Things to do with kids in Yavapai County, AZ (November 2026)
Updated · Listings last checked · Covers next 30 days (from Nov 11) plus places open most days · Past events drop off automatically
Search all events & places in and around Yavapai County on the main search page →Every event and place we know of, matched to your kids' ages and this weekend's forecast.
Quick answer: Seasonal events in Yavapai County: Festival of Trees Prescott (Nov 19 – Nov 21), Sedona Turkey Trot 5K (Thu, Nov 26), Thanksgiving with the Lemurs — Heritage Park Zoo (Thu, Nov 26), Valley of Lights — Prescott Valley (Nov 26 – Dec 30, free) and 12 more. Also this weekend (Nov 13–15): Walkin' on Main — Old Town Cottonwood (Sat, free), Living History Day at Fort Verde (Sat) and GET LOUD Community Celebration at Community Library Sedona (Sat). We list 20 family events in the next 30 days, including 16 seasonal events, plus 20 kid-friendly places (1 free, 5 indoor).
Yavapai County, in central Arizona north of Phoenix, runs from the pines around Prescott to the Verde Valley and the red rocks of Sedona. Many of its towns are small, so this page collects every Yavapai County listing we've checked in one place, grouped by area: Prescott and Prescott Valley, Cottonwood and the Verde Valley (Clarkdale, Jerome and Camp Verde), and Sedona. Each area also has its own page, linked below.
Everything below is in the Yavapai County towns we cover (by mailing address: the Prescott area, the Verde Valley and Sedona, which straddles Yavapai and Coconino counties and is listed here as a whole) and was checked on the official website. Events in the next 30 days are listed first, then places that are open most days. For nearby towns too, use the search below, which starts at the 86301 zip code.
- Free: 1 free place and 7 free events in the next 30 days.
- Indoors: Phippen Museum of Western Art & Heritage, Cottonwood Public Library and Prescott Valley Public Library and 2 more.
- Toddlers and babies: 13 places and 1 event in the next 30 days welcome kids under 2.
- Verified prices for 11 attractions, copied from official sites.
Bookmark this page — we update events in Yavapai County every week.
Prescott & Prescott Valley: upcoming events
Festival of Trees Prescott
- When
- Thu, Nov 19 – Sat, Nov 21
- Hours
- 10am–8pm
- Cost
- Adults $10, kids $2
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Indoor
Dozens of designer-decorated Christmas trees and wreaths to see, shop and vote on, with live entertainment, hot cocoa and visits with Santa. Net proceeds benefit the Eric Marsh Foundation. The Nov 17 gala and the Nov 18 adults-only Jingle Mingle are separate events.
✓ Dates checked Nov 6, 2026
Thanksgiving with the Lemurs — Heritage Park Zoo
- When
- Thu, Nov 26
- Hours
- Lemurs' feast served 11:30am
- Cost
- Included with paid general admission; members free
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The ring-tailed lemurs get their once-a-year Thanksgiving table of fruits, veggies and a turkey-shaped primate biscuit. Walk the rest of the zoo afterward.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
Valley of Lights — Prescott Valley
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 – Wed, Dec 30
- Schedule
- Nightly
- Hours
- 6–9pm Sun–Thu; 6–10pm Fri, Sat & holidays
- Cost
- Free; a $5-per-car cash donation is appreciated
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
A one-mile drive past more than 60 lighted and animated holiday displays, open every night from Thanksgiving through Dec 30.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
WildLights at Heritage Park Zoo
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Sat, Jan 2
- Schedule
- Fridays & Saturdays
- Hours
- 6–9pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The zoo fills with holiday decorations, music and light displays on Friday and Saturday evenings, with hot cocoa, cider and coffee for sale.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
Christmas at Town Center — Prescott Valley
- When
- Sat, Nov 28
- Hours
- 3–7pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
Buddy the Elf, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a holiday town market and a tree lighting ceremony.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
Holiday Light Parade — Downtown Prescott
- When
- Sat, Nov 28
- Hours
- Parade 6pm · bonfire 7pm
- Cost
- Free
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The 29th annual lighted parade through downtown Prescott on Thanksgiving weekend, followed by a bonfire. One of the free Arizona's Christmas City events.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
Prescott Christmas Parade
- When
- Sat, Dec 5
- Hours
- 1pm
- Cost
- Free
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The 44th annual daytime Christmas parade in downtown Prescott, the same day as the Courthouse Lighting.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
Winter Spectacular — Prescott Valley
- When
- Sat, Dec 5
- Hours
- 2–8pm · tree lighting 6pm, then a drone show and the Night Light Parade
