How do I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate the night of the event.

Is the event family-friendly?

Yes; activities, crafts, and games are designed for children and adults alike.

Are there food options on site?

Yes; food trucks will be available for purchase with a variety of kid-friendly items.

Is the luminaria ceremony accessible?

Yes; the luminaria procession takes place on paved paths but evenings can be dim—bring a flashlight and request assistance from staff if needed.

Can I interact with animals?

Keeper-led activities provide safe, supervised interactions near habitats but not inside enclosures; interactions vary by animal and event schedule.

Walk on the Wild Side: After-Hours Family Fundraiser at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary (Prescott, AZ) | Zoo | Events

Q: Does attendance support local causes?

Proceeds benefit Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary and Relay for Life of the Quad Cities/American Cancer Society.

Walk on the Wild Side at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary in Prescott, Arizona, invites families to an after-hours evening of animal activities, community fundraising, and hands-on fun. Set against Prescott’s high-desert pines and granite outcrops, this fundraiser pairs close-up encounters with a contemplative luminaria ceremony, games and crafts for kids, a raffle with local prizes, and food trucks offering dinner and snacks. Tickets are available online or at the gate the night of the event.

The sanctuary itself operates as a local hub for education and rescue; its compact footprint makes every exhibit feel immediate and engaging, so seeing keepers work with animals after dark turns routine feeding times into memorable storytelling moments. Key features of the evening include keeper-led animal activities, interactive craft booths, multiple games, and the luminaria display—a candlelit procession that brings the community together for Relay for Life. The scene is simple but powerful: lanterns flickering as voices and laughter drift across shaded paths and exhibit houses.

Walk on the Wild Side works because it mixes low-barrier access for families with a strong cause. Volunteers and staff coordinate quick, safe interactions around habitats rather than inside enclosures, highlighting conservation messages and responsible wildlife stewardship. The event’s location in Prescott places it within reach of visitors staying in town or exploring nearby trail systems and Granite Dells formations, so pairing an evening at the zoo with a day hike or a sunset visit to Courthouse Butte is easy.

Practical notes: plan for dimly lit paths and cooler Arizona evenings—bring layers and a flashlight for the walk back to your vehicle. Expect food trucks and a range of kid-friendly options; bring cash or card. Because proceeds support both the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary and Relay for Life of the Quad Cities/American Cancer Society, the event blends fundraising with family entertainment in a way that benefits local wildlife programs and cancer support services.

This after-hours program is especially appealing to families with school-age children, visitors who value community events, and anyone who wants a mix of educational animal encounters and a neighborhood vigil-style luminaria experience. For Prescott travelers looking for an affordable, meaningful evening, Walk on the Wild Side offers a memorable way to support conservation while enjoying the gentle energy of a small-town zoo after dark.

Arrive early to find parking and to visit animal activity stations before dusk. Plan for stroller-friendly paths but bring a carrier if your child prefers darkness. Tickets can be bought online or at the gate the night of the event; consider checking Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary website or social channels for schedule updates. Participation helps fund animal care, educational outreach, and the Sanctuary’s rescue work—an evening that entertains while it gives back.

About Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary

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.