Journey Mamas typically receives compensation and/or hosted journey and pattern merchandise associated to weblog posts. This story might embrace affiliate hyperlinks for which we obtain a small fee at no additional price to shoppers. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn cash from qualifying purchases. Make sure to test with companies and areas relating to journey restrictions and security precautions earlier than visiting.
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. For those who’re picturing a desert panorama with a lot of prickly saguaro cactus, dusty tumbleweeds, and record-breaking warmth, nevertheless, suppose once more. Households from at the moment’s capital, Phoenix, flock to Prescott for a dose of greenery and to flee the summer season swelter, or to play within the snow in winter. Right here’s a have a look at 16 enjoyable issues to do in Prescott, AZ with children.
1. Courthouse Sq.
The city’s candy heart sq. is paying homage to Mayberry à la The Andy Griffith Present or Hill Valley of the Again to the Future motion pictures. With its grassy garden and mature elm timber, the sq. supplies a beautiful assembly place for locals and guests alike.
The sq. is dominated by the spectacular Yavapai County Courthouse. This justice constructing celebrated its one hundredth birthday in 2016 and nonetheless hears circumstances at the moment.
Carry a Frisbee or ball for some playtime with the youngsters, or simply stroll the grounds. Make sure to learn by Prescott’s colourful timeline, imprinted in cement in entrance of the courthouse.
A lot of the retailers surrounding Courthouse Sq. promote southwestern artwork and clothes, in addition to extra conventional souvenirs. Many of those buildings have been restored. The truth is, the town of Prescott is residence to over 800 buildings on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
2. Whiskey Row
Prescott was as soon as a tough and tumble city on the western frontier. The city’s crimson gentle district and saloons stretched alongside what’s known as Whiskey Row.
This historic downtown district runs north and south on Montezuma St. between Gurley and Goodwin St. throughout from the courthouse. In the present day you may nonetheless order whiskey drinks right here, however the ambiance is household pleasant.
3. The Palace Restaurant and Saloon
Step again in time on the Palace Restaurant and Saloon in metropolis heart. The Palace first opened in 1877. Youngsters will particularly like strolling by the old school swinging saloon doorways on the entrance.
This institution burned down in Prescott’s huge hearth of 1900 together with the remainder of Whiskey Row. Legend has it the townspeople grabbed their drinks and the ornately carved Brunswick Bar so they may proceed ingesting throughout the road as they watched the flames devour the buildings.
Count on scrumptious and hearty cowboy fare like steaks, ribs, and burgers. There is a youngsters’s menu for little buckeroos, too.
4. Deal with Heart on Courthouse Sq.
Positioned on Whiskey Row in Prescott metropolis, the Deal with Heart appeals to all ages. Pop in to peruse candies and purchase ice cream treats. Ask totally free samplings of their flavored popcorns. You possibly can even purchase a scorpion-filled lollipop as an odd memento of your time in Prescott with children.
5. Sharlot Corridor Museum
Named for Prescott pioneer lady Sharlot M. Corridor, this open-air museum is a compound of a number of buildings within the city’s heart. It is positioned simply a few blocks from Courthouse Sq..
At Sharlot Corridor Museum you may stroll by the previous Governor’s Mansion. This log cabin was constructed on the positioning in 1864. It was residence to Arizona’s first territorial governor earlier than Arizona was a part of america.
It is actually solely a “mansion” in comparison with the tents and shanty homes of most Prescott residents on the time. Corridor moved into the home in 1927 and opened it as a museum the next 12 months.
Additionally onsite is Fremont Home, residence of the fifth territorial governor of Arizona. It was constructed simply 13 years after the primary governor’s home however is a critical improve to the unique. Be looking out for the horsehair-covered chairs and artwork comprised of human hair, which was a factor apparently.
A rose backyard, Native American artifacts, an old-time schoolhouse reproduction, and different historic buildings may additionally be of curiosity to your loved ones. My husband’s favourite was the Transportation Constructing, which shows buggies, wagons, and vehicles of a bygone period.