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The town's biggest holiday celebration: photos with Santa, live entertainment, ice skating, food trucks and holiday activities, then the community tree lighting, a first-ever drone show and the Chamber's Night Light Parade. Weather can cancel activities the same day.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
Frontier Christmas at Sharlot Hall Museum
- When
- Sat, Dec 5
- Hours
- 3–8pm
- Cost
- $5 (exact cash appreciated); free for youth 17 and under and museum members
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
Luminaria-lined walkways, living history interpreters, Father Christmas, Victorian-style crafts, cookies and cider, and holiday cards printed on an 1865 press.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
Courthouse Lighting & Fireworks — Prescott
- When
- Sat, Dec 5
- Hours
- From 5pm
- Cost
- Free
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The 72nd annual lighting of the courthouse and the plaza's trees, with fireworks. It's free and follows the afternoon Christmas Parade.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
Prescott & Prescott Valley: places to go
Highlands Center for Natural History
- Price
- Free; no fees for admission or parking
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
1375 S Walker Rd, in the Prescott National Forest. Nature trails and the James Family Discovery Gardens, open every day 8am–6pm Oct–Mar (7am–7pm Apr–Sep)
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Watson Lake Park
- Price
- Parking $5
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
3101 Watson Lake Park Rd. Granite Dells lake with a playground, picnic ramadas, fishing, kayak and canoe rentals and the flat Peavine Trail nearby; no swimming. Winter hours 7am–6pm (Nov 1 – Mar 31)
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Phippen Museum of Western Art & Heritage
- Price
- Adults $12, students with ID $6, children 12 and under free
- Best for
- Ages 5–17+ (our guidance)
4701 Hwy 89 N, in the Granite Dells. Western art and heritage museum; Tue–Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 1–4pm, closed Mon
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Sharlot Hall Museum
- Price
- Adults $17, youth (10–17) $9, children 9 and under free; good for two consecutive days
- Best for
- Ages 4–17+ (our guidance)
415 W Gurley St. Downtown history campus with the 1864 Governor's Mansion and other historic buildings; Oct–Apr Tue–Sat 10am–4pm, Sun noon–4pm, closed Mon
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Prescott Valley Public Library
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
7401 E Skoog Blvd. Mon–Thu 9am–7pm, Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9am–3pm, Sun 11am–3pm; closed Nov 11, Nov 26–27 and Dec 24–25
✓ Details checked Nov 2, 2026 on the official website
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
- Price
- $$ (estimated price level)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
1403 Heritage Park Rd. Small rescue zoo on 10 acres by Willow Lake with a children's zoo, playground and splash pad; open every day, 10am–4pm Nov 1 – Apr 30. Free parking
✓ Details checked Nov 2, 2026 on the official website
Prescott Public Library
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
215 E Goodwin St. Storytimes: Baby and Me Wed 10am, Toddler Wed 11am, Preschool (ages 3–5) Thu 10am. Open Sun 1–5pm, Mon 9am–5pm, Tue–Thu 9am–8pm, Fri & Sat 9am–5pm
✓ Details checked Nov 2, 2026 on the official website
Cottonwood & the Verde Valley: upcoming events
Holiday Hoedown at Blazin' M Ranch
- When
- Fri, Nov 27 – Wed, Dec 30
- Schedule
- Select nights; check dates on the ranch's site
- Hours
- Starts 5pm
- Cost
- Kids 3–12 $63.55, teens 13–19 $68.85, adults $84.75; VIP seats and family 4-packs also sold
- Age
- 3 and up
- Setting
- Indoor + outdoor
A Christmas train ride past holiday lights with a stop to hand-feed Highland cows and petting-zoo animals, a visit with Santa, a Western BBQ dinner and a holiday comedy-music show.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
Cottonwood Christmas Parade — Old Town
- When
- Sat, Dec 5
- Hours
- 11am–2pm
- Cost
- Free
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The 72nd annual parade (theme: Christmas Traditions; Grand Marshal Lori and Dan Mabery) leaves the Verde Valley Fairgrounds, goes east on Cherry Street and down Main Street into Old Town, ending at N Cactus Street.
✓ Dates checked Nov 5, 2026
Old Town Tree Lighting — Cottonwood
- When
- Sat, Dec 5
- Hours
- 5:30pm
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The Old Town tree lighting and light show with Christmas music, on the evening of the Old Town Chocolate Walk (a separate ticketed event, 3–7pm) and the same day as the morning Christmas Parade.
✓ Dates checked Nov 8, 2026
Living History Day at Fort Verde
- When
- Sat, Nov 14
- Hours
- 10am–3pm
- Cost
- Included with park admission (adults $10, youth 7–13 $5, 6 and under free)
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
Fort Verde Interpretive Association volunteers show what a soldier's life at the 1870s fort was like.
