Prescott is bursting with activities that make it easy to keep kids engaged and entertained, whether you’re chasing adventure outdoors or looking for creative ways to spend an afternoon. From hands-on museums to forest trails and playful camps, there’s something here for every age and energy level.
Let’s get to it.
Sharlot Hall Museum
At Sharlot Hall Museum, you can dive into Arizona’s past without needing a textbook. One moment you’re roaming creaky historic homes, and before you know it, a group of kids is on a supervised scavenger hunt, racing for clues across the grounds. The museum mixes indoor classroom exhibits with well-kept gardens outside. They often host pop-up art projects and Living History days where visitors learn how to churn butter or pan for gold. Hands-on activities range from cornhusk doll making to a STEAM camp in October that covers everything from simple machines to mini chemistry labs.
There’s always a friendly docent around who actually likes answering questions, so you don’t need any prior history background. Admission covers nearly every activity, including the scavenger hunt, and on Living History days, kids under 12 and members get in free. Each December, Frontier Christmas combines Victorian-style crafts with Arizona’s mild winter weather for a festive afternoon. Whether you carve out an hour or stay for a few, this museum makes local history feel entertaining and accessible.
Phippen Museum
You might think art museums are stuffy, but the Phippen Museum in Prescott proves otherwise. It celebrates Western art while encouraging hands-on creativity—no “look but don’t touch” signs here. Monthly youth art workshops are beginner-friendly and include all materials. Just show up with an adult and start creating.
From mixed-media collages to watercolor landscapes, kids explore different techniques without strict rules or lengthy supply lists. Instructors are certified art teachers and museum coordinators who guide budding artists through everything from Corn Husk Doll making to jewelry stamping. Programs also feature storytime with children’s authors and outdoor art hikes when the weather’s nice. Many activities are free, and mini camp runs just $10–$15 per day.
Even though you’re learning about STEAM and Western history, it never feels like school. Whether your child is a tiny Rembrandt or just looking for a relaxed creative outlet, the Phippen Museum keeps the vibe fun, interactive, and totally stress-free.
The Puzzle Shop at Puzzle Rides Prescott
If you love puzzles, The Puzzle Shop at Puzzle Rides Prescott might be your new favorite spot. Part puzzle store, part adventure hub, it rents jigsaw puzzles so you never find the missing piece hiding in your closet. The shelves hold puzzles of all sizes and difficulty levels—from easy 100-piece sets to intricate 1,000-piece designs. You can buy or rent on the spot and swap puzzles whenever you want.
The real highlight is the Puzzle Coves—escape-room-style experiences with no locks and minimal tech. You get 90 minutes in a semi-private room solving clues, props, and teamwork challenges. Hosts offer unlimited hints to keep you moving, so frustration never ruins the fun. They recommend a minimum age of five so everyone can follow along.
On top of puzzles, you can book guided golf-cart tours of downtown Prescott. Each cart holds up to five people, seatbelts and all, plus a Puzzlemaster guide leading themed adventures—from Ghost Riders to a holiday Cocoa Crawl in December. It’s friendly, all-ages fun, and even puzzle novices walk away smiling.
Prescott National Forest
Prescott National Forest stretches over a million acres, offering trails, picnic spots, and nature programs designed for all ages. Day use is free, and you’ll find maps and trail guides at nearby visitor centers. The Groom Creek Schoolhouse Nature Trail, open April through October, is wheelchair accessible and features tactile displays for vision-impaired visitors.
Families and budding naturalists can join ranger-led hikes and seasonal nature lessons that add an educational twist without feeling like a formal field trip. Picnic tables and fire rings make it easy to plan a lunch under the pines, and the Groom Creek picnic area can host up to 50 guests, though smaller groups are welcome anytime.
