Fall Family Weekend Getaway
Prescott, AZ, is a year-round haven for those seeking outdoor adventures and a taste of Western culture. As the leaves change color and the mountain air turns crisp, our charming town transforms into an autumn wonderland with vibrant fall foliage, unique seasonal events, and an abundance of family-friendly activities.
To make the most of your fall getaway, choose from a variety of comfortable accommodations–from cozy cabins and charming inns to plush hotels and beautiful campgrounds–all offering prime access to the area’s top attractions.
Explore Prescott's fall highlights with this two-day itinerary, featuring must-attend events, top attractions, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly dining.
Day 1
Jumpstart your weekend adventure with coffee and breakfast at one of Prescott’s eclectic coffee shops and cafes. Just a short stroll from historic Whiskey Row, The Porch serves Arizona-sourced coffees, locally baked pastries, and a curated menu of made-to-order breakfast favorites for the entire family. Alternatively, if your four-legged family members are along for the ride, the charming, pet-friendly patio at Wild Iris Coffeehouse and Bakery is the perfect spot to fuel up with hand-crafted coffee creations and scratch-made pastries.
After breakfast, grab your favorite sweater before setting off to experience Prescott’s mild autumn temperatures and stunning outdoors. Spanning 100,000 acres of pristine mountain wilderness, nearby Prescott National Forest is crisscrossed with over 950 miles of scenic trails to discover. Whether exploring on foot, mountain bike, or horseback, adventurers of every age and skill level are welcome here, with trail experiences ranging from relaxed to rugged.
For lunch, picnic at the park’s sparkling Lynx Lake set against a backdrop of majestic Ponderosa pine, maple, cottonwoods, aspen, and ash. This recreation area is one of Prescott's most popular destinations for fishing and boating. During your visit, you can also enjoy the colorful fall foliage and local wildlife on the 2.5-mile trail that encircles the water.
And if you’re looking for an off-trail experience at Prescott National Forest, the seasoned guides at Angry Ape Off-Road Tours will lead your family on an exciting 60 or 90-minute nature ride in their specially equipped vehicles. Sights include the awe-inspiring Thumb Butte, Goldwater Lake, and historic Bannie Mine Trail.
Share a pie for dinner at one of the several celebrated Italian pizzerias that call Prescott home. Award-winning Bill’s Pizza is known for its thick-crust specialty pies crafted with world-class ingredients. Or experience the taste of traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizza at Limoncello Pizzeria Napoletana in the heart of downtown Prescott.
Day 2
Fuel up for a day of family adventure at Dinner Bell Cafe! Serving Prescott for over 70 years, this community favorite is known for strong coffee, hearty eats, and their famous homemade cinnamon rolls, available to-go for the full day ahead!
Spend some time with Prescott’s wildest residents at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. Unlike a typical zoo, all animals here have been rescued and serve as a reminder of the sanctuary’s vital mission of conservation. Don’t miss Heritage Park’s seasonal events, such as Fall ZOOFest and the annual Boo at the Zoo on Halloween, where you and your family can trick or treat with the animals!
Gather for lunch at The Edison Market, a retro-themed combination market, coffee shop, and eatery. The Edison serves diner classics, including grilled paninis and salads, and grilled cheese or a ham and cheese sandwich for the kids. Also on the menu are coffees and espressos, wine, draft beers, cocktails, and to-go beverages.
Capture picture-perfect family memories at Mortimer Farms' annual Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze in nearby Dewey. Get lost in the maze, have everyone pick their own pumpkin, and bond over all the festive activities.
Finish your weekend getaway with dinner at The Barley Hound, one of the newest additions to Prescott’s culinary scene. The modern gastropub caters to adventurous and picky eaters alike with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a changing seasonal menu. The dog-friendly patio and kid’s menu items like grilled cheese and burgers make it a welcoming spot for the whole family.
Plan Your Fall Getaway to Prescott
Come and visit Prescott, AZ, this season for an unforgettable family adventure your kids will approve of! Be sure to check out the many free, family-friendly activities, which include fall things to do.