Scavenger hunts are supplied to youngsters with a prize within the Museum Retailer upon completion. This undoubtedly stored my children content material and occupied throughout our go to.
6. Highlands Heart for Pure Historical past
Take time to understand the world’s pure habitats throughout your loved ones trip. Prescott Valley boasts over 450 climbing trails, two of which begin on the Highlands Heart for Pure Historical past.
Stretch-Pebble Loop is a brief stroll that is plenty of enjoyable with younger youngsters. In the meantime, the 1.5-mile Highlands Path gives 360-degree views of the Valley and is a giant hit with older children.
My 9-year-old son is not often a lot of a hiker however throughout our nature stroll, he stored declaring issues like, “I adore it right here. I really feel actually pleased.” That actually warmed this hike-loving mama’s coronary heart.
Take pleasure in free admission to the middle’s trails or pay just a few {dollars} per particular person to discover the James Household Discovery Gardens. (No cost for youngsters underneath age 5.)
Highlands Heart additionally gives demonstration gardens, interactive studying stations, 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 youngsters. The large granite dells boulders in and across the lake give it an otherworldly really feel.
Hire kayaks or canoes from Prescott Outdoor and paddle your means round this lovely physique of water. If climbing is extra your factor, then you definitely’ll discover some straightforward trails right here as properly. Pack your personal lunch to eat in one of many picnic areas beside this small lake.
Birders ought to hold 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, which makes it a wonderful place to drop a fishing pole within the water and attempt to catch a fish. The lake is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and rainbow trout. Arizona fishing licenses are required.
8. Lynx Lake
For those who’d fairly paddle on a lake surrounded by tall pine timber and inexperienced galore, then head to Lynx Lake Recreation Heart. You possibly can lease canoes, pedal boats, and kayaks there.
For an off-the-cuff lunch with a superb view, seize one of many picnic tables at Lynx Lake Cafe, Retailer and Marina. The menu options typical American burgers, salads, and sandwiches. You too can order German fare like bratwurst or pork schnitzel with conventional German potato salad. Get a slice of apple strudel or German chocolate cake for dessert.
Be taught extra about prime Prescott fishing lakes together with Willow Lake, Goldwater Lake, and others from Go Outdoor Prescott.
9. Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Count on to see plenty of desert animals on the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. Search for coyotes, javelinas, mountain lions, and bobcats.
There are just a few unique animals who hail from additional away, too, like a Bengal tiger and wallabies. My household even obtained an opportunity to pet some constrictor snakes throughout our go to to the Reptile Home.
The whole household will love the bear feeding presentation. Zookeepers place meals like apples, avocados, fish, and pineapples all through the enclosure. The black bears love discovering and devouring the hidden snacks.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary’s small dimension makes this non-profit zoo straightforward to discover inside about two to a few hours.
10. In The Recreation Prescott Valley
After exploring nature and studying about Prescott’s historical past, deal with youngsters to a visit to Within the Recreation Prescott Valley play heart.
In The Recreation Prescott Valley options:
- Wild West-themed miniature golf course
- Arcade video games with prizes
- Laser tag
- A play maze
- Frog Hopper theme park trip
- A rock-climbing wall
- Mini bowling
- Axe throwing
There’s additionally a restaurant that serves wings, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and extra. Mother and pa may also recognize 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 festivities happen over Independence Day annually through the fashionable Prescott Frontier Days.
Since 1888, cowboys and cowgirls have been entertaining crowds with steer wrestling, bareback using, tie-down roping, girls’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc using, group roping, girls’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 have fun the winter holidays.
The Vacation Mild Parade kicks off the Christmas season on the Saturday following Thanksgiving annually. Marching individuals and pets plus glowing floats wind their means by 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 home made cookies served beside a roaring hearth.
After which there’s the World’s Largest Gingerbread Village, the place you may view 100+ gingerbread homes.
13. Horseback Using
Don your cowboy boots and hit the paths on horseback to absorb the pure fantastic thing about the Prescott space. Mosey by Ponderosa pines whereas taking in views of the San Francisco Peaks within the distance. Path rides can be found for riders of all ability ranges, ages 5+.