✓ Dates checked Nov 11, 2026
Walkin' on Main — Old Town Cottonwood
- When
- Sat, Nov 14
- Hours
- Live music 11am–5pm
- Cost
- Free
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The City of Cottonwood's 20th annual free, family-friendly street celebration: art exhibits and live sidewalk art, a classic car show, retail vendors and live music along Old Town's Main Street.
✓ Dates checked Nov 11, 2026
Cottonwood & the Verde Valley: places to go
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
- Price
- Adult $42.95 · Child $27.95 (child 3–12)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
3505 W SR-260. Wildlife park with the African Bush Safari tour, Tiger Splash show and a tram shuttle (included); open daily 9:30am–5pm (admission closes 4pm), closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Jerome State Historic Park
- Price
- Adults (14+) $10, youth (7–13) $5, children 6 and under free
- Best for
- Ages 4–17+ (our guidance)
100 Douglas Rd. The 1916 Douglas Mansion, now a mining-history museum with a 3-D model of the town and its mines; open daily 9am–4:30pm
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
- Price
- $10 per vehicle (1 person), $20 per vehicle (2–4 people), $5 per individual or bicycle
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd. State park on the Verde River with fishing lagoons and trails; fall and winter day use 7am–6pm
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Tuzigoot National Monument
- Price
- $10 per adult (16+), children 15 and under free (same 7-day pass as Montezuma Castle)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Hilltop pueblo above the Verde River with short trails and a marsh trail; very little shade, so bring water and hats
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Fort Verde State Historic Park
- Price
- Adults (14+) $10, youth (7–13) $5, children 6 and under free
- Best for
- Ages 4–17+ (our guidance)
125 E Hollamon St. 1870s Army fort with three furnished historic houses and a visitor center; open daily 9am–4:30pm
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Montezuma Castle National Monument
- Price
- $10 per adult (16+), children 15 and under free; the pass also covers Tuzigoot for 7 days
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
2800 Montezuma Castle Rd, just north of Camp Verde. Cliff dwelling seen from a short loop trail by Beaver Creek
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Cottonwood Public Library
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–2pm, closed Sun
✓ Details checked Nov 2, 2026 on the official website
Verde Canyon Railroad
- Price
- $$$ (estimated price level)
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
300 N Broadway. Scenic train rides through the Verde Canyon from the Clarkdale depot, plus the Magical Christmas Journey holiday train in season (tickets on the railroad's site)
✓ Details checked Nov 2, 2026 on the official website
Sedona: upcoming events
Sedona Turkey Trot 5K New · Just listed
- When
- Thu, Nov 26
- Hours
- 9–11:30am
- Cost
- $45 registration (closes 9am race morning)
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The 17th annual Thanksgiving morning 5K starts and finishes at Posse Grounds Park amid Sedona's red rocks. Finishers receive a medal and race shirt; overall and age-group awards are listed on the race page.
✓ Dates checked Nov 10, 2026
Booking with venue required
Sedona Tree Lighting & Santa Visit
- When
- Fri, Dec 4
- Hours
- 5–6:30pm
- Cost
- Free
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The lighting of the Tlaquepaque Christmas tree with festive entertainment, children's activities, hot chocolate and Santa photos (bring your own camera or phone). Separate from Tlaquepaque's Festival of Lights.
✓ Dates checked Nov 5, 2026
Breakfast with Santa — Sedona
- When
- Sat, Dec 5
- Hours
- 8–10am (sensory-friendly time 7:30–7:55am)
- Cost
- Not stated. See the official page.
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Indoor
Meet Santa and his elves, play holiday games and hear carolers, with a free breakfast of pancakes, cocoa and juice. A sensory-friendly time slot comes first for families with light and sound sensitivities.
✓ Dates checked Nov 5, 2026
Sam's Storytime at Community Library Sedona in the Village
- When
- Thu, Nov 12 & Thu, Nov 19
- Schedule
- Thursdays
- Hours
- 10:15–11:15am
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Age
- 0–5
- Setting
- Indoor
A playful story session for kids up to 5 with stories, songs and activities that build early language skills. Joining in is encouraged.
✓ Dates checked Nov 11, 2026
GET LOUD Community Celebration at Community Library Sedona
- When
- Sat, Nov 14
- Hours
- 2–5pm
- Cost
- No fee listed (free food, face painting and balloon animals while supplies last)
- Age
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
The library's yearly community party with an inflatable obstacle course and maze, bungee run, speed-pitch game, face painting, balloon animals, live music and free tacos, cotton candy and popcorn. Free parking at Red Rock High School with trolley rides to the event.
