Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is Prescott's community zoo and one of the most affordable wildlife experiences in Arizona, with a 4. 7-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews that reflects consistent quality and a genuinely mission-driven operation. The sanctuary is home to animals that cannot survive in the wild — most rescued from abusive situations, surrendered by owners, or born with conditions that prevent release.

The animal collection includes North American species that visitors rarely see at close range: North American black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, gray wolves, Coatimundi, javelinas, turkey vultures, and multiple raptor species. The focus on native and regional wildlife gives the experience an authenticity that exotic-animal zoos often lack — these are the animals of the Arizona wilderness, seen at intimate distances in thoughtfully designed habitats.

The zoo's manageable scale is a significant advantage for families with young children. The site covers enough ground to be genuinely interesting without overwhelming small legs or attention spans. Most families complete the full circuit in 1.5-2 hours and leave without the 'we've been here all day and the kids are melting down' exhaustion that large metropolitan zoos sometimes produce.

Prescott's location makes Heritage Park a natural stop on the route between Sedona and Phoenix. The scenic drive through Jerome (a historic copper mining town perched on a cliffside) adds about 20 minutes to the Sedona-Prescott route but is worth every minute for the views and the opportunity to stop for lunch in Jerome's eclectic restaurant scene.

Admission is very affordable — among the lowest you'll find at an AZA-recognized animal facility in Arizona.