Partner programs with the Highlands Center and a friendly Forest Service staff keep things welcoming. Whether you’re testing out new hiking boots, chasing merit badges, or just looking for a stress-free day outdoors, Prescott National Forest has a trail, activity, or hidden viewpoint to suit your pace.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is far from a traditional zoo. This nonprofit rescue center focuses on hands-on encounters that bring visitors closer to the animals. ZooLittles for preschoolers turns an outdoor organic garden into a worm-composting, dirt-digging playground, complete with occasional animal feeding. Spots fill up fast, so pre-registration is a must.
Older kids can sign up for ZooCamp, which offers behind-the-scenes animal meet-and-greets, themed crafts, and a full week of activities—complete with a camp T-shirt. Monthly Breakfast with the Animals blends feeding demonstrations, keeper Q&A sessions, and a simple breakfast menu. In summer, Zoofest transforms the grounds into a carnival with bounce houses, carnival games, tortoise racing, and a beer garden for the grown-ups.
Even on regular days, volunteers host keeper talks at set times, sharing each animal’s rescue story. You can also cool off at Rattlesnake Jake’s splash pad or brush a friendly goat at Kiwanis Korner. With its strong community vibe and interactive offerings, Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary turns every visit into a unique animal adventure.
UCYC
When summer arrives, UCYC becomes the place for kids and teens to trade video games for real adventures. Nestled in Prescott’s forested hills, the camp offers a genuine outdoors experience with winding trails, adventure courses, and sports fields that never get old. They have programs for everyone from elementary students through high school, organized by age so no one feels out of place.
When winter hits, UCYC switches gears to cozy retreats that feel warm without the bugs. The activity menu is huge: paintball, archery, rock-wall climbs, zip lines, and a classic ropes course for thrill seekers. If you prefer something low-key, you can enjoy guided nature walks or arts and crafts. There’s even an indoor game room and a skateboard park for a break from the sun.
The staff are trained and always on hand, safety rules are tight, and there’s certified equipment plus medical personnel on-site. With yearly-themed camps and challenges like the Leap of Faith platform, UCYC keeps returning campers excited. It might stretch your budget, but this schedule-packed, professionally run camp earns every penny.
Friendly Pines Camp
Looking for a spot where kids can paint, hit bullseyes, or even try a tomahawk toss? Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott covers it all. Family-owned for generations, this camp has summer programs down to an art, running up to 300 campers per session while keeping cabins small with just 4–8 pals in each. That way no one gets lost in the crowd.
Days are packed with campfires, hiking, canoeing, arts and crafts, and horseback riding. They even offer equestrian vaulting, which is gymnastics on horseback. Sessions last one or two weeks and parents can drop off and relax. There’s a nurse on-site and a lifeguarded waterfront that requires a swim test before anyone enters the water.
Counselors stick with the campers throughout the day and after hours. If it’s sunny, outdoor challenges or ropes courses are on the agenda. Rainy days mean indoor art studios and movie-making workshops. Every activity is supervised with first aid nearby and secure gear for shooting sports. Friendly Pines welcomes ages 5–14, so if your kid fits that range, this camp is a proven mix of creativity and adventure.
Gripstone Climbing & Cafe
At Gripstone Climbing & Cafe, kids clamber up walls and sip smoothies like true rockstars. This spot isn’t just for the little ones, but they’ve nailed the age-group setup. Intro classes have just two to four climbers, so each kid gets plenty of attention. Coaches know their stuff, guiding safety checks and technique from day one.
Beyond typical climbing and bouldering routes, Gripstone offers craft days and summer rope courses. On Fridays, they even organize field-trip outings. Whether it’s a weekday after school, weekend sessions, or breaks during the school year, there’s always something on the schedule, except Christmas, because everyone needs a holiday.
Special events include nights for kids with special needs, which not every gym supports. Meanwhile the on-site café serves up healthy snacks and drinks to keep energy levels high. Every program is supervised by trained staff who prioritize safety with gear checks and crash pad placements.
