Visiting Prescott with youngsters 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. For those who’re picturing a desert panorama with plenty of prickly saguaro cactus, dusty tumbleweeds, and record-breaking warmth, nevertheless, assume once more. Households from immediately’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 take a look at 16 enjoyable issues to do in Prescott, AZ with youngsters.

1. Courthouse Sq.

The city’s candy middle 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. offers a stunning assembly place for locals and guests alike.

The sq. is dominated by the spectacular Yavapai County Courthouse. This justice constructing celebrated its 100th birthday in 2016 and nonetheless hears circumstances immediately.

Carry a Frisbee or ball for some playtime with the children, or simply stroll the grounds. Make sure to learn by means of Prescott’s colourful timeline, imprinted in cement in entrance of the courthouse. 

Many of the outlets surrounding Courthouse Square promote southwestern artwork and clothes, in addition to extra conventional souvenirs. Many of those buildings have been restored. In truth, town of Prescott is dwelling 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 purple mild district and saloons stretched alongside what’s referred to as Whiskey Row.

This historic downtown district runs north and south on Montezuma St. between Gurley and Goodwin St. throughout from the courthouse. At this time you possibly can 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 middle. The Palace first opened in 1877. Children will particularly like strolling by means of the old style swinging saloon doorways on the entrance.

This institution burned down in Prescott’s large 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 might 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 kids’s menu for little buckeroos, too.

4. Deal with Middle on Courthouse Sq.

Situated on Whiskey Row in Prescott metropolis, the Treat Center appeals to all ages. Pop in to peruse candies and purchase ice cream treats. Ask at no cost samplings of their flavored popcorns. You possibly can even purchase a scorpion-filled lollipop as a wierd memento of your time in Prescott with youngsters.

5. Sharlot Corridor Museum

Named for Prescott pioneer girl Sharlot M. Corridor, this open-air museum is a compound of a number of buildings within the city’s middle. It is positioned simply a few blocks from Courthouse Sq..

At Sharlot Hall Museum you possibly can stroll by means of the previous Governor’s Mansion. This log cabin was constructed on the positioning in 1864. It was dwelling to Arizona’s first territorial governor earlier than Arizona was a part of the US.

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, dwelling 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 created from human hair, which was a factor apparently.

A rose backyard, Native American artifacts, an old-time schoolhouse duplicate, and different historic buildings may 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 provided to kids with a prize within the Museum Retailer upon completion. This undoubtedly saved my youngsters content material and occupied throughout our go to.

6. Highlands Middle 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 Center for Natural History. 

Stretch-Pebble Loop is a brief stroll that is a whole lot of enjoyable with younger kids. In the meantime, the 1.5-mile Highlands Path affords 360-degree views of the Valley and is a giant hit with older youngsters.

My 9-year-old son is not often a lot of a hiker however throughout our nature stroll, he saved declaring issues like, “I adore it right here. I really feel actually completely happy.” That basically warmed this hike-loving mama’s coronary heart.

Take pleasure in free admission to the middle’s trails or pay a couple of {dollars} per individual to discover the James Family Discovery Gardens. (No cost for kids beneath age 5.)

Highlands Middle additionally affords demonstration gardens, interactive studying stations, 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 kids. The large granite dells boulders in and across the lake give it an otherworldly really feel.

Lease kayaks or canoes from Prescott Outdoors and paddle your method round this stunning physique of water. If climbing is extra your factor, you then’ll discover some straightforward trails right here as nicely. Pack your individual 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, which makes it a superb 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 relatively paddle on a lake surrounded by tall pine timber and inexperienced galore, then head to Lynx Lake Recreation Middle. You possibly can lease canoes, pedal boats, and kayaks there.

For an informal lunch with a superb view, seize one of many picnic tables at Lynx Lake Cafe, Store and Marina. The menu options typical American burgers, salads, and sandwiches. It’s also possible to 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 Outdoors Prescott.

9. Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

Count on to see a whole lot of desert animals on the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. Search for coyotes, javelinas, mountain lions, and bobcats.

There are a couple of unique animals who hail from additional away, too, like a Bengal tiger and wallabies. My household even acquired an opportunity to pet some constrictor snakes throughout our go to to the Reptile Home. 

The complete 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 3 hours.

10. In The Sport Prescott Valley

After exploring nature and studying about Prescott’s historical past, deal with kids to a visit to In the Game Prescott Valley play middle.

In The Sport 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 admire wine, beer, and cocktails served onsite.

11. Prescott Frontier Days

Prescott is the proud dwelling of the world’s oldest rodeo. This Wild West competitors and festivities happen over Independence Day every year in the course of the widespread Prescott Frontier Days.

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.” The town is a holly jolly place to rejoice the winter holidays.

The Holiday Light Parade kicks off the Christmas season on the Saturday following Thanksgiving every year. Marching folks and pets plus glowing floats wind their method 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 home made cookies served beside a roaring hearth.

After which there’s the World’s Largest Gingerbread Village, the place you possibly can view 100+ gingerbread homes.

13. Horseback Driving

Don your cowboy boots and hit the paths on horseback to absorb the pure great 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 can be found for riders of all talent ranges, ages 5+.

Book your 1.5-hour desert trail ride now with Yavapai Path Adventures by way of our associate, Viator.

14. Museum of Indigenous Folks

Previously referred to as the Smoki Museum, the Museum of Indigenous People offers guests perception into the historical past and tradition of Arizona’s Native People. View everlasting reveals of art work, pottery, instruments, baskets, and different Native American artifacts.

Instructional lectures, artwork exhibits, and native dance shows 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 reside music concert events 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 events for dates and to find out about 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, somewhat over 30 minutes from Prescott.

The farm options a formidable nation retailer. Store on your fill of fruit jams, pickled veggies, home made sandwiches, baked items, and colourful contemporary 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 happenings on the farm, too. Beginning in July every summer season, Mortimer’s affords 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.

The place to Keep in Prescott with Children

Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott

Would you like additional house and included breakfast throughout your keep in Prescott with youngsters? 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 lounge with a pull-out couch. Every of the 2 bedrooms is outfitted with a queen-sized mattress.

The perfect half is the resort’s inviting outside house. There’s a swimming pool and sizzling tub in addition to barbecue and hearth pits.

This resort tends to draw enterprise vacationers in the course of 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 affords 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 resort affords small rooms that could be greatest for a romantic getaway with out youngsters.

Make sure to step inside to take a look at their grand old style resort foyer whereas exploring town of Prescott. Make reservations for a meal of their Peacock Dining Room, too. There aren’t any kids’s menus, however youngsters 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 dwelling that meets your wants.

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Save These Prescott Household Actions

For future reference, be sure you save this listing of issues to do in Prescott with youngsters. Merely pin the picture above to Pinterest. We hope you’ll comply with Travel Mamas on Pinterest whilst you’re at it!

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

A Observe from The Journey Mama: Thanks to Residence Inn by Marriott Prescott and Go to Prescott for internet hosting a portion of one in all my visits to Prescott with youngsters. I didn’t obtain any financial compensation associated to this story. All opinions are mine, as all the time.

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