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, the town embraces its Wild West historical past. Should you’re picturing a desert panorama with plenty of prickly saguaro cactus, dusty tumbleweeds, and record-breaking warmth, nonetheless, suppose once more. Households from as we speak’s state capital, Phoenix, flock to Prescott for a dose of greenery, to flee the summer season swelter, or to play in winter snow. Right here’s a take a look at 20 enjoyable issues to do in Prescott with youngsters of all ages.
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1. Courthouse Sq.
Prescott’s charming Courthouse Sq. seems 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 timber, it’s a favourite gathering place for locals and guests alike. Convey a Frisbee or ball for some playtime with the children, or just stroll the grounds.
The centerpiece is the spectacular Yavapai County Courthouse, which celebrated its a centesimal birthday in 2016 and continues to listen to instances as we speak. Make sure to try Prescott’s colourful historic timeline, imprinted in cement in entrance of the courthouse.
Surrounding the sq., you’ll discover a number of retailers promoting southwestern artwork, clothes, and conventional souvenirs. Many of those buildings have been superbly restored, contributing to the town’s wealthy architectural historical past. In reality, over 800 buildings 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 pink gentle district and saloons stretched alongside what’s referred to as Whiskey Row. After a fireplace in 1900, most of the buildings had been rebuilt and now home vigorous saloons, eating places, and boutiques. At the moment, you’ll be able to nonetheless order whiskey drinks right here, however the ambiance 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. Youngsters will love pushing via the old style swinging doorways and absorbing the classic Western decor. Count on hearty cowboy fare like steaks, ribs, and burgers, plus a youngsters’s menu for little buckaroos.
This institution burned down in Prescott’s notorious hearth of 1900, together with the remainder of Whiskey Row. In line with native legend, the townspeople grabbed their drinks and the ornately carved Brunswick Bar so they might proceed consuming throughout the road as they watched the flames devour the buildings. At the moment, the restored saloon gives a enjoyable and flavorful style of the Outdated 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 at no cost samples of their signature flavored popcorns, together with garlic, cinnamon, prickly pear, and jalapeño cheddar. You’ll be able to 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’ll be able to stroll via the previous Governor’s Mansion. This log cabin was inbuilt 1864 for Arizona’s first territorial governor, earlier than Arizona turned a U.S. state. It’s referred to as a “mansion” principally 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 12 months.
Additionally on-site is Fremont Home, constructed simply 13 years later for Arizona’s fifth territorial governor. It’s a severe improve from the unique, with Victorian touches and curious finds like horsehair-covered chairs and artwork created from human hair (sure, actually).
Households may also 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 teenagers, with a small prize within the Museum Retailer upon completion. This positively stored my youngsters 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 climbing trails, two of which start on the Highlands Heart for Pure Historical past. Stretch-Pebble Loop is a brief, participating stroll that’s enjoyable for younger youngsters. In the meantime, the 1.5-mile Highlands Path gives 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 stored saying issues like, “I find it irresistible right here. I really feel actually joyful.” That warmed this hike-loving mama’s coronary heart.
James Household Discovery Gardens
Admission to the Highland Heart’s trails is free, or you’ll be able to pay a number of {dollars} per individual 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 suggest planning a day journey to Watson Lake Park throughout your go to to Prescott with youngsters. The huge granite dells and boulders across the lake give it an otherworldly really feel. Hire kayaks or canoes from Prescott Open air and paddle your approach round this lovely physique of water.
Favor to remain on shore? You’ll discover some simple climbing trails right here, too. Pack your individual lunch to eat in one of many picnic areas beside this small lake.
Birders ought to maintain their eyes peeled for waterfowl and shorebirds at Watson Lake. You would possibly even spot bald eagles and nice herons.
Watson Lake is a no-wake lake, making it a wonderful place to drop a line and catch some fish. The lake is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. Simply you should definitely deliver an Arizona fishing license in the event you plan to fish.
8. Lynx Lake
Should you’d quite paddle on a lake surrounded by tall pine timber and inexperienced galore, then head to Lynx Lake Recreation Heart. You’ll be able to hire canoes, pedal boats, and kayaks on website.
For an off-the-cuff lunch with a superb view, seize one of many picnic tables at Lynx Lake Cafe. The menu options typical American burgers, salads, and sandwiches. You may as well 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 principally desert animals on the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. The compact structure makes this non-profit zoo simple to discover inside a few hours or so.
Search for coyotes, javelinas, mountain lions, and bobcats. There are a number of unique animals that hail from additional away, too, like a Bengal tiger and a troupe of wallabies. My household even acquired an opportunity to the touch some constrictor snakes throughout our go to to the Reptile Home.
All the 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 youngsters to a visit to the Within the Recreation Prescott Valley. You’ll be able to play via a Wild West-themed miniature golf course, rack up tickets within the arcade, and dive into laser tag battles at this play heart. Youthful youngsters love climbing via the play maze and bouncing on the Frog Hopper experience, whereas older children can take a look at their expertise on the rock-climbing wall or strive mini bowling. For just a little additional 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 also respect wine, beer, and cocktails served onsite.
