goldwater Lake presents a peaceable escape with a extra secluded, forested really feel. This small, scenic lake is good for households trying to picnic, paddle, or take pleasure in a leisurely stroll alongside shaded mountain climbing trails. You’ll discover a playground, sand volleyball courtroom, and loads of picnic tables.

Non-motorized boats are welcome, and the calm waters are good for kayaking or canoeing. It’s additionally an incredible spot to forged a line for trout or chill out underneath tall Ponderosa pines. Simply don’t neglect your AZ fishing license!

20. Park Collective

This indoor play house in Prescott Valley presents a vibrant mixture of actions for youths, together with climbing constructions, artistic play zones, and neighborhood occasions. Park Collective is a nice possibility for wet days or once you want a break from outside adventures in Prescott with children.

The place to Keep in Prescott with Children

Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott

Would you like further house and an included breakfast throughout your keep in Prescott with children? After all, you do! Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott additionally boasts inviting outside areas with a swimming pool, sizzling tub, and fireplace pits. This resort tends to draw enterprise vacationers in the course of the workweek, leaving weekends accessible for households. It’s about an 8-minute drive to downtown Prescott.

Residence Inn Prescott presents three most important room varieties: studio suites, one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom suites. Every suite features a totally outfitted kitchen with a full-size fridge, stovetop, microwave, and dishwasher—good for prepping household meals or storing native treats.

Should you can afford it, then do as my household did and keep within the two-bedroom suite. It features a lounge with a pull-out couch. Every of the 2 bedrooms is outfitted with a queen-sized mattress.

Springhill Suites Prescott

For households who need to keep nearer to the motion, select Residence Inn’s sister property, Springhill Suites Prescott, providing quick access to downtown outlets, eating places, and seasonal occasions. Select a studio or one-bedroom suite with separate dwelling areas, plus perks like an indoor pool, sizzling tub, and complimentary breakfast.

Hassayampa Inn

Ever since visiting Prescott as a toddler, I’ve dreamed of staying on the historic Hassayampa Inn. In-built 1927, this superbly restored boutique resort presents cozy rooms filled with classic attraction. Whereas it’s well-suited for a romantic escape, it may be a enjoyable alternative for households with teenagers or older children prepared to e-book multiple room.

Even in the event you’re not staying in a single day, step inside to admire the grand, old school foyer whereas exploring town of Prescott. And don’t miss an opportunity to dine on the elegant Peacock Eating Room. There’s no kids’s menu, however children are welcome and the expertise is price reserving prematurely.

VRBO Properties in Prescott

For much more house to unfold out, check out VRBO properties in Prescott. My household has loved quite a lot of trip rental homes and condos in Prescott Valley through the years. Whether or not you need to keep within the coronary heart of downtown Prescott or in a comfy cabin surrounded by wilderness and outside recreation choices, you’re certain to discover a trip house that meets your wants.

Discover Extra of Arizona

Check out the enjoyable actions in Jerome, America’s largest ghost city.

Flagstaff is a faculty city in northern Arizona with a youthful vibe, loads of brewpubs, and plenty of outside adventures. Uncover 30 thrilling issues to do in Flagstaff.

Should you’re planning an Arizona household trip, then you need to take a look at my ideas for exploring the Grand Canyon with children, one of many Seven Pure Wonders of the World.

Having lived in Scottsdale for greater than 25 years, I’m excited to share with you my picks for the finest issues to do in Scottsdale with children.

Plan the finest street journey from Phoenix with stunning surroundings plus stops on the American West Nationwide Parks and Las Vegas.

Save These Prescott Household Actions

For future reference, save this checklist of issues to do in Prescott with children. Merely pin the picture above to Pinterest. I hope you’ll comply with Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!

Which of those household actions in Prescott appeals most to you? Share your feedback or questions under!

A Observe from Colleen: Thanks to Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott and Go to Prescott for partially internet hosting certainly one of my household’s a number of visits to Prescott. I didn’t obtain any financial compensation associated to this story. All opinions are mine, as all the time.

Sharing is caring!