Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary Prescott Arizona
A family-friendly sanctuary in Prescott, AZ, offering close encounters with diverse animals, interactive sessions, and fun play areas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary Prescott Arizona
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly sanctuary in Prescott, AZ, offering close encounters with diverse animals, interactive sessions, and fun play areas.
"Amazing place for little kids. Really enjoyed how close the animals are."
Beat the Heat!
Arizona sun is strong. Visit early or late, bring hats, sunscreen, and water. :droplet:
Splash Pad Fun
Don't forget swimsuits for the kids! The splash pad is a huge hit on warm days. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Big Cats
Big Cat Enclosures
Marvel at lions, tigers, and jaguars. Their powerful presence is captivating.
Avian Wonders
Aviaries
Admire a diverse collection of birds, from eagles to roadrunners, with stunning plumage.
Interactive Splash Pad
Play Area
A refreshing oasis for kids to cool off and play after exploring the zoo.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Various Animal Habitats
Get up close and personal with animals and learn fascinating facts from knowledgeable guides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Beyond the Animals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Heat!
Arizona sun is strong. Visit early or late, bring hats, sunscreen, and water. :droplet:
Splash Pad Fun
Don't forget swimsuits for the kids! The splash pad is a huge hit on warm days. :child:
Go Behind the Scenes
The private tours offer incredible up-close animal encounters and learning. :star:
Kid-Friendly Exhibits
Exhibits are at perfect heights for little ones, making it easy to see animals. :eyes:
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Heat!
Arizona sun is strong. Visit early or late, bring hats, sunscreen, and water. :droplet:
Splash Pad Fun
Don't forget swimsuits for the kids! The splash pad is a huge hit on warm days. :child:
Go Behind the Scenes
The private tours offer incredible up-close animal encounters and learning. :star:
Kid-Friendly Exhibits
Exhibits are at perfect heights for little ones, making it easy to see animals. :eyes:
Capture Feathered Friends
Amazing details and colors on birds of prey – perfect for photography. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Heritage Park Zoo for its family-friendly atmosphere, engaging animal exhibits, and excellent amenities like the splash pad and playgrounds. The behind-the-scenes tours are highly recommended for an up-close experience. While it's smaller than major city zoos, its charm and focus on conservation make it a worthwhile visit.
"What a fantastic experience! We opted for the private behind the scenes tour (1.5 hours, just under $300 for two people), and it was so worth it. You get up & close to several animals to give them snacks, and the host gives you a plethora of information about the sanctuary and each animal. Dyann was so knowledgeable and a great guide for our experience. The sanctuary is a wonderful cause and well worth every minute. It's not a massive complex either, so it's very easy to take a stroll around with just a few little hills and awesome scenery. Highly recommend!"
Kristin Marzec
"Amazing place for little kids. Really enjoyed how close the animals are. The petting zoo area was a fun spot. There are lots of playgrounds throughout to play on and even a little splash pad. The zookeeper interactive sessions with the bears and jaguar were real highlights!"
Christopher Milner
"Just spent a wonderful few hours visiting the zoo. The park was clean and the walk through clearly marked.
The zoo is fairly small compared to those in large cities. We finished the walk through, played in the splash pad (SO glad they had one), and visited the gift shop in about 2.5 hours.
We loved seeing the wide assortment of large cats and birds of prey.
There was a summer camp happening and all the kids looked like they were having a blast."
John Fuller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is located in Prescott, Arizona. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors use GPS navigation systems. Parking is available on-site. For those coming from further afield, flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and renting a car is a common option, followed by a scenic drive north to Prescott.
Yes, Heritage Park Zoo Prescott is generally easy to find within Prescott. It's a well-known local attraction. Using a GPS or mapping app on your phone will provide direct routes.
The best routes depend on your starting point. From Phoenix, take I-17 North to Highway 69 West towards Prescott. From other areas, consult your preferred navigation app for the most direct path to the zoo in Prescott, AZ.
Public transportation options directly to Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott, AZ, are limited. It's primarily a destination best reached by private vehicle. Check local Prescott transit schedules for any nearby bus routes, though they may require a walk.
The driving distance from Phoenix to Heritage Park Zoo Prescott is approximately 100 miles, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and your specific starting point in Phoenix.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices for Heritage Park Zoo Prescott can vary. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing. General admission typically covers entry to see all the animals.