11. Prescott Frontier Days
Prescott is the proud residence of the World’s Oldest Rodeo. This Wild West competitors and its surrounding festivities happen every year over Independence Day weekend through the fashionable Prescott Frontier Days. One of many highlights is the Rodeo Parade, which marches via 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, girls’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc using, crew roping, girls’s barrel racing, and bull using.
12. Arizona’s Christmas Metropolis
Prescott has proclaimed itself “Arizona’s Christmas Metropolis.” The town is a holly jolly place to have fun the winter holidays.
The Vacation Lights Parade kicks off the Christmas season on the Saturday following Thanksgiving every year. Marching folks and pets, plus glowing floats, wind their approach via 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 hearth. There’s additionally the World’s Largest Gingerbread Village, the place you’ll be able to view 100+ gingerbread homes.
Native retailers 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 Driving
Don your cowboy boots and hit the paths on horseback to absorb the pure fantastic thing about the Prescott space. Mosey via 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 Folks
Previously referred to as the Smoki Museum, the Museum of Indigenous Folks offers 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. Through the summer season months, Courthouse Sq. bustles with stay music live shows on weekends. Farmer’s markets characteristic recent produce, handmade items, and ready meals on Saturdays in summer season, too. Additionally, search for arts & craft reveals held all year long. See Prescott’s calendar of occasions for dates and to find out about extra happenings.
16. Mortimer Farms
Though technically not in Prescott, Mortimer Farms makes an entertaining pitstop in your solution 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.
Yr-round, younger youngsters will get a kick out of Farm Park for a small entrance charge. 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 season, Mortimer’s gives 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 solution to find out about native historical past and landmarks whereas working collectively as a crew. Earlier than or after your experience, cease into The Puzzle Store to browse mind teasers, video games, and distinctive items that stretch the enjoyable past the tour. E book 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 gives immersive reveals that deliver area, science, and astronomy to life. It’s an amazing indoor possibility for curious children and teenagers, with rotating applications that discover every little thing from constellations to black holes. The dome theater makes studying really feel like an journey.
19. Goldwater Lake
Tucked into the pines only a few miles south of downtown Prescott, Goldwater Lake gives a peaceable escape with a extra secluded, forested really feel. This small, scenic lake is right for households seeking to picnic, paddle, or take pleasure in a leisurely stroll alongside shaded 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 amazing spot to forged a line for trout or chill out underneath tall Ponderosa pines. Simply don’t overlook your AZ fishing license!
20. Park Collective
This indoor play area in Prescott Valley gives a vibrant mixture of actions for teenagers, together with climbing buildings, artistic play zones, and group occasions. Park Collective is a nice possibility for wet days or if you want a break from outside adventures in Prescott with children.
The place to Keep in Prescott with Youngsters
Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott
Would you like additional area and an included breakfast throughout your keep in Prescott with children? In fact, you do! Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott additionally boasts inviting outside areas with a swimming pool, sizzling tub, and hearth pits. This lodge tends to draw enterprise vacationers through the workweek, leaving weekends obtainable for households. It’s about an 8-minute drive to downtown Prescott.
Residence Inn Prescott gives three fundamental room sorts: studio suites, one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom suites. Every suite features a absolutely 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 wish to keep nearer to the motion, select Residence Inn’s sister property, Springhill Suites Prescott, providing quick access to downtown retailers, eating places, and seasonal occasions. Select a studio or one-bedroom suite with separate residing areas, plus perks like an indoor pool, sizzling tub, and complimentary breakfast.
Hassayampa Inn
Ever since visiting Prescott as a baby, I’ve dreamed of staying on the historic Hassayampa Inn. In-built 1927, this superbly restored boutique lodge gives cozy rooms stuffed with classic appeal. Whereas it’s well-suited for a romantic escape, it is also a enjoyable selection for households with teenagers or older children prepared to e book a couple of room.
Even in the event you’re not staying in a single day, step inside to admire the grand, old style foyer whereas exploring the town of Prescott. And don’t miss an opportunity to dine on the elegant Peacock Eating Room. There’s no youngsters’s menu, however children are welcome and the expertise is price reserving upfront.
VRBO Properties in Prescott
For much more area to unfold out, check out VRBO properties in Prescott. My household has loved a wide range of trip rental homes and condos in Prescott Valley through the years. Whether or not you wish to keep within the coronary heart of downtown Prescott or in a comfortable cabin surrounded by wilderness and outside recreation choices, you’re positive to discover a trip residence that meets your wants.
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Save These Prescott Household Actions
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Which of those household actions in Prescott appeals most to you? Share your feedback or questions beneath!
A Word from Colleen: Thanks to Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott and Go to Prescott for partially internet hosting one in all 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.