✓ Dates checked Nov 11, 2026
Sedona: places to go
Sedona Heritage Museum
- Price
- Adult $10 · Child free (child under 13)
- Best for
- Ages 4–17+ (our guidance)
735 Jordan Rd. Pioneer history museum in Jordan Historical Park; open daily 11am–3pm
✓ Price verified Nov 2, 2026 · source
Community Library Sedona
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
3250 White Bear Rd. Mon & Tue 10am–6pm, Wed 10am–8pm, Thu 10am–6pm, Fri & Sat 10am–5pm, closed Sun; closed Nov 26–27 and Dec 24–25
✓ Details checked Nov 2, 2026 on the official website
Sunset Park (Sedona)
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–12 (our guidance)
655 Sunset Dr. Two shaded play areas (one for small children), a splash pad in the warm months, the short Lollipop Trail and a big grassy field; open daily 10am–6pm
✓ Details checked Nov 2, 2026 on the official website
Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
780 Chapel Rd. 1956 chapel built into the red rocks; open daily 9am–5pm (last entry 4:45pm). Only 45 parking spaces, and visitors are asked to stay quiet inside
✓ Details checked Nov 2, 2026 on the official website
Posse Grounds Park
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
525 Posse Ground Rd. Playground (opened 2022), a bike skills park with a tot loop, skate park, ramadas and trails; home of The Hub events center
✓ Details checked Nov 2, 2026 on the official website
Area guides in Yavapai County
- Things to do with kids in Prescott & Prescott Valley (November 2026) · Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt
- Things to do with kids in Cottonwood & the Verde Valley (November 2026) · Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Jerome and Camp Verde
- Things to do with kids in Sedona (November 2026) · Sedona
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do with kids in Yavapai County this weekend?
This weekend (Nov 13–15) we list 3 family events in Yavapai County, 1 free: Walkin' on Main — Old Town Cottonwood (Sat, free), Living History Day at Fort Verde (Sat) and GET LOUD Community Celebration at Community Library Sedona (Sat).
What are free things to do with kids in Yavapai County?
In Yavapai County we list 1 free place and 7 free events in the next 30 days, including Highlands Center for Natural History, Walkin' on Main — Old Town Cottonwood (Sat, Nov 14, free) and Valley of Lights — Prescott Valley (Nov 26 – Dec 30, free). See all 8 above.
What can kids do indoors in Yavapai County when it's cold or raining?
We list 5 indoor places in Yavapai County for cold or rainy days: Phippen Museum of Western Art & Heritage (Adults $12, students with ID $6, children 12 and under free), Cottonwood Public Library, Prescott Valley Public Library, Prescott Public Library and Community Library Sedona.
Where can kids see Santa in Yavapai County?
We list 6 events with Santa in Yavapai County in the next 30 days, 1 free: Festival of Trees Prescott (Nov 19 – Nov 21), Holiday Hoedown at Blazin' M Ranch (Nov 27 – Dec 30) and Christmas at Town Center — Prescott Valley (Sat, Nov 28). See all 6 above.
Where can I take my kids to see Christmas lights in Yavapai County?
We list 8 holiday light events in Yavapai County in the next 30 days, 4 free: Valley of Lights — Prescott Valley (Nov 26 – Dec 30, free), WildLights at Heritage Park Zoo (Nov 27 – Jan 2) and Christmas at Town Center — Prescott Valley (Sat, Nov 28). See all 8 above.
What Thanksgiving events can I take my kids to in Yavapai County?
We list 2 Thanksgiving events in Yavapai County: Sedona Turkey Trot 5K (Thu, Nov 26) and Thanksgiving with the Lemurs — Heritage Park Zoo (Thu, Nov 26).
What is there to do with toddlers and babies in Yavapai County?
In Yavapai County we list 13 places and 1 event in the next 30 days that welcome kids under 2, including Sam's Storytime at Community Library Sedona in the Village (Nov 12 and Nov 19) and Out of Africa Wildlife Park. See all 14 above. Age ranges for places are our own guidance.
How much do Yavapai County family attractions cost?
Verified prices for 11 attractions in Yavapai County: Out of Africa Wildlife Park (adult $42.95, kids 3–12 $27.95) and Jerome State Historic Park (adults, 14+ $10, youth, 7–13 $5, children 6 and under free). See all 11 above. Copied from official websites; confirm before you go.
Search all events & places in and around Yavapai County on the main search page →Every event and place we know of, matched to your kids' ages and this weekend's forecast.
How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website or calendar and shows the date we checked it. Prices marked verified were copied from the venue's official site. Price levels without a source are our estimates. Read how we verify listings.
See something that's off? Send us a correction.
Know a family event we're missing? Tell us about it.