While some attractions offer online ticket purchases, it's best to verify if Heritage Park Zoo Prescott does. Purchasing tickets at the gate is usually an option. Check their website for the most up-to-date information on booking.
Operating hours for Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary Prescott can change seasonally. It's advisable to visit their official website or contact them directly to confirm the current opening and closing times before your visit.
Discounts for Heritage Park Zoo Prescott might be available for specific groups like children, seniors, or military personnel. Inquire at the ticket counter or check their website for any ongoing promotions or special offers.
Yes, Heritage Park Zoo in Prescott Arizona is an excellent destination for a day trip. You can comfortably explore the sanctuary, enjoy the playgrounds, and even utilize the splash pad within a few hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Heritage Park Zoo Prescott Arizona, you can see a variety of animals including large cats like lions and jaguars, various birds of prey such as eagles and vultures, primates, and other native and exotic species. They also have a unique spider exhibit.
Absolutely! Heritage Park Zoo Prescott is highly recommended for young children. The exhibits are at a perfect height for kids to see, and there are playgrounds and a splash pad to keep them entertained.
Yes, Heritage Park Zoo Prescott features playgrounds throughout the grounds, providing fun spaces for children to play and burn energy.
The spider exhibit at Heritage Park Zoo is a unique feature that offers a closer look at various arachnids. It's a fascinating addition for those interested in smaller creatures.
While direct interaction might be limited for safety, Heritage Park Zoo offers zookeeper interactive sessions and behind-the-scenes tours where you can get closer to certain animals and even feed them under supervision.
📸 📸 Photography
The bird enclosures offer fantastic opportunities for photography, with vibrant feathers and dynamic poses. The big cat exhibits also provide dramatic shots. Look for unique patterns and colors in the animal habitats.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Heritage Park Zoo for personal use. However, always be mindful of any posted signs regarding flash photography or specific exhibit restrictions.
You can capture a wide range of photos, from close-ups of animal faces and intricate feather details to wider shots of enclosures and family fun at the splash pad. 
For bird photography, try to capture them in natural light. Focus on their eyes and unique feather patterns. Patience is key to getting those perfect shots of birds in flight or displaying their plumage.
Drone photography is typically not permitted at zoological sanctuaries due to animal welfare and safety concerns. It's best to assume drones are prohibited unless explicitly stated otherwise by the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the zookeeper interactive sessions, which are often a highlight for younger visitors, offering engaging insights into the animals' lives. The overall atmosphere is welcoming and geared towards creating memorable experiences for the whole family.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look for unique angles and natural lighting to enhance your photos. The well-designed enclosures allow for good viewing distances, minimizing barriers in your shots. Remember to be patient and observant to catch those perfect animal moments.
❤️ Conservation Advocates
Consider opting for a behind-the-scenes tour to gain a deeper understanding of the sanctuary's work and contribute directly to animal welfare. Your visit directly supports their mission to protect and educate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sanctuary's Mission
Visitors often praise the well-maintained grounds and the visible care given to the animals. The sanctuary's size makes it manageable for a relaxed visit, allowing ample time to appreciate each exhibit and learn about the animals' backstories. This focus on welfare and education makes a visit here a meaningful experience.
This dedication to conservation is a key aspect that sets Heritage Park Zoo apart. It's a place where you can enjoy observing wildlife while also supporting a vital cause. The staff's passion for the animals is evident, contributing to a positive and informative visitor experience.
Family Fun and Play
Beyond the animal encounters, the sanctuary boasts fantastic amenities for family fun. The splash pad is a major highlight, offering a cool and exciting way for children to beat the Arizona heat. Coupled with playgrounds scattered throughout the park, it provides ample opportunities for kids to play and explore.
Many visitors rave about the combination of animal viewing and play areas, making it an ideal spot for a full day of family entertainment. The zookeeper interactive sessions, often featuring bears and jaguars, are also a huge hit, adding an educational and exciting element to the visit.
Photography Opportunities
The big cat enclosures are another prime spot for dramatic shots. Lions, tigers, and jaguars offer majestic poses and intense gazes that can make for compelling photographs. Remember to check for any restrictions on flash photography to ensure the well-being of the animals.
Beyond the larger animals, the sanctuary's well-maintained environment and diverse species offer a chance to capture unique moments. Whether you're focusing on the details of an animal's fur or the joy on a child's face at the splash pad, Heritage Park Zoo provides a rich canvas for your camera.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit