Photo: Sharlot Hall Museum
Photo: Michael Wilson
Photo: Tim Vandehey
Sharlot Hall Museum
★4.8(945 reviews)$Museum
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 5-14. Elementary-aged children particularly enjoy exploring the historic buildings and participating in hands-on activities, while older kids appreciate the detailed exhibits about territorial life. The outdoor grounds are manageable for younger children, though toddlers may lose interest in the historical content.🧡 Saved by 40 families
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Governor's Mansion with period furnishings that show how territorial leaders lived
- ✓One-room schoolhouse where kids can imagine attending class in the 1800s
- ✓Historic rose garden and native plant gardens perfect for exploring between buildings
- ✓Hands-on pioneer activity stations during special family program days
- ✓Collection of historic transportation including wagons and carriages kids love to see up close
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on Tuesday mornings when it's typically less crowded and you'll have more personalized attention from docents who love sharing stories with kids
- 2.Start your visit at the main museum building to pick up a family scavenger hunt sheet that keeps kids engaged as they explore the various historic structures
- 3.The gardens and outdoor areas are perfect for letting kids run between buildings, so plan for a mix of structured exhibit time and free exploration
- 4.Free admission makes this an excellent budget-friendly option, though donations are appreciated and support their excellent family programming
- 5.Check their calendar before visiting for special living history days when costumed interpreters demonstrate pioneer crafts and activities kids can try themselves
Best Time to Visit
Visit Tuesday through Saturday mornings between 10:00 AM and noon for cooler temperatures (especially important in summer) and smaller crowds. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the outdoor grounds and gardens.
What to Know
Admission is free with suggested donations welcomed. The museum consists of multiple historic buildings spread across outdoor grounds, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection, especially during Arizona's sunny months.
Seasonal Notes
The museum hosts special holiday events including Victorian Christmas celebrations in December and living history demonstrations during spring and fall. Summer visits are possible but can be hot, so morning hours are essential. The museum is closed Mondays year-round.
Nearby Eats
Downtown Prescott's historic Courthouse Plaza is just two blocks away, offering family-friendly options like Bill's Pizza for casual dining or The Palace Restaurant & Saloon where kids can experience Arizona's oldest frontier bar (restaurant side) with a family menu.
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