Photo: Wendi Ulmer
Photo: Susan Turner- Wilson
Photo: Jim Hernandez
Prescott National Forest
★4.7(7,241 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 2-3 hours for most family-friendly trails including exploration time at the cabin ruins👶 Best for ages 4-12. Younger elementary-aged children can complete the trails independently while feeling accomplished, and the historic ruins provide educational interest that captures older kids' imaginations. Toddlers in hiking carriers will enjoy the scenery, though they may struggle with the distance on foot.🧡 Saved by 60+ families
About
Prescott National Forest offers families an ideal introduction to Arizona hiking with easy, well-maintained trails that lead to fascinating historic cabin ruins. The manageable distances and gentle terrain make it perfect for little legs, while the combination of scenic Ponderosa pine forests and tangible history keeps everyone engaged and excited throughout the adventure.
Highlights
- ✓Exploring authentic historic cabin ruins and imagining pioneer life
- ✓Spotting wildlife like squirrels, chipmunks, and various bird species
- ✓Walking through beautiful Ponderosa pine forests with their distinctive vanilla-scented bark
- ✓Scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains
- ✓Earning a sense of accomplishment from completing a real hiking trail
Pro Tips
- 1.Start your hike early morning (7-8am) to avoid afternoon heat and have the trails mostly to yourselves,plus kids are usually more energetic at this time
- 2.Pack a small scavenger hunt list including pinecones, animal tracks, and specific features of the cabin ruins to keep kids motivated on the trail
- 3.Bring a printed or downloaded trail map as cell service can be spotty throughout the forest
- 4.The cabin ruins make an excellent lunch spot,pack a picnic and let kids explore (safely) while resting before the return hike
- 5.Download the AllTrails app beforehand and select one of the family-rated trails like Lynx Lake Loop or Thumb Butte for guaranteed kid-friendly routes
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking with kids. Weekday mornings are least crowded, and the cooler morning temperatures make for happier young hikers. Summer requires very early starts due to heat.
What to Know
Parking is free at most trailheads but can fill quickly on weekends. Bring plenty of water (no facilities on trails), snacks, and layers as temperatures can vary significantly. There are no restaurants or shops within the forest itself, so come prepared with everything you need.
Seasonal Notes
Year-round access, though winter (December-February) can bring snow and ice requiring proper footwear and caution. Summer (June-August) is very hot,hike early morning only. Monsoon season (July-August) brings afternoon thunderstorms, so plan morning visits. Spring wildflowers and fall colors add extra beauty to the experience.
Nearby Eats
Head back into downtown Prescott (about 15-20 minutes) for kid-friendly options like The Palace Restaurant & Saloon with its historic atmosphere and varied menu, or Bill's Pizza for casual family dining with outdoor seating.
More Activities Near Prescott
Restaurant
Goro Ramen & Izakaya
$$❤️6
Goro Ramen & Izakaya brings authentic Japanese comfort food to Prescott with a family-friendly twist. The warm, casual atmosphere makes it easy to dine with kids, while the menu features slurp-worthy ramen bowls and kid-approved noodle dishes that even picky eaters enjoy. It's a refreshing alternative to typical family dining chains, introducing children to new flavors in a welcoming, unpretentious setting.
Adventure
Bean Peak Mountain Bike Gravity Flow Trails
★4.9$❤️137
Bean Peak Mountain Bike Gravity Flow Trails offers an exciting outdoor adventure for families with aspiring young mountain bikers. Located in the scenic Prescott National Forest, this mountain biking destination features trails designed for all skill levels, making it perfect for introducing kids to the sport or letting experienced riders challenge themselves on more technical terrain.
Park
Watson Lake Park
★4.8Free❤️386
Watson Lake Park is a stunning natural playground in Prescott featuring a picturesque lake surrounded by unique granite boulders that kids love to explore and climb. With easy walking trails perfect for little legs, abundant wildlife including ducks and birds to spot, and plenty of open space for picnics and play, it's an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor adventure without strenuous hiking.
Museum
Sharlot Hall Museum
★4.8$❤️40
Step back into Arizona's territorial past at this award-winning outdoor museum complex featuring historic buildings, hands-on exhibits, and expansive gardens that make history tangible for young learners. Kids can explore authentic pioneer cabins, a historic schoolhouse, and interactive exhibits that bring the Old West to life through artifacts, period furnishings, and engaging family programs throughout the year.