Gripstone strikes a balance between sport and social time. Your child can level up their climbing skill, hang out with friends, and recharge over a post-climb smoothie. It’s a smart pick for active families.
The Launch Pad Teen Center Prescott
Stepping into The Launch Pad Teen Center in Prescott feels like entering a teen-sized city. This 5,400-square-foot warehouse houses an art studio, a gaming lounge, and even the Moon Café, which teens run themselves. Drop-in hours let visitors do their own thing, or you can sign up for organized activities.
The lineup goes way beyond crafts. There’s a Band Lab and music production station, dance nights, and outdoor adventure trips that head into real wilderness. Summer camps and week-long empowerment conferences for young women add variety. Tutoring and community-service projects keep academics and give-back opportunities in play. Plus, paid internships through apprenticeship programs help high schoolers build real-world skills instead of binge-watching shows.
Accessibility is a priority and LGBTQ+ teens find a welcoming space. Professional staff work alongside volunteer mentors, and the Teen Advisory Council helps plan events. Almost everything here is free or very affordable, so finances won’t block participation. Between hands-on projects, career-building options, and chill hangout spaces, The Launch Pad provides a safe, inclusive spot where teens can grow, create, and connect.
Watson Woods Riparian Preserve
Watson Woods Riparian Preserve offers 126 acres of flat, easy trails winding alongside a creek corridor. This outdoor classroom uses interpretive signs that actually explain local wildlife and plant life in simple terms. Visitors can wander on their own or join monthly family events or after-school programs led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers.
The preserve is self-guided most days, so parents should plan to supervise young explorers. Entry is free, though parking at nearby Watson Lake costs three dollars unless it’s Wednesday, then parking is discounted. On the playground, kids under eight can dive into loose-parts play, stacking pine cones and crafting with wood bits.
Trails are well maintained and wheelchair accessible. Eagle nesting areas are marked to remind visitors to stay on the path and keep noise levels down. If you have a larger group, you can apply online for a permit. Whether you’re scouting wildlife, teaching kids about riparian habitats, or just enjoying a quiet walk, Watson Woods blends nature and education into a relaxed outdoor experience.
Prescott YMCA of Yavapai County
Over at Prescott YMCA of Yavapai County, families find a mix of activities for all ages. There’s a NinjaZone obstacle course where kids earn color-coded headbands as they move through challenges blending gymnastics and American Ninja Warrior style elements. Classes are grouped by age, and parents can watch from the sidelines but are encouraged to let kids tackle each station on their own.
The facility also has an esports lounge with ten consoles, comfy couches, and large screens. It’s a drop-in area with staff supervision, so no advance sign-up is needed and it stays organized.
The pool area includes a water slide, zero-entry points, and an outdoor splash pad when the weather’s warm. Summer camps for ages 6 to 14 focus on teamwork, sports skills, and pool play, while the “itty-bitty” sports program introduces toddlers to soccer and other simple games. Throughout the Y, trained instructors guide each activity, safety mats line the floor, and lifeguards keep an eye on swimmers. It all adds up to a place that’s fun for kids but also feels well supervised.
Funbox Prescott
If you’re ready for a wild weekend, Funbox Prescott is more than just a playground. Set up at 3250 Gateway Blvd, this outdoor inflatable park runs Friday through Sunday, so plan ahead or risk missing out. The lineup includes 23-foot slides, ninja-style obstacle courses, battle beams, and bounce zones that challenge both kids and adults to test their balance and speed. A DJ spins tunes all day, and there are spots designed to capture action shots for social media.
Booking a ticket in advance is a must because each 90-minute session sells out fast. Staff keeps capacity limited to avoid overcrowding, so you won’t have to dodge a horde of jumpers. If you’re under 13, an adult needs to tag along, and kids age five and under require their grown-up to bounce right beside them. Expect a good workout. You’ll break a sweat on the inflatables. Safety attendants monitor every area and all surfaces are padded, making the whole experience secure but far from boring.
