Adventure Brief
Experience Prescott’s wildlife in a new light with After Dark at the Park. Sip, stroll, and meet fascinating animals in this exclusive evening event.
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Experience Prescott’s wildlife in a new light with After Dark at the Park. Sip, stroll, and meet fascinating animals in this exclusive evening event.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
All fitness levels; comfortable walking is needed
Wildlife
History
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary has been part of Prescott's community since 1989, focusing on native wildlife conservation.
Conservation
The sanctuary emphasizes sustainable practices, including habitat preservation and educational programs to promote wildlife awareness.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
Experience Prescott’s wildlife in a new light with After Dark at the Park. Sip, stroll, and meet fascinating animals in this exclusive evening event.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott, Arizona is a community-focused zoological park dedicated to animal care, education, and conservation. The Sanctuary operates year-round and offers a wide range of experiences for families, students, photographers, and event planners. Visitors can attend seasonal events such as WildLights and Holiday Cheers, themed celebrations like Thanksgiving with the Lemurs and Santa with the Animals, and special admission days including Veterans Day and Dollar Day.
Educational programs include ZooLittles preschool sessions, School Guided Tours, School Self-Tours for groups of 10 or more, animal presentations tailored to classroom topics, and outreach visits to schools and senior centers. Hands-on experiences range from Behind the Scenes Photo Tours and Private Behind the Scenes Tours to immersive Keeper for a Day and Junior Keeper for a Day opportunities; several programs require pre-registration to ensure animal welfare and safety.
Venue rentals such as the Pronghorn Deck and Half Pence Pavilion provide outdoor event space with views of Willow Lake, zoo admission options, and support for catering or food trucks. The Sanctuary also offers private guided tours, private animal presentations, and community specials like Free Kids Week and Dollar Day.
All programming emphasizes animal health, safety, and education, and staff-led activities are guided by experienced keepers. The Sanctuary’s calendar blends seasonal festivals, conservation-focused education, and community outreach to create accessible wildlife experiences for Prescott residents and visiting families. Some events, venue rentals, and program fees help support wildlife conservation efforts at the Sanctuary and fund animal care, enrichment, and educational resources.
Location
Prescott, AZ
Park site near Willow Lake
Events & Festivals
Seasonal
WildLights, Holiday Cheers, ZooFest
Educational Programs
School & Youth
Tours, presentations, keeper programs
Private Experiences
Tours & Rentals
Venue rentals and behind-the-scenes
Check event schedules, reserve Keeper for a Day or photo tours, and book venue rentals or school programs to secure preferred dates.
Bring a flashlight
A small flashlight helps you navigate the park after sunset and enhances night photography.
Dress warmly
Evenings can be cooler; layers ensure comfort while enjoying the event.
Arrive early
Arriving early lets you settle in and enjoy the start of the evening festivities.
Respect wildlife
Maintain a safe distance and avoid making loud noises around the animals.
Comfortable walking shoes
Good shoes ensure comfort while strolling through the park at night.
Light jacket or sweater
An extra layer keeps you warm during cooler evening temperatures.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the unique night scenes and wildlife encounters.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated as you explore during the event.