Ebook your 1.5-hour desert path trip now with Yavapai Path Adventures by way of our accomplice, Viator.
14. Museum of Indigenous Folks
Previously referred to as the Smoki Museum, the Museum of Indigenous Folks provides guests perception into the historical past and tradition of Arizona’s Native Individuals. View everlasting displays of art work, pottery, instruments, baskets, and different Native American artifacts.
Instructional lectures, artwork exhibits, and native dance displays are additionally held onsite. A small store sells art work 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 season months, Courthouse Sq. bustles with stay music live shows on weekends. Farmer’s markets function contemporary produce, handmade items, and ready meals on Saturdays in summer season, too. Additionally, search for arts & craft exhibits held all year long.
See Prescott’s calendar of occasions for dates and to study extra happenings.
16. Mortimer Farms
Though technically not in Prescott, Mortimer Farms makes a enjoyable pitstop in your solution to or from Phoenix. It’s positioned in Dewey, a bit over half-hour from Prescott.
The farm options a formidable nation retailer. Store in your fill of fruit jams, pickled veggies, home made sandwiches, baked items, and colourful contemporary produce.
12 months-round, younger youngsters 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 happenings on the farm, too. Beginning in July every summer season, Mortimer’s gives you-pick strawberries. In October, their Pumpkin Pageant options an enormous pumpkin patch plus a 15-acre corn maze. There are additionally particular choices for Easter and Christmas.
The place to Keep in Prescott with Youngsters
Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott
Would you like additional house and included breakfast throughout your keep in Prescott with children? In fact, you do! For these causes, I like to recommend Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott.
For those who can afford it, then do as my household did and keep within the two-bedroom suite. It features a front room with a pull-out couch. Every of the 2 bedrooms is outfitted with a queen-sized mattress.
The very best half is the lodge’s inviting outside house. There’s a swimming pool and sizzling tub in addition to barbecue and hearth pits.
This lodge tends to draw enterprise vacationers through the workweek, leaving weekends obtainable for households. It is about an 8-minute drive to downtown Prescott from the Residence Inn.
Springhill Suites Prescott
For households who need to keep nearer to the motion, select sister property, Springhill Suites Prescott. It is conveniently positioned simply a few blocks from Courthouse Sq.. It gives each studio suites and 1-bedroom suites.
Hassayampa Inn
Ever since I visited Prescott with my household after I was a child, I’ve wished to remain on the Hassayampa Inn. Inbuilt 1927, this restored boutique lodge gives small rooms that is perhaps greatest for a romantic getaway with out children.
Make sure to step inside to take a look at their grand old school lodge foyer whereas exploring the town of Prescott. Make reservations for a meal of their Peacock Eating Room, too. There aren’t any youngsters’s menus, however children are welcome.
VRBO
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 within the Prescott Valley through the years. Whether or not you need to keep within the coronary heart of downtown Prescott or in a comfortable cabin surrounded by wilderness and outside recreation choices, you are certain to discover a trip residence that meets your wants.
Discover Extra of Arizona
Check out the enjoyable actions within the city of Jerome, America’s largest ghost city.
Flagstaff is a northern Arizona city with a youthful vibe, plentiful brewpubs, and plenty of outside adventures. Uncover 30 thrilling issues to do in Flagstaff.
For those who’re planning an Arizona household trip, then it’s essential to try my ideas for exploring the Grand Canyon with children.
I’ve lived in Scottsdale for greater than 22 years of my life. Examine my picks for the 25 greatest issues to do in Scottsdale with children.
Plan the greatest street journey from Phoenix with lovely surroundings plus stops at American West Nationwide Parks and Las Vegas.
Which of those household actions in Prescott appeals most to you? Share your feedback or questions beneath!
A Be aware from The Journey Mama: Thanks to Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott and Go to Prescott for internet hosting a portion of certainly one of my visits to Prescott with children. I didn’t obtain any financial compensation associated to this story. All opinions are mine, as all the time.
You may